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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  Design flaws - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By tlb4x - February 10 - 6:00 am

  There are design flaws in the new 2007 Tundra. The head room is insufficient and I must lean forward to see when a stop light turns green. This makes for a rather unenjoyable ride. Im 62" so unless youre shorter than 511" you probably will have the same problem I have. I wish Toyota could explain why they needed to make this truck bigger then the last because there is less head room on this one than the last. Hope they fix it because its close to being a great truck like the last model was.

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  One Big Bad, but Civilized, Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Guam Mr.Z - February 9 - 1:40 am

  I just picked up my 2007 Toyota Tundra 4.7L Limited Edition 4X4 Double Cab With TRD Off Road Package. Ths is the first full sized truck and 4X4 I have ever owned. It is huge, really comparable to the Dodge Rams I use at work, maybe even bigger. Anyways, I got the Limited, and the ride is so quiet and smooth inside the cabin. The suspension soaks up all road irregularities. The JBL sound system with Bluetooth phone capabilities works flawlessly. There are enough cup holders in this truck to hold probably a case of soda! A lot of indoor storage space, with 2 glove compartments. My leather seats are so soft and comfortable. I love this truck. This is one fantastic truck that I would recommend to anyone who wants a full sized truck.

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  The 7/8 truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By dave - February 8 - 8:13 pm

  My wife and I just love this truck and the color salsa red. We have the x-sp package with the 18" enkei alloy w/tire upgrade. I have no problem towing my boat or trailer with the truck. I like side molding w/chrome inserts. I like the double wall cargo bed with rail caps and locking tailgate and chrome step tubes. This truck rides like a car, very smooth and takes the bumps very well, that is why my wife likes to drive it. If you watch the lights and dont punch the gas when you take off, you can get 16 mpg in the city and 19 on the highway, the best i got was 21 on the highway and 16 in the city. The arm rests are a little small for anyone.

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  Excellent - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Dan-o - February 8 - 4:33 am

  If youre looking for quality, reliability and value, get a Tundra. Ill take the gas mileage 16-19 anyday for the value and the low maintenance costs. Truly a well-built vehicle. Drivetrain is smooth and powerful. This should tell you all about Toyota engineering: they use 6 quarts of oil in the crank compared to 4 and 5 from everyone else. Get the towing package; if nothing else, you get the HD tranny with aux. cooler. The drivetrain will last forever. No regrets.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By philip603 - February 3 - 11:10 am

  Most reliable truck I have owned. Real fun to drive. Have to deal with drive line bumping when stopped which I understand is common for 2006 trucks from Toyota and Ford. Not a problem in terms of performance or safety. Just an annoyance. Performs more like a car. Last year of a true midsized pickup. 2007 they went huge with Tundra. It is a great size for functionality, comfort and handling.

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  Double cab and double utility - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By echodon - February 1 - 3:03 am

  After 4 months of driving in rain, snow, mud and winter mountain weather I am thrilled with this truck. Every time I drive it I can feel the quality in everything from the butter smooth, powerful V8 to the fantastic 5 speed automatic which has to be the smartest transmission I have ever used. When descending hills, a tap on the brake automatically downshifts the trans. What a great feature. The gas mileage is much better than expected, 16-18 MPG during real world road driving and a solid 15 MPG in town. The extra horsepower in the 2005 V8 is noticable and with the dual exhaust I installed, it gains another 10%. I have not found one thing yet to complain about on this truck.

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  Toyota Corp. refuses service - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Slpless - January 29 - 2:00 am

  My Tundra will not stop squeaking and popping. I have been to the dealer 4 times and all they will do is lube the leaf springs. Finally on the 4th visit they tell me they are not going to fix the problem because Toyota will not reimburse them for repairs. The 1st Tech that came out told me that it’s a common problem and that I need new leaf springs. The Service Mgr. then came out and said that Toyota is aware of the problem but will not do anything about it because not enough people have complained. Their fix for this problem is to bring it in and let them lube the springs every time the squeaking exists. As soon as I drive off of the lot it starts again.

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  Great truck must buy - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By bl - January 28 - 7:26 am

  I have had my Tundra for a month now and pulled a 23 camper "1970 model" so it was pretty heavy. I had no troubles, I had to go up and down a mountain. The brakes stop wonderfully. I pulled the mountain going around 45 mph no problem.

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  2007 tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill - January 27 - 3:50 am

  85,000 miles. No problems. Fun and powerful to drive. Have trd package, w/limited slip and towing package. Live in Arizona and drive it hard in hot and dusty places. 100% satisfied.

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  Exceptional! Power, MPG, 4x4, Comfort - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By scott - January 26 - 3:56 pm

  Exceptional value for $27,200 for a new 2008 Tundra DC 5.7L 4WD bench seat long bed! This truck has taken me where only jeeps can go (major 4x4 trails) and got me back. Zero maintenance problems. 18 MPG on highway! I can seat 6 comfortably. Handicapped wife sleeps on back bench no problem! Power is amazing for stock. Tows 20 camper trailer as if it isnt even there! Note- I dont work for Toyota, I just LOVE the truck!