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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  Just a few bugs to work out - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By Landscaper - July 22 - 1:20 pm

  I am very pleased overall with my new Tundra. It gets many positive comments from others. I have previously driven Chevy and GMC trucks. I only have four thousand miles on the Tundra so I cant be overly objective yet.

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  Would Buy Again - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By Joe Kot - July 21 - 10:50 pm

  Best driving Ive had with a truck or a car. Would like better gas mileage, but it is one of the best in its class. Would definitely buy again. Great truck.

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  Wonderful truck for just about anybody - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By Gregg - July 18 - 11:06 am

  A stump puller it isnt, but for the average person, the Toyota Tundra is all the truck youll ever need. Pulls well, comfortable cabin, and with the step side, an unusual and sporty look for a truck. I got a leftover new 2004 access cab for a "Preachers Price," and am very happy. Quiet and smooth, even over Arkansas roads, and excellent power. Yes, it is a little spartan and dated on the inside styling, but comfortable. A very good value and will do everything I need to do.

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  Highly Recommend - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Lovin it! - July 16 - 8:30 am

  I had been looking at all the big diesel trucks (Dodge, Ford, Chevy) but I found for 99.9% of what I needed to do this truck would be more than enough. The Toyota reputation really drew me to this truck and hasnt let me down. The only bummer is the mileage (I am getting 15 in mixed driving) but everything else is great.

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  Not Bad but could improve - 2002 Toyota Tundra
  By MajorTom - July 12 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is strong, quick and quiet. The feel is very solid. Put in a good stereo system and you will enjoy driving this vehicle even on the long trips. This is a very dependable and quiet truck.

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  Best full size truck hands down!!! - 2017 Toyota Tundra
  By James L. - July 11 - 7:52 pm

  I drove all the full size trucks before I purchased and based my research on customer reviews. I have owned Ford, Dodge, Chevy. I run all three in my fleet, not one has run over a 100k without a transmission problem or a spark plug blown out of the head to new ball joints before 60k you would think a truck would go 150k without a major repair, if regular maintenance is done. several of my friends drive Tundras with well over 150k without these issues. I purchased a 2017 1794 edition the power and towing is impressive and the ride is very comfortable, although it might not have all the gizmos to park and drive itself who cares its a truck you are suppose to drive it. yes, it does not get 20 mpg but 17 mpg is just fine, its a truck with a powerful V8 engine and with the TRD exhaust it sounds like and performs like a powerful truck. Toyota builds an amazing truck, more reliable, better resale value and comfortable to drive........Period.

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  Great truck !!!! - 2005 Toyota Tundra
  By joe - July 11 - 5:26 am

  This truck rides and performs fantastic. Fit finish are top notch. Getting 15mpg around town and 20mpg on highway. Mileage will get better after about 5000 miles.

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  Good All-Around Truck - 2006 Toyota Tundra
  By Jake - July 8 - 11:13 pm

  I bought this truck at the end of 2006. I love the ride this truck has, and the power is sufficient to pull my 5,000 lb boat. The truck does downshift when going down hills, but besides that, Ive had no problems. Gas mileage is a little lower than Id hoped for. I only get close to 18 mpg highway when Ive got cruise control on going no faster than 60. Good truck overall.

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  The Best Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
  By outback - July 6 - 2:56 pm

  Had this truck for two weeks. Love it, when I get to drive it. This is our only, family vehicle. Plan on using it to pull travel trailer, as well as a every day car. Everyone looks when we go by. Only have 300 miles, ready to go on a road trip to test it out.

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  What you would expect! - 2000 Toyota Tundra
  By TrentpNC - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Tundra used with 19K on it. I had my heart set on a Dodge Ram 1500. My wife (who sold advertisement to dealerships at the time) talked me into just test driving the Tundra. Wow was I surprised! Handled like a sports car! I now have 51K on it and the only thing Ive done is replace a O2 sensor, cost $70 for a sensor and $10 for a special socket at Auto Zone. If you are like me and dont own a lot of heavy farm equipment this is the best truck for light duty. Even my friends who own the other big 3 think its great, mostly because theyve had trouble with there trucks.... :-)