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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  Love this truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Ethylene - August 2 - 7:50 am

  The Tundra has plenty of power and drives very smoothly. It can readily handle the twisty roads and hills of WV. The handling is responsive and its easy to park. It rides high enough to see ahead. I havent towed with it yet, but the power is evident and I dont expect any problem at all. I really love this truck. A lot of computerized stuff like all vehicles, but all works as advertised and no glitches. Lots of gauges so I know whats going on, including a tire pressure warning light. I liked that air and the 6 speed auto trans are standard features. And Toyota adds enough nice touches that it doesnt look like a basic "work" truck.

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  Give me a brake!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Davie H - August 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Toyota pickup. I have had brake problems since day one! I have had 3 sets installed already and now Freehold Toyota tells me this is normal! They didnt even have the phone number for the zone rep! I also have a very bad ticking noise when its cold started and I have heard that its a manifold problem I called Toyota direct and they told me nothing is coming up as far as any recalls are concerened! I know for a fact my problems are also shared with other 2000 Tundra owners. I want to get a new Tundra but im very leary now. Its a shame that toyota doesnt stand by their mistakes! They took my money real fast!

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  Tundra quality is poor!! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Hanniabl - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I am very disappointed in my 2000 Tundra. I have had brake work every 10,000 miles, $1,000s in other work and at 60,000 had to pay $1,600 to have cracked exhaust manifolds replaced. Both were cracked. Seems clear this is an engineering, maufacturing or installation problem. The most they would offer is to comp the parts, still cost me $1,000. I sold it and bought a much better quality truck, a GMC.

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  What a wonderful truck! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By East - August 2 - 2:00 am

  If you are in the market to purchase a truck this is the one to consider. This truck as a 2wd had done everything and more of a 4wd. It goes off road with great gas mileage and on road (stop and go) with great gas mileage. Our truck is mainly used in the city. It is comfortable in stop and go and highway driving. Comfort and design of this truck is superior. We have cloth interior, with a green exterior. No bell and whistles on it because it didnt need it. Reliablity, what can I say other than it is a Toyota.

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  Great truck - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By MrAdaMrAda - August 1 - 8:26 pm

  This is a great truck, could stand to have more power. Overall I think it is a winner.

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  able to leep...... saved my life - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By gamootz - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I totaled my Tundra and was launched in the air for well over 145 feet, it landed and then bounced crossed the road and hit 2 other cars, I was knocked out but came to and just felt slightly sore. That truck saved my life ! I believe as does everyone who saw the crash scene that I would have been killed if I was in any other kind of truck made A++++ . I Thank you Toyota for making them safe. I believe that is the strongest and safest truck on the road ever built. I give this truck my highest regards and recommend them to everyone. AMAZING TRUCKS TOYOTA !!

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  Performance and Reliability - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By EX Ford Owner - July 31 - 6:46 am

  I was a GMC and F150 owner for years. After my 2006 F150 broke down the 4th time I drove it straight to the Toyota dealer and traded it in. I felt guilty at first , but than learned The Toyota was designed and built in the U.S. (much more so than the F150 !).This truck may cost a little more, but you get way more for the money, the build quality is far superior, it tows like an animal, and with only 1500 miles it is getting better gas mileage than the f150 already. I get compliments on it all the time. It is sharp enough to take my girlfriend to a nice restaurant, and strong enough to haul my race car to the track. The last time I towed, it was up hills in 108 degree heat - no sweat.

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  First time Toyota owner - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Cecil - July 25 - 4:17 am

  Tundra SR5 TSS, at 1600 miles I like it, a lot. Nice ride, lots of room, and happy with 16.9 mpg. Update: a year later, tired of doing surveys, I want to drive my truck.

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  Best Truck Made - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By nole795 - July 25 - 4:16 am

  I have had my Tundra for 2 years. Smartest buy I ever made. It will even outlast my wife :). I was skeptical buying a used truck from a lot but the Tundra really is a great ride. It has power. You really feel safe in the truck in the TX storms. Ive never brought it for service except for one recall and oil changes. If your in the market for a reliable used truck that can do the "job" then the Tundra should be on the top of your list. You wont be disappointed.

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  First V8 Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Hayden - July 18 - 1:23 pm

  I really missed not having a truck for the past 5 years. With the $4 a gallon gas I found some amazing deals out there on barely used trucks. I usually commute on a 52mpg motorcycle so fuel mileage is irrelevant to me. Having said that I average 19.1 gallons in the tundra with a easy driving style. It will get over 20mpg on road trips @70-75 mph. I wanted a double cab with at least a 6 bed which ruled out a lot of trucks. I drove a dodge and ford but they seemed to lack refinement and power. Overall I am very happy with the truck its the limited so its loaded with very nice JBL 6 disc changer, plenty of interior room, excellent ride smooth and quiet.