2007-2008 Toyota Tundra: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2008 Toyota Tundra
2008 Toyota Tundra
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2007-2008 Toyota Tundra 

  • Price Range:  $10,400 - $29,300
CG Rating

52

out of 100

About our Road Test

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Acceleration (2WD regular cab w/5.7 V8)
  • Quietness
  • Seat comfort

Cons

  • Steering/handling
  • Interior materials
  • Fuel economy

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's larger pickup was redesigned for release during the 2007 model year, expanding in every dimension over the 2000-2006 models. Now, Tundras equaled or exceeded comparable domestic-brand pickups in wheelbase and overall length. Among all pickups, only the 403-horsepower V8 in the Cadillac Escalade EXT topped Tundra's available 381-hp V8. Built in Texas and in Indiana, Tundra came in three cab styles, three wheelbases, and three bed lengths, with any of three engines and in three trim levels. Two-door, three-passenger regular cabs came in price-leader DX and dressier SR5 trim. Both the Double Cab and longer CrewMax crew cab had four conventional doors, seated six, and came in SR5 and top-line Limited trim. Retained from the prior Tundra was a 236-hp V6, standard in regular and Double cabs. Also retained was a 271-hp, 4.7-liter V8, which was optional for those models but standard in CrewMax trucks. Optional on all was the 381-hp, 5.7-liter V8. That one used a six-speed automatic transmission, versus a five-speed automatic with other engines. Both automatics had manual-shift capability. Tundras were available with four-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement, but included low-range gearing. Cargo-bed lengths were 6.5 feet on regular and Double Cab short-beds, 8.1 feet on Double Cab long-beds, and 5.5 feet on CrewMax pickups. All Tundras had antilock all-disc brakes and traction/antiskid control. Also standard were front side airbags and curtain side airbags that covered both seating rows and included rollover deployment. Limited versions featured leather upholstery and were available with 20-inch wheels, versus Tundra's standard 18s. CrewMax models had a power rear-cab window and were available with DVD entertainment. Among Tundra's options were an off-road package, and a navigation system that included a rearview camera positioned to show the trailer hitch. Domestic-brand rivals included the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford F-150, or GMC Sierra 1500.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Tundra 2WD CrewMax Ltd. w/5.7 V8 Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 6
Value within Class 7
Total Score: 52
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra.

Year to Year Changes


2008 Toyota Tundra: Toyota added 13 Tundra versions for 2008, raising the total to 44 possibilities. This included greater availability of Double Cab and CrewMax models. SR5 Double Cab and CrewMax pickups gained standard power-front bucket seats, heated mirrors, and mudguards. The Limited added front and rear parking assistance.

Our road test for the 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Good power and response emanates from the 4.7-liter V8, but the 5.7-liter feels stronger at all speeds and is the obvious choice for heavy-duty hauling and trailering. A Double Cab model with the 5.7 V8 pulled a 10,000-pound test trailer with no inordinate strain. Still, either V8 can seem slightly slow to deliver muscle in highway passing situations. Maximum towing capacity is 10,800 pounds. Fuel economy is big-pickup typical. Test 4WD CrewMax models with the 5.7-liter V8 averaged 15.1 to 16 mpg in mostly highway driving. All engines use regular-grade fuel. Heavyweight construction and long wheelbases tamp down most impacts, adding to ride comfort. However, on rippled, bumpy pavement, 20-inch tires cause annoying jounce that's not evident with 18-inch tires. With an empty bed, the tail is prone to skitter in fast turns on washboard surfaces--an issue with other pickups, too. Tundra disappoints with slow, numb steering feel, lazy reactions, and some noseplow in quick changes of direction. At least, these deficits are minimized with 18-inch tires versus 20s. Both V8s are very smooth, vocal only in full-throttle acceleration. Wind rush is laudably low, but some tire whine occurs on coarse surfaces. Instruments are large and well marked, but some drivers may find portions obscured by the steering-wheel rim. Tow package added a transmission-temperature gauge. Controls are generously sized and logically arrayed--though a few audio controls are just beyond easy reach. The available navigation system is reasonably simple to program and nicely segregated from most other control functions. Interior materials quality disappoints, even for a large pickup--a reflection of Toyota's push for ruggedness. Switchgear has a cut-rate thin-plastic feel. Too many cabin panels ring hollow and are hard to the touch. Front seats are very comfortable, but set relatively high, so headroom is tight beneath the sunroof housing. Generous shoulder room helps compensate, but the bench seat's center position is cramped. All Tundras have a tilt/telescopic steering column. Outward visibility is good. The available rearview camera allows the driver alone to line up a trailer hitch. Ride height is little different between 2WD and 4WD models, and it's steep enough so entry/exit is a chore. Double Cab and CrewMax rear doors open very wide, but entry/exit is still a tall climb. Both have supportive, comfortable backseats. The CrewMax's rear seat slides fore/aft 10 inches to expand either passenger or storage space, and it has a reclining seatback. Rear headroom is good, but legroom that's expansive in a CrewMax shrinks to adequate in Double Cabs. Cabin storage is a highlight, with a double-tier glovebox and large door map pockets with room for 22-ounce bottles. In bucket-seat models, the center console holds a laptop computer or hanging files. Rear seatbacks fold in one motion to create sturdy parcel platforms. The tailgate locks and has handy counterbalance assist for low-effort opening and closing.
Value for the Money
Toyota said the launch of the redesigned 2007 Tundra was the most important in the company's 50-year U.S. history, intended to double the truck's annual sales. Competing seriously against the domestic brands meant expanding Tundra's appeal beyond the personal-use buyer, to those who need a real pickup for real work. This Tundra has the size, power, and model range to interest that crowd, but not the knockout punch to compel large numbers of GM, Ford, or Dodge loyalists to switch brands. Tundra trails GM and Ford for handling, interior materials, and overall refinement, but beats them in power and passenger accommodations.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Tundra 2WD CrewMax Ltd. w/5.7 V8 Rating
Performance 5
Fuel Economy 2
Ride Quality 4
Steering/Handling/Braking 3
Quietness 6
Controls/Materials 5
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 7
Cargo Capacity 6
Value within Class 7
Total Score: 52

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Tundra includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Tundra .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Battery: The battery may go dead overnight due to failure of the remote start control module. (2007)

None: There may be a shudder from the driveline due to a problem with the torque converter on vehicles equipped with the 5.7L V8 engine. (2007-08)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $710
Alternator $620
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $3,720
Brakes $780
Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing $750
Constant Velocity Joints $1,850
Exhaust System $690
Radiator $840
Shocks and/or Struts $1,480
Timing Chain or Belt $1,400
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Tundra details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
Tundra Couble Cab $20,500-28,500 $18,900-26,200 $13,300-18,500
Tundra CrewMax $24,500-31,500 $22,800-29,300 $15,900-20,500
Tundra V6 $14,500-16,000 $13,200-14,600 $9,000-9,900
Tundra V8 $16,000-19,000 $14,600-17,300 $10,200-12,200
2007
Tundra Couble Cab $16,500-24,000 $15,000-21,800 $10,600-15,400
Tundra CrewMax $20,000-26,500 $18,400-24,400 $13,000-17,200
Tundra V6 $11,500-13,000 $10,400-11,700 $6,300-7,200
Tundra V8 $12,500-15,500 $11,300-14,000 $7,100-8,800
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Tundra include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification crew cab ext. cab long bed ext. cab short bed reg. cab long bed reg. cab short bed
Wheelbase, in. 145.7 164.6 145.7 145.7 126.8
Overall Length, in. 228.7 247.6 228.7 228.7 209.8
Overall Width, in. 79.7 79.7 79.7 79.7 79.7
Overall Height, in. 75.8 76.0 76.0 76.0 76.0
Curb Weight, lbs. 5255 5090 4935 4710 4610
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- -- -- -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 1675 1755 1465 2060 1585
Fuel Capacity, gals. 26.4 26.4 26.4 26.4 26.4
Seating Capacity 6 6 6 3 3
Front Head Room, in. 40.2 40.2 40.2 40.2 40.2
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.5 42.5 42.5 42.5 42.5
Rear Head Room, in. 38.7 38.7 38.7 -- --
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 44.5 34.7 34.7 -- --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.


Powertrain Options and Availability

Tundras came with a choice of three engines: a 4.0-liter V6, 4.7-liter V8, or 5.7-liter V8. Horsepower ratings were 236, 271, and 381 horsepower, respectively. A five-speed automatic transmission was the sole choice with the two smaller engines, while the biggest V8 got a six-speed automatic.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in
Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy
Consumer Guide Observed
dohc V61 4.0 / 241 236 266 5-speed automatic: 17/20 5-speed automatic: --
dohc V81 4.7 / 285 271 313 5-speed automatic: 15/18 5-speed automatic: --
dohc V81 5.7 / 344 381 401 6-speed automatic: 16/20 6-speed automatic: 14.7

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Built In:  USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Tundra include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test 2008 Tundra
Front Impact, Driver 4
Front Impact, Passenger 4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2007-2008 Toyota Tundra directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2007 Tundra 4-wheel drive: The slip yoke may break, and cause the propeller shaft to separate at the joint and contact the road surface or the fuel tank, causing loss of vehicle control or a fuel leak, increasing risk of fire. Dealers will inspect the slip yoke and replace the propeller shaft if necessary.
2007 w/4WD: Slip yokes may have been improperly heat-treated and could break, possibly causing propeller shaft to separate at the joint and contact the road surface or the fuel tank.
2008 Tundra with 18" Enkei wheels: The wheel nuts can crack and break if the wheels are not installed carefully or if the wheel nuts are not carefully tightened. A cracked or broken wheel nut can cause the wheel to become loose and separate from the vehicle. Dealers will replace the attaching wheel nuts.

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