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:

• 

  Exellent ride - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Markus - March 27 - 4:43 am

  Very good vehicle, though after owning 3 4Runners and one FJ Cruiser which were built in Japan, I was really disappointed with the interior plastic materials used in Tundra. Im afraid of being caught in a vehicle fire and my body get molded to a mass of plastic, I guess its to save weight, but sheez what is up with the fake wood? its also made of plastic.

• 

  Buyer this is NOT your fathers Toyota - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Tim - March 24 - 9:10 am

  This truck may prove that Toyotas reputation for dependability is a thing of the past. On my 3rd day of ownership I stopped at the spray wash and watched in horror as the pressure wash sprayed the paint off the hood. This was the first of many, many problems: stability control failed, my 9 year old pulled the door closed and broke it, tailgate jammed shut, windshield wiper broke, tire pressure sensor failed...all this in only 6 weeks of ownership. Im in the process now of claiming it under the lemon laws.

• 

  Good Choice - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bctundra - March 22 - 9:43 pm

  Did a lot of research and test drove all manufacturers and all sizes. This truck was the most impressive, bought three of them in fact. Everyone is amazed with the performance and absolutely loves the styling. Was hesitant to buy anything other than a domestic but couldnt pass on this truck.

• 

  Silver Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Gus - March 21 - 3:53 am

  Late spring and summer driving has been a lot of fun. The heating and AC work better than my previous Silverado. Gas mileage on a 2850 mi. trip was 20.03 mph. This was before 4K miles on the truck. Acceleration is to be experienced for yourself.

• 

  Typically Toyota - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By kwjones - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a "Limosine in Trucks Clothing" The Tundra is typically Toyota in quality and reliability. It does everything you expect it to do, and does it very well. The Tundra has one of the highest crash ratings in the light truck industry, and that proved to be very important to me, when another driver passed out at the wheel and hit me nearly head on. I walked away from the almost totaled Tundra, and immediantly bought another one. Thanks Toyota for making it "one tough truck".

• 

  From Ford to Toy - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Big G - March 19 - 3:56 pm

  I have never in my life drove anything but the blue oval. I have purchased 9 different ford trucks in the last few years, and now Im driving a new 07 Tundra Crewmax. I got tired of giving 30 some thousand for a truck only to find out it is worth 17 in only two years.

• 

  2002 Tundra SR5 - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Hardball - March 19 - 3:26 pm

  Very reliable truck. I have had problems with front brake rotors warping. Currently on my 4th set of rotors. Other than rotors warpping the build quality has been excellent. The truck is 5 years old and still is in excellent condition. Current mileage is 86,000.

• 

  I got Gas! - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Bryan Ayres - March 15 - 11:27 am

  Average 14.1 through 2600 Miles A little disappointing 50/50% I was hoping to match My 03 chevy Avalanche of 16MPG. I bought it for the reliability not the MPG. Time will tell.

• 

  Our Boutique Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By carnut1973 - March 15 - 12:48 am

  We purchased our burgundy Tundra Double Cab Limited 2WD new...had all options: sunroof, leather, 6-disc in-dash changer and dealer installed Borla exhaust (which sounded great--it was the wifes truck and she wanted a truck that sounded like a truck). Our Tundra performed wonderfully but we sold it when gas prices shot over $4/gal because it really was only being used as a commuter-got about 16 in town and could squeeze out 20 on the highway. As a boutique truck it did great--smooth ride, 5 adults could travel in comfort and the full size bed w/ tonneau cover could carry ridiculous amounts of luggage.

• 

  290,000 and still going!!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By yotaman - March 6 - 4:10 am

  I have a 2000 tundra, it just rolled over 290,000 hard miles on the ticker and it is still going strong original engine and tranny, beat that big 3!!! Had to replace the coils 20k miles ago and after that shes a new truck!