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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  toyota - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By grh - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I have owned several 4wd ext cabs in the past this is by far the most enjoyable and best built of them all. Could use a little bigger back seat , and for the price should have abs standard. Excellent vehicle .

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  Fundra! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Randy - January 22 - 4:20 am

  I did a lot of research and read many reviews before buying. Many complained about mileage, I have been getting 17.5 mpg on average with "mostly" responsible city driving. For a large v8 truck I feel that is great. The fuel guage drops quickly from full but slows as the level gets lower, and like every other review, when the light comes on there is 4-6 gallons left. The truck is very quiet inside and comfortable with ample room and storage. A/C and radio controls seem far away, the grade radio is less than desireable. Tow mirrors are good but add minor wind noise. Overall I am extremely happy. Its not a super duty, but its an excellent truck and fun too.

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  Conflicted. - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By VictorV. - January 15 - 7:40 am

  My first choice was a 2009 Ford F150, but could not make a deal. Bought my Tundra in Monterey, Ca and drove her home to Las Vegas, NV. I drove my truck through a multitude of highways, and this is what I learned. More power than I will ever need. Going up the grade past Baker, CA, the Tundra did not break a sweat. Drive was smooth and comfortable, but, pay attention here, there is bed bounce. Just on certain type of roads, not enough to get rid of the truck (my Dodge Ram had the same issue) but it might cause other drivers fits. Very quiet truck, cannot hear roadnoise. All in all, the best bang for the buck in its segment.

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  New old Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By fossilfinder66 - January 14 - 10:20 am

  Because it was such a beast to park, we traded our 2004 Tundra crew cab for a new Frontier but later missed the cushy Tundra ride. Several weeks ago we purchased a 2006 Access Cab with only 12,800 miles. It has the very comfortable captains chairs with the short console. What a pleasure to take a trip in this baby. I was leary of getting the V-6 but the 5 speed automatic is programmed to work very well with this engine. Every power option works as a Toyota is expected to work. Even the back seats are large enough for small adults or grandchildren. This is a "real truck" without the bulk of other full size brands or the bounce of the smaller trucks.

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  3 TUNDRAS - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By JIM C. - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I OWN A 2000/ 2001 AND NOW A 2003 TUNDRA 2 WHEEL AND 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THEY HAVE BEEN TROUBLE FREE EXCELLENT VEHICLES. TIME IN THE SHOP HAS ONLY BEEN FOR THE $19.95 OIL AND FILTER CHANGE IN 20 MINUTES AT OUR LOCAL DEALER.

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  Gass - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Carlitos - January 8 - 10:09 am

  Fuel economy not great

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  Like the Tundra - 2014 Toyota Tundra
  By bretn - January 4 - 8:41 pm

  Overall I like the Tundra, have a 6"lift on it and it looks nice. The turning radius is not quite what I would like it to be. Like someone else said, the carpet is a little thin, which means it will wear fast, if you dont put some liners in. The back seat is the roomiest I have ever seen (the kids like it better). We have had other Toyotas and have been pleased with the overall satisfaction. The stereo could be a little better, I like my music loud and its not loud enough, though the sound is good. Power booster maybe?

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  Poor Gas Mileage - Less than EPA Rating - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Robert - December 28 - 3:43 pm

  My wife and I are both Toyota owners. My wife owns a 2003 Avalon, while I have access to the 4.7L V8 engine 2006 Tundra. I have really been disappointed with actual fuel mileage compared to rated fuel mileage for the Tundra. This issue looms even larger in light of the higher fuel prices over 2005 prices. Actual highway mileage is 14-15 mpg, while the EPA fuel rating is 18-20 mpg for higway driving. Actual city mileage is poor. The Tundras turning radius is also problematic. Typical u-turns from a two way street or highway onto a two way street or hignway are virtually impossible without having to turn and backup.

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  Quality control improvements needed - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By MOMAN - December 24 - 4:20 am

  Excellent truck and excellent local dealer. Problems: In 18 months I had 3 radios, 3 rear bumpers, 2 alloy wheels repainted, and new set of tires. In 18 months I averaged 17.5 MPG. The truck is fun to drive and very functional. Went to Toyota due to problems with U.S. vehicles - now having problems with Toyota.

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  Tundra is the way to go... - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By andywx - December 21 - 3:46 pm

  Just purchased an 05 SR5 Double Cab and love it. I was debating between the double cab 05 Tacoma and the 05 Tundra and decided that the ride quality in the Tundra was too good to leave behind. The Tacoma still seemed bouncy relative to my 02 Access Cab Tundra. The interior on the 05 Tacoma was impressive but considering the extended wheelbase, I would have expected a better, less bouncy ride. All in all theyre both amazing trucks. After owning 5 Toyotas in the last 10 years without a single problem to report, you simply cannot beat Toyota reliability. If you dont need to tow something heavy, I wouldnt even bother with the "big 3".