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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  Bounce away - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Top P - March 2 - 11:03 pm

  After owning a Tacoma for 8 years I went out and bought a Tundra. The big boy. And boy have I have been disappointed. The ride in this truck is just AWFUL. My pregnant wife gets physically sick from the bouncing it does on the highways here in southern Cali. I am waiting for Toyota to address my complaint. I do not have the TRD package but I still bounce. Toyota knows about the problem but has yet to address it. Buyer beware! I only wish I knew a month ago. At the very least, test drive on the highways for a few miles before you decide.

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  Great Design executed horribly - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Former Toyota fan - January 9 - 9:50 am

  I’ve had my crew cab for less than a year now and it’s junk. I have had three major failures (A/C condenser failure, radio failure and wiper transmission failure) and numerous other problems in the first year. Every time something fails it involves two trips to the dealer. The first to find the problem and then the second a week later once they get parts in. I work too far from the dealer for them to shuttle me to work and I’ve been in so many time that they won’t give me a loaner unless they keep the truck over night so every trip to the dealer means at least a half day off from work (one full day per problem for the two trips). Im still waiting on parts to fix the AC and radio.

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  The good the bad and the ulgy - 2011 Toyota Tundra
  By Knute Strander - December 21 - 10:00 am

  The good: comfortable ride very quiet no rattles the bad: too much black in interior too much front end rake. I have to drive with bright lights on because front end is too low. I will have to install leveling kit. Other manufactures have trucks are level. Get with it Toyota. The ugly: 4.6L 17 mpg on hwy. @ 70 mph

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  Transmission Problems - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By craig - November 2 - 10:00 am

  I own a 2000 Tundra SR5/4WD TRD Package. I purchased the truck new in Aug. of 2000.This is my 7th Toyota and the first one with any problems. The probelm is when the transmission shifts in to 4th geat it clunks. In addition the shift lever is very hard to get into park. I have had the truck in to the dealer where they admitted that the problem exists but since it did not show a problem on their diognostics computer. There was nothing that they could do. I am in contact with The District Manager and Toyota to resolve this matter hopefully with out litigation.

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  Terrible Tundra Turmoil - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Nick - September 29 - 11:33 am

  You would think Toyota means "problem free" for at least 4 years, BUT NOT TRUE. At 2 years, gear shift malfunction ($1134.59 repair),defective rear leaf spring ($1239.99). At 3 years old catastrophic transmission malfunction ($3449.59). In a 3 year peroid a total of $5824. 17 repairs for someone that uses it to commute to work. OH WHAT A FEELING IT IS ! TOYOTA $$$$$$$$$

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  Poor Design - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Michael - June 2 - 2:26 pm

  This truck came with no body side moldings and none are available from Toyota. Toyota did put an "Event Data Recorder" in the Tundra. This records vehicle operation data to be used by Toyota if it is sued (the data can also be obtained by court order and used against the vehicle owner). Guess that is where the body side molding funds went. Other manufactures are doing the same, but Dodge, for instance, at least offers side molding as an option. It gets better. I tried to find the oil filter and couldnt. I got online and found owners complaining that it was installed above the skid plate. You have to removed it to get to the oil filter.

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  Disappointed in Toyota - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Leon - April 30 - 6:36 am

  My first Toyota and I am quite disappointed. I bought a Toyota Tundra because of Toyotas past reputation of quality. Toyota quality is definitely a thing of the past. Be cautious of the 2010 Tundra. When manufacturing they put the wrong VVT spring in the motors of a bunch of Tundras. Unfortunately for consumers, Toyota continued to sell the trucks despite knowing there was a major problem. My truck has also been into the shop for a sinking dash and still doesnt run like it should. Gas mileage is horrible, lack of power. I will likely trade it in on an F150 since Toyota doesnt seem concerned that they are wasting the time of and aggravating many customers.

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  Its not all that it is cracked up to be - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Gene - April 12 - 4:50 am

  Many problems with the brakes. Was told the axle has to be replaced to fix the brake problem. Exhaust header gasket replaced at 50,000. Panel light burnt out as did the rear license plate light. Went through 3 starters. Paint was very susceptible to scratching. Brackets holding front wheel well trim corroded in under 70,000. Oil dipstick was the wrong length. Door screws come loose. Electrics in drivers door replaced.

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  VSC and ABS failure at 500 miles - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By theracingmind - April 9 - 12:00 am

  I had my brand new 2007 Tundra for less than 5 days before the vehicle stability control failed, along with traction control and anti-lock brakes. I live in snowy Canada and expect these things to work. I am very disappointed in the truck. I expected more from Toyota. So far, the problem is a mystery to the mechanics. At the moment, I hate to use the thing. It sits in my driveway like a giant black lemon. Ugh!

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  Am I the only one - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By L EDMONDS - March 30 - 5:56 am

  I bought this vehicle new in Dec. 2005 and I have been very disappointed in the transmission and brakes. The brakes feel spongy and occasionally the brake pedal will sink way down and I feel like vehicle isnt going to stop, probably a problem with the ABS. Also the transmission sticks in gear and is very slow to shift into the next gear. When accelerating I have had the RPMS redline because the tranny is not shifting but stuck in 1st or 2nd gear. Erratic and jerky shifting on tranny. Sometimes it will shift into 5th gear when I am only going 25 or 30 MPH.