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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  Review from an actual owner at 25k miles - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By hdsale - June 6 - 1:29 am

  Ive owned a 2011 5.7 CrewMax TRD Off-Road Tundra for 2 years. Previous trucks were GM. All trucks have their issues, the Tundra less so than previous GM trucks - at least for me. 5.7 is a super strong engine that competition cant match. Feels and drives like a 3/4 ton truck, and tows like one too. High seating position reminds me of an F250 or 2500 GM. Driving the new F150 feels like driving a car after owning the Tundra. Mileage is 15.5 in mixed driving. Short bed on CrewMax means truck can fit in a 20 foot garage (but not by much). No alignment issues here - in fact, I wont let the dealer align the truck as it drives straight as an arrow.

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  Good but not great - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Dan - June 2 - 2:26 pm

  I have had this vehicle just over two years. I had an 03 access cab but with a growing family, needed the extra room. I mostly drive in the city and I am averaging around 17 MPG. I would of liked a bit more. The paint, while not bad, easily dings and scratches. Parking, as has been mentioned before, is a chore, so I park way out at most places. The transmission seems to have a hard time finding the correct gear, specially when using the cruise. The automatic downshifting when going downhill is also annoying. Otherwise, I wish it had a little better acceleration. Also, it eats front tires. Alignment OK though. Overall, decent truck, but it doesnt really stand out in any particular category.

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  One of a Kind - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By atomicalex7 - May 18 - 3:18 am

  After 5 months of experience driving this truck, I can truly say it runs better than most new cars today. There is plenty of effortless power that comes through the 4.7 liter engine, however an extra gear would be helpful when accelerating up an onramp while towing. Driving the truck can be wiggly on very bumpy roads, however a majority of the time it just floats down the road. While stopping quickly from a high rate of speed, there is a noticeable shake coming from the pedal, but that is a common problem. Overall it is a very powerful and nice riding truck, and it is much safer than other trucks from the year 2000.

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  Major transmissin problem - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By ken - May 15 - 5:33 am

  My 4.6 litr. transmission acts like no other vehicle I have driven, it constantly is hunting for a gear and the gas pedal is not responsive to requests for a small amount of power to maintain a constant speed. When doing this, I apply pressure to the pedal and after an inch or more of down pressure with nothing happening, it down shifts. I tow a 5700 lb trailer and the poor response of the engine and lack of power on hills makes driving this vehicle ULTRA annoying. Toyota said the truck is normal, baloney!!!! If it responded like every other vehicle I have driven, I would not be writing this review. Ive been driving Toyotas for 30 years.

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  Work Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By HL - May 12 - 11:16 pm

  I bought the standard cab V6 6 speed manual new as my work truck. It currently has 118000 miles with the original clutch and has only required the standard maintenance (tires, oil, filters, spark plugs, brake pads, rotors). With the tool boxes and welder it carries an extra 1500 lbs in the bed at all times with no problems.

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  Toyota Quality - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By JDA - May 9 - 8:50 am

  I bought this truck new, and it has served me well, quite well. I highly recommend this truck to people who need a truck, but dont need the truck for heavy-duty use; I am a suburban male with dogs, camping equipment, skis, mountain bikes, and I used to have a ski boat. The only problem I have had was with brakes and belt replacement, and the cup holder broke, but was replaced under warranty. There is not much room in the back of the cab, so if you want more room, you should choose a newer model. I have heard this truck referred to as the "Lexus of Trucks" and I have to agree. The most negative aspect of this vehicle is the gas mileage. I average 12-13 in city driving, and 17-18.

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  Happy with My Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Jango Barks - May 8 - 12:06 pm

  I bought my Tundra following a terrible front-end collision. Well beyond its crash rating, my Tundra meets my needs beautifully.

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  A Well-Built Machine - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By John - May 2 - 10:10 pm

  It was obvious from the first time I drove my 2005 Toyota Tundra that is was soldily built and well engineered. Fit and finish are excellent. The 4.7-liter engine and five- speed transmission are exceptionally responsive at all speed ranges. Acceleration is smart and snappy. Perhaps the best feature of this truck is its smooth, quiet ride. Cornering on the 2005 Tundra is flat and stable, far better than other brands of trucks I have owned. For the most part, the five- speed transmission is smooth, but it does tend to jump rather harshly into a lower gear when ascending hills.

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  Schools still out... - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bart - April 2 - 5:26 pm

  Having owned fords, chevys and everything in between, and using them professionally I can tell you that I havent made up my mind on this truck. You cant beat the power of the 5.7, but the oil changes are murder. Why Toyota decided to go with cartridge filter and have to pull the skid plate, and use special tools and 5w20 synthetic, who knows??? Tires only lasted 28000 miles. Bad pavement and you get the roller coaster effect. Ive already had the torque converter replaced (under warranty). Makes a roaring sound when starting it after not running for four days and I still havent figure that one out. All the black pieces on the exterior of the truck are beginning to suffer uv damage.

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  Arizona Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Arizona Al - March 11 - 6:46 pm

  I plan on keeping my 2006 Tundra for a long time. I test drove everything else and was amazed to have headroom in the cab for my 64" frame even with the moonroof. Lots of room in the back seat for friends or my dogs. Very quiet cab and smooth ride. Disappointed that my new 271 hp truck gets much worse mileage than my 325 hp car. I got the truck for day to day driving and weekend yardwork. This truck fits the bill perfectly and is fun to drive to boot.