Overview & Reviews

When it originally debuted near the start of the new millennium, the Toyota Tundra was considered by many people to be the first import full-size pickup truck to truly go head-to-head against the trucks from domestic brands. In the Tundra's favor were a refined V8 engine and Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability. This Tundra, however, ultimately found more of an audience with recreational pickup buyers than with hard-core users.

Second-generation Tundras, however, are significantly bigger and more capable. As an American-built truck with true full-size proportions, the second-generation Tundra features three cab sizes, three bed lengths and a choice of three engines. In pretty much every measure, the Toyota Tundra stands equal to competing 1500-series pickups.

Current Toyota Tundra
The full-size Toyota Tundra comes in regular cab, Double Cab and CrewMax body styles as well as base and Limited trims. The Double Cab is essentially a large extended cab with four forward-hinged doors, while the CrewMax is an extra-large crew cab. Available bed lengths for the regular cab and Double Cabs include both a 6.5-foot and an 8-foot bed, while the CrewMax comes with only a 5.5-foot bed.

Some Regular Cabs and Double Cabs have as their standard engine a 4.0-liter V6 rated at 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. Other Tundras receive a 4.6-liter V8 putting out 310 horses and 327 lb-ft of torque. The big engine option is a 5.7-liter V8 cranking out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft. The V6 gets a five-speed automatic transmission, while the V8s are hooked to six-speed automatics. All versions are offered with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

In addition to its strong V8s, the Toyota Tundra stands out thanks to its passenger-friendly cabins. The extended Double Cab features traditional front-hinged doors, making day-to-day usability easier than Chevy and Ford trucks with the more traditional reverse-opening access doors. The Tundra CrewMax, meanwhile, is truly enormous, featuring excellent legroom and a rear seat that not only slides but reclines as well. Feature highlights include a standard rearview camera and available smartphone integration.

There are some downsides, however, including a sometimes jiggly ride quality, below-average fuel economy and driving characteristics than can make it feel bigger than it really is. But the latest Tundra continues to be one tough truck that certainly meets the needs of today's buyers.

Used Toyota Tundra Models
The current Toyota Tundra represents the second generation, which debuted for the 2007 model year. There have been a few changes to note if you're looking for a used Tundra. Models from 2007-'09 with the midsize V8 had a 4.7-liter V8 good for 271 hp. The 4.6-liter V8 with 310 hp arrived for 2010. That year also brought a couple new trim levels, as well as minor cosmetic tweaks and the addition of front-seat knee airbags. Also, prior to 2011 the V6 was less powerful (it made 236 hp). These Tundras also lack the 2014 model's updated interior and exterior styling, standard-across-the-board rearview camera and some available high-tech features, such as smartphone integration and blind-spot monitoring.

The previous-generation full-size Toyota Tundra replaced the unloved T100 pickup when it debuted for 2000. Production ran through the 2006 model year. Although it was available with an optional V8 and several configurations, it wasn't large or tough enough to compete with its more traditional rivals when it came time for serious work-site tasks.

Originally, the Tundra was available in regular and extended-cab versions. Regular-cab versions came only in long bed form, while the extended-cab models (Access Cab) came only with the short bed. The latter did include two rearward-opening doors for easier rear-seat access, but the backseat was cramped for a full-size pickup truck.

There were three trim levels: a sparsely equipped base trim, the midlevel SR5 and the top-line Limited. The base trim was available on two-wheel-drive regular cabs only. A 3.4-liter V6, making 190 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque, was standard on regular-cab Tundras and could be mated to either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.

Topping the lineup was an available 4.7-liter V8 engine. This smooth-revving power plant made 245 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque and was available with a four-speed automatic transmission only.

Only detail changes carried through to 2003, at which point Toyota expanded the Tundra's lineup to include an available sporty new StepSide cargo bed for V8-powered Access Cabs. All Tundras received freshened front-end styling that year, as well as standard antilock brakes and an upgraded center console. A power sliding rear window was also added to Limited models.

The big news for 2004 was the arrival of the Double Cab, a crew-cab version of the Tundra. Riding on an extended wheelbase and featuring a roomier cabin and a cargo bed equal in length to the Access Cab's, the Double Cab added some much-needed variety to the Tundra's lineup, providing a viable option for family-minded truck buyers.

Prospective used Toyota Tundra buyers who plan on doing a lot of hauling or towing should probably focus on 2005 or newer models, as Toyota enhanced the powertrains that year. A new 245-hp, 4.0-liter V6 coupled with either a six-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission became standard, and the available 4.7-liter V8 was now good for 282 horses and used the new five-speed automatic exclusively.

In reviews of the time, we commented favorably about the Toyota Tundra's smooth and refined V8, easy maneuverability in urban areas and roomy Double Cab configuration. Downsides included a lack of brawn for serious towing and hauling, uncomfortable front seats, a cramped rear seat in Access Cab models and chintzy interior trimmings.

User Reviews:

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  Good but certain aspects make me go hmmmm - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Matthew - July 21 - 7:07 am

  I like the truck, but dont love it. I had to get rid of my 02 lexus lx470 (landcruiser) and it drove so great for a truck. This rides a little rough in the city, great highway truck. 4x4 engaged does not handle well at low speeds and sometimes the transmission has trouble finding the right gear on certain terrain. Interior is too plastic, antennae has to be manually removed and side mirrors are not auto either. passenger seat is manual and there is a lot of wasted space in the back that could be storage. However, I love it on regular driving, love the backseat room and sunroof and back window that totally drops down. The stereo is awesome. Gas mileage is terrible but that is expected. I drive my vehicles a long time so I bought it mostly for Toyota reliability and I personally thought it was a better truck than Chevy Silverado, Ford F150 and Dodge that I test drove.

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  2006 Toyota Tundra with XPS package V8 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Carlos - July 15 - 11:46 pm

  Very useful and comfortable to drive, great cargo in the back, fun to drive, but painful to park, I had trucks all my life, the worst direction and ratio.

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  2006 Tundra 4Door SR5 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Dean Bailey - July 13 - 1:36 am

  I really like the exterior of the Tundra but find the inside to be lacking. It just doesnt have the bells and whistles other truck manufacturers have. Ive had my truck now for about 2 months and its getting cold outside and I find when I turn on my air it makes noise. Its not all the time so I know if I take it in it will not do it. Thats just how my luck would be. I dont want to sound too negative so I will say that driving my Tundra seems like driving a car which is really nice. We also have a 2004 4Runner and the Tundra is a much smoother ride.

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  Most of it is right - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By lmoore - July 9 - 10:53 am

  Owned more than 10 trucks in 10 years. Im in the accessory business with a great relationship with all brand dealers. Great power, brakes, smooth tranny, and imposing looks. Does not ride any better than chevy or ford, a little better than dodge. Leans a lot in corners, but it is big for a 1/2 ton. Interior is a funny combination of materials and colors, but functions well. Mileage is close to 15 city, close to 20 at 65 mph. 17.8 at 80 mph. Wind noise is more than acceptable but slightly annoying over 70. It will be more difficult to get aftermarket wheels as they have changed the bolt pattern. Billet grille and steps are now available. Impressive!

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  "The Under Dog" 4.6 is a great truck - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - June 25 - 4:27 am

  I bought 4.6 double sr5 4x4 almost 2 years ago. Overall performance of the 4.6 is great for myself as I dont do a lot of pulling. I use the truck for lumber,hunting,sports activities for my children, its my everyday driver. Currently have 34,000 miles on the truck. No issues with anything as it shouldnt for its age. Over all impression, great value paid around 32k for it new, didnt think I could touch a Toyota at that. Checked out 2017 they range around 34k. Thats a reasonable price as far as Im concerned. Like the review camera. Like the over size touch screen for the radio. Love the front center fold down console/seat. If you ever need to haul a six person. Gas mileage in the summer if you drive it around 65 to 70 mph youll get 18-19 mpg. Winter same speed around 16-17 mpg depending on how cold it is. Only thing I dont like is the cheap looking gray steel wheels and the bed of the truck seems a little light weight. Had it out in some snow and ice didnt miss a beat. Like that the truck comes with some really good Michelin tires. The engine warms up quick in the winter cause its aluminum so thats a plus. Toyota care two yr , 25k mile free maintenance great. Like the truck has 10k oil changes less time and money later out of my pocket. Like that I have storage compartment under the back seat, lots of space under there. Over a great truck for me

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  Almost a tough off-road truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Southern Ranch Truck - June 23 - 3:50 am

  Bought this hoping to find a rugged, reliable truck that could handle hardcore ranch work - in 4WD most of the time, pulling trailers, hauling a full bed load, running off-road - and the results have been mixed (but better than my previous Silverado and F-250 and my current Dodge Ram 2500). Cant complain about the HP, torque and towing - best Ive owned. Have begun to experience reliability problems - not very Toyota-like. Biggest complaint is that the off-road/4WD features are more for show than for utility. Ive replaced skid plat twice, bent the hitch, tow hooks are inconvenient, plastic dam gets in the way. If theyd offer a true tough work truck theyd capture the market.

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  Quality Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By PLK - June 18 - 10:00 am

  Aside from small interior, this truck offers many benefits. economical, tough, great performance, reliable

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  Solid Value for the Money - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Bob - June 12 - 10:16 am

  Bought this truck new, drove 15,000 miles and waited almost a year to do this review. Have also read other reviews. Yes, the transmission shift points and brakes took time to get used to, but now that I am used to them, I better appreciate the way they are designed and operate - and I like them. Tows my 6,000 lb boat and trailer adequately. Highway ride is great - I prefer over my wifes Lexus GX 470. Gas mileage has met my expectations at 17-18 mpg around town and on the road (reason I do not trade up for a 07 big engine). What I especially like is the value for the price: leather, stability control, side curtain air bags and all the practical accessories I needed.

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  Bad paint - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By william knerr - May 27 - 6:10 am

  Bought my new 07 Toyota tundra crewmax in june 07. Three weeks after I bought it small paint chips started comeing off it. Toyota said all they would paint the two passenger side doors. I said I didnt think the paint would ever match. Besides its only three weeks old. They said take it to your dealership. See what they can do for you. When I did that I noticed pen size chips coming off the drivers side. So now its the whole truck. By now a month has passed the people in California customer service center said your thirty days are up theres nothing more we can do for you. Its yours now.

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  Great with improvement needed - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By biglakebubba - May 21 - 11:43 am

  First year, every thing was fine. MPG was steadily increasing. Now mileage stinks, 15.3, max. highway. The trailer towing wiring is in a vulnerable place under the bumper. It drags off when you go off-road. Lazy engineering. Put it in the bumper. The wipers have issues. Build up of snow/ice while driving will hang pass. side up in extreme weather. Now only one wiper works and it is going to dealer. Do not buy dealers remote start or steps. Remote starter too expensive, $600 and does not work or will not let you start it without getting out, locking the doors, then getting back in. Now it does not work at all even with new batts. Steps are too short to use to access bed. Otherwise great.