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:

• 

  Should have stayed with my Tacoma - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By sshifflett - December 15 - 8:49 am

  My Tundra has been nice, interior is very light colored and shows any dirt. I am experiencing some transmission problems with 4wd high and low, multiple service and dash lights on and issues with reverse lights on while driving fwd. Already had more than one trip to the dealership regarding 4wd issues. The stereo issues happen only in the spring when the temp in the cab goes up and down a lot in one day.

• 

  Big Winner - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Mean Gene - December 10 - 11:33 am

  I went out and drove every truck made, plus read every review possible. The Toyota Tundra won hands down. I like the looks of others but a 6 MPG Hemi dont cut it for me. I did have a minor problem with the truck cutting in and out when below zero. But seem to correct itself, mileage around 14 with a K & N filter. Great truck, but I wish all options were avaiable, not by region.

• 

  My 04 Doublecab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By rON - December 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Tundra, its the four door four wheel drive model. Lots of room and pulls my boat better than my Silverado 5.3 ever did. The interior is pretty plain.....but the reliability of Toyota keeps me coming back and the Exterior is easy on the eyes.

• 

  So Far So Good - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By EON - November 30 - 11:16 am

  I just got my Tundra CrewMax (5.7) with the TRD package. It is very stylish. The ride is a little sloppy compared to my Ford F150 Lariat, but overall the acceleration and towing capacity are very good. The gauges are probably designed for someone shorter than I am. I have to duck down to see them clearly. I appreciated Toyota still having a lease program. Ford basically quit and I like to lease for my company vehicles. My salesperson was also very knowledgeable and efficient.

• 

  Great vehicle with a few major disappointments - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By Scott - November 28 - 1:52 pm

  I love this truck with a just a few exceptions. The looks are great, it rides very nice and is comfortable, its amazing in the snow, ice, and rain. Very powerful. Steering is great. Stereo sounds pretty good for stock. TONS of room in the back seat and up front. My disappointments after a couple months are the fuel economy is not even close to the manufacturers claims. According to the vehicle computer Im getting barely over 12 mpg, and thats with a couple road trips of a few hundred miles each. Toyotas claim is 13-17mpg. Ive never seen the computer hit 13 yet. In fact, after my last fill up of a 38 gallon tank the computer said 410 miles to empty. Thats not even 11 mpg. Thats my biggest let down. Second, when the wind is blowing and while going down the highway I get wind noise in the cab which is very frustrating on a brand new vehicle. Around town its fine and on calm days its fine but doing 65-75 and wind blowing its not good. Lastly, the ScoutGPS is the worst thing ever. If youre considering Toyota, make sure you have Integrated GPS, NOT the ScoutGPS. Its a very poor attempt at using your phone (and data) to sync with the vehicle for GPS. Its only arrows instead of maps, it cant find several locations Ive looked for, it uses your data plan non stop, and if you forget your phone youre out of luck. Its completely useless. Overall Im very happy. The fuel economy is a big disappointment but it is what it is now. I will be replacing the stereo unit though to get away from the ScoutGPS.

• 

  Best truck for the money - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By tommy - November 9 - 4:23 am

  My truck has been a great ride for almost four years now. Everything continues to offer a smooth experience - except for the disfunctional cupholder. Low noise, decent on gas, no mechanical problems to speak of.

• 

  2007 Toyota Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Alex - October 27 - 10:46 am

  Typical Toyota Product. Great workmanship. Outstanding specs.

• 

  Tundra Rides Poorly - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Farley - October 15 - 4:26 am

  I have about 800 miles on my truck and its ride is awful. It literally bounces down the road. Although it has 4WD and an 8 foot bed, it was delivered with passenger tires! I have replaced them with 10 ply Goodyear tires but the ride is still bouncy due to 2 ply side walls. I plan to replace them again with BF Goodrich A/T tires which have 3 ply sidewalls. Hopefully this will cure the problem. The truck is beautiful but is a monster to drive. Visibility is awful and its dangerous to back up. Towing mirrors have two side mirrors on each side which makes it confusing to check vehicles coming up on you. Toyota did not do their homework on this one and I would return it to the dealer if I could.

• 

  Not perfect, but pretty close - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Andy Bats - October 7 - 10:40 am

  Great truck - 7 years old, but only 35K miles. A couple of things that have made me unhappy - O2 sensors went out, but were replaced under warranty. Asked dealership EVERY SINGLE TIME I took the truck in for service, if the "clunk" noises from the power windows was normal, and was told yes. First service after 3 year/36K warranty expired, my window regulator bolts were loose and needed to be tightened - $185 per door. Cracked exhaust manifold - $1400 to repair - put Doug Thorley headers on for <$1K, made a huge improvement in the fuel mileage and performance.

• 

  07 Tundra CrewMax SR5 TRD 4x2 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By lil joe - September 29 - 9:56 am

  I have nothing but good praise for this truck. At 65" at 285 pounds, I fit better in the Tundra than I did in Chevy, GMC, or Ford. My little girl loves the reclining rear seats. The 5.7 that’s in it will hold you tight in your seat. I tested three 07 trucks before I saw this one, I got in the CrewMax and I was sold. For the same prices of the others you get so much more, motor, room, style, and "fun" from this truck. You better like attention, everybody looks when you pull up.