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:
Showing 351 through 360 of 1,512.00-
So Far So Good - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Leo - May 15 - 6:56 amOwned 1992 Toyota Truck. Problem free for the years driven. Man what quality and that 22R engine lasts forever. July 2007 purchased Tundra as work vehicle. The ride is nice but quality not the same. Paint job has thin spots on driver side that looks like they buffed out to hide. Left rear tail light cracked and leaking. Dash rattles. Id hope for something more "Toyota". Wish Id held on to 92 for back up. Drive by wire is new to me. Engine revs up at predictable times Ive noticed. Coming off freeway ramp doesnt decelerate quickly as does cable throttle throttle. No "sticking" pedal problem. Other noted quirks ie blind spots. Install tail gate step. Plan to replace with F150.
-
Poor Brakes - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By tbots - May 4 - 10:00 amToyota for whatever reason installed rear drum brakes on this truck and they dont work! I have already replaced the front brakes once and they are going to need replaced again soon and the rear brakes are like new. Why? I use this truck off road and get in mud and water, the self adjusters for the brakes rust and dont work where as if it had rear disk brakes they would work fine. The Tundra and all off-road trucks and suvs should have a switch to disengage the anti-lock brakes for off road use. If you try to stop in mud at slow speeds while going down grade the anti-locks keep grabbing and letting go but will not grab long enough to dig into the mud to stop you.
-
Paint issues - 2015 Toyota Tundra
By strich2 - April 24 - 1:31 pmI purchased a 2015 SR5 4x4 double cab less than 3 weeks ago. I have approximately 1,200 miles on the vehicle. I even had the optional body guard installed for $785. Due to cold weather I have been unable to wash the vehicle until today. When I was finished washing the vehicle I noticed the paint already started to bubble around the bottom six inches of all four doors, both rear quarter panels, both front quarter panels and inside the bottom edge of the front door panels. No matter what the cause, this is ridiculous for a vehicle with 1,200 miles to have paint issues.
-
2008 Toyota Tundra Grade 4dr Double Cab LB (4.7L 8cyl 5A) - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Great White - April 24 - 4:23 amA very well built truck. Comfortable suspension with the necessary power to get the job done. Advice: test drive both the 5.7 vs. 4.7 and you decide the perfect HP needed for your lifestyle. Im satified with my 4.7 with a tow package and it carries the ponies! Yet if cost is not an issue 5.7 is the best choice.
-
Very Happy! - 2014 Toyota Tundra
By pozzi - April 22 - 10:34 amThis is my second Tundra.. First one was an 08.. Looked at the "Big 3" and could not get the deal I got with Toyota... Gas mileage is "Truck" rated but acceptable. Great ride! Tows like a dream... Car like on the highway but aggressive on the dirt roads! Very happy with the product... OK Toyota, can you send me my $20 for the great review?
-
Wish it looked as good as it drove. - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By unerik - April 20 - 5:07 amI bought a new 2007 white Tundra from a local Toyota dealership. The truck drives well and the turning radius isnÂt as bad as the 2006 and previous models. ItÂs also a very well built truck for the most part. I cant complain about the fuel economy given the fact that its better than the tacoma models of the same year averaging 17.5 mpg.
-
My red tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By RedTundra - April 5 - 10:00 amI havent had this truck long...its been good so far. Good, not great. After 3,000 miles, I noticed a popping sound coming from the passenger glove compartment and rattling under the drivers side console. Im sure this has something to do with the cheap plastic interior, and I didnt expect a $30,000 truck to have problems such as these. But for hauling, towing, and driving, its been perfect so far. Great engine and ride.
-
GoodTruck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By kenlao - April 5 - 10:00 amI do highway driving weekly and I find this truck quite comfortable but just a bit much on gas. The sport TRD pkg has Plently of power for towing. Dont get the 4x4 sport TRD pkg if you dont need it(too much Gas). Lumbar support works a little but it just was a wasted option added. Overall its a great truck as for the money and its reliability.
-
So far so good. - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Gregory Herz - April 2 - 7:06 amI just recently purchased this truck, however, I am impressed at how well it has held up. Ive caught up on required maintenance. Though expensive, I should have many thousands of miles to look forward to without having to pay for repairs. Ride is great, I forget Im in a truck.
-
One year post purchase - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By JEC - March 22 - 10:00 amI have had my toyota tundra for almost a year now. I love it, it rides like a Lexus. There is no comparing toyota quality with american made vehicles if you did comparisons based on that alone Toyota wins hands down. My only complaint is the difficulty in parking you have with this vehicle. Compared to other vehicle of the same size and class the turning radius is much smaller.
