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 Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Nick - September 18 - 3:00 pm

  It was my dads truck and he was meticulous about taking care of it and getting oil changes. Truck is spacious with a huge back seat. It goes to show, if you know how to drive and take care of a vehicle, you wont have problems.

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  Fixed in 2016 models?? - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Burner_T - September 14 - 3:46 am

  I agree with most of the other reviews - this is an awesome truck! The exhaust...remember the lion roaring at the beginning of movies? Yeah, that is this truck every time you start it. It has a nice rumble all around. I tow a 16 foot enclosed trailer with the ATVs and dirt bikes. It sounds cliche but you would never know it was back there. I came out of a 2007 Suburban that had a hard time pulling a little red wagon so this thing is fantastic. The seats...wish they were leather. The gas tank absolutely sucks on this model year. In a vehicle that only gets 13 mpg you would expect a little bigger tank than a puny 20 gallons. One thing I have not read in any reviews concerns the headlights. They blow. The brights are fine but the normal lights are flat out terrible. Thought maybe it was an alignment thing...but it isnt. Parking this thing takes a little while to get used to as well. I love the back up camera and usually back into the spots. Ive had an Excursion, F150, and Suburban and they were all easier to park than this beast. I freaking love it. So in sum - CONS: headlights, gas tank, and no leather seats PROS: I own one and you dont! :)

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  Best Build Quality - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By j_fire - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is the second tundra ive owned. I bought a 2000 when it first came out, i just sold it to my sister. I just bought a Stepside Limited 2003, i wanted the new stepside with the TRD sport package. Ive been very pleased with this one and my first one. Toyota is very reliable and has very good build quality. I would recommend this truck.

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  High Quality, High Performance Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By GregS96 - September 4 - 7:56 pm

  Leased this vehicle in Nov, 2007. 4,800 miles as of Feb, 2008. Former owner of a 2005 Dodge Ram Powerwagon. The Tundra Limited equipped with the off road package and navigation system is far superior in every respect, except dedicated offroading (no stock truck beats the Powerwagon for that). The Tundra is a large vehicle, but the parking sonar, rear view camera and outstanding turning radius makes it relatively easy to park and maneuver. Road manners are outstanding with performance car-like acceleration and passing capability. Back seat leg room is the best in its class. If it wasnt for its truck-like gas mileage (14.5 mpg average so far), it could easily pass for a daily driver.

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  Third Toyota Truck! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By E.A.H. - September 3 - 9:36 pm

  This is my third Toyota truck and fifth Toyota. This is by far my favorite of all of them! The CrewMax is absolutely huge for the whole family. The back seat dwarfs my daughters car seat and I, at 66", can sit in the back seat with extra leg room. I have the moon roof and dont seem to have any issues with headroom. The truck is big and strong. The body panels dont seem to be as solid as my 4Runner or Tacoma I sold, but it probably is because of its sheer size. The 5.7L motor is the strongest engine I have ever driven in a gasoline truck. I think Toyota is finally able to compete with the full size domestic trucks. Absolutely elated!

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  Excellent Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - September 3 - 4:50 am

  Great truck! Very quiet with a super smooth ride. Titan was too loud for me. Toyotas engine is very responsive and really moves the truck. The truck is long so make sure it will fit in your garage if you need it to. I think I am going to keep this one for a long time. Horse power went down in 06 due to some tpye of new calibration according to Toyota.

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  Can Not Find a Better Bang For Your Buck Even Used! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By shodon_main - August 31 - 7:57 am

  Wow! I knew that Toyota had one heck of a reputation when I purchased this truck used with 40,000 miles on it but now I am a true believer sitting here with almost 100K on the odometer. This thing is built like a rock! I have driven it from Colorado to South Padre Island and back hauling 4 buddies and our gear. I have towed heavy loads from Colorado to NY, NY to OK, OK to AZ and never had so much as a hick-up with this thing! It is very comfy and can easily seat 5 grown men. I am not afraid to go off-road with this vehicle as I know it can stand up to some punishment. I have had to perform nothing but routine maintenance since purchasing. It is very easy to take care of.

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  Great Truck - 2012 Toyota Tundra
  By voiceover - August 27 - 4:35 am

  This is my third Toyota truck and is by far the best. I looked (briefly) at others when it was time to trade and I easily came home to Toyota. This truck has it all - capacity, comfort, durability and great looks. The 5.7L V-8 offers plenty of power for even the most demanding of tasks. Plenty of room in the front, back and the bed. Leather interior is top-notch. Navigation w/ JBL sound system is superior to others I have owned including Bose. We often take the truck to our vacation home and find the ride pleasant and relaxing. Lots of storage space to keep things organized. If you are looking for a full-sized pickup truck, give the Tundra a close look. You wont be disappointed.

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  Cam sensor - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By stash - August 25 - 9:30 pm

  Before purchasing my 2010 Tunda 4.6, I did read some reviews about the engine light coming on shortly after purchasing from other reviewers. I purchased the truck based on Toyota quality based on past purchases. Well after 6 days and 370 miles, I said to myself no engine light should be good. Well day 7 engine light on brought to dealer and told them about previous reviews. Said engine oil was the problem. Waited 15 minutes and was given a loaner to use until the cam sensor (most likely) will be replaced.This is an assumption being that its Friday and they will not be able to completely check the problem until Monday. Very disappointed in Toyota due to years of quality work.

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  Sweet! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bugchucker - August 20 - 6:13 am

  This is one amazing truck! The ride is incredible. The seats are more comfortable than my Lexus. The navigation is extremely accurate and the voice recognition really works, (not like my cell phone). The sonar is great for parking in tight areas. The towing power makes it a breeze to cruise with my boat. The back up camera makes the hookup very easy. The cabin is roomy and lots of head clearance. MPG has been around 18 which is great for 381 hp.