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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Great truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Jo - October 12 - 6:46 amI purchased this truck new about 8 years ago. I love my truck. V-8 is always responsive, no hesitation, a/c works great even in south Mississippi summers. Transmission is as flawless as the day it was born. The interior has held up wonderfully, only one temp control knob has split on the inside, looking for a new one! On long trips, its good for about 8 hours before my back gets sore. Exterior has also held up well due to frequent oil changes, tire rotations and wash and wax frequently and this truck will last. No rust. Bed is smaller than a full size pickup, but this is great for parking and moving small loads. Big loads I use the trailer hitch and find a trailer.
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2003 Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Dan King - October 10 - 2:26 amI have driven my Tundra under a variety of conditions. For highway driving, the Tundra handles like a car and the V-8 engine gives you acceleration on request. In winter conditions, the Tundra is nimble when maneuvering through snow covered roads. Like any machine, the Tundra has a few weaknesses. The braking is good but you will encounter pulsation with a quick slow down. The vehicle is hard on fuel, particularly if driven fast or when towing. For the most part, I am pleased with the truck. Although full size, the Tundra is a little more compact than North American pick-up trucks. Combine this with car like handling, and it makes the Tundra an ease to drive.
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A lot better than you think - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By joe - October 7 - 6:56 amThis truck tows my 8500# work trailer so well that I dont even cringe when a stop light turns yellow at the worst time. Mileage is a lot better than I thought it would be. I have had 8.9 towing to 21,1 HWY, driving it like a hypermiler.
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What a great truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By JerSr - October 5 - 9:43 pmThis vehicle drives very well for a large truck and has a good deal of storage in the rear seat area. Towing our travel trailer is a breeze and the engine feels like it isnt working hard at all. This truck should last a long time and Toyota build quality is excellent.
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Powerful Truck - 2015 Toyota Tundra
By Gabriel Gabriel - October 3 - 10:08 pmI traded my 2010 Chevy Silverado for the 2015 Toyota Tundra after a test Drive. Superb ride over the Silverado. The only complaint is the MPG I get 14in the city and 17 on the HWY. Lots of power and comfortable ride. I just hit my 16,000 miles and I enjoyed everyone of those miles.
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Awesome - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Vaisey2485 - October 1 - 10:30 amI just traded up from a 2003 F-150 Lariat. This is my 1st Toyota and I love it. I found the interior to be a little less then what I anticipated. I thought my F-150 had a better interior pkg. But, where the interior lacks - the horsepower makes up for. It has such a smooth ride also. Best truck i ever had.
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Family truck - 2009 Toyota Tundra
By Lance - September 26 - 11:40 amWe traded in a Toyota Sequoia for the Crewmax Tundra as our primary soccer mom, road trip, camping vehicle. The back seat is great and 3 boys fit very well. We haul so much stuff that we were trashing the back of the SUV and this is the perfect solution. Drives great and has lots of room to throw stuff in and go. The power is amazing and fun and the interior room and comfort has everything you need.
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Tundra Takes Over - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By birdliver - September 26 - 10:00 amI bought the truck to tow my boat which weighs about 3 tons. I couldnt be more satisfied. I very much like the looks of the truck and its road handling. Everyone who drives it says it handles more like a car(always a positive comment) than its competition. I agree and approve.
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Toyota Tundra - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By jamesmcc - September 26 - 9:43 amOnly 100 miles! Nice so far, no bed bounce on 66 which is a concrete highway. Lots of power, interior is nice but some unusual nooks and storage places. Bluetooth and navigation are great as is the sound system. It is a big truck, will take some getting used too. Gas mileage is around 15 mpg so far. No weird rattles or vibration yet.
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Great Truck! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By Corey - September 24 - 10:00 amFirst off this is the best truck I have ever owned! tons of power, room and design. who ever doesnt like this truck is simply a huge MORON!
