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 my truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Brenna - April 29 - 7:30 pm

  I love my truck. Very roomy. Smooth ride.

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  ok but there are better choices - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Daniel Graber - April 25 - 6:41 pm

  I think its the worst looking of all the full size trucks and the redesign is a even another step backwards, but I thought it would be better in quality & feel than the others brands because of the Toyota name plate. It has great power! Transmission seems to have the right shift points, The heat & air controls are cheap feeling. The steering requires constant corrections going down the highway and fuel mileage is terrible!

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  Toyota Tundra - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Buelna - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Great power, fast but has a hard time with extremely over capicity loads.....only in handling....not power....Truck is solid.....great power......super engine.....smooth to drive.......will only buy toyota from now on...

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  Toyota Tops Chevy Hands Down - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By ray_of_light76 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck. Ive had mine less than a year and it SO beats the life out of the Chevy piece of junk I had. If you want a truck to haul truck stuff, ride well, and be reliable AND be worth something should you decide to sell it a few years down the road -- get a Toyota. Fantastic Truck!

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  X Mercedes Owner - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By VK - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Drives as well if not better than my Mercedes ML320

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  Get one while you can....! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By kmagman - April 22 - 7:06 am

  Just bought the 2006 Tundra because the 2007 model will be HUGE and probably less economical. I bought this vehicle to take the place of a Lexus RX 300 and a Mazda B4000 pickup. It handles BETTER than the RX 300 and is just as comfortable with all the same comfort features and build quality.

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  Brakes are TERRIBLE - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Used 2 Love Toyota - April 17 - 4:36 pm

  Bought it new, and it ran like a dream. Then at about 20-25K miles, the brakes started going bad. On slippery roads, whenever I stepped on the brake pedal, itd seize up and the truck would take forever to stop. Brought it to the dealer, who said the brakes are perfect. Dealt with it for another 40K miles (yes, I shouldve gotten rid of it). Its at the point that when theres even the slightest bit of rain or snow on the road, the whole truck shakes violently when I try to brake. Tried pressing my entire weight on the brake, and the truck slowly comes to a stop. Ive almost gotten killed twice. Google it. Youll see. Total nightmare. Dealer says its "normal for this model".

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  2006 Toyota Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By I KNOW TRUCKS - April 11 - 12:43 pm

  Well I did it, I bought this truck and am 100% satisfied. I wont be buying anymore of the big 3, I have owned all the trucks and none compare to the Tundra. I almost bought the Honda Ridgeline (had it prepped and ready for pick up) but after driving the Tundra I changed my mind. If you want a truck for truckly things the Tundra is the best deal. I was expecting a lite, lazy, over revving imitation of a truck. Not so! This is a truck in the truest sense of what trucks are supposed to be.

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  Best truck I ever owned! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - April 10 - 11:23 pm

  Bought a 2006 Tundra 4x4 double cab TRD, and I love it! Truck is very comfortable on long trips, even with four people in. Truck gets decent fuel mileage ,I avg. 19-20 on long trips to the mtns. here in Colorado. Great sound system (JBL), one thing that helps alot with fuel I think is the camper shell I have. Back window makes for easier access to bed, the suspension is not too harsh, the TRD is a great package for going off road. All in all the best truck I ever bought.

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  Surprising workhorse/pony - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By papabotts - April 7 - 5:43 am

  I have had this surprisingly powerful workhorse for 2.5 yrs. now and and quite pleased. It hauls like a truck but drives like a car. It has power and the rear sliding window handles 20 foot boards. Ive hauled full pallets of wallstone with little sway. Perfect for work and family. Only problems have been large turning radius and transmission with cruise on gets finicky. Test drove a Titan, a Ram and F-150 and pleased with my selection. Have power everything, all works great. Cup holders 4 full crew,plenty of storage compartments all over the place. Truck NOT heavy duty, but hauls well. Fuel 16c-19 hwy