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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  Great Truck But... - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Katzat - December 4 - 2:00 pm

  Picked up the truck a week ago and have put 300 miles on it. The interior comfort is outstanding although I am 62" tall, and my head is almost on the ceiling. Seats are far better than previous models and far more comfortable than the competitors I looked at. The rear seat area is huge and plenty comfortable even for me. Interior quality seems better than previous models and offers a quiet ride. The ride has impressed even my wife, and she loves to drive it. The power is noticeable and I am sure it will tow the boat effortlessly. 15 mpg in burbs, but should improve with break in. I am concerned about the quality of the paint as it does not seem to be nearly as good as our 2004 Sequoia

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  Motor Rocks - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By RF - December 2 - 11:50 pm

  My third Tundra (2001 SR5, 2005 SR5 4WD Crew). The motor simply rocks, its quiet, smooth and incredibly powerful. I tow a 5000 lb boat and you dont even know its there. The tranny works well while towing, but has trouble finding gears at slower speeds when not towing, especially when taking off from a light. Other than that, its my least favorite Tundra. It just doesnt feel well put together, the throttle is very punchy, I have several rattles and have had to replace the radio, oh and the little gas pedal recall. I commute and can routinely get 19 mpg if I use cruise control, which is awesome.

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  Good Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Luke - December 2 - 12:00 pm

  Truck handles great and I have damaged it a lot and never any damage to the tough frame. Toyota has made a very reliable truck, I have put 80000 miles on it and have had no damage to any parts or engine, all damage has been cosmetic due to me. The only thing you have to do is change the oil and brakes. I would recommend this truck to anyone.

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  Top Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By GN - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Serenely quiet in town and on the highway. Great acceleration and good handling. Gas milage okay - 17 MPG mixed. Fit and finish are remarkable. Havent checked towing yet, but expect it will be quite capable. 4X4 works well and transmits road feel to the steering wheel.

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  Awesome Truck - 2013 Toyota Tundra
  By john_jt - November 19 - 4:43 pm

  Have only had the truck for a few weeks but so far it is awesome. I use to be a Nissan customer but because of their lack of care for loyal customers and my last Nissan was a Titan that was unreliable I have now switched over to Toyota and couldnt be happier.

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  Great Everyday Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jill - November 19 - 11:56 am

  Unless you are doing some serious hauling and towing on a daily basis, there is no reason not to own this truck. Initially there was nothing special about the interior, but it has grown on me and now I really like it. Very smooth ride and engine, with great acceleration. Gas mileage has been good, especially for a truck. Its a comfortable easy to drive truck with Toyota reliability. The power rear window is a nice touch, and the 8 cup holders (4dr.) are great for families or just those of us who seem to collect beverages in out vehicles. Superior visibility, and excellent handling make the Tundra a perfect truck for everyday life, and Toyotas reliability.

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  Gotta Love It - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By volcom3006 - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Since I have had my truck I have extremely pleased, but only had one problem; after hitting a curb, the rear differentials gears apparently got strained from that and the bent and cracked.

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  THUNDRA OR THUNDER - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By bart - November 17 - 10:00 am

  THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT AT 2800 MILES, THE WATER PUMP WENT OUT AT 11000 MILES.THE TRUCK IS GREAT BUT SO FAR NOT REALIBLE.

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  Thirsty??? - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By mmikel52686 - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Overall Im satisfied with my overgrown T-100. Yes, this 3.4 is the same powerplant the T-100 had but - without the 24 MPG. Currently I get 18-19 mpg. For a V-6 - well Im somewhat disappointed. Seems Toyota thought more fuel realated computer adjustments might be helpful...cough, cough. Also hav eto echo a comment another reviewer had...the clock should have been left at the upper center of the dash (like the T-100) - now its so low, when the sun shines its a distraction. Again, overall - this is an excellent truck!

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By kellyc - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Just bought our truck on March 31, 2004. That makes it about a week old to us. It really has a smooth ride. We are enjoying it tremendously. The moonroof and the sliding rear window kind of reminds us of our Jeep Wrangler.