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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  Tundra Champ - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By jegaco - February 19 - 10:00 am

  As always the seems to be as good as the first one we owned. That one lasted for 340k before it died. Sorry GM, Dodge, and Ford, you still have Toyota to chase.

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  Excellent Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By John46 - February 19 - 10:00 am

  Nothing better than a truck that holds its resale value better than any other and drives better than a luxury car. None of the other half tons can even compared no wonder toyota beats them all. Not to mention its made in the USA

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  Tundra 4.7 4dr access cab - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By tundratude - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Just got it but LOVE IT!

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  Best V-6 Truck on the market - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By Nancy Pilotte - February 10 - 2:00 am

  After test driving all full-size trucks on the market found this one to be the best. Smooth quiet ride,better fit & finish than Dodge,GM or Ford. Engines are more advanced than domestics. V-6 is not fast but strong & steady no matter what the load. Interior materials & finish far superior to domestics. Avergage about 18-20 mpg. 01 models built better than 00 trucks. Sloppy assembly evident in dented radiator and mis-aligned bed. Otherwise an excellent truck.

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  Proud Owner - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Dick Trout - February 6 - 11:26 am

  There is an occasional transmission "clunk" when coasting at about 35 mph. Other than that, this is the best truck I have ever owned. We haul an 8,000 pound trailer about 15,000 miles per year, often in mountains. Plenty of power! Often have 2,000 pounds in bed. truck doesnt even "squat". Truck has temperature gauge. Would also like a standard compass. Repair service of any kind has never been necessary

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  Love my 07 Crewmax - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By 07CrewMax - February 5 - 2:00 pm

  What can I say about this fantastic truck. Its been 3 months since I took delivery and Ive not had a single problem. I love the 5.7L V8. Its got lots of power and my fuel economy has now reached 18.7 MPG. Not bad for a full size truck with the biggest and fastest motor in the 1/2 ton market.

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  Great Truck - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By John - January 28 - 7:16 pm

  I Love this Truck. Fit & Finish as well as performance are excellent. Everyone complains about gas mileage. It is a pickup truck people. I am getting great mileage, avg 18.7 hwy at 75 mph. Hwy I am getting better than my diesel I traded in, city not quite as good, but still avg 14.6. These are excellent numbers for a 4WD Truck. I am 64" all the controls are within perfect reach for me, I can see where they would be a chore to reach for folks with shorter arms, steering wheel controls cover that nicely! I have 3 Great Danes that weigh over 400 lbs combined, I slide the front passenger seat forward throw some spare cushions down & all 3 dogs fit in back! They are the reason I bought a crewmax.

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  Worthy Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By KB2 - January 21 - 2:03 am

  I recently purchased the 07 Tundra. Ive had it about 3 weeks now. Its the Limited, DoubleCab, 6.5 bed, 5.7 V8, 4x4. This truck is amazing. Ive only ever owned F150s ever since I learned to drive. What a change this truck is. The power and handling is amazing. Not only does it corner like a sports sedan, but it will stop shorter than any truck Ive ever driven. The engine and transmission are smooth and quiet. When you want the power though, it does come to life and lets you know it. Good thing for the traction control or the tires would only spin. Gas mileage isnt bad. Im getting 18.5 mpg on the highway and 14.5 mpg in the city. Thats driving sensibly though.

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  Solid Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Good truck - January 11 - 5:23 am

  If you dont need a large engine for hauling loads, this is a solid vehicle. The performance has been good thus far. MPG is a bit lower than Id like for a smaller V8. Interior features are decent. So far it has been what I would expect from Toyota.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Steve - January 4 - 3:36 pm

  Ive put over 42,000 miles with no mechanical problems. Spend most of my day on muddy job-sites, pulling trailers, carrying 1,500 to 2,000 lbs of construction supplies and the truck has performed magnificently.