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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  Best truck Ive ever owned - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom - March 18 - 3:25 am

  Had Fords, Chevys, and GMCs. By far the best truck ever. Strong engine and Powertrain. Tow 7000lbs with ease at high speeds. Tranny is excellent. Love the sliding/reclining rear seats and rear power window. 54,000 reliable miles. Gas mileage is 13-14 in town. 16-17 highway. 9-12 towing. Worth every penny. Will NEVER go back to Fords and Chevys. 3/4 ton truck in 1/2 ton label. Now at 68000 miles .... Decided to drive this truck for 200,000 based on recent test drives of Fords, Dodge, and Chevy. No need to buy new Tundra, This one has all the features I want. I love this truck. Update: 80000 miles .... no major issues. Added Doug Thorley long tube headers, TRD cold air kit, and TRD dual exhaust. Awesome. More torque and HP ... this truck just continues to wow me. Major media can criticize its out of date, rides harsh, etc, etc. its a truck and it hauls my boat and family and all it requires is gas and oil. I will never get rid of this truck. 92000 miles. Gas mileage is up. 19 mpg at 70-75 mph. Around 14-15mpg in town. Gas,oil, brakes, and tires. I just love this truck. No gimmicks. No 10spd transmissions, it just keeps getting better. Ill have this truck for a long time.

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  I love this Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Thomas D. - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a dream. Plenty of power. Quiet and very comfortable. Loaded with all the features. Overall excellent buy.

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  One great truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Lavinder - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a new Toyota Tundra 4x4 access cab,v8, last month. Within three weeks, I have put almost 800 miles on it. I was pleased to see that I have been getting a consistent 16 mpg. This is my first vehicle with a motor larger than a 4 cyl. Every chance I get I am feeling the power and acceleration. When I start driving sensibly, I know i will get even higher gas mileage. Titus-Will in Tacoma, WA gave me the best deal with no BS. I was in and out of there in less than an hour. Half of that time I was waiting while Jim Love was finishing up with another customer.

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  Best of the Best - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By La6co - March 8 - 2:00 am

  You have no idea until you drive it feels like you own the road

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  Luxary Truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Weiler - March 8 - 2:00 am

  You can count on it. You are also buying TOYOTA.

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  drive review - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By itsmeeric - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle. Handles elevations up to 11,000 without any strain. Did well in Hi Serria. Gas mileage in town around 17. Almost 22 on the highway unless leadfoot hits it over 75.

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  Needs much improvement - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Barry - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Truck is a 2000. Many quiet recalls. . Wrong dip stick, Replaced rear shocks, CD player. Trans shifting, security system, and rear door problems. Really bad brakes. Still not fixed after 2 + years. Weak low-end torque. Fair fuel economy. Too soft a real work truck. Not designed for recreation either. Useless rear seat. Weak bumpers. Trans is cold blooded. Up shifts too soon when cold. Too much tappet noise for a new truck. Rear door mechanism needs work. Not a serious truck. Dont be suckered in by resale figures, or reliability ratings, or sales hype. Buy one of the big three or a Tacoma would be a better choice.

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  Terrific Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By dsakers - March 2 - 10:00 am

  As an owner of several other trucks, my experience with the Tundra has been excellent. The ride is smooth and quiet, the interior is comfortable and well designed. The build quality of this truck is excellent in all aspects. Only gripes are that turning radius is fairly large and requires some planning for U turns etc. The rear seats could also use a few more inches of space. My Tundra has been getting very close to the rated milage for both city and highway. The engine is responsive with plenty of torque. I test drove Ford, Dodge, Nissan and Toyota (Tacoma) trucks before selecting the Tundra. Good Choice!

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  Needs much improvement - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By barry - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Truck is a 2000. Many quiet recalls. . Wrong dip stick, Replaced rear shocks, CD player. Trans shifting, security system, and rear door problems. Really bad brakes. Still not fixed after 2 + years. Weak low-end torque. Fair fuel economy. Too soft a real work truck. Not designed for recreation either. Useless rear seat. Weak bumpers. Trans is cold blooded. Up shifts too soon when cold. Too much tappet noise for a new truck. Rear door mechanism needs work. Not a serious truck. Dont be suckered in by resale figures, or reliability ratings, or sales hype. Buy one of the big three or a Tacoma would be a better choice.

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  Great Ride - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Craig - February 25 - 6:13 pm

  Im really enjoying this truck. The ride is very comfortable and the power of the 5.7 is fabulous. It is the quickest vehicle I have driven in years. There are a couple of annoyances, the seat belts chimes if not buckled and the doors lock automatically. The doors are too large. You need two parking spaces just to get them open. There is plenty of room behind the seat but it could be utilized better for instance hooks to hang bags on. The one clothes hook is behind the drivers seat which blocks your view and there isnt one on the other side which would be the better location. No vanity mirror for passenger. Interior plastics are low end looking. With all that said I love it!