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:
Showing 571 through 580 of 1,512.00-
Happy owner - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Phil Goveia - April 10 - 4:43 pmThis is truck has every thing I was looking for in a pick-up. Comfort to drive, looks good, and reliable.
-
toyota tundra 4x4 ltd acess cab- - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By bigdoggie - April 7 - 2:00 amMY 2002 tundra LTD access cab 4x4 seemed solid . The vehicle developed a pronounced vibration in front axle. This would vibrate floor boards and control pedals. The vibration would go away after vehicle was driven for 10 minutes or if 4 wheel drive was engaged. The dealer said problem was tires (bf goodrich rugged trail265/70/16). I told him to replace tires , he said this would not help- huh? The vehicle would wander all over the highway at 60mph and over! The seats were very uncomfortable (leather captains chairs) little or no lumbar support. The fold down armrests were too short - my arm kept falling off.
-
Not what I hoped for - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By dan b. - April 6 - 9:30 pmIve heard a lot about the fabled design and quality manufacturing of Toyota vehicles so I hoped for something better than I got with my old F-150. I was pretty disappointed. Im only 53" so Im not the typical driver but this is the most uncomfortable vehicle Ive ever driven. The wheel is too far away, the seat is uncomfortable and the headrest is of an incredibly awkward design. As far as build quality, the radio turns on by itself, one of the speaker grills rattles and the dashboard cup holder pops open occasionally. Id never buy another Toyota.
-
Awesome - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Kamen Dimitrov - April 1 - 9:00 pmI live in Bulgaria and my father and I have been looking for some months to import an American style truck. Obviously we were focused on the Ford F-150 and the Chevy Silverado and Avalanche, when one day we saw a Tundra CrewMax sitting in a used car dealership in Bulgaria. It had 500 miles on it. Well, that has become our truck in Bulgaria. It is huge, and in Bulgaria it look particularly huge. The 5.7 V8 has awesome power and makes it fun to drive. Also, we went to the mountain with it - there isnt an obstacle for the Tundra.
-
So far, so good - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By FunPro - March 28 - 1:26 pmI purchased my 2006 SR5 (4dr) in December. It has more than enough power, better than average comfort for a truck, and I like the look. It would be easy to complain about the mileage, but I do not believe anyone ever purchased a full size truck because it got good gas mileage. Therefore, I only have two concerns. When idling down a hill, almost any hill, it often shifts into a lower gear and the RPMs jump up to 3000+! The local dealership admitted to receiving complaints about this, but claimed there is no fix. Also, as others have stated, the turning radius is poor. If you are attempting a u-turn, make sure you have MORE than 2 lanes to your left.
-
A very nice truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By EvilTwin - March 27 - 7:43 amThis is my second Toyota truck, the first was a t100 that I should never have gotten rid of. The T was as reliable as it could be. When that truck was in an accident, I decided to replace it with an f150, what a bad choice. I finally after 3 years went back to a Tundra. Its a very nice truck, very smooth and solid, great build quality. So far my only complaints are: Mileage: only about 16 Stereo sound: No depth to the sound, a common problem on Tundras and this has the upgraded sound system. This is a good truck for people that need the capability of a full size pickup but dont want to be beaten to death by the ride of a ford.
-
General - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Bob - March 26 - 2:10 amIve owned over 15 different trucks and this is by far the best 1/2 ton truck Ive ever owned.
-
Impressed - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By JOE - March 23 - 1:50 amRecently bought my first pick-up ever. I took a lot of test drives in all kind of pick-ups, including the Tacoma but when I jumped into my 07 Tundra it was love at first site. Im 6,4 and was impressed by the legroom and the overall ride. This truck handles the steep hills and mountains of Puerto Rico very well. And with its bold, sleek look its kinda fun to drive. The wide hood takes awhile to get used to, though. Overall, it handles pretty well. Ill give you a better rating in about 10 yrs. Thats how long I plan on keeping it. Im glad I got this, instead of the F150. Im happy.
-
First Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Tundra Guy 858 - March 21 - 5:13 amSo far I havent had any problems with it. It has tons of power for passing and it accelerates good for a truck. Beat out BMWs. Very comfortable for a truck, only thing I gotta get used to is the bounce in the back when going over speed bumps or pot holes.
-
Better than expected - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By CJM - March 20 - 6:33 amThis truck is very nice. There are no rattles, this is a very SOLID truck, lots of power and torque. Sound system is crisp road noise is minimal. Plenty of room in the back of the double cab for two full sized adults (on short trips) to sit comfortably. Lots of storage compartments in the drivers compartment for stuff. I traded a 2005 Infiniti QX 56 for my Tundra, the ride is just as nice!
