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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  I replaced the brakes 3 times! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Oscar Sandoval - November 15 - 9:50 am

  I was wondering if anyone else had to change their brakes on their tundra. i am on my third set of front brakes. they are wearing out very very fast rate. every 5000 miles. I dont know whats wrong. the dealer says the truck weighs too much and its normal. and they blame the way i drive

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  55,000 miles and going! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By kevthom - November 14 - 9:26 pm

  I bought this truck in 2008 with 50,000 miles on it with faith in Toyotas reputation in longevity. So far no maintenance problems, just a battery replacement. The ride is comfortable with the TRD package, including at high speeds, and I love the full sliding rear window. The 4WD works great in snow with rare instances in which the 4WD does not engage immediately. The dashboard around the stereo and glove box squeaks irritatingly on bumps/rough roads, especially when cold. Overall a great vehicle and I plan on keeping it until it runs into the ground!

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  More than you expect in a Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By mjhenny - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2000 2WD SR5 Access Cab model. Excellent Build Quality, well thought out design. Plenty of Power. Is a little bit smaller than a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge, but you can still get a 4X8 Sheet of plywood in the back. My wife likes it because its easier for her to get into. The back seat is quite cramped, and getting a baby seat in there is tough but do-able. Id buy this truck again tomorrow if I had to choose.

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  Still Happy! - 2009 Toyota Tundra
  By Nestor - November 2 - 3:50 pm

  I have had my truck for almost a year and have been pleased on and off the road. Power is more than plenty and it crept up a steep icy driveway over Christmas. Havent noticed suspension roughness. Now all Im worried about it the resale value with the recalls. Resale value was one of the big selling factors for me choosing it over the Ram.

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  2007 Tundra crew cab 2x2 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By conwaychevy - November 2 - 4:46 am

  Very solid truck, no road noise, not so great on gas, but a 5.7 16 mpg around town is not too bad I guess. Only draw back, the bed walls are so high, it is hard to reach in and put stuff in the bed or remove it. I did not get the running boards on the truck when I bought it. I recommend the steps; trucks are so new, not much for after market gadgets for the 07 yet. No regrets, very solid truck, gets a lot of stares and questions from people as they see the Tundra redesign for the first time. Very satisfied customer.

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  Very happy with my Crewmax ! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By OneLeggedNun - October 31 - 11:20 pm

  Love this truck ! Tons of interior room, enough bed for my own needs (4.6L Crewmax - 5.5 bed)Plenty of power, awesome looks, Toyota reliability ! Attention getter wherever it goes. People always saying "Nice Truck". I dont need it for work, but wanted a truck with lots of interior room for kids/dogs/bodies... It serves my needs very well and everyone is very comfortable. I have no ride complaints at all. Only issue is start up RPM seems higher than needed, then goes down after about 5 seconds. Kinda loud at start-up because of this. Seatbelt buzzer is annoying as hell also.

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  Love the Tundra - Texas Female - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Love my Tundra - October 27 - 3:13 am

  I love this truck. I can have a stressful day at work and when I get in my truck its all left behind. I wish I lived farther from work so I could drive it more. First vehicle Ive owned over 6 months and still love it. I still love walking out to a parking lot and knowing Im headed towards the best looking truck in the lot. Its just fun to drive. Getting on freeways is fun with the power of this truck. Watch your speed in this truck. Its so smooth I often catch myself speeding.

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  130,000 and Going Strong - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By George L. - October 15 - 6:26 pm

  WOW...Ill never buy another brand! This truck is phenomenal! Hands down the best vehicle we have ever owned! Our Toyota Sienna aint bad either by the way! This truck has just over 130k and I am not joking, NO MAJOR REPAIRS...Tires, Light Bulbs, Belts, Hoses and Oil, THAT"S IT! Also...18 + mpg around Houston Texas, and Im not lying! I had a Toyota approved cold air intake installed at the dealer before I took it home. Well done Toyota!

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  2015 Tundra Platinum Crew Max 4WD Awsome - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By DJ - October 14 - 2:40 am

  Great reliable truck.

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  Recommended Vehicle - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Arnie7 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  Great truck to drive. This is the first Toyota pickup, I have owned. I have owned a Ford and several Chevy pickups in the past. I heard about the dependability of the Tundra and took it for a test drive. I was amazed by the way it handled. I havent had it for very long, but am extremely happy with it. I bought a used Rav4 a couple of years ago and it has over 135,000 miles on it now and have never had to have anything done to it. I decided to try their pickup, and am glad I did.