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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What a great truck! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By natx - July 20 - 10:35 pmBought in 2004. 68,000 mi. Now 160,000 mi. Contemplated trading for 07 Tundra, but couldnt. Love it too much, plus its paid for. Drives like a Camry. Comfortable. Quite too. Only had to replace radiator and valve cover gaskets. No other issues. Only gripe is the front brake rotors warping every year. I can switch out the front rotors in 30 minutes Ive done it so often. Interior has held up very well. Known to have transmission issues with OD gear. I never tow heavy loads like my 30 RV in OD, but I tow a 12 cargo trailer full of tools and sometimes cabinets all the time in OD. No issues so far. Needs paint job, but thats my fault. Never once washed or waxed it.
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Colorado 2003 Toyota Tundra Great - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By rdegrasse - July 14 - 11:13 pmIve pulled a 4 horse trailer (loaded) from Colorado to Virginia and back, loaded up another adult and two children, plus a dog and had plenty of room left over. This is the best truck Ive ever owned and will never have anything but a Tundra as a work truck ever again. It has comfort and performance. After 4 years, it still burns rubber if I have to get going quick. The TRD is great. I love it.
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Converted Ford Guy - 2015 Toyota Tundra
By spectre16 - July 12 - 8:53 amI just traded a 2011 Ford F150 for the 2015 Toyota Tundra Limited. I have had the vehicle 1 week and am very pleased. There are a few quirks with the Toyo-like no preset seats on the limited model and no power adjustment for the passenger seat. The ride on the Tundra is stiffer than the 150 and a little more road noise. The best thing about the truck is the quality. It will last for years to come. If you intend on keeping a vehicle for more than a few years, then this is the truck to own. My customer experience at Jim Barkley Toyota in Asheville was excellent. I highly recommend the Tundra.
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Tundra Double Cab 4WD - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Garry Moore - July 9 - 7:26 pmGreat running truck. First time I bought a "foreign" truck as I have been a FORD man since the 70s. Ford decided they didnt want to deal on their vehicles so I purchased a Tundra. Was looking at the Titan as well but since it was the first year i decided to pass. Thus far I am glad i did. Performance is excellent. Some ergonomic locations are not perfect such as window controls and windshield wiper location. Seems I always turn on the wipers when i turn right due to the location Excellent sound system as well. THANKS TOYOTA!
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Glad I Bought This One - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By Jeff - July 9 - 3:13 pmAfter owning for for 4.5 years, I am extremely happy with my purchase. Rock solid Toyota reliability; solid performance for a half ton. This truck has fulfilled all of my needs including pulling boat, 4x4s pop-up camper, and hauling building and yard supplies. Id highly recommend as a light duty truck
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Great truck wish I could buy another - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Bill - July 5 - 3:36 amPurchased the truck brand new in January 2008. So far Ive done some light to moderate towing with it, driven it on a few trips, and I have to say its very comfortable to drive, tons of room, tows great, and pretty good gas mileage running around empty on trips. Average 16mpg city/22mpg highway. Bought a Toyota because of the reliability and because its built in the USA. I have no complaints about the truck. At 25,000 miles and 0 issues it sure beats the Chevy I used to own.
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buy a ford or chevy if you want a truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By Ryanz - July 4 - 10:00 ami have 20,000 miles on this peice. I also have a ford that outpowers it and outpulls it. toyota is very undependable and not a good vehicle. listen to me when i say buy a ford f series truck. My toyota had 2 trannys replaced, starter blew, oil leak, engine makes noise and broke down 3 times. and no it is no lemon. i have owned one before. ford is better then comes chevy.
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Moving up to the Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Mr. Josh - July 2 - 6:43 amI recently traded in my T100. The new Tundra helps me cope ;) This truck rides smooth; plenty of room for me and the family. For those wanting MORE towing, look for the 2007 Tundra with a 5.7L. For those wanting MPG, this truck does great. My T100 was getting 17/20, my Tundra gets 16/19. Not a bad trade for a lot more truck.
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Luv My Tundra - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By The Duke - July 2 - 5:53 amI bought my 05 Tundra about two weeks ago, and I am still in love. This car is the Lexus LS 430 of Trucks. The truck rides smoothly, has all the punch when I need it, and has a good size bed and room for passengers and kids. The TRD package is a great suspension to have for Los Angeles, as there are plenty of rough roads even in the city.
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Toyota Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By alskep - July 2 - 3:46 amTruck rides very good for a pickup. A little bouncy but ride is close to that of a car. Solid truck construction. Handles great on the road.
