The 2006 Toyota Tundra isn’t as comfortable, as innovative, or as capable as the Ford F-150, towing a maximum of just 6,700 pounds in a fully-equipped V8 model. But, the Toyota Tundra is the most likely full-size pickup to pass 300,000 miles on the original powertrain.
Is the 2006 Toyota Tundra a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – It can’t tow as much as an F-150 or a Silverado, but it’s tough enough to get almost any job done, and it’s built to last dang near forever.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – The back seat is a bit narrow compared to other full-size trucks, but it makes up for that with a couple extra inches in the bed, compared to the slightly-shorter F-150.
- Reliability 9/10 – Simply the most dependable full-size truck in its model year.
- Safety 7/10 – The Tundra is a class leader for crash test ratings, but anti-lock brakes are about as advanced as the safety tech gets.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – V6 models will average 20 miles to the gallon, combined, which is good for a 2006 full-size, but no 2006 full-size is what you might call fuel-efficient.
- Value 8/10 – The Tundra costs a little more than a comparable Ford or Chevy, but you’ll know where that extra money went when you’re still driving it six years from now.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2006 Toyota Tundra?
Consumer Reports found the 2006 Tundra strong and well-rounded, praising the quiet cabin, powerful V8, 6,700 pounds of towing capacity, and versatile rear/all wheel drive configuration. The notoriously demanding consumer watchgroup had no major negative remarks on the truck.
Kelley Blue Book users give the 2006 Tundra an overwhelming 98% recommendation, without a single one-star review on file. Drivers love the truck’s spacious interior and powerful engine, but give special praise to the Tundra for its longevity, with one reporting more than 350,000 miles on the odometer.
Edmunds were impressed by the 2006 Tundra’s refined, powerful V8 engine, the overall build quality, the nimble off-road handling, and the reliable powertrain, calling the Tundra the most “car-like” of all full-size trucks. They note that the Tundra can’t quite compete with the F-150 or Silverado for sheer towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2006 Toyota Tundra Have?
146 of the 2006 Toyota Tundra’s 504 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration complaints are for structural issues, with drivers reporting extensive rust in the Tundra’s frame. This is most common in colder states where you have a lot of road salt.
Drivers have registered another 132 complaints for airbag problems, with airbag lights blinking on and airbags failing to deploy following a series of recalls, the most recent in 2019.
There are 81 complaints on file for suspension, mostly having to do with the above-mentioned rust issues. Corrosion is easy to prevent with a coating of anti-rust spray, but can be almost impossible to fix once it settles in.
The 2006 Tundra has 13 recalls on file with the NHTSA, which is a bit high for a vehicle of this model year. But, when you consider the low number of complaints, it suggests a proactive automaker addressing major issues before they become a problem for most drivers.
How Long Will the 2006 Toyota Tundra Last?
Drivers have reported Tundras lasting well past 300,000 miles. If you’re trying to join the million mile club, your best bet is going to be a Honda or a Toyota. But, if you’re buying used, expect to hit 250,000 miles before the major repairs start to add up.
RepairPal report an average annual maintenance cost of $606, with some of the more expensive common fixes including new timing chain tensioners at around $1,340, and new radiators starting at $785.
Very reliable. No mechanical issues. Runs great. Only routine maintenance. No rust. Body looks good.
Does not have any problems at this time. .I am hoping to get several more years worth of use out of it.L love the body style and Toyota has since changed the body style.
It is a very reliable truck. I have always been a big supporter of Toyota vehicles in the past, and the tundra has not disappointed me. It is easy to work on and the engines last forever.
It is very reliable that's one of the reasons we went Toyota. After lots of research. We bought it in 06 and the only thing we have done besides regular maintenance is the rack and pinion but that's the only thing in 13 years
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2006 Toyota Tundra is adequate, if unimpressive. Even in the higher trim levels CD players are about as high-tech as it gets.
Safety technology in the 2006 Toyota Tundra is, likewise, adequate if unimpressive. Anti-lock brakes are included as a standard feature, and you have full airbags with occupant classification.
Is the 2006 Toyota Tundra a Good Value?
The 2006 Toyota Tundra is a very good value. The entry level model typically lists at around $7,153, while higher trim levels can go up to around $8,568.
These prices are a bit higher than you’d be spending on a comparable Ford or Chevy, but between the Tundra’s low cost of ownership and its longevity, the Toyota is by far the better deal overall. These prices are quoted on models with around 150,000 miles on the odometer, and you might double that on the original transmission.
What are the Different Models of the 2006 Toyota Tundra?
The 2006 Toyota Tundra is offered in three trim levels, from the self-explanatory Base to the high-end Limited.
With the entry-level Base you’re getting:
- Cloth seating
- Tire pressure monitor
- CD player with 4 speakers
- Anti-lock brakes
The mid-range SR5 adds:
- Manual air conditioning
- Remote keyless entry
- Power windows and door locks
- Optional cruise control
- 2 extra speakers
A top-of-the-line Limited model features:
- Fog lights
- Premium cloth seating
- 6-disc CD changer with steering wheel mounted audio controls
What Engines Come In the 2006 Toyota Tundra?
- The base engine in the 2006 Tundra is a 4.0L V6 delivering 236 horsepower and 266 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic transmission in rear wheel drive, it tows up to 5,000 pounds, and it averages 18/22 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- All models are available with a 4.7L V8 that delivers 271 horsepower and 313 lb.-ft. of torque at an average MPG of 16/19. This is paired to a 5-speed automatic in rear/four wheel drive and it can tow up to 6,700 pounds.
What Colors Does the 2006 Toyota Tundra Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2006 Toyota Tundra?
The 2006 Toyota Tundra is one of the more comfortable full-size trucks in its model year with smooth-riding suspension and firm seating. But, the back row in the larger cabs may be a bit narrow, at just 58.3 inches of hip room.
Ford really led the industry around this time when it came to interior features, and the F-150 is more SUV-like in the cabin. But, the Tundra is easily the more comfortable choice when compared to the Silverado or Dodge Ram.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2006 Toyota Tundra Have?
The 2006 Tundra is available with a short bed (74.4″) and a long bed (98.4″). Both boxes are 17.2 inches deep and 62.8 inches wide at the floor. This makes the Tundra a bit larger than the F-150 by just a couple inches, but we’re splitting hairs at that point.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The 2006 Toyota Tundra was the last model year of the truck’s 1st Generation, running from 2000 to 2006.
2003: Changes for 2003 included new grilles, and stepside beds for the Access Cab models.
2004: New for 2004 was a Crew Cab with four rear-open doors.
2005: No major changes for 2005.
2006: 2006 saw the addition of an aluminum-block 4.0L V6 engine option.
2007: The 2nd Generation relaunch saw the Tundra borrowing some styling cues from the Tacoma and bumping the towing capacity up to 10,000 pounds.
2008: New for 2008 was a Tundra Grade trim, slotted between the Base and SR5 and oriented towards trades people looking for a capable work truck at a fair price.
How Does the 2006 Toyota Tundra Compare to the Competition?
Where the 2006 Tundra really excels is in longevity. The 2006 F-150 is the best full-size truck overall if you’re looking for something that combines sheer performance specs with a comfortable interior, towing around 9,500 pounds and boasting an SUV-like interior for about a thousand dollars cheaper than the Tundra.
The 2006 Silverado, likewise, is a more powerful work truck, towing more than four tons and priced in the same range as the F-150.
Both of those trucks can outperform the Tundra and they’re built to last, but they’re unlikely to pass the 300,000 mile mark. To be fair, most Tundras will start to give out at around 250,000, but there are more half-million mile Toyotas on the road today than there are half-million Fords or Chevies.
Do Owners Recommend the 2006 Toyota Tundra?
Yes. I have only had to do routine maintenance; no issues. Mechanically sound. Well put together. Extremely comfortable. Smooth ride.
Yes, has been a very dependable truck. Drives very good. Easy to handle. Have had it since around 2008 and have replaced only a few parts. Has over 200,000 miles.
Th 2006 Toyota tundra is a great vehicle for all purposes. It is spacious inside, the truck bed is large enough for most anything, and is great in all terrains and weather conditions. Toyotas are also very easy to work on and find parts for. I have been very satisfied with this vehicle purchase.
Yes absolutely it's a very good truck. With regular maintenance it has ran like a champ. We have been thinking about exchanging it for a newer truck but it is so hard to do that when the one you already have has Been so good to us. We bought this truck in 06 and we have driven from Florida to California twice and all around and it's still going strong no complaints here