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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  2008 Toyota Tundra SR5 - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By The Needle - April 15 - 6:06 pm

  My experience so far is that this is an OK truck. All windows are very small and obstruct views, especially the rear windows. Rear seating on my Extended cab is VERY uncomfortable on long trips. Gas mileage is miserable: around 14mpg with half city and hwy. Nice feature on the tundra is the rear video cam, but thats cause youll need it. Also the interior is cheap.

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  Be careful w/ used trucks. - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Isaac - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Bought my truck sept. of last year. Many transmission problems, finally in 01/06 shop had to put a rebuilt transmission. It took 2wks to come from warranty co. and the first trans. didnt work. Shop had to order another and it finally worked. My truck was in the shop for one month. I had only put an additional 3000 mls. since date of purchase. I was stranded 83 mls. from fresno coming back from vacation. Speakers are starting to go. For as much as I paid should have bought a new one. DONT FIX THINGS UNDER WARRANTY THE CHEAPEST WAY POSSIBLE!!!

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  Give me my 2005 Tundra back! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By hvacrsteve - November 27 - 3:33 pm

  Overall the Tundra is Okay, they have fianlly matched the big 3 in terms of lower quality, this is my 4th Tundra and the worst one thus far. I have a steering wheel vibration that I have been to the dealer 5 times now and it is still not repaired. The paint is very frail,I have to say that Ford is light years ahead on Paint quality! I own 40 Trucks so I know! The interior paint on the dash is poor quality as well, have many scratches already! The plastic dash cluster is also very cheaply made! The leather seats are fairly nice. the ride quality is fair except for the constant vibrating of the steering wheel. It makes your hands numb on a longer trip! The sheet metal panels-thin!

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  Unhappy - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By jimmers67 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe Toyota. I have 22000 miles on this truck. It needs front brake pads,tires And there are five TBS On the truck.If I should happen to stop quickly The transmission does not downshift properly.When appling the brakes in reverse There is a sound coming from the front brakes.I give up!

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  Way Overrated - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By David - October 17 - 7:26 pm

  This is my first and last Toyota truck. GMC has forgotten more about trucks than Toyota knows.

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  Good Truck......until....... - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By miamioolite - September 6 - 9:50 am

  Well. I wanted a full size truck that didnt outweigh a tank so this series of Tundra fit the bill. Drives more car like, so agile easy to park. Acceleration is good when empty, huals well, tows well. At 77k miles the air pump failed, disables the engine, $3k to fix. Not warrantied. Poorly made corner cutting part. Toyota wont help. I understand it has 77k on it, but Toyota quality in these mid years has gone down. Replaced the ball joint, window motor, motor mount. Maybe I got a bad car, but check out the Tundra forums. I am not alone. Not what toyota used to be.

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  Toyota has ruined the Tundra - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By mrt19 - June 22 - 11:15 am

  Toyota has completely changed the engine mapping for this truck and added an electronic throttle limiter so everything that was right about the 2007-2013 5.7 engine is now gone. That beloved power is no more. It is sluggish, slow, shift points are erratic and all over the place. I also now get 11mpg. I just got back from the Toyota dealer because I thought something was wrong with it. After a ride with a Toyota Master Technician he confirmed that was what it was supposed to be like. He also agreed with me that they have ruined this truck.

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  Just OK - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim - April 1 - 5:29 am

  I chose the tundra over the GM products I would usually buy due to toyotas reputation for quality. When you get in it you realize this truck is a Toyota in name only. It uses the same interior materials as its American counterparts and many of the mechanical bits as well. The best part of this truck is the 5.7 liter v8. It has huge torque! I never feel it doesnt have enough power when towing a heavy trailer. The engine seems mechanically noisey and has a knocking sound that permeates the cab at idle. The transmission works well but is inconsistent in when and how it shifts. No auto transfer case available. All other full size pick ups have one available. Fuel economy is horrible, 12 mpg combined 17 low speed highway 15 high speed highway. The seats are very comfortable and large enough for bigger people. The hvac control panel has a cheap look and feel to it, air comes from the panel vents at all times and can not be shut off. Closing them does not stop it, normal operation it seems. Over all this truck seems very capable of doing what it was built for, but is decidedly American in its look and feel. Time will tell if it holds up to toyotas reputation. Resale value seems above average for its segment

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  Tundra Could be Better, Much Better - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary Hoyt - February 6 - 7:00 pm

  Need a part? Be ready to dig DEEP. As an example one steel stamped (basic) wheel: $180.00. The plastic insert that fits around the lugs? $98.43. If you do the math, just the wheels and plastic insert is over 10% of the full purchase price of the truck. Toyota charges big time for parts. Gas mileage? V-6: window sticker from Toyota said 19. I get 18, then 17 now 16. My Ford F-150 V-6: always @ 20. The Ford V-6 eng. was larger.

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  Is This The Best The Auto Industry Has? - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By D. Richards - February 3 - 7:10 pm

  We purchased a new Toyota Tundra 4Dr. crew cab SR5 April 04. Pros: Very comfortable long distances and handles well on the freeways. And that is all I can say good about it. Cons: Under 1000 miles it started to howl at 45MPH, Toyota replaced the differential unit at 6000 miles but the howl remained unresolved. The EPA freeway is 18(16- 20). I have been lucky to get 15 MPG on near flat desert with cruise from gas station to gas station. Others have stated they get 19-21 in my area and some are 4x4s. We looked at all the crew trucks and read the reviews on them. We must say that the best in the industry has been disappointing. I expected better from Toyota, after all the testimonials.