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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A harsh ride - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By back apin - June 4 - 10:53 pmI had my tundra for a month now and wish I had rented one before purchasing. The ride is harsh and the leather seats are not shaped for leg comfort at least in the front. The performance is great the body style is nice to look at, and yes the gas mileage is around 13.5 mpg but thats not bad for the horse power.
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So Far So Good - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By R.Kuehner - June 2 - 7:13 pmBought the vehicle new, V8 with TRD package. It came with a 3" lift kit and 20" rims from the dealer. Im averaging 16 mpg. The odometer is off by .1 and the odometer by 5 mph due to bigger wheels/tires. Plan to try K&N air filter and maybe a performance muffler such as Flomaster. Overall the truck handles well and is fun to drive. I have as good or better ground clearance than stock 4x4s from other manufacturers. I replaced the radio/CD player but kept the stock speakers as they sound pretty good.
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Smooth But Tough - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By jnelsonpvc - June 1 - 10:00 amThis truck beat out the 4 door Tacoma and the Superchaged 4 door Frontier because of the incredible ride. Very smooth. I also have the TRD offroad package and go 4 wheeling often and have been consistantly amazed that such a smooth riding truck can handle so well offroad. Great Truck!
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We Love Our Truck! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By ra_fiki - May 26 - 10:00 amPrior to buying the Tundra we owned a fully loaded 1996 4WD V6 Tacoma, which was a very impressive vehicle in its own right. The Tundra surpasses all expectations -- comfortable ride, reliable, and great-looking. Ours was one of the first sold in GA and it turned heads, still does!
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Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Buckoff - May 23 - 10:00 amThis truck has been wonderful. I have been worried when I hear about the O2 sensor or brake problems but havent experienced them. The vehicle will really haul, even with a full load and goes great thru snow and ice. My only problem has been the rear seat area...my kids were little when I bought the truck but have grown since and will soon be too large for that area. I drive a Chevvy Silverado at work...nice truck but the Tundra is a sportscar next to it...and much more fun to drive.
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One mean truck - 2009 Toyota Tundra
By dgallina - May 22 - 4:13 amBought a used 2009 Tundra Rock Warrior. It is without a doubt the baddest, meanest half-ton truck out there. Toyota knows what they are doing with their TRD and Rock Warrior packages. Theyre great looking and blow the competition away as far as standard off-road accessories. The engine is a beast, tranny is the smoothest shifting you will find in a half-ton. My buddys 09 F-150 is like a little fragile mini-truck compared to this tundra. I like the inside, the Rock Warrior came with black cloth and carpet which I think look great.
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Nice Investment - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Bryan - May 19 - 2:06 amI love my truck. We have used it for everything - family car to trailer puller. It has done great at everything and holds it value. I will continue to trade my other car, but I will not get rid of my Tundra. I was afraid of imports, but it may be the only way to go. The quality and the little things are so good.
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Awesome truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By Will Brock - May 19 - 2:00 amGot everything on my truck except the spare tire lock and really love the look and feel of the truck. It drives very nice and its overall quality is great, save for a slight low speed air conditioner fan noise. The 4X4 on the fly is great especially for snow/ice driving and have no trouble driving or stopping in the inclement weather. Pulls evething I have wanted. I baby the truck, but I also use it for remodeling houses and everthing else. You pay for what you get and I would do it again without hesitation.
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The Winner - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By ggrindle - May 19 - 2:00 am78000 miles now. Bought in 01/2000. 3 years later I have not had a single problem of any kind. Had a 1995 r22 before this which I put 132,000 miles on before selling and never had a single item of maintenance on it either.
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Excellence - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By tony - May 15 - 5:46 pmToyota blew away the competition with this one! In every aspect they have been innovative and held nothing back. Tows like a dream, accelerates and stops better than any other half ton and handles great on/off road. The crewmax is the way to go for cruising comfort.
