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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2007 Toyota Tundra SR5 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By CHESTER - December 30 - 4:06 pmThis truck is amazing. It can do it all and then some.The interior is fantastic. Very user friendly and comfortable. I have been on several long trips and have no complaints. Cant believe how well this gets around town and tows my 8500 lb trailer. I blow by other trucks pulling trailers up steep grades.
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best truck so far - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By best - December 29 - 2:13 pmIve driven trucks that felt like the steering was dead(chevy). This is by far the best large truck with great comfort.
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Zero Problems Got2Luvit - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By Gus_Zilla - December 29 - 2:00 amI have had my Tundra for over 4 years and have had ZERO problems with it, Not even a light bulb has burned out on me. Definetly the the best quality vehicle I have ever owned. Gus E. Phoenix,AZ
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what a truck - 2004 Toyota Tundra
By Douglas2 - December 29 - 2:00 amJust bought the 4 door limited a few week ago so far I love it. It drives so smoothly. I just got rid of my Ford Supercrew and the difference in comfort and ride is unbelievable. I also had a Silverado before the Ford. Still no comparison. I had all intentions of buying the new Nissan Titan in fact I was on my way to the Nissan dealership to order one but instead stopped at the Toyota dealership and test drove the Tundra. It won hands down.
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My Best Vehicle Ever! - 2001 Toyota Tundra
By AZ RLC - December 26 - 1:03 amI bought mine new and currently have 190,000 miles on the truck. I have replaced the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt and and the power steering lines, all around 100K. Other than the regular maint stuff there have been NO problems only some rattles, which are because of the 2 miles of washboard road that I have driven over 6 days/ week for the last 3 years (plus driving through a small river to boot). It is the Lexus of trucks and I plan on reaching 300,000 if I continue to run synthetic oils. No real towing besides a 2500 mile move pulling a 7000lb trailer. I love this truck, and nearly bought another 2001 last year.
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Better than my F-150 - 2007 Toyota Tundra
By stratus65 - December 25 - 9:16 pmI purchased this truck after my F-150 proved untrustworthy. The Tundra rides very well, very quiet and the engine and transmission are incredibly smooth. It tows our 6500 lb trailer with ease. Not something I could say about our 5.4 L F-150. The brakes are outstanding. The acceleration and handling are fantastic. I havent experinced the fabled bed bounce even though I have tried to induce it on some washboard gravel roads. I have had it off pavement and the ride is still great.
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Better than any american made truck - 2003 Toyota Tundra
By monk - December 22 - 10:00 amI have had a few chevys and a ford and none of them came close to the comfort and solid feel of my Tundra. Those fancy new silveradoes, f150s and rams will be money pits in 6 years. That is the real test of a truck, not how it is new, but how it with 100k miles on it. I have no doubt about the tundra. The motor is made to last over 200k. Look at any of the high mileage landcruisers. If you are looking for a compact/full size this is by far the best thing on the market.
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15000 miles and going - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By Judge - December 21 - 4:06 amMy anti-Japanese car (or truck) brother in law thinks the thing rides like a caddy. A compliment in his world. It is very quiet, very smooth and surprisingly fast. My g-tech pro says it goes 0-60 in 7.85. For me the styling inside and out isnt great, but better than some and more important to me is the reliability that toyota usually has. The toyota is amazing, the only time it feels like a fullsize truck is when you are parking it, especially parallel parking.
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Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tundra
By dsrtrcr01 - December 19 - 4:26 amThis truck is great And the best is its a toyota so it will run forever. It drives like a truck should not all mushy like a little car(the TRD suspension that is) I must admit the non TRD truck is pretty mushy.
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Pick another year - 2000 Toyota Tundra
By litedog - December 18 - 10:00 amI too had the brake problems from day one, front and rear. Also had both exhaust manifold crack. In addition, over the past year it began blowing O2 sensors on a regular basis. When the transmission began slipping, I had enough. The Toyota dealers refuse to believe that there is something wrong with these trucks. My last Toyota.
