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!! Built in the USA - 2016 Toyota Tundra
  By Aj - November 22 - 10:47 am

  If you want a true American built truck and built by Americans then your only choice is the Tundra. Great truck. No regrets for buying. Find the right dealer though because I probably paid more then I should have.

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  Too great to under-rate! - 2001 Toyota Tundra
  By DWilly - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Bought new. Unbelievable ride for 4WD..... smoooooooth and powerful. Usess a little too much gas, but does run on regular 87 octane (cheapest). Dependable, great looking, eye- catching, fun to drive (especially on the beach). Great on or off road. Plenty room for two and comfortable. Luxury of a Lexus.

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  Hawaiian Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jon Cannella - November 11 - 7:00 pm

  I love my Tundra. this is my favorite truck by far. I have owned other makes and models and this is my best one yet. I have no problem with the towing issues, and I tow 2 Motorcycles and carry 2 in the bed with 4 adult passengers every weekend. I use my truck every day and i love it. to me the other brands were too flamboyant and not enough attention on craftmanship. I will drive my Tundra for many years and be proud of it.

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  The Perfect Truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By BK1 - November 11 - 10:00 am

  I read all of the reviews before buying the Tundra, and everything good I read is true. I simply love this vehicle!! I tell everyone its a Lexus disguised to look like a truck. Test-drive it, and you will buy it! Toyota has built a product that should make the big three domestic truck manufactures very nervous.

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  King of the Road - 2015 Toyota Tundra
  By Mike Knowles - November 9 - 12:23 pm

  Mileage is 16 to 17 mpg; however, in all other areas the Tundra is the best! .

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  A diamond in the rough! - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Darrig - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Ok, overall the truck is great. I traded in my 92 Silverado for this truck and have been pretty happy with it. I average 18mpg on the freeway with luggage/2 adults and a dog in the backseat. I take the Grapevine (I-5 to L.A.) in the fast lane with no problems. I have only a few issues with the truck.

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  Not as good as my ole t-100 - 2003 Toyota Tundra
  By Ruba1968 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I wish I would have been able to keep my old T-100, this 2003 Tundra doesnt seem as comfortable. Love the dark gray color.

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  Not impressed! - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Milesy - November 5 - 10:20 am

  Nice h.p. and lrg. brakes,and love the look, but terrible mpg (11). Useless in four wheel drive in deep snow and mud with the limited slip rear end.You need, and should be able to have, all four tires digging at the same time. And why would you go from a sturdy 6 bolt hub, down to a 5 bolt. The VSC system, and transmission command system doesnt work correctly in cold climates, such as where I live in Maine.

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  Great Powertrain!! - 2008 Toyota Tundra
  By Slysnakeman - November 3 - 6:36 pm

  Truck has loads of power and a silky shifting 6 speed tranny. MPG has stayed around 16 overall with about 30% of my driving in the city. Truck steers and tracks exceptional and acceleration is effortless. Overall the ride quality is "good" not great. The rear suspension rides jittery and a bit stiff. Its what I expected from a truck with a 1500 lb. payload and 10,000 lb. towing capacity. Ive really enjoyed the nav/JBL with bluetooth, and the backup camera is very helpful in a truck this size.

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  Unhappy - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By jimmers67 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I cant believe Toyota. I have 22000 miles on this truck. It needs front brake pads,tires And there are five TBS On the truck.If I should happen to stop quickly The transmission does not downshift properly.When appling the brakes in reverse There is a sound coming from the front brakes.I give up!