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:
Showing 961 through 970 of 1,512.00-
Toyota Tundra: Unfulfilled expectations - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By marauder1 - August 13 - 10:00 amSteel wheels are rusting at 3000 miles. Truck is not used in adverse conditions. Major cabin vibration at 70mph. Dealership is unable to fix problem, already changed drive shaft, one rim,one tire, and offset balance ot tires three times. Not the quality I expected when paying extra for the Toyota name.
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Excellent Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Sam - August 12 - 6:40 pmOverall its a good truck, I sacrificed comfort for durability. Driver seat is not comfortable and interior design is not very good but the ride is excellent.
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Toyota burned the midnight oil - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Tundyguy - August 12 - 8:36 amWell thought out vehicle, this is my second new Toyota and I am not disappointed. I looked at all the other great trucks out there, Ford, Dodge, GM, Nissan and the Tundra is what I chose. Its impressive that such a great quality truck is actually 100% made in the USA. Great job Toyota. I have the Limited Crewmax and this truck has got it all. Beautifully made vehicle, makes me not want to rough it up. If youre looking for a great SUV and a great truck all rolled up into one the Tundra Limited Is it.
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Brake Trouble? - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By scattytarheel - July 31 - 2:00 amIve gone through 2 sets of disk brakes due to poor design of brake components by Toyota - or some other unknown reason. My Tundra was repaired at 29,000, but the service department had received a "bulletin" that this problem (vibration in steering wheel during braking) would possibly occur. My previous truck was a different make, but I was able to drive 98k miles on the original manufactures brakes.
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Perfect - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By cp - July 31 - 2:00 amI love this truck I can do anything with it.
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Like a Rock- not - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Ranchman - July 29 - 9:56 amI bought the extended cab, and have been highly dissapointed. I was attracted to the design, and that did not dissapoint. I have been highly dissapointed otherwise. The engine in this truck is noisy especially when towing. It revs real hig with a load, and despite the commercials, I do not feel confident hauling as I did with my Dodge. Fuel economy is averageing about 11 MPG city/highway. Build quality is substandard. Cracked and loose plastic trim. I hate the instrument panel- very poorly designed but the outside makes up for it. Seats are hard and uncomfortable as is the ride- especailly over rutted pavement and is unbearable on dirt roads. I think this will be my last Toyota.
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06 Toyota Tundra - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Carlos - July 28 - 6:46 amI have driven the truck 500 miles so far, mostly city driving. Excellent truck, very poor gas mileage, 12.5 mpg so far, hope it improves.
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Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By rlhill96 - July 27 - 8:43 amI have owned both Ford and Chevys in the past and the 06 Tundra SR5 Double Cab is by far the best I have ever owned. Only two complaints, fuel mileage and turning radius. Both of these are minor complaints due to the fact that this is a big truck, and you cant expect to get mileage in the 20s with something this size or expect to turn it like a corolla. I sure when (if) I wear this one out, I will be purchasing another full size Toyota. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive and has plenty of power to haul my needs.
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Love my Crewmax - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Justin - July 26 - 4:33 amIve had my slate metallic Crewmax for a little over a month now and it is a blast to drive. The engine and tranny are great. Impressive power with smooth shifts. Ive never driven a vehicle with brakes this good. Ive averaged almost 16 mpg in mixed driving and thats after putting 22" rims and slightly larger tires on it. I test drove every other 1/2 ton truck. Nothing else was close. Test drive a Tundra. You will buy it.
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toyota limited double cab - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By danielj - July 26 - 2:00 amRoomy, plenty of power, toyota quality
