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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  Second Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By 2nd tundra - August 25 - 11:03 pm

  This is my second Tundra, my first was a 2000 SR5 4x4 extra cab. The only reason I sold that one was for a bigger rear seat. It was a great truck, with good power and great reliablity. My new truck is even better, with the TRD package it ride great and handles the dirt and snow just fine. I have not towed anything with it yet, but forsee no problems. Although slightly smaller then the other full size trucks, it has plenty of room in the back and front seats.

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  Remember its a Toyota "TRUCK" - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By parder - August 24 - 8:46 pm

  One month so far. Replaced a F150 with Tundra Dbl cab. F150 drives like a caddy, Tundra like a used Mack. Bouncy and loud. Great looking,but take it for a long test drive to make sure. Gauges hard to see,2 front seats,yet cupholders (good for long trips across Sahara),but no map pockets? Radio system confusing & impossible to reach(steering wheel controls dont really help). Cruise hard to reach and tells you it is on when it really isnt. Hard to control gas pedal, small brake pedal. But, typical of Toyota & Honda-you get what we give you and like it. Great towing capacity but highly overrated as everyday driver for performance and comfort! Oh, dont forget the $100 oil changes.

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  Love the power it there when I need it. - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By accesscab SDR5 - August 23 - 8:53 pm

  It rides and drives like a car . Smooth and quiet I really like that .It will carry about anything you load in the bed. Its just a very good truck thats all.

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  Power, Looks, and Comfort - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Korben - August 15 - 4:50 am

  I have had this truck for almost 3 months and 2,500 miles with no problems at all. The power and 6 speed transmission are perfect together. You really have to be careful on the highway because it is so quiet and smooth that when youre going 75-80, it feels like 55-60 (1,800 rpm at 70 mph) . The double cab has plenty of room for 2 car seats and the center console is big enough for a cooler. My gas mileage has been about 14-15 in mixed driving and around 18 on the highway. With the power you have, that isnt bad. I used to have a Dakota regular cab with the 4.7 and I get better gas mileage in the Tundra and have almost 150 more horsepower.

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  Gary Brinson - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Gary Brinson - August 14 - 1:03 am

  I have been a GM person for 30 years even though Ive had other brands as well during this time. I decided to try the Toyota Tundra double cab and I have not been disappointed. The quality is very good and Ive not had to take it back to the dealer for any problems yet. It is also fun to drive.

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  Solid Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Chris - August 13 - 5:40 pm

  I have always been a car guy but since I moved into my first house, the need for a truck had become quite apparent. Overall, I really like the truck, the appearance is what initially sold me on this particular model. In the few months since I bought the truck, gas prices have soared and unfortuantly I am only getting about 17 mpg (and that is with an Cold Air Intake installed on the truck). I have not had any problems thus far with the truck. Very reliable Pros: Fun to drive, Loose back end makes corners fun (equipped with LSD), nice acceleration, nice appearance. Cons: Fuel economy, loose back end, paint job is kinda cheap, engine bay gets dirty quickly. Overall happy, but miss my car

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  Excellent All-Round Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By chichitao - August 12 - 1:26 am

  This has been an excellent truck. Bought it brand new in 3/03 and have not had it in for any kind of repairs what-so-ever. I have used it for all sorts of things...around town, travelling long distances, hauling light and heavy loads. No problems with the paint as others have mentioned...however, I keep mine in the garage when possible and wax it at least twice per year. The gas mileage, while not great compared to a car, is better than any truck or even SUV ive ever had. I avg 16mpg, and that is mostly city driving (range is 13-21). Excellent build quality and ride from a truck. Take care of your vehicle and it will take care of you!

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  Best Truck on the Market - 2013 Toyota Tundra
  By jack12348 - August 11 - 10:38 pm

  Just bought a brand new 2013 Tundra 4X4 Crewmax and I absolutely love it! So much FUN to drive, particularly here in Los Angeles. Given the condition of the streets, you practically need a 4X4 just to get around. The power in the 5.7 V8 is tremendous! The room in the back is awesome. Ive always wanted a really kick-ass truck that had some power and thats exactly what this is. I love this truck.

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  Best-value pickup truck! - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Eric in Michigan - August 11 - 6:18 am

  I am pretty obsessive about buying new vehicles. I had a lease that is coming up soon, so Ive been researching trucks for the past 2.5 years. I am not loyal to any brand, but have owned more GM vehicles than anything else. Quality and reliability were huge points of research for me, as I have seen GM quality really fall in the past 15 years. That is what first got me looking at Toyota trucks, was quality. Their quality and resale value really stood out compared to the rest of the field. Now I hope to own this vehicle for 10-12 years, and I anticipate less repairs with this brand compared to the others. Here are some specific observations: SEATING: I purchased a 6-passenger configuration. We have 8 children, so being able to have true seating flexibility was huge. Only Toyota and Ford offer full 6-passenger seating with 3-point seat belts and head rests for all occupants! I do wish that the front seats on this had more adjustability, but that was a sacrifice I had to make with the 6-passenger seating. The 5-passenger configurations have wonderful seat adjustments. MOTOR: the 5.7L is awesome! Very smooth shifting, with a nice, muted hum of the V8 coming into the cab. Nice sound deadening lets us hold good conversations without yelling. I love how Toyota is one of the few that dont have this crazy cylinder deactivation technology. For a few sips of fuel, all these manufacturers are doing this cylinder deactivation which can unevenly wear the cylinders, burn more oil, and cost more to repair. Yes, Toyota gets the worst gas mileage of all the pickups, but one or two repairs and that minimal fuel savings is out the window. Ive just seen too many items being made now that offer wonderful "efficiency" at the expense of reliability and durability. SAFETY: I love that Toyota has not yet started doing all this automatic driving and braking stuff. I prefer to drive my own vehicles and not have a computer try to decide what is best. I think all these driver aids are making people worse drivers, and again there are reliability issues. (Ive heard of some Ford products hitting the brakes out of the blue thinking it "senses" something in front of it). Are people really wanting to trust their safety to a sensor? All electronics go bad at some point. INTERIOR: The interior is pretty basic and is lacking USB ports, but with 2 12V power outlets in the front and 1 for the rear, we just installed some 2-USB power adapters in each 12V outlet, but it would be nice if Toyota put those in. RIDE: very smooth and composed ride

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  03 Tundra - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By W. Clements - August 7 - 12:40 am

  This is my second Toyota truck (first was a Tacoma) and I am not as pleased as I hoped. The vehicle required new front brakes at 30,000 (I dont tow or use it for work), one rear brake froze up at 25,000 miles (my Jeep and Fords didnt do this so the climate cant e blamed), paint seems to chip easily, and the steel wheels started rusting after the first winter. Worse is a constant noise in the front drive train that the dealer cant diagnose and has been little to no help in resolving. This is my last Toyota; I could have spent much less on another brand and thought I was avoiding these types of problems with a new vehicle.