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 591 through 600 of 1,512.00-
Bought American Made - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By flyfisher - February 24 - 2:00 amThey dont get any better than this. Worry free transportation. Im done with the so called big three.
-
Nice Truck - 2014 Toyota Tundra
By sundance2014 - February 23 - 3:07 pmI owned a 4.7 2007 double cab. It took a while to warm up to the new model. Some things I like about the new model. Some things I dont. The interior is vastly better. So is the radio, controls and vents. Seats are better. Better fabric. Slightly wider and overall more comfortable. I bought the 5.7 this time and I really enjoy it. A previous reviewer complained about getting 11 mpg. I got 15.5. in mostly city driving out of the first tank. I expect it to get e a little better. I drove a 2013 5.7 and there nothing different about the 2014. The 5.7 is different than the 4.6 or 4.7. the 4.7 was much more responsive at lower speeds but the 5.7 has got seemingly endless power above 1500 rpm.
-
A Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Hadawn - February 22 - 4:46 pmI bought this truck new in Sept. 2001. It now has 64K and it still runs like it is brand new. I have had very few problems. I would recommend this truck to anyone. I had to have the O2 sensors replaced (recall) and the lower ball joints replaced (recall). The drivers sideview mirror had to be replaced because it rattled (under warranty). The only thing that Ive had to pay for is the interior light switch on the drivers side. It was only $100.00. The dealership has always been very helpful and friendly. There are no squeaks or rattles anywhere. This truck was built to last. The engine is very smooth, responsive and quiet. The V8 engine is amazing.
-
Best Truck on the Street! - 2013 Toyota Tundra
By txiong71 - February 21 - 8:33 amJust recently purchased this truck back in July 2013 and I got to say its the best vehicle yet! Averaging 17mpgs (still trying to get use to as I use to have a Rav4 and a corolla).
-
What a Truck! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By pleased - February 21 - 1:20 amTraded in my 08 Tacoma PreRunner for the Tundra and havent looked back. The truck handles like a luxury vehicle but still has the bold look of a truck. The 4.6L has plenty of power for my personal use, actually more than I need. Love having a truck bed over 6 ft and 4wd. MPGs have been about averaging around 16 mixed driving, I was getting 20 mpg in my Tacoma but the sacrifice is definitely worth it.
-
By far the best truck I have ever owned! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By steved - February 20 - 11:03 pmI bought this truck in july 07, I have worked it very hard, heavy duty trailers towing a bobcat, ski boat 24 ft camper, 2500lbs firewood in the bed. I have owned 2 silverados, 1 f150, 1 ram and an expedition. This is by far the toughest truck i have had. The ride is great, the engine is very snappy, the transmission is smooth. I have not had one problem with this truck with the exception of one of the rubber strips coming off the roof from the automatic carwash. No biggy. Contrary to other statements, my tailgate is very strong, I have loaded my 700lb Arctic Cat in the bed many times with no issues. Love the fact that its built in America with American materials. Good Job Toyota!!
-
Love my tundra more every time I drive. - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By scott - February 11 - 3:56 amWhile it may be a little shy on total horsepower, compared to others, it has plenty for me and the boat I tow. The ride is unbelievable, and I would rather drive it than the car. I cant say enough good things about this truck. It is the best half ton truck out on the market right now. My work allows me to drive new trucks, like Chevy and Ford, but the Tundra is by far a better truck.
-
Busted and Bumbed - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By lee - February 7 - 12:56 amCompared against F-150, should have bought Ford. Way nicer truck, more of everything i.e. towing, payload, cab choices. thought toyota would hold up to the pounding. not even close. what a piece. bad trans.
-
Toyota quality a step ahead - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By David - February 4 - 11:43 amThis truck meets all my expectations derived from owning two previous Toyota trucks. The regular cab has large doors with large windows which make for unsurpassed visibility. The storage area behind the seats is completely practible. While some reviews have complained about the ride, I find it very acceptable. The room and comfort of the cab make long trips a delight. The engine/transmission package is smooth and provides ample power for my needs. If I towed a large trailer, I would opt for the 5.7 V8. Overall, its a workhorse of truck that I can depend on that drives well too. Gas mileage is about what I expected, 17-18 mpg.
-
V6 powerhouse AT smooth ride - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By carb1776 - January 30 - 9:36 pmTruck rides like a Camry. V6 is more than enough power to drive straight up inclines in Vermont hills! MPG 21 or better if you drive the speed limit. I have only changed the oil. My first truck, would buy again! Toyota quality and great resale market for this truck. Lots of room for a very tall guy.
