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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  Gass - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Carlitos - January 8 - 10:09 am

  Fuel economy not great

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  Like the Tundra - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By bretn - January 4 - 8:41 pm

  Overall I like the Tundra, have a 6"lift on it and it looks nice. The turning radius is not quite what I would like it to be. Like someone else said, the carpet is a little thin, which means it will wear fast, if you dont put some liners in. The back seat is the roomiest I have ever seen (the kids like it better). We have had other Toyotas and have been pleased with the overall satisfaction. The stereo could be a little better, I like my music loud and its not loud enough, though the sound is good. Power booster maybe?

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  Tundra is the way to go... - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By andywx - December 21 - 3:46 pm

  Just purchased an 05 SR5 Double Cab and love it. I was debating between the double cab 05 Tacoma and the 05 Tundra and decided that the ride quality in the Tundra was too good to leave behind. The Tacoma still seemed bouncy relative to my 02 Access Cab Tundra. The interior on the 05 Tacoma was impressive but considering the extended wheelbase, I would have expected a better, less bouncy ride. All in all theyre both amazing trucks. After owning 5 Toyotas in the last 10 years without a single problem to report, you simply cannot beat Toyota reliability. If you dont need to tow something heavy, I wouldnt even bother with the "big 3".

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  Toyota Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By getty - December 15 - 7:56 am

  Bought mine used. The truck has been very easy to own. Toyota really makes good trucks. Engine on my stepside is a smooth revving V8, feels like a luxury car when you drive it. Fuel economy seem less than what is on specs but acceleration is very brisk you know the power is there. I love it.

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  Best Pickup Ive ever owned - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Bagpipe - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Toyota and will certainly not be my last. I have owned both Chevrolet and Dodge pickups and am on a first name basis with the service managers of both dealerships. My Tundra is easily the most dependable pickup I have ever owned. I use this vehicle for commuting in urban Boise traffic and backcountry Idaho hunting and fishing trips. On the road it rides and handles like a luxury car, while easily conquering the snow and mud of off-road here in Idaho. I am now hooked on Toyota!

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  Wow! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By bribrew1968 - December 12 - 4:10 pm

  Great vehicle for nearly all requirements in life. Lots and lots of storage all throughout. Many 12v outlets all through cabin. Rear seats fold up creating enormous, lockable space. Accelerator/engine is responsive and alive. The 15/20 ratings are great for a V8 in any class. The Toyota stock air intake reviews are fantastic so adding a high performance filter ($60-ish) is simply additional horses and mileage gains. The ride is smooth and not truck-like yet the 300+ HP engine and payload totals are quite adequate. I will add finally that there are more airbags than I have ever seen in a vehicle ... causing my insurance to drop 20% over my old 1999 Tacomas totals! I recommend highly.

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  Great looking truck. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By dave bmg - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I have been a fan of Toyota reliability for many years. The 2005 Tundra double cab that I recently purchased is an awesome vehicle. Roomy cabin, great lines and with performance to boot. I would reccomended it over the Titan anyday.

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  Great Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Flex Fuel Tundra - November 21 - 8:20 am

  This is my first toyota and I will most deffenently buy another one. Like all companies including the big 3 there are some issues with some of the trucks not all of them are perfect. Just wanted to mention that after reading some of the other reviews. My truck has not had a single issue. Drives great rides great performs great. The gas mileage kinda stinks on E85 but the cost of it makes up the difference and you get more power running it. Only thing i noticed was a bouncy ride on highways that have the groves to prevent water build up. After the first tire rotation that went away. If your thinking about buying a truck buy this one. You will love it.

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  Excellent Truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Jack - November 20 - 7:50 am

  The only mechanical problem I have had with this truck was the odemeter quit working at 300 miles. The Toyota warranty covered this repair and I havent had any other problems with the truck in 61/2 years. I towed a 17 boat for the first 3 years, and never had any problem pulling the 2000 pound boat and trailer through the Black Hills. Normally while towing I could do 62 miles per hour at 3000 RPMs. The toyota Tundras offroad capabilities depend on the tires you choose to put on the truck. I do a lot of off-road driving for work in the Black Hills through a lot of mud and snow. I changed out the factory tires for a set of BF Goodrich All-terrains and have never been stuck.

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  Way to go - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Todd - November 20 - 5:43 am

  This is the first Toyota Ive owned and its great. I have owned them all. This has been trouble free and I work my trucks hard, I now have 35K on the truck and its great so far. I lifted the truck since I live in the mountains and the only thing that changed was the mileage, due to height. I would recommend this truck to anyone. The crewmax I really enjoy because I have the back open most of the time.