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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Gregs Toyota - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By gregvx - April 15 - 10:00 amAll round great truck, Ive had fords and chevs, this one beats em all!!!
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Toyota Tundra Double Cab - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By MAB - April 11 - 2:43 pmJust purchased a new Double Cab Tundra. The truck is amazing and best riding truck I have owned. I traded in a 99 Chevy Z71, which was a good truck, but the Tundra drives much nicer than the Chevy. I find the truck has plenty of power, despite other complaints on lack of horse power. I also test drove the Tocoma, but highly recommend the Tundra over the Tocoma. You can get a lot more options with the Tundra and only pay $1000.00 more.
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Might not buy a tundra again - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By jamie johnson - April 11 - 3:53 amOur Tundra is fun to drive and we seem to be getting better gas mileage than most others. We average 18-19 on the road and 16-17 in town. The factory tires are junk, as they needed replaced at 30,000 even though the air pressure was always monitored and the tires were rotated every 6,000 miles. Ours has buckets seats and both needed replaced due to rattles and squeaks. Just yesterday, the radio went crazy. There is no volume control, it only plays at maximum volumn so cant be used, all the presets quit working, etc. The dealer said this happens fairly often. The radio just shorts out and they will replace it. Wondering if this truck will turn into a spendy lemon when out of warranty.
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Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By hounddoc - March 29 - 5:47 pmI bought my Toyota about a year ago with the original tires. Mine seem fine, so Im not sure about previous reviews, besides who buys a full size pick-up for gas milage? The Tundra fits the bill in every sense. Great family truck, hauls and tows very nicely and looks great on the road with an aggressive front. Buy this now, you wont regret it!
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2015 Toyota Tundra Double Cab - 2015 Toyota Tundra
By spike_1a - March 24 - 7:19 pmI traded in my 2004 Tundra Access Cab with 267,163 miles on the engine and frame for a brand new 2015 Tundra Double Cab. I was very reluctant to part way with my old Tundra but she was starting to feel the strain of everyday work. The improvements on the 2015 are too many to mention but the highlights I found are the comfort level of the seats, the power of the 5.7 liter engine, averaging 15.7 MPG (the same as my old 2004 4.7 liter) with just over 1200 miles, entertainment system, and off road package. My goal is to double the mileage of my new Tundra. Wish me luck!
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Love this Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By jmcycle - March 20 - 5:23 amWhen shopping for a new full size truck, I looked at everything accept GM (wont buy GM due to bailout and subsequent UAW lawsuits). I settled on the Tundra for three main reasons: 1) 381 hp and 401 lb/ft of torque. The only truck that came close to this was the Ram. 2) The double cab rear doors open as regular doors instead of suicide doors. Aside from being more convenient, I also think it is safer for the rear seat passengers. 3) Toyota offered a lease. I rated the gas mileage as a 10 b/c it is comparable to its competition but still offers superior performance. This truck also handled better than and was more comfortable than the other trucks I test drove.
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Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Mike Barrett - March 19 - 2:36 pmThought about buying a Ford F150, and am glad I didnt. This is a great truck and gets looks from everyone, fun to drive and great for hauling our boat. Would recommend TRD package. Toyota quality - enough said!!
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2010 Toyota Tundra 4.6 Double Cab - 2010 Toyota Tundra
By joeydee - March 15 - 12:23 amI currently have 1200 miles on the truck and my driving consists of 75% highway and 25% city. I am currently getting 18.9 miles per gallon. The longest stretch I drove was from the Texas Hill Country to Corpus Christi, Texas a distance of 179 miles. When I arrived at my destination I still had half a tank of gas left. I was able to return back with the other half tank and refill upon arrival. For a large truck it gets good mpg. The ride is comfortable and the cabin is very quiet with hardly no wind or engine noise. Hauling heavy loads is very easy with this truck.
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A Real TRUCK - 2015 Toyota Tundra
By Keith - March 6 - 9:35 amThis Tundra does everything you could ask of it. Not bad at all on gas 18 around where I live, about 19 on the highway. It is a joy to drive and the seats do everything you could ask of them. This is my first Toyota and I am a very happy customer. Aside from one shady dealer in Daytona my dealer experience has been great. Cant say how it works in the snow as I never drove it in the snow. I would buy one of these again. However I would buy a short bed as this truck with an 8 foot bed is L O N G ! I am a happy Toyota owner.
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It fits in my garage! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
By hutch7 - March 5 - 2:00 amIve had this truck for 2 years now. Its been flawless with the exception of the front brakes which Toyota upgraded under warranty. Excellent ride and drivability. Built to last (unlike my last F-150).
