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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  Best truck out there - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Rob - May 27 - 6:53 am

  I have been a GM guy for decades. I came out of a 2005 Chevy Avalanche and was going to get a 2008 Avalanche until I test drove the Tundra Crewmax. What a vehicle! I test drove the best GM had to offer, the 2008 GMC Sierra Denali, and this beat it hands down in power, quietness, smooth ride, interior storage, and all the electronic gadgets. Love this truck.

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  2017 Tundra Double Door 4WD - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By James Alexander - May 27 - 6:14 am

  Excellent Value! Great quality!

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  Toyota Quality - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By Todd Wagner - May 24 - 5:46 pm

  I bought it with 30k miles and now have 60k. No problems except for CD player skips and brake pedal squeaks when depressed. Otherwise runs great, runs smooth, just like when I bought it.

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  beast - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By wilson - May 18 - 7:46 pm

  love the truck. First truck since our old sr5 first gen truck. Truck changed my Grandparents (long time gm fans) mind about the tundra. My paps even asked how much it would cost to trade his 2500hd for my tundra. pretty impressive truck to say the least.

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  Storage space, dashboard lighting logic - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike - May 16 - 10:50 am

  In the 1794 model, there is absolutely no storage space other than the console. The jack and tire tools are behind the back seat almost impossible to remove or replace. No place to put trailer hitch equipment or anything else. Tools etc,? The dashboard lighting logic is completely bassackwards. Plenty light at night. Easy to read gauges, speedometer etc. Daylight, the video display, "mpg, miles to empty, outside temp, odometer and even the guages are not lit up. They should be lit up brightly during the day and low light at night. If you need to wear sun glasses, You might not be able to read the speedometer. The dashboard lighting logic needs to be upgraded. Dashboard lighting was my fault. Its o.k. I enlarged the front mud flaps because with the existing ones, the tires pile mud up on the running board. Sometimes over an inch thick. Storage room is still a problem. I get better than 16 mpg.

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  TRD 4WD Access Cab - Like it ! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Chuck999 - May 15 - 5:23 pm

  Chose Tundra over Honda Ridgeline / Nissan Frontier for EXCELLENT ride, good power, 6.5 foot bed, quality and overall feel. Am very satisfied. The truck just has a great feel - quiet, smooth, plenty of power. Interior is kind of dated - no fancy chrome but ergonomics are great - most controls easy to reach / use. Typical toyota layout. The 5spd automatic is especially well-designed - shifts VERY smoothly and at just the right time. Front right speaker was BAD upon delivery, but dealer replaced quickly and have had no other problems yet(only 4k miles though) .....

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  Stay Away, Bad Brakes - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By TundraBummer - May 15 - 4:20 am

  After about 6000 miles the truck started shaking when I stopped. I took it back to the dealer who did a complete brakes job. It drove great for about another 8000 miles then started shaking again. In total, I have had 3 new rotors, 2 new drums, 2 new front calipers, including the last time when they installed the updated brakes, just before the warranty ran out. now it still shakes when I stop. The dealer tells me there is nothing htey can do, since it has all the latest updates for the brakes. Also, the exhaust manifold leaked, and the check engine light has been on 4 seperate time for various emission problems that have totaled over $900.

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  Update to my first review - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jim - May 12 - 2:26 pm

  I am liking my truck more every day! I get at least 20 mpg just doing every day driving, and I dont drive slow. I have had some short races with some supposed to be fast vehicles, so far I can leave them in the dust! Overall I think it is an awesome truck!

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  Excellent Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By machinex - May 12 - 3:06 am

  Even with the work truck package and the base 4.0L engine, this is a great vehicle. Looks good, rides smooth for full-size truck and gets a lot of looks. Toyota really paid attention to truck buyers this time; theres storage compartments everywhere, the tailgate is light as a feather but still very strong and the whole truck just feels sturdy and beefy. I used to buy only domestic trucks because of headroom issues (Im very tall), but now the Toyota cab is just as tall and roomy as the competitors. While Ford may have more packages and options available, Toyota has been smarter about the offerings they have. After all, no one wants roll-up windows on a truck over $20k.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By edjak - May 12 - 2:00 am

  The reliability and quality of Toyota stands out in this truck.