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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Samson (his name) Review - 2009 Toyota Tundra
By mwildman - April 15 - 12:03 amJust love the truck. Had it for a number of months now and have driven short and long distances with it. The FFV is great although you do lose a few miles to the gallon but its still cheaper to run on. Havent noticed any ride/performance issues with E85. Had a Dodge truck before and like the Tundra much better. Plan on buying boat and camper in the future so now Im ready.
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From Access cab to Double cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Bob Jordan - April 13 - 11:36 amIn July 2003 we traded an 02 Accord EX-L for an 03 Tundra Access cab. Our children in car seats would just barely fit and the back of the rear seat was almost straight up. Last July the 4X4 03 had 5500 miles and listed for $30,300. We traded for a 2X2 04 double cab that listed for $29,600 and paid $4100 out the door. The dealer put about $24,000 in our old truck and so far still has it on their lot (over 5 months) So far I do not miss the 4X4 and could not be better satisfied. The truck is quiet, smooth and tough. There is plenty of bed space as well as rear seat room. The windshield wiper motor is too loud and the air direction controls seem kinda clunky. Otherwise no complaints.
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Love the truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By Kenny - April 13 - 5:10 amHave enjoyed many long trips, 1k miles, spend most of my day in it, always comfortable, easy to change settings.
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Good Truck - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By kcowboy - April 13 - 2:00 amBought new in 06/2001, havent had any problems at all. I got 41,500 miles on it and it runs just as good. The brakes do squeal a little when backing up but Ive heard thats do to brake dust. The gas mileage is better when I keep my foot out of it but then again, its a truck with a V8 not a compact.
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Its a Toyota--enough said - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By dwagner - April 13 - 2:00 amGreat truck. The transmission is incredible. Good fuel economy with plenty of power. Great all-purpose truck. I test drove every other truck and the engine+tranny won me over. Its also a very safe truck; check out the crash ratings--especially if you have little ones.
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New 2007 Tundra - the best pick - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Dave In Prescott - April 10 - 11:23 amThis truck far exceeded by expectations. I had my doubts when I saw the size of this thing but even my wife enjoys driving it - and her car is a Lexus RX400h! Tight fit as expected from Toyota. Ive driven in my friends new F150 Super Crew Lariat and Dodge 2500 Mega Cab and the Tundra is quieter smoother and has no rattles! The SR5 has a nice set of standard features. I always recommended test driving competing models back to back. This one is a real winner!
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So Far So Good - 2012 Toyota Tundra
By thebigv21 - April 6 - 1:18 pmTruck now has 11K miles. Had first synthetic oil change at 10K. Averaging 15.2 mpg in combined driving. Truck runs great and has similar MPG as tacomas I have owned in the past. The horsepower and torque on this truck is something else. I see negative reviews on here and I cant understand why. The performance is what impresses me the most. I am 64" and have plenty of room. Kids can sit in the back without any problem whatsoever. This is a real truck, not meant for anyone who wants a car..
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Ford and Chevy dont stand a chance - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By gnc1104 - March 31 - 5:13 amI bought my Tundra used after my F150 was totaled. What a monster!!! I own a construction business, and the Tundra beats the F150 in every category. MPG, power, torque, ride, room, comfort, etc. I will never buy a Ford or Chevy truck again. I added exhaust, leveling kit, and oversized tires, and I am getting about 21 mpg. WOW!!!! Drive one and you will buy one.
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Sweet Ride - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By jeff - March 28 - 8:33 amI have the x-sp blue with grey interior and the IPS rims. I think this is the best looking truck on the market presently and maybe for the last twenty years. This truck fits the bill in all catagories when compared to Chevy, Ford or Dodge. Design and functionality are good.
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2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Bryon - March 27 - 2:13 pmThis truck is awsome. The look the power the feel. I live at the beach so the 7/8th size full size is perfect. Could not be more happy with my purchase.
