2004 vs 2005 Tacoma

[SSF556]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the pros/cons for each....

I like the looks of the 2004 and size, but maybe the improvements for 2005 outweigh these...

Any info would be appreciated.

 

[CLynn85]

It depends on what your goals are. I have driven both, and while the 2005+ are more powerful, more comfortable, etc, To me the 2004's were more of the quintessential toyota truck. I've said a few times that if I could have bought a 2004 new, I would have taken it over my 2007.

 

[nucktaco]

ive got an 08 right now but have driven an 01 and 04 taco. the 05+ are way more comfortable, look 100x better, and have more power. the previous gen has way more aftermarket support and feels like a higher quality truck.

 

[Mattm94]

For a semi-full size occasional light duty tow rig I'd take an 05+ taco over a pre-07 Tundra.

For a mini, and for all but a work and backer or dedicated solid axle crawler, I'd take an 01-04 Taco over ANY pre-96.... the 01-02 Taco is the epitome of the 1979-2004 design cycle/philosophy.... as is the 99-00 4Runner.

For a full size, the 5.7 CrewMax smokes them all soundly.

I've owned well over a dozen..... an 85 XtraCab, 02 Double, and 10 CrewMax are still here...

The original 80s/90s Japanese design philosophy died with the 04 Taco and 02 Runner IMHO.

 

[robert]

I'd agree with all of the above including the one about buying a 2004 instead of my 2005 if I could have; well all except except for the new trucks looking better- I prefer the look of the older Tacos myself. My old 3.4 got better gas mileage than my current 4.0 too. There are definitely pros and cons as you've noticed.

 

[SSF556]

Thanks guys...I have a 2008 Grand Cherokee Diesel that I am looking to sell and put some money in my pocket. The problem is I really want a low mileage 2004 Tacoma 4wd 4 door but they are:

1. Hard to find

2. Pricey...Hard to swallow 18-20k for a 2003 with 60,000 miles.

 

[Trail100]

The '04 is a smaller but stronger package. I live in an area full of growers that overload thier trucks down with fertilizer and fencing and then rail them up into the hills as fast as they can drive. A LOT of them say they like thier older Tacomas better than thier new ones because of how tough they are. I had to put new frames under two '05 Tacos when they first came out from the motor mounts punching holes in the inside of the frame rail. Don't get me wrong, I do like the size and the power of the new Tacoma, and the fact they finally offer some good body/drivetrain combinations (6 speed 4 door short bed) is awesome. I'm just throwing another perspective out there.

 

[oxi]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the pros/cons for each....

I like the looks of the 2004 and size, but maybe the improvements for 2005 outweigh these...

Any info would be appreciated.

For 2005+ since I owned 2 so far, 2005 X-Runner and my 2010 BOTT.

Pro's are easy: bigger cab, bigger (wider) bed. The 4.0L is one sweet motor, had mine pushing out 330 hp.

Con's: large size for real off-roading and weight.

Overall I would still choose the latest version because I like the roomy cab and have a nice 6 foot bed in back to pack survival gear.