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 981 through 990 of 1,512.00-
Excellent - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Dave - July 1 - 6:23 pmNo problems with towing like the reviews say, fun to drive off road... I take it hunting and fishing all the time, while towing my 22 boat I love my Tundra
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Built Cheaply. - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Gary Hoyt - June 28 - 12:46 amToyota built this truck for eye appeal. Look closely at the mechanicals and you will find a light duty, cheaply built truck. How this thing ever made Motor Trends "Truck of the Year" award, Ill never know. I traded in a 99 F-150 for it. The 150 was a much better mechanically engineered truck-hands down. Have owned trucks/heavy eq. 34 yrs. do all my own work on everything I own, have an extensive background in mechs. This truck is a piece of junk!
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Leased Tundra - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By Scott - June 26 - 8:46 pmI have driven this truck for 2.5 years and have clocked 40000 miles. The gas mileage has been very good and has averaged 17 mpg in city driving. This truck has hauled 2400 pounds of concrete bags with great ease, and towed my tractor nicely. It does wear front tires on the outside edge, but I have gotten 40K miles out of the tires. The 5 speed transmission is very well matched to the 4.7 V-8, and quickly moves this truck in all situations. Highway stability isnt quite as stable as I would like, but isnt a major concern. I have had no gas pedal issues. I would buy another Tundra, its great gas mileage makes it an obvious choice over smaller trucks with same gas mileage. Great Buy!
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Toyota has ruined the Tundra - 2014 Toyota Tundra
By mrt19 - June 22 - 11:15 amToyota has completely changed the engine mapping for this truck and added an electronic throttle limiter so everything that was right about the 2007-2013 5.7 engine is now gone. That beloved power is no more. It is sluggish, slow, shift points are erratic and all over the place. I also now get 11mpg. I just got back from the Toyota dealer because I thought something was wrong with it. After a ride with a Toyota Master Technician he confirmed that was what it was supposed to be like. He also agreed with me that they have ruined this truck.
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AWESOME TRUCK - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By AWESOME - June 21 - 11:33 pmOut of all of the trucks out there you can not go wrong with toyota. My family has 3 all total. Toyota isnt given its credit for its solid designs and reliability.
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Great Tundra - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By pppmjde - June 19 - 2:00 amI purchased a Toyota Tundra in July of 2002 it is now 16 months old with 25,000 miles on it. It is one great truck. I have owned GME and Ford and this vehicle is over and above the rest. It is by no means perfect but compared to the others no contest...
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Love This Truck - 2008 Toyota Tundra
By Chad - June 16 - 4:26 pmI waited for two years for this truck and it was well worth the wait. This truck is a head turner everywhere it goes. The 5.7 is an absolute beast and has performed flawlessly. The crewmax cab is cavernous. Plenty of room for five adults. The ride is smooth and the interior is extremely quiet even at highway speed. It is easily the best vehicle I have ever owned and by far the best looking vehicle on the road bar none.
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Does Not Tow What Sticker States - 2006 Toyota Tundra
By Main - June 16 - 2:10 amI recently towed a tandem axle and the rear end of the truck is on the ground. The vehicle is always taching up to the red line. I only have 3000 miles on this truck. The window sticker says that it can tow 6500 lbs and I had my trailer weighed and it was only 5000 pounds. I called them and they blew me off. They need to improve the rear suspension to allow it to tow better. I also have the TRD package and that does not help. It is only getting 7.25 miles to a gallon towing this trailer.
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Elegant Ride - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By aasheal - June 13 - 7:00 amAs a longtime owner and driver of American-made, full size pickups, the 4- door Tundra is by the far the most drivable machine Ive ever owned. Its like a luxury car with an open trunk.
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Tough Truck - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By David B. Carlson - June 9 - 7:00 amFor all the non believers out there, this is a good, strong truck to be reckoned with. If youre in the market for a new truck, do yourself right and test drive this one too.
