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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  07 Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By jaycac9 - September 12 - 6:40 am

  I have been a truck guy all my life, I have owned ford,dodge and chevy. The new Tundra is by far the best half ton truck I have ever driven. I have a small horse farm so I do use the truck for its intended purposes and it exceeds my expectations. The power is unreal, payload (up to 2662) and towing (up to 10800) capacities are phenomenal. Fit and finish are almost perfect.

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  More than I ever expected! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Eric - September 7 - 11:36 am

  I upgraded to this truck (Regular Cab 4WD V8) from my V6 Tacoma because I needed more hauling power and more room in the bed. I have driven this truck 11,500 miles in 6 weeks, sometimes hauling a double axle 16 car trailer and loading heavy car parts in the back. The Tundras fuel economy while towing is much better than I expected, especially with non California gas. Build quality is excellent, with my only complaint being the cupping of the front tires-the dealer found the front end alignment to be 7 degrees off! I bought the strip model with real window cranks and rubber floor mats for ease of maintenance. I drove them all,but one thing was missing-the Toyota reliability!!!

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  The best Tundra ever - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Iqbaldhillon2 - September 5 - 10:16 am

  I am a huge fan of Toyota trucks especially the Tundra. I bought a brand new 2007 Tundra recently and it is a great truck with space power and reliability. I love my TRD package it gives the truck a rugged , yet sporty look. The drive quality is also great, smooth and quiet just how I like it.

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  Dont buy a Totota Tundra!!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By ll liveoak - September 4 - 5:40 pm

  Do not make the same mistake that I made! My pickup has been in the shop for 3 months of the 10 months that I have owned it. At present Toyota is replacing the airbag sensors and the 6 speed transmission. Also, I now understand that the tailgate will need to be replaced due to design errors. Toyota has never built a full size pickup before and it may be years before they get it right. Dont take the chance like I did or you may fegret it. Also, they do not hold their value because Toyota is now discounting them to get rid of them. Leonard Liveoak

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  BBB - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By AZY - September 4 - 10:00 am

  LOVE MY TRUCK RUNS LIKE A VETTE BUT HAULS LIKE A TRUCK

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  best truck i ever had - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By buddymcg - August 26 - 2:00 am

  i used to have a ford f-150 extended cab and my tundra runs great compared to it. its quiet very good on gas milage dependable so far. granted ive only had it a few months its also a smoth comfterable ride thanks.

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  2011 Tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By Bobby C - August 26 - 2:00 am

  First full size truck. Old car a Tacoma. Size difference is HUGE. Back seat in CrewMax limo like. Powerful engine with nice sound when worked. Rear window fold down nice feature. Stereo rocks big time. Quiet on road. Family loves the size for comfort. Mileage not good--lots of gas stops. Rear seat adjustment amazing. Great looking vehicle. TRD handles off road like a charm. Minimal back seat storage space with adjustable seat in CrewMax.

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  Replacement tundra - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By jonyuma - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Replaced 2007 tundra limited with 2011 tundra limited 4x4 and if it is even half as reliable as the 07 was it will be another winner. new tundra rides a lot smoother than the last one, but then again, its a truck that tows a 7000# boat and it needs to be a little bit trucklike. 2007 tundra with 5.7 motor and tow package could always get 17mpg or better on average and for a 4x4 thats not bad. 2007 tundra was totaled in a three car wreck and I wanted to have the same safety factor once again. so hoping the 2011 will get the job done. More as we get some miles on it.

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  Rock Warrior - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By M - August 23 - 9:50 am

  I have owned two Toyota Tacomas and loved them both. Bought this Tundra for more towing power as well as an overall larger truck. Saw Rock Warrior package and immediately loved the rims and tires especially. This truck has exceeded all expectations. If you complain about a bumpy ride, gauges, and gas mileage then go back to driving a Saab. This is a truck. I am getting 16 mpg city/rural driving and that is more than my last Tacoma with a V6.

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  Decent truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By fresnotruckman - August 22 - 2:03 pm

  I was one of the first to buy my gray double cab tundra with the supposed 381 hp engine. I bought it Feburary 1st and took it on my first test of towing. My 5500 toy hauler loaded with water, fuel, and 4 quads maybe 8700ib. My brother has a 2005 ford with the 5.4 triton and he has a larger trailer and outran me up questa grade. Doesnt tow as well as the ford or dodge. Seats feel very stiff, but overall I feel I made a good decision. Averaged 6 mpg towing and in town 11.8mpg.