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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  Instruments VERY hard to read - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - September 18 - 8:00 pm

  Generally, I really like this truck. It does take a little getting used to as it is very large and it is quite a challenge to look over the hood for any type of parking manuvers. Overall performance competence is strong and capable and I use the Tundra primarily for pulling a large trailer which it does admirably. My first tank of fuel gave me 19.7 MPG overall, while not pulling a trailer. This vehicle is rated at 16 city and 20 hwy. I am actually pleased that I went ahead and got the Double Cab option as I have found that it is kind of nice to be able to carry not only "stuff" but passengers as well. This truck is tall, even though I am 62", I still need to stretch up to get in.

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  check vibration - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By smithdog - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Toyota tundra has vibration issues in floorboard thru the arm rest.. Do a thorough test drive before considering purchase. Different vehicles vibrate in the driveshaft at different speeds. V6 more at low speds and V8 more at high speeds.

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  Great Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Mario - August 18 - 10:40 pm

  The new Tundra has a greater turn ratio which I like, I like the fact that I can make a u-turn without the need to stop and back-up. The freeway ride is really smooth, however the suspension is a little stiff and I notice some bumps on city driving, but nothing major. Gas consumption is worse than my 07, which has me baffled, since its the same 5.7 engine. I get 18mpg on the freeway, about 14mpg city. Brakes are massive, and can stop on demand. Overall, a great truck that exceeds my expectations.

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  11 DC Rock Warrior - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By mason467 - August 12 - 11:41 pm

  Bought brand new about a year ago to replace 05 GMC 1500 which we use to tow our 30 foot camper. The GMC was a little on the light side...great truck but we needed more. Test drove 11 crew cab f150 xlt first. Nice truck, but both my wife and I agreed that this was just not the truck for us. Next, we drove an 11 Tundra with Rock Warrior package. Unlike the F150 this truck comes with load range "E" tires, perfect for towing. Also, the suspension is nice and firm. Power is exceptional while towing our camper. Stability is also excellent. The transmission always seems to be in the right gear, and it gets anywhere from 8.5-11 MPG pulling out 7500 lbs brick of a camper.

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  Buy a Tundra - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By mpesce - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a solid truck. Very quiet and smooth. My only concern is the transmission. This is now Jan 2004 and my truck is a 2001. Ive noticed in the recent past that a couple of times I stepped on the accelerator and the engine acted like the truck was in neutral. It then kicked into gear with a thump. Other than that, I couldnt be more happy with my decision to buy a Tundra.

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  I wish I could afford to drive it. - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By 4jblund - July 17 - 10:00 am

  This is the nicest pickup Ive ever driven and really enjoy driving it. I just wish I could afford to drive it more. It gets real bad gas mileage (16mpg) is the best Ive achieved so far. Im guessing Toyota put the 4.08 rearend in it to compensate for the less horsepower than the competition. They could have improved this by putting more horses in the motor (Ive seen the racing cars, I know they can) then put a 3.50-3.73 rear in it. If I were pulling something big I wouldnt have bought it, I would have gone diesel. They arent catering to their buyers. It does what I wanted just the mileage is sad.

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  Critic of tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By bill case - July 14 - 2:00 pm

  My last truck was a 1500 gmc and while it was a decent pick-up this truck is heads and shoulders above it.The 5.7 is powerful and the 6 speed transmission is real smooth. I have a 24 travel trailer that weighs 5800 lbs loaded and it pulls it with no effort at all. Dislikes: I dont like the way it revs when you first start it cold. Its almost 2000 rpms and holds for about 10 to 15 seconds. The gas gauge reads 1/2 full and only takes 8 gallons of fuel and the oil gauge holds slightly below the 1/2 mark. Ive never had a car or truck that didnt hold a least 30 lbs oil pressure when driving, but Im being told that this is normal. Im keeping an eye on it and hopefully it wont go lower.

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  Pleased with my new Tacoma - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Al - July 10 - 1:33 pm

  Just purchased a 2010 Toyota Tundra Grade 4dr Double Cab SB (4.6L 8cyl 6A). Although I have not had occasion to tow yet, the 4.6 seems to have all the power I need and accelerates well. The double cab and increased overall length will take some getting used to. Had I been able to get a diesel, I believe this would have been the ideal truck. I wanted a diesel primarily for long-term efficiency (mpg), dependability and low-end torque (off-roading and hauling). It represents a very good value IMHO and rides like a dream. I traded a Toyota FJ cruiser in on it and am so much happier with this vehicle than the FJ. The FJ is "toy-like" by comparison.

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  Expected so much more - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chris - July 6 - 5:26 am

  I have had this truck for a year and a half now and its falling apart. None of the lights work inside, I can not turn up or down the volume on the radio, the steering has gotten so loose and I could swear the tie rods are broke. I had high hopes for this truck but no go.

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  Not bad - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Sean - June 16 - 11:13 am

  Overall Im happy. Great power. Haul heavy loads all the time and have had no issues with ride. Ride actually gets better as the bed is weighted. Empty bed on rough roads cause entire truck to resonate... this is common in trucks though. Inside plastic; radio and dash material is cheap (planned to get aftermarket nav as it has better features). Bluetooth is actually no good, no one can hear me clearly. JBL subwoofer under rear seat is poorly placed, should have stuck it behind the seat. Center channel on dash makes noise if covered up with paper. Rear head rests obstruct view. No memory seats, rear ac vents or step lights standard on DC Limited? I couldnt get a moonroof on the DC.