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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  Awesome!!!!! - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By mpotito - August 5 - 9:26 pm

  First ever Toyota Truck! What an awesome truck!!!! Get the 5.7 litre. The average fuel per gallon is 16!! WOW!! I have always owned Chevy trucks but I have to tell you not only is the truck built in the United States but it blows away the Chevy and GMC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By big jim - August 5 - 6:36 pm

  After 50000 miles driving, owning this truck I am throughly delighted with it. I would like a larger truck to tow our fifth wheel with and am eagerly awaiting the 2007.

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  Beyond its freshness date - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - July 27 - 7:30 am

  This is my third Toyota truck and is the most refined of all, but it should be considering the body style has been out since 1999. Cabin is very quiet, 5 spd. tranny keeps you in the mid teens for mpgs and the power is improved. Interior layout needs work, heated seats, cargo lamp, and rear defog switches are all on wrong side of the console. Interior door handles are too small, fold and tumble rear seats are useless, leaves no room to store anything of bulk. The fit and finish are top notch for a truck however. Turning radius needs allot of work, this thing is tough to park, and the bed sides are to tall. Needs tailgate assist and rear sonar back-up detectors like the competition.

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  Overall A Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By JAG - July 27 - 12:16 am

  I owned a Ridgeline before this one but that would be tough to compare because they are made different and there is plus and minus in both, but they are the 2 best quality built trucks on the market the ones that down talk them dont know what a truck is all about or they just have bad luck and trust me as far a gas mileage a lot of people exaggerate about it. I have a heavy foot and I do mostly in town driving and I get about 14 to 15 which is not bad for a V8. Ive owned a 97 Ford F150 ext. cab 4.6 V8 and a 04 Chevy Trailblazer ext. with a 6cy. that got worse and all of the other brands have a lot more problems.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By steve m - July 26 - 10:00 am

  PURCHASED THIS TRUCK FOR FAMILY USE AND AT HOME ISSUES. I HAVE NO PROBLEMS PULLING A BOAT, HAULING A "FULL" LOAD OF CONCRETE OR WOOD. THE TRUCK IS VERY COMFORTABLE AND I LOVE IT! I HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS SINCE OWNING IT AND WOULD PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE AGAIN SINCE MY SON BELIEVES I SHOULD GIVE IT TO HIM WHEN HE GETS HIS LICENSE. IVE PULLED A FEW FORDS OUT OF DITCHS WITH NO PROBLEMS

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  A must drive truck!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Oscar - July 26 - 9:40 am

  Powerful truck with an amazing Intelligent technology, it wont get stuck in the mud. Trust me, I have regular tires in mine and I had to go though mud and dirt and this truck just goes by like its nothing. Good warranty, powerful, nice design. The only bad things are the seats are a lil too hard but not big deal, If you want a tough truck this is the one. I love mine.

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  Has been a great truck! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By TW - July 26 - 8:16 am

  Bought with 36k in 2002. Only problem is O2 sensor went out but I elected not to fix for $300. Runs fine. Other than that still runs like new, comfortable on the road and does what I need off road.

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  2010 SR5 TRD 2WD - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Tom Hunsicker - July 24 - 10:50 pm

  We loved our 2000 Tundra and it provided excellent service over a ten year period. The sales incentives got me into the showroom and we were able to negotiate a fair trade-in. So far only nits to pick about the new Tun. We agree with the criticism about the ride quality. We hope this will be less of an issue when towing our large travel trailer, which is why we opted for the bigger truck with more power. We opted for the towing mirrors which make towing a snap. Gas mileage is amazingly the same or better than our old truck. Disappointed that the base-level audio seems weak, but has a lot of features making it a wash. Overall we are very happy and feel that Toyota build quality is still superior.

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  My first truck experience - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Curts Truck - July 23 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this truck based on Toyotas quality reputation. I will act as the general contractor for my house currently in design. The passenger door doesnt seem to have been hung correctly as it takes more force to open and close it. It pops up upon opening it. We took the truck to North Carolina last August on vacation and got caught in those very heavy rains. Not only did I not have a problem, I felt very safe and secure. I had no problem driving around in the winter snow here and made it up a hill I thought would surely give me a problem. I think the relatively light aluminum engine makes the truck more evenly balanced enhancing its ability to make it through snow. Great truck.

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  My Toy - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By tuff truck - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my tundra for about two and a half years and absolutely love the way it performs and handles.the only problem that Iv had is when i put new tires on,i aquired a shake in the front end.I than put on another new set but a different brand and the shake was still there.My service debt. could not find any problems with in and within 2500 miles the shake was gone.Other than that it is a great truck and has served my well.