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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Hosed . . . - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By travisthompson - October 4 - 6:03 pmLove the style, look and (when its right) performance of this truck. I work out of state and put tons of miles on my vehicle, as well as drive it off road quite a bit, making 4wd drive a necessity. After returning from a trip, my 4wd locked up in 4 low - I took it to my local Toyota Dealer who informed me that this is a known problem if you drive your 4wd Tundra anywhere it is wet or cold - this was corroborated by several of the other techs at the Toyota dealership. I contacted Toyota and they said that although there is a known problem, its not covered under the warranty. $2400 later, my 4wd works, but weve learned our lesson. This model just isnt right.
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I bought the exact Tundra I had because I loved it - 2015 Toyota Tundra
By Jeff Weller - October 2 - 8:41 amIf you are not a contractor who needs a long bed on a daily or weekly basis, this truck is a great all-around vehicle. I am in sales and need a comfortable back seat for clients. I also have 6 acres to take care of at home and going to Lowes/Home Depot with this truck is a breeze. The power rear window is great for hauling trim and longer materials when needed.
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Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Moe - October 1 - 3:10 pmI agonized of my choice between the Chevy Silverado and Toyota Tundra. I have driven chevys for years, however I am more than happy with my choice of the Toyota Tundra. It is a great ride. It handles well and has adequate cabin space. I am a big guy and I fit very comfortably in the driver seat. The rear roll down window is a plus. The pay load and towing ability is satisfactory, it fits my families needs. Toyota service is second to none. Can improve gas mileage and storage space. I think you will love this truck.
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Lived to tell - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Tom Clark - October 1 - 4:16 amThis was an excellent vehicle for my family. I purchased based on the history of quality and safety of Toyota products. It was an excellent truck. I recently was hit at a high speed and rolled it at least twice... and I was safe and secure in the cab with minor bumps and bruises. My next vehicle will be another Tundra.
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07 Tundra CrewMax SR5 TRD 4x2 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By lil joe - September 29 - 9:56 amI have nothing but good praise for this truck. At 65" at 285 pounds, I fit better in the Tundra than I did in Chevy, GMC, or Ford. My little girl loves the reclining rear seats. The 5.7 thatÂ’s in it will hold you tight in your seat. I tested three 07 trucks before I saw this one, I got in the CrewMax and I was sold. For the same prices of the others you get so much more, motor, room, style, and "fun" from this truck. You better like attention, everybody looks when you pull up.
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TUNDRA DOUBLECAB - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By LAKEFREAK - September 27 - 2:00 amI DROVE THE TRUCK 2,700 MILES THE FIRST WEEK I PURCHASED THE TRUCK.T FELT IT WAS VERY EASY TO DRIVE
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not so hot - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By dw - September 26 - 1:56 pmI bought this used 6mo ago with ~65k mi on it and in apparently excellent shape. So far Ive had to deal with grease spitting cv boots, worn out tie rod ends, recalled lower steering ball joints, and I just found out my steering rack is shot and requires replacement! Ive owned several other trucks and never had this much trouble in this short a period. Lemon? Abused by the previous owner? Maybe both, but I expected more from a Toyota. Oh, the mileage is terrible, almost never get above 14mpg for mixed driving. Otherwise its a great truck... I guess.
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disappointed - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By automatic - September 22 - 10:00 amI was driving the Tacoma, and could not wait to get the Tundra, it was my third Toyota. I was very pleased with the overall hanlding, ride and comfort of the Tundra. The accelaration is smooth and powerful. It rides great with or without a full load in the bed. I was a satisified owner. Then some problems started to surface. It is now on the third oxygen sensor. In Nov. 03 the transmission started acting up. Fortunately I had the extended warranty, because in Mar04 it failed and had to replaced. The rebuilt is not working very well. Im not so satisfied any longer.
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Great In Every Way - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Josh - September 21 - 9:46 pmI love my 2003 Toyota Tundra stepside. I got this to replace my Toyota 4Runner which I really liked. I have had no problems with it whatsoever. I live in upstate new york where we got 4 feet of snow in one night. I decided to go to work the next day but I was sure I was not getting out of the driveway as it was over the bumper of the truck. I put the truck in 4WD and I was out. This truck has amazed me with all that it offers. I will always buy Toyota.
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Lexus in a truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Jamini - September 20 - 10:00 amThe Tundra is without a doubt the highest quality truck (or car) I have ever owned. The ride is virtually silent - the power is unbelievable. Why would anyone consider any other brand of truck? Make it easy on yourself, just buy one!
