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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  2006 Tundra XSP - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By miller1624 - September 20 - 4:23 pm

  I bought this truck new. It now has 87K miles on it and it has never had anything done but oil service. Very dependable and sharp truck. My only compliant is it gets poor fuel mileage and the turning radius is terrible. Bottom line it looks great and never breaks down.

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  Safest Truck on the Road - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By MDW - September 19 - 11:03 pm

  Great truck, rides nice, and has the safest rating of any full sized truck. Gas milage averages around 15 MPG.

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  Tundra the Titan - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By ncgent - September 18 - 2:00 am

  I have had this Tundra since last August, over 9500 miles on it. I have pulled a 20 boat - no problems - I did not spend the extra 3500 for 4WD, but did get the limited-slip diff., and it helps alot pulling my boat up a ramp. Runs flawlessly, plenty of "gitup and go" even with a full load. Its quiet with superb road- manners. I checked out the F-150, Dodge, and Chevy, quality and reliability of the Toyota speaks for itself. Glad I chose the Toyota!It is pleasing to the eye inside and out, good ergodynamics, incredibly comfortable around town and on road trips. The Tundra is a Titan among pickups!

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  Very Good Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Sean - September 15 - 10:53 pm

  I have put about 11000 miles on this since March 08. The engine, ride, handling, and capability are all excellent. It tows without any issues at all. I have only had two warranty issues so far, the radio and interior support pillar trim. It seems that when the dash gets HOT from the sun the trim sometimes moves out of place and warps. The transmission seems to have a mind of its own, it shifts how and when it wants to, it does not seem to be learning. Sometimes it is smooth and I can hardly feel it shift and other times it will slam the truck in gear. I am having it road tested on the next service and the transmission computer may have to be reset (according to the dealer).

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  Home Run - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott R. Orth - September 11 - 5:56 am

  Owned 5 Chevys and 7 Fords. In 2001 I purchased a Chevy Silverado Ext Cab 4wd. Chevy has a decent ride. That is it. In 7 years I have stuck $10,000 over and above the normal maintenance. Their cust. Service is terrible. My wife describes my Tundras ride as a limousine. Of course it isnt but for a Heavy Duty truck is is a nice ride. I cant wait to install Bridgestone Duelers on it. I have a 3" lift kit on the front and 1" on rear to level it out. Looks great!I highly recommend this truck. Plenty of performance and great braking. My fathers averages 2.5 mpg less; however, he drives aggressively ALL the time. I get 15-17 mpg. Get TRD. Not enough space to properly review this fine truck.

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  2007 Toyota Tunda - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By JeremyL - September 3 - 7:10 am

  I have had my Tundra for over a month now and it has been a phenomenal vehicle. I moved from a car to a truck, so the fuel economy is definitely not as good, but for its size and power I am very impressed. Some say the interior is not as polished as other makes, I do agree, but boy it is easy to clean, and the material used feels very durable, exaclty what is needed in a work truck. I actually love the material use and design layout, except for a few hard to reach buttons on the right side of the center console, they are pretty far from the drivers seat.

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  Tundra Double Cab SR5 4 x 4 TRD - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By tch3mkr - August 31 - 5:03 am

  had some seat problems intially with the Air Bag not working properly. Overall a decent truck, real light in the rear end. Wants to spin out in turns especially on wet pavement because of the power and light rear end, but its a nice truck. Just need to get used to it more as this is the first foreign vehicle I ever bought for myself. Did buy a 2003 Corolla for my wife.

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  05 Tundra DC - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By jmk - August 30 - 1:50 pm

  Love the truck. I compared Chev, Ford and Nissan 1/2 ton 4 full door trucks. The Toy has the largest bed by far and plenty of room for the family. Excellent ride and great gas mileage over the 2500 HD I traded in. Stereo is very good, visibility is good and the major controls are easy to reach. Hauls a full load of gear for four in the back plus towing a boat (3000 lbs). Passengers comment on the car- like ride.

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  I love it! - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Tim - August 29 - 8:23 am

  This vehicle is beyond wonderful. I highly recommend purchasing one before the 2007 hit the market. I look forward to using it for camping with the family!

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  Just bought 07 Tundra CM 5.7 Limited - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By gkh_98 - August 27 - 11:40 pm

  Drove my Chevy 1500 for 10 years and I just replaced it with a new Tundra Crew Max Limited w/ 5.7 w/ Navigation and rear DVD. Wow! Went to the dealerships looking to purchase a F-150 Lariat or the Silverado LTZ, and just test drove the Tundra for the fun of it. Wow, what a difference. Felt a bit of guilt for not buying chevy again, but man the power behind the 5.7 makes me grin when I accelerate, and on the freeway the 6spd is smooth and very quiet. Spoiled myelf w/ some extras: navigation w/ bluetooth phone is the deal, sliding rear window nice feature, back up camera for hitching the boat... luxury... like driving a 4x4 lexus w/a bed? Also, the rear seats recline unlike all other trucks!