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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  New Toyota Owner - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By David - December 11 - 4:40 am

  This is my first Toyota vehicle and I am impressed. I owned a Ford diesel 3/4 ton and pulled a fifthwheel camper with it, purchased my new Toyota for the same use. The Tundra with a 6 speed automatic pulls my camper with no problem. I was skeptical about the weight class of the tundra for pulling a fifthwheel with the weight of the camper at the pickups limits, but not anymore. This is a vehicle that is impressive to drive and feels very stable on the road with a load on it. The tow/haul mode does all the work for you and handles everything fine with the cruise control in use. Great gas mileage for a 4 wheel drive with 18 to 21.5 on the highway makes this truck a pleasure to drive.

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  V6 Tundra like buying Tacoma with room - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By gatr - December 2 - 6:53 am

  I love my 4.0 Tundra. I bought it used and have driven it for 10 months. Its great on gas mileage and has plenty of in town power. Its great for small loads from the local box store and suburban hauling. The engine runs really nicely and the fit and finish in the truck is great. I would buy this truck again. If you dont haul big stuff there is no reason to get the V8.

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  the right choice - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By cb4176 - November 14 - 2:00 am

  handles great corners on 265/75/16s like a car no sway not loose in the rear like you might expect on a pickup good pick-up but the overdrive sticks it up on a jackrabbit exceleration ie. on on-ramps steering maneuverability was impressive on a close call when the other guy blew a stop sign to make a left in the pouring rain within 30 or so feet from me at the mall!

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  Did I say this thing is big? - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By CATFISH - November 9 - 5:10 am

  This truck is big! It drives, rides and handles great. Its big? It has enough power to handle anything you want to hook it to. Toyota did cut some corners with the tailgate, its light weight compared to the rest of the truck. This thing will fill up a garage, because its big.

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  Brake/vibration/O2 sensor problems - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By tundrarules - October 28 - 2:00 am

  **Brake vibrations **Frame vibrations **O2 sensor bad **Cracked manifold Had problems with brake vibration. Have been to the dealer 3 times with the brakes. After the last time at the dealer the problem seems to be fixed. The truck has always had a small vibration problem. Even after tires changed. Had a ticking noise when the truck was first started. That turned out to be a cracked manifold. Just got a check engine light. The dealer says it is an O2 sensor. They wanted $270.00 to replace it!!!! I am not falling for that one. Got a sensor for $50 @ sparkplugs.com.

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  Carol & Jeff - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By sandra & Jeff - October 22 - 4:33 am

  Ive taken this vehicle to Tahoe many times. It handles great in the snow, takes the corners like a dream and its a smooth ride. I havent checked out the newer models. I plan to keep my 2000 for a long time. I have 134,000 miles on it. I have the oil and filter changed every 4000 miles. Ive had no problems at all.

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  Tundra 2004 - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By teton0 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Have had the truck for two months. It has a great ride and the quality is pure Toyota. It is very comfortable and quiet on the highway. The V6 is more than enough power for everyday driving and the truck gets up to speed for merging onto the freeway with no trouble. I like the throaty exhaust sound, too. The only thing Im still trying to adjust to is finding, without concentrating, the clutch friction point for that smooth, minimum rev startup. I still stall the truck occassionally or need to give it more gas (compared to the 89 Jeep Cherokee and 2003 Honda Civic we have in the family). Becoming one with the truck is only a matter of time.

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  Mostly excellent - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By nonesuch - October 3 - 2:00 am

  I use my truck for towing a racecar and part time commuting. If you have heavy towing (I tow about two tons) dont bother with a six cylinder. Even if you think you might someday want to use your truck for "real work", get a V8! It cruises quite comfortably and quietly at extralegal speeds while not towing and the "pickup" is good. It even has very little trouble towing up steep California hills. Its too major faults is that the two rear seats arent really useful, and the range isnt great (I get ~12mpg towing with a tank capacity of somewhat less than 30 gallons).

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  Liking it so far! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Pete - September 28 - 10:53 pm

  I bought a 2006 Tundra 4x4 TRD and Im liking it so far. Since Ive only had it for a short time I cannot speak long term about it... but so far everything is pretty sweet. I know one of the biggest items talked about is poor fuel mileage. A few items that have been brought to my attention is putting a K&N filter and a better exhaust will give you a few extra miles per gal. Im going to do it soon...so Ill let you know. I had a 2000 Ford F250 4x4 V-10...now that was a thirsty truck, thats why I dont have it anymore, but I loved it. My Toyota so far gets between 17 to 19, but she is still getting broke in. Other than that I really like the truck... she rides real nice.

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  Toyota Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Bubby - September 24 - 4:16 am

  Great engine and driveability. Much quieter than most other full size trucks.