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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  Very weak truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By kboyfrommd - June 20 - 8:16 pm

  I have to say this was the worst truck I ever owned. Constant mechanical problems (broken tailgate, transmission issues, engine knock). It was also one of the most uncomfortable trucks to drive any distance. It was rough riding and hard to keep on the road (jittery). I sold it after 6 months and will never own a Toyota again. Stay away.

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  My First Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By Kbuhmann - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have not had this long but so far it is very smooth, quiet, powerful, and plenty of room. I find it so hard seeing ratings of the Tundra to other trucks since I test drove the competition.

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  Love my Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By animeTinkerbell - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This truck drives very nice, it is very comfortable, good on gas, and very fun to drive in! I would never buy any other kind of truck exspecially a ford.

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  Nice Truck so far... - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Chip Rowland - June 9 - 9:43 pm

  Owned Chevy Sub. for 12 yrs. Proved to be a good truck overall. Wanted diesel Ford. Didnt want to pay diesel Ford prices. Anyway, this Tundra is one nice truck. The power is unbelievable. Freeway MPG is 19.5. When engine is cold, it has a slight clatter sound, almost like a super quiet diesel. Sound goes away when warm. Ride is good on smooth roads, washboards a little (lot) on CA highway slab. 250lb+ Snug Top helped. Interior noise should not be used in the same sentence when referring to this truck. It is quiet. Interior design is clean and straightforward. Nobs are big and easy to use. Goes into 4H fine, but clunks when going to 2H under acceleration.

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  The Best Truck for the Buck ! ! ! - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By T-Man - June 7 - 3:16 am

  With the moonroof and all the windows open (including the back window) I feel as though Im in a convertible. Awesome! Great stereo, fun to drive. Ive owned many GM products and this far out-shines them in value and reliability. Far fewer problems. American vehicles (Ford & GM) have a lot more features than Toyota. However, quality and workmanship of the Toyota product is superior to American vehicles.

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  Great truck! - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Ken - June 5 - 9:30 pm

  It is the most comfortable truck I ever owned! The power from the 4.7 V8 is the most UNREAL powerhouse I have ever seen! The only thing I dont like is the quality of the seats. The foam inside the seat feels cheap and seems to feel worn out prematurely.

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  Great Truck for the long haul - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By islanderfan - June 3 - 9:00 am

  Bought the truck and drove it gently for 700 miles, then took it cross country, from Kansas through the Pacific Northwest. Truck drove great, got 17.5 mpg avg. Truck was empty westbound and had a load (approx 1,000 lbs) eastbound. Drove the same empty and loaded. My wife and I both felt that it was a great ride, didnt get the economy of our Prius, but it handled the load that the Prius couldnt. We are both very happy with this truck.

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  Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By ames - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Best Truck Ever - Its like owning a sports car with 4 wheel drive. Strong power, silky smooth shifting, great looks and tough reliability. Over the past few months we have had a lot of rain, and lots of mud. Its new, but its now broken in. Handles the off road quite well. Will be going with the Super Charger soon!

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  Converted domestic buyer - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By borquezmike - May 30 - 3:13 am

  I have read a few negative reviews and feel some buyers will not be happy with any vehicle they buy. I actually feel bad for any manufacturer that does sell them a vehicle. Inherently all vehicles will have some kind of type weird annoyance and as long as it doesnt keep me from enjoying my vehicle, I dont care. No car is silent inside and a V8 does suck down gas. But you will find tons of negative comments as if no one knew this getting in to a 381hp monster. This truck cleans up well and I never go a day without people checking it out. The Crewmax is simply the best solution for people with children who do not want a SUV.

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  Rough Rider - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Dave - May 29 - 3:43 pm

  This is a great truck in every way - except the rough ride. I love the accessories and the 5.7 liter engine. The six speed transmission is very versatile. The 4X4 works great in heavy snow and on ice. The ride, however, is bone jarring and very uncomfortable on anything except a smooth asphalt hiway. It feels like it needs about 2000 lbs. of load in the back to calm the jerky ride. I strongly recommend that if you have neck or back problems, look elsewhere. Fuel economy is not great but is what I expected - about 15 mpg average for all driving conditions. Brakes are excellent, leather seats also.