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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  Great truck - poor front seat - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By alfomega - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Tundra. My 2001, with ABS, skidded on a wet curve when I braked, and was totaled (I was hit by a Camry doing 50 - 60 mph and walked home!) This time I got the Vehicle Stability Control package, along with the Double Cab. I just love this vehicle (and Im almost 60). I get 17.5 miles to a gallon in mixed city/freeway driving, but I drive sensibly - gas is $2.20 a gal. The drivers seat seems worse than the 01, though. The initial shifting also appears jerkier.

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  Love of My Life - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Big Red - August 19 - 10:03 am

  Traded in 2003 Tundra, never had a problem except tranny a bit clunky when shifting. Very quiet comfortable ride. Wife hated previous tundra, loves this one. Two compaints: first, contrary to claim that truck is xm ready, it is not. You have to spend about $600 to use this feature (parts and labor) not including subscription. Second, the truck is extremely bouncy on anything other than smooth roads. I did discover that the tires came 10 lbs over pressurized and when I dropped it to mfg sugg. pressure it did improve it quite a bit but still not as smooth as my previous Tundra. Overall though I have been extremely happy with this truck.

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  The educated consumers choice - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By jherdt - August 17 - 10:00 am

  What a great truck. Unless you are towing a house, I dont see how anyone could find a better truck. How many of us are going to tow more than 7,000lbs? Just test drive the others.

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  3rd Toyota truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve D - August 15 - 10:26 pm

  This is my third Toyota truck, and after 2 Tacomas, I needed a larger vehicle to accommodate my growing family. The Tundra is great. The interior room is tremendous, and the 8 foot bed holds a huge amount of cargo. Yet, with the added length and overall size, this truck handles as well as many smaller vehicles. Very comfortable. Smooth ride. Exceptional acceleration for the size, even with the smaller 4.7L V8.

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  Toyota Tundra Rides On - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Bob - August 11 - 7:53 pm

  Sold my 93 4WD pick up with 233,000 miles. Purchased this for $8500 with 111,000 miles. After driving it for two month and through three blizzards I must say Im impressed. Its eerie to drive through 3 feet of snow in almost total silence. I found the original invoice, close to 36,000. This is the Limited model with few features. Everything works as it should and the ride is much better then I expected. On highways you really dont know youre in a truck. Not a luxury ride but pretty good. In the meantime I look forward to many more miles. You cant expect to have a truck and not have maintenance costs. None so far but I believe in preventative maintenance.

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  Great truck! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By ufd403 - August 8 - 12:46 pm

  Leave it to Toyota to make such a great truck. The quality, size, power and features of the truck make it the best truck on the road.

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  2002 Tundra Limited - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Kurt Scrudato - August 5 - 10:23 am

  The truck is awesome! Ride is quiet and stable. It can still be thrown into hard turns. Great motor with great power and response. 105 mph possible and quick. A blast to drive and never complains. It pulls heavy loads pretty well. Simple 4wd button. The best seats I have ever had. Would like more features like Nav and heated seats. AC is the only thing that could be strengthed. An A++ in my book.

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  3 years later and still in love - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Sam - July 31 - 2:53 am

  Ive had a great experience in the time ive spent with my Tundra. Its a tad smaller than the "Big 3" trucks, but im willing to sacrifice a little space for insanely superior build quality. The interior has picked up a few rattles, but ones that are easily located and silenced. The engine butter- smooth and is holding up well, although I dont have many miles on it. It also has surprising pep with "only" 245 Horsepower. The ride is near luxo-car smooth also. My friends always comment on how smooth the truck is. If you need to haul heavy loads however, look elsewhere. But for weekend trips to home depot, or for pulling a small boat, (under 7,000 .lbs) this truck does its job and then some.

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  Best in class - hands down - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By TundraMarkinNC - July 30 - 6:46 pm

  I shopped the Ford F150, Dodge Ram 1500 and the Silverado before buying the Tundra. The horsepower and torque are incredible. The 6-speed transmission shifts very smoothly. I got the JBL stereo upgrade, but thought it was overpriced (see comments below). If you get a 4X4, make sure you get step bars (very tall). Best fuel economy compared to other trucks in this class.

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  Bad tires - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By gobucks4 - July 28 - 10:14 am

  Bought in November 2010, heater did not work, 6 days to repair. January 2011, 2 months old, back bumper was covered with rust, replaced. Tires are flat spotting in 24 hours, Toyota considers this a normal condition as designed. The truck shimmies severely for the first five miles. No Toyota exec would drive this truck on ice with this shimmy.