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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  My Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By J Esandrio - November 1 - 2:00 am

  This truck is great after years with a GM Model Iam very impressed now 27000k no problems and a smooth rider

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  Best Heavy 1/2 ton ever! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By john - October 31 - 9:16 am

  If you wanna turn heads with the trucks sharp looks and impress passengers with its raw power, buy a tundra withthe 5.7L V8. This truck has ridiculous power but should really have a Lexus badge on it because the ride quality is second to none.

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  Not as good as past Toyotas - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Nunya - October 30 - 1:53 pm

  Ive had 2 Toyotas in the past, and the new ones are living on that reputation. Its still a great truck compared to the other low quality trucks on the market, but still not even close to the same quality as past Toyotas. The 18 MPG really stinks, especially for a V- 6, the cargo light has to be turned off before getting out of the truck to keep from running the batt. down., the seatbelts seem really cheap, the paint seems very thin, and brittle, the cheap plastic tailgate handle broke and costs a fortune to replace. Its still a good truck, but like others here I just expected a heck of a lot more out of Toyota than this. IMHO we keep buying higher $$$ for cheaper quality. Will we learn?

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  Theres a lot to like here... - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By S. Baker - October 28 - 11:46 am

  This truck rides and handles well enough that even the wife doesnt mind driving it. Its comfortable for my 6-2 large frame even on a 300 mile straight through drive (which is the freeway distance you will go between fill-ups). Fit and finish is outstanding. Treat it gently as the sheet metal is paper thin and dents can accumulate very easily. The same applies to the paint job (paper thin). Have had the truck for a year and a half and have had no warranty issues whatsoever. This wont replace a Ford F250, but youd be better off buying it over a F150.

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  2000 Tundra - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By J Tillman - October 28 - 6:36 am

  Best riding & handling truck Ive ever had. Liked the truck a lot. Suicide door arrangement was the most the most bothersome part of the truck. It was difficult getting things in or out of the back seat area having to have both side doors open, espeicially in a crowded carking lot. The Dunlop tires that came with the truck all failed within 27,000 mi. The belts shifted inside the tire.

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  V6 can tow it. - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Toy owner - October 26 - 5:13 pm

  V6 tows boat and 21 Ft Travel Trailer with no problems at all

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  What a truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Big Duece - October 25 - 3:46 pm

  The Tundra is an excellent truck. Power, durability, comfort, and all the works. A true truck man love those qualities. The Tundra is not a Lexus but it sure rides like one. I cant wait to see if TRD creates a blower (forced induction) for this vehicle. It will really become a true monster truck that is street legal. I love everything about my Tundra. What a truck!!

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  Delighted with my purchase - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Eddie Kidd - October 25 - 1:33 pm

  I bought the truck because of Toyotas legendary reliability and my success with previous Toyota trucks. Not one problem so far. This truck is a blast to drive. I drove all brands of trucks before my purchase just to make sure I wasnt being biased. The Tundra simply "fit" me better than any other full-size truck.

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  Best full-size truck ever!!!! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - October 13 - 9:23 pm

  Words can not convey how much I love my Tundra. It is by far the best full- size pickup on the road today. Sure it cant two a house but thats not a requirement of mine. For my use, its perfect. Extremely comfortable, gets good mpg for a truck (avg 16.5 in city/hwy mix) and seats 5-6 very comfortably. Its absolutely the best. I test drove every full-size truck on the market and the Tundra bested them all when you look at everything youre getting.

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  From great to greater - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Tundra Still the Best - October 13 - 6:52 pm

  I recently upgraded my 2008 Tundra Crewmax Limited to a 2015 Tundra Crewmax 1794 Edition and couldnt be happier. The 2008 was a great truck with zero problems over my 7 years of ownership but I liked the new style a little better. After shopping all brands, I narrowed it down to the Silverado with a 6.2 liter and the Tundra. Back to back test drives and haggling for price cemented my decision and I havent looked back. The reliability and resale on the Tundra is amazing. I pull a 27 camper and have been familiar with the same powertrain I had in the 2008 and like it. Yes the mileage is less in the Tundra but I bought it pull my camper. Gimmicks like cylinder deactivation do not work while towing anyway so dont let the mileage fool you if you plan on towing. The electronics and apps were a big improvement over my 2008. With Entune, I have weather, weather map, traffic info, iHeart radio, etc. and do not have to pay a cent or subscribe to "OnStar", another great feature. The navigation is fast, Bluetooth connects instantly and voice recognition work great. The "Bose" radio in the Silverado sounds like and old AM radio compared to the JBL 12 speaker stereo with sub and amp in the Tundra...another great plus. I am looking forward to another 7 years or more with this truck.