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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  The Perfect Pickup Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By John - December 15 - 1:20 pm

  Never repaired in 59,000 miles, fits in a standard garage w/ walk-around room, quieter than most cars, powerful, great towing capacity, 18-20 mpg driven gently on Michelin tires and Amsoil 2000, amazing paint job, outstanding seats - more comfortable than my wifes Lexus. I towed a 5500 lb trailer all over Colorado and came down every pass except the single steepest one in the state. Did it in first gear hardly ever touching the brakes. 10-10.5 mpg towing @ 55. Burns zero oil in one year (13,000 miles). Be sure to change diff fluid. Mine had some metal shavings determined to be from mfg, not wear. Better than other trucks.

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  Nice Package - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By hardtoplease - December 11 - 4:23 pm

  Very roomy, quick, and good looking truck. My gas mileage seems to always be around 16 mpg. Very smooth ride. I feel its the best truck out of all the top selling trucks. This is a truck I will keep for a while.

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  2010 Toyota Tundra SB 5.7 Double Cab - 2010 Toyota Tundra
  By Fred - December 11 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy driving this vehicle but am disappointed in the mileage. I expected better and I know Toyota can do better! I bought the 5.7 and Im lucky to get 17 miles on the highway. Also, the fuel tank is too small. Increase the capacity. The truck rides and handles better than the Dodge Diesel I traded in. I like the quality and reliability of this truck and of the 4 runner that my wife drives.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By JDW - December 9 - 6:50 am

  Mine came with the X-SP package with leather and 20" wheels. Very sharp looking truck (was drawing crowds of people the first time I drove it to work). The truck is a pleasure to drive and the 4.7L V8 moves this 5000+ lb. vehicle out in short order. It feels like Im driving a Lexus luxury car from the cabin.

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  Bogattis TRD - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Bogatti - December 7 - 2:00 am

  This is a great Truck, Dont just get a Ford, like every other weenie. Get a Tundra (this dog will hunt).

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  Good Truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
  By BMTillman - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy the handling and feel of this truck. It rides very smooth and takes bumps like a champ. Very roomy on the inside (reason we got it) everyone is comfortable in the both the front and back. Overall its just an awesome truck. The only negative is it does like gas but if you want economy maybe you shouldnt look at full size trucks their all pretty much the same on gas.

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  Living up to reputation - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Muddy Hollow - December 5 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a Toyota before and have been driving sport-utes for most of my adult life. Toyota has a great reputation and when I finally decided to buy a truck it was an easy choice to rule out the domestic options since their build quality is lacking, Ford would rank second in my opinion. Fit, finish, and driving experience exceed expecation with this truck. More carlike than trucklike and loads of power. Ergonomics are great compared to my wifes Land Rover.

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  Bigger Gas Tank - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Carlos - December 2 - 2:23 pm

  Since this Tundra 4x4 5.7 is a V8 and makes an average 14miles per gallon is SHOULD HAVE a bigger gas tank or a secondary gas tank so the truck may have more gas station independence, I hate to stop to fill up the thank every 250 miles. Pls take a note on this. The springs are too soft for heavy loads. But overall this is a great "get out of my way" looking monster which I am proud to drive.

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  Give me my 2005 Tundra back! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By hvacrsteve - November 27 - 3:33 pm

  Overall the Tundra is Okay, they have fianlly matched the big 3 in terms of lower quality, this is my 4th Tundra and the worst one thus far. I have a steering wheel vibration that I have been to the dealer 5 times now and it is still not repaired. The paint is very frail,I have to say that Ford is light years ahead on Paint quality! I own 40 Trucks so I know! The interior paint on the dash is poor quality as well, have many scratches already! The plastic dash cluster is also very cheaply made! The leather seats are fairly nice. the ride quality is fair except for the constant vibrating of the steering wheel. It makes your hands numb on a longer trip! The sheet metal panels-thin!

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  Good truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Bill - November 24 - 5:03 pm

  First Toyota. Very quiet ride, handles great plenty of power for a 4.7 lit. engine, gas mileage 16 to17 mpg. Have cap on it, racks with tools inside.