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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  2000 Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Dr. D.L.Bercier - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I use it as a farm call truck and it holds up very well, very comfortable ride, and great pulling power. Have pulled trailers, boats, uphill and interstate, very powerful.

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  Very Nice - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By John Quintana - January 30 - 5:36 am

  This is my second Toyota truck, the first one was a 1992 4wd delux extended cab pickup. Yes it drives like a truck, but guess what... its a truck. Great sound system, runs sooo smooth, and sounds awsome (TRD package). The power in the 5.7 V-8 is incredible! I took it the second week I owned it; it did just fine! I am happy with the purchase!

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  V6 SR5 after 11,500mi. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim Hamilton - January 30 - 5:00 am

  I have 11,500mi. since Feb and Av.18.6mpg city and 22mpg hwy. It is the V6 4L. I have no complaints, the best truck I have owned. I am a contractor and do 97% stop and go driving. The seats are comfortable although I would rec. paying extra for the electric drivers seat. The base model SR5 has no lumbar adjustment, my only complaint other than the rear brakes are drum and not disc. That is pretty cheap! I had the 17" wheels switched from the larger 4dr model to my base 4dr. SR5 model+$650 which look 100% better & would do again. I prefer the 4L V6 VVT to the 15-18mpg V8 gas hog. This is my 5th Toyota Truck & I have had 3 Fords, 2 GMC 3/4 ton pickups but the Tundra is my choice

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  It has Detroit Engineers thinking!!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By hhseguras - January 22 - 6:03 am

  First truck I own, second Ive driven (F-150 @ work). Great improvement from the 2006 model: Looks stylish and bold, quiet and roomy interior and of course, Toyota quality built and dependability. I have the 4.7 V8 which can handle more than adequate the loads, nice power for merging quickly on highways (loaded) and excellent braking system. I guess Toyota is going to make a big hole on the sales for the big three. No doubt that the new drive trains performance comes as a result of Toyotas research and investment on its Formula 1 team. That is something that only Ford can possibly match; but by that time the Tundra will have a well earned name in the segment, difficult to beat.

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  Great vehicle - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By pier - January 22 - 3:53 am

  I love high quality cars. My Toyota Tundra is a high quality pickup truck. Im very impressed about the power of this engine, as well as my driving experience, it is so smooth and comfortable. I owned a Ford F-150 before this one, but the Toyota is very far ahead in technology. Im not tired anymore when I drive back from work. Driving with this truck is fun became my passion.

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  Best buy for the buck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By My Tundra - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Almost bought another truck but gave the Tundra the once over. Spent more then planed, but after considering all others, there was no real choice. If your going to spend your hard earned buck, the Tundra beats others in many ways. MPG is great as I get 19.2 with mine, I only got 22.1 with my 4 cyl. The draw back is that my wife now wants to drive it all the time annd wants me to drive the van. Yuk!

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  A great truck! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Todd Griesmann - January 15 - 4:10 am

  I bought this truck with 19k on it, it now has 55k,it has been great, only problem was a tire sensor went out, i tow a 6500 lb travel trailer with it and it does well, works, but does the job, only problem is it gets about 10 mpg towing the trailer. comfort, style and power, it has it all.

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  Just drove 1000 miles - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By joel webster - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Positive: fun to drive. My first new truck. Family loves it, especially daughter.Says this will be her vehicle when she turns 16. Only negatives: No lights on passenger vanity mirror even though I got the light group. No lock on glove box (why???)Very Poor spray on window washer fluid. Comes out like a squirt gun.

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  2007 Toyota Tundra 2dr Regular Cab SB (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By lilbigjohn007 - January 11 - 7:56 am

  First off this truck is a short bed not a long bed. Edmunds does not offer a choice for the short bed. I have the 5.7 V8 and it is bad to the bone. I have driven this about 1500 miles. Most of these miles were a road trip from Texas to Florida. I have no complaints with performance or reliability. This truck is Toyotas standard work truck but I plan to make it my sports truck. I am impressed with the options that are on this standard truck (dual zone climate control, mp3 player plug, transmission temp guage etc.). Also this truck is four wheel drive which is an added bonus. By the way I feel I got this truck much cheaper than I could get a Ford or Chevy. Fuel mileage so far 17.3/14.

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  Tall guys will love it! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By jason - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic truck! Besides the looks, besides the massive towing abilities, besides the power, this truck just fits. Just driving it you feel in total control. Regardless if your towing a 10,000 lbs piece of equipment or a bed full of whatever, this truck does it with confidence. And I have to say being 63"(ish) I love how much room I have. Not to knock the other full size trucks, but I just felt cramped. If you like everything right in your face then this truck may not be for you. But if you like room, serious power (all available at low rpm by the way), and a great ride all with more cup holders than people can handle - then this is for you. And its built in the US!!! Yes!! Texas