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:

• 

  Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By frankofgeorgia - September 16 - 3:43 pm

  I bought this truck brand new. Ive owned a Ford F150 and a Nissan pickup. This has been the best truck by far. The ride is more like driving a car than a truck. The V8 has more than enough power; I pull a trailer for work and never had any problems pulling up very steep inclines. I use this truck for hunting and have not gotten stuck yet (2wd). I have 117,000 miles and still drives like new. Other than routine maintenace, Ive had to replace 4 O2 sensors three on front and one on rear; there are four total on the V8. The factory toyota front brakes rotors will only last 30,000 miles. I got an aftermarket set which came with a lifetime warranty and are holding up better.

• 

  Disappointed - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Jeff - September 15 - 1:56 am

  I want to start out by saying that my family and I have owned several Toyota vehicles. All have been super reliable, great gas economy (much better than sticker) and Toyota has stood behind their product, until now. The dealership I dealt with is being very nice, but my fuel economy has been very poor (taken to the dealership 4 times) and constant supension and alignment issues (dealer visits 3 times for this). The Toyota Master Technician and my sales rep have called my problems abnormal, unusual and uncommon, and I have followed all of Toyotas recommendations (tire pressure, gas choice and grade, driving conditions) and nothing has changed. Important to note: no towing or large loads.

• 

  Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By jim - September 11 - 5:36 pm

  Driving 130 miles + daily to and from work, I average 18.5 miles/gallon at the sweet spot of 63 miles/hour. Freeway I have gotten up to 21 max. Power is great, ride is a bit bumpy with the TRD package. Fords interior is much better designed as far as layout. The leather seats should come with the ventilated option like the highlander. No real problems yet, emergency brake needle adjusted. Tires on the TRD hydroplane a lot, will not use the BF Goodrich next time. I should have opted for the navigation system, and forgotten about the JBL under the back seat. Interior storage room lacks, but the 6.5 foot bed is just the right size for most parking lots. All in all would I buy another, YES.

• 

  Old School Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By jwolfgong - September 8 - 10:16 am

  Ive only had Blackie for one day, but here are my initial impressions. Interior is klugey. Buttons everywhere and old technology like no auto-up, no mist on wipers and A/C not coupled to defrost. You could easily smack into something while looking for controls or the clock which is in a good spot if you happen to be looking for a lost contact lense. Seats are NG. Too flat. So far I cant get the beeps to turn off for the remote locking function. One of the Homelink buttons will not accept a transmitter code for some reason. Tomorrow I go back to the dealer and see why the engine oil is low already. Ill let you know how that goes...

• 

  Tundra Offroad?? - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Dashboard - September 4 - 9:30 am

  Do not buy if you farm, ranch, backroad, camp, hunt, drive in snow, ice or mud. My 2000 TRD Tundra was a dream. I live in Colorado high country & drive in all the worst conditions & environments list above. The truck is a city or highway vehicle. No front tire chains. Clearance too low. Also; if you wear a shoe or boot size larger than Japanese size 8 watch out for the driver-side floor heater duct. My muddy boots (size 12) kept hitting the duct when I applied the brakes. The bed is to high for side access without a step stool.

• 

  Go anywhere Lexus - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By ex-150 - September 1 - 10:36 pm

  After owning 4 Ford trucks I finally gave up and went with the Toyota. This is the best truck I have ever owned. To be fair there have been several recalls and service programs but Toyota has fixed every little problem Ive had (new front brake calipers and rotors/ new oxy sensors and manifolds/ new seatbelts). Truck tows my boat no problem and is outstanding off -road! It rides like a Lexus on the Interstate and has handled some pretty rough terrain in the mountains.

• 

  The Beast Truck Of All Trucks!!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CHUCK - August 31 - 8:03 am

  The performance on this vehicle is amazing. Toyota really hit a grand slam with this one! From its design utility and performance is the best truck money can buy!! Trust me I drove them all and this truck by far exceeds all expectation of truck buyer.

• 

  Dont Buy!!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By CFowl - August 24 - 6:56 pm

  My wife and I purchased this vehicle less than a year ago to be our primary vehicle. Weve regretted buying it every day since! Toyota wont tell you theres a very real "bed-bounce" problem on many freeways (particularly Southern California) and the fuel economy isnt nearly as good as they claim. The truck hesitates at times, too, when you try to accelerate (because of towing differential) from a stop. Its not a $40,000 luxury car. Its a very nice "work" truck, but do not buy this truck if you want a comfortable drive on most concrete freeways! If you drive with infants or children, do not endanger them by putting them in this truck!!

• 

  No brakes, no help from Toyota - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By A Drews - August 23 - 7:30 am

  This truck is my first Toyota lemon. The rotors warp every 3000 miles, a common problem on all Tundras now. Dont buy one used (or new). Toyota has learned well from U.S. car corporations. Stall, stall, deny. Just do a web search for " Tundra Brake Problems".

• 

  Great truck - poor front seat - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By alfomega - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Tundra. My 2001, with ABS, skidded on a wet curve when I braked, and was totaled (I was hit by a Camry doing 50 - 60 mph and walked home!) This time I got the Vehicle Stability Control package, along with the Double Cab. I just love this vehicle (and Im almost 60). I get 17.5 miles to a gallon in mixed city/freeway driving, but I drive sensibly - gas is $2.20 a gal. The drivers seat seems worse than the 01, though. The initial shifting also appears jerkier.