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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  Nice Ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By DJK - January 2 - 4:06 am

  I have been driving this truck (TRD Offroad, 5.7L) for 3 weeks now, and have found very little to pick on. The truck is powerful, quiet and refined. The suspension handles rough roads well, and the steering is responsive. The auto/man transmission allows the use of the transmission for braking, making quick slow downs or stops easy. The turning radius is excellent for a truck this size, making it maneuverable in tight spots. The seats are comfortable and the cab has plenty of space for 5 adults. Some of my buddies who are hard core Chev and Ford truck enthusiasts are impressed with what they see. My last truck was an 03 Tundra Ltd, and I feel this truck represents a big step ahead.

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  best truck i have ever driven - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By exf150owner - January 1 - 2:33 pm

  bought new in 2007. Traded in a new F150 that had engine/fuel injector issues after 20k miles. The ford dealer fixed every time but after being stranded 3 times I had to find something reliable. Towing 7klbs with the F150 was frightening, with the crewmax it is amazing how well/safe this vehicle is. 60k miles now and no problems at all.I tow over 10,000lbs regularly . The Tundra has bigger brakes than a F250! I drove the Chevy,F250 and the Nissan. The Nissan was a close second, but i wanted the 6speed trans and 4.32 rear end that comes stock in the Tundra. Do not buy into negative hype about Toyota, there is a lot of lies out there. Just drive the Tundra, or ask someone that owns one.

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  Terrific Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By waymas20 - December 30 - 2:40 pm

  I have had no significant problems with this vehicle. I would gladly recommend this vehicle for purchase.

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  oh what a feeling - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By lauferdm - December 24 - 2:00 am

  i took my 2wd up a steep and muddy dirt road in Crown King AZ on a rainy day and the limited slip was amazing. i even purposely stoped on a nice grade and started up again and tthe tires didn`t even spin and both had traction! it felt like my 2 previous 4wd tacomas. GREAT TRUCK

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  Excellent Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By eviltwin - December 23 - 6:50 pm

  This is my second Toyota pickup truck. It replaced a loaded f150 crew cab that replaced my T100. Really like the truck, wish the mileage was a bit better, but its getting about 17 now, and that is with a good percentage of stop and go. 18000 miles in a year and a half and its never been to the dealer. Engine has good torque and is very smooth. Plenty of access under the hood for routine service items, not like my f150 that had everything buried. Interior plastics are ok, doesnt feel like a Lexus, but is just as good as the ford it replaced.

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  Absolutely no regrets - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By bassman21 - December 16 - 8:09 pm

  I spent about 6 months reseaching trucks on the computer read and gathered all the info possible on consumer reviews. About Fords, GM, Dodge, Nission and Toyota. And also talking to friends and my mechanic. I was pointed in only one direction, Tundra! Took a 600 mile trip and got 18.4 MPG highway. Very good for a 5.7. But pulling my bass boat I got 13.5. Dont care going fishing anyway. Just turned 20,000 miles without any problems and still enjoy driving it like the day I picked it up. Take one out for a test drive and Im sure youll be impressed...

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  Best owned Vehicle to date! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By shodon_main - December 11 - 5:52 pm

  I currently own the 2005 Toyota Tundra Limited 4dr 4x4 and it is the best vehicle that I have owned yet! I bought the truck with 50,000 miles on it and have since put 30,000 more miles onto it and it hasnt even had a hicup. I have driven the truck from Colorado to the tip of texas and back, hauled a packed full 6x12 trailer from Colorado to New York and then from New York to Oklahoma and havent had a single problem or gripe with this truck. I currently use it as a daily driver and occasionally to haul the 4 wheeler to the sand dunes for a fun weekend.

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  Tundranator - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By SonyAbyss - December 10 - 10:53 am

  I have owned my Tundra SR5 for about 3 months and I love it. Mostly every one that I know agrees the Tundra has a better external apearence than the Titain and gets better gas milage while having the power and reliability of a Toyota. I can pull my 20 ft camper trailer with out any problems and the interior makes the long rides between vacations enjoyable.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By don - December 9 - 9:33 pm

  I now have 67000 miles on my truck. It is my only vehicle and it has never failed me in over three years. I live in northern New Hampshire where winters can be pretty tough. I have had to only do the regular maintenance required. Before this I owned a Toyota Camry which I ran for nine years. My son still runs it and it has over 150000 miles. Ill stay with Toyota for the reasons noted above and for the resale value.

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  DBL Cab Ltd Tundra is the clear winner! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim - December 7 - 12:30 pm

  I have been a GM buyer since 1987 (6 trucks). I purchased the Tundra with moon roof, navigation, leather and sport package (21" Rims). I looked at GM, Ford and Nissan and there was a clear decisive answer when completing the pros and cons list that most logical personalities perform. The handling, safety, amenities, predicted reliability, comfort, and eye appeal makes the Tundra the top truck. I dont find myself needing to tow over 7100 lbs, but this appears to be the only significant advantage the Titan has over the Tundra. For me, it was between the Titan and the Tundra. With over 200 problems for every 100 Nissan autos off the show floor was the nail in the coffin. Tundra is my #1 pick!