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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  Bad to the Bone - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Barry - December 20 - 10:33 pm

  I researched trucks for nearly eight months and then decided to wait on the new Tundra. I have owned a Toyota 4x4 (1992) for fifteen years with no problems and expect the same with the 2007 Tundra. It drives like a dream. The TRD suspension gives the truck a great feel on and off road. All the power you will ever need. Dont listen to all the little complaints about the interior. The stereo and AC controls are in the right place. There is not one thing that I would change about this monster. The Ash interior looks great with the black. Go with the TRD package in order to get the fog lights, all-terrain wheels, skid plates, and wheels. The stereo is as good as anything Ive heard.

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  No quality no reliability - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Ed - December 18 - 1:00 am

  I traded in a Chevy Silverado for a Toyota Tundra. What a mistake! The 4 wheel drive broke after 200 miles. One week in the shop to install new control unit and front axle engaging device. Now the dashboard has a rattle in it and the fan is making a ticking noise. So far two trips to dealer have not resolved the problem. I have a Camry and love it. Toyota needs to stick to making cars and leave the truck building to some one else.

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  First time Tundra owner - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Steven Pruitt - December 17 - 8:28 am

  Since I was 18 years of age I have owned two new Dodge 2500, three new Nissan Titans. Small and mid-sized: new Chevy Colorado Z71, new Mazda B2000, new Dodge D-50, new Mitsubishi Macro-Cab, and a new Isuzu Hombre. Now, I own a 2017 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition. Without question, the Mitsubishi was the most reliable pickup Ive ever owned, and after putting 330,000 miles on it. My Son and I changed the timing chains, and tyranny bearings SO HE COULD DRIVE IT FOR ANOTHER 45,000!!!! The Dodge 2500 (2008) was the biggest price of junk I have ever purchased. Chevy showed me just how bad customer service could be. I have a very strong affection for the Nissan Titan, in that they are comfortable and easy to drive, but the acoustic deadening is non-existing and the wind noise is extremely irritating. So far the Toyota is very quiet, comfortable and has that throaty growl (after I installed the TRD dual exhaust package) and extremely quick! There are some items the Tundra doesnt have that I enjoyed on the Titans, and ergonomically it is behind some of the other brands. However, one of the biggest reasons I purchased my Toyota was the resale value. Its nice to have all the Truck world has to offer on your ride, but paying for it again in the end is not a very smart way to purchase.........and there is a good reason for the high retainage of value as the years of ownership pass bye..........Toyota builds a better truck.

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  Tundra review - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By wadester - December 16 - 6:50 am

  Bought truck used with 46,000 miles on it. Great truck, build quality is excellent like all Toyota products. Fuel mileage was 16 in town added an AFE cold air intake and now get 18-19 in town and 21-22 mpg on hiway. I also run synthetic oil in engine as well as both differentials. The only complaint I have is the access doors are inconvenient would have been much better design to have them open like a regular door. Maybe next time I will buy the double cab. Double cab not offered in 2003.

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  Great Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By envelopo - December 16 - 1:40 am

  I traded my 09 Silverado on this truck because of numerous problems and trips to the dealer. I have had other toyota trucks over the years and returned because of the build quality. This truck is smooth, quiet, powerful and bone solid reliable. 30% of the time I am towing a 5800 lb travel trailer and am very impressed with the 4.6 engines towing ability. In my opinion the engine is good compromise between economy and power. Currently I am getting about 17 in combined driving, 19 highway and 10 - 11 towing. I also like how the 6 speed transmission operates, the heating cooling system and seat fabric. Biggest complaint is a rather flimsy bed, which I plan to cure with a spray in liner.

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  Are they Kidding? - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By galagaplayer - December 15 - 11:13 pm

  This truck is great. I test drove all the competitors and decided to pay a little more for the toyota. Resale will take care of those concerns in a few years. The others just dont compare. The 5.7 liter is smooth, and powerful. The ride is also very comfortable and I believe superior, I did not notice the Jitters that are mentioned in other reviews. I sprung for the 20 inch wheels, it really makes the vehicle pleasing to the eye. The edmunds review seems to be searching for something wrong. The only thing wrong is the lack of awards.

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  2005 Tundra review - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Don Miller - December 14 - 4:16 pm

  This truck lives up to the toyota build quality. This is my third toyota in two years , and the first truck , any problems have been minor and fixed by dealers without question about where the vehicle was bought.

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  Great Pickup! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By I Vernon - December 12 - 4:30 am

  I got the stripped model 2DR V6, A/C, roll-up windows, no cruise control, approx. $18,500. This is really a fantastic vehicle except for one nagging problem. The front brake rotors consistently become warped from overheating about every 20,000 miles. The so-called fix is to buy new star adjusters for the rear drum brakes. This does not solve the problem, and Toyota refuses to issue a recall notice or assist owners with this problem. They just sell the star adjustors which do not solve the problem. In standing behind their product, Toyota is becoming more like the U.S. auto producers!

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  Cant Go Wrong - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jesse Lott - December 10 - 12:50 pm

  This truck is my 3rd Toyota. I have had zero problems with them. Ever. The mileage is good, considering. The ride is sweet, but you know youre in a truck. The power sliding rear window is a wonderful idea. The truck is large enough to handle anything I would need, but it not so oversize that parking and negotiating is an issue. The fit and finish tops as is Toyotas reputation holds. Power is there when needed and the tranny is smooth. Styling is not "gotta have it," but it grows on you. This is the last truck I will buy. Period.

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  Best Truck Made! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By GeoTundra - December 6 - 8:50 am

  This truck is an all around great truck. It has never needed to be cranked more than one time to start even at 40,000 miles. This truck has gotten excellent fuel economy too! Ive done about 550-600 miles on full tank, which I couldnt believe, remembering its a V8. I took it to the dealer for the recall it had and it drives a little different from before but still not bad. Everything works as it should and this truck couldnt impress me more. No American car can compare to the reliability of this one.