Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
You can turn a Prius into a rock crawler if you throw enough money at it. 
How capable IS a Tacoma?
- Thread starter XJxplorer
- Start date
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
Well, I can't speak for anyone else but the pushbutton 4wd is a dealbreaker for me. That's one reason why I specifically looked for a 2004-earlier truck when I went truck shopping in January of 07. Interestingly, I noted that Nissan also went from the shifter to a pushbutton in 2005, so I was looking for either a 2004-down Tacoma or a Frontier.
The 2005 - up Tacos are also bigger in almost every dimension than the 1995-04 version. Bigger might be more comfortable but it's also less maneuverable on the trail and generally consumes more fuel.
I have also heard from others that suspension articulation and travel isn't nearly as good. The newer Tacos appear to either be lower than the older ones, or at least they have more crap hanging down than the older ones do.
I think Toyota did what too many other manufacturers do: They took something that wasn't broken and they "fixed" it.
IMO the only really good thing Toyota did with the 05-up models is that they finally offered the double cab with a manual transmission.
I am constantly amazed at how well my bone-stock 04 does off road and some pretty gnarly trails (at least they're gnarly to me.)
The 2005 - up Tacos are also bigger in almost every dimension than the 1995-04 version. Bigger might be more comfortable but it's also less maneuverable on the trail and generally consumes more fuel.
I have also heard from others that suspension articulation and travel isn't nearly as good. The newer Tacos appear to either be lower than the older ones, or at least they have more crap hanging down than the older ones do.
I think Toyota did what too many other manufacturers do: They took something that wasn't broken and they "fixed" it.
IMO the only really good thing Toyota did with the 05-up models is that they finally offered the double cab with a manual transmission.
I am constantly amazed at how well my bone-stock 04 does off road and some pretty gnarly trails (at least they're gnarly to me.)
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
Actually, I should have added the manual windows, manual door locks, and manual (although remotely controlled) mirrors. There's a lot to be said for keeping it simple.
Can you even buy a car today that doesn't have power windows?
What saddens me is that there doesn't seem to be any slowing down in this race to make everything on a vehicle electrically controlled and remotely operated. Seems like a terrible idea and a great example of planned obsolescence - as in, within 15 - 20 years, nobody is going to make all the little electrical doodads that will keep this vehicle running, so you might as well scrap it and buy a new vehicle.
Contrast that to the fact that there are Land Rovers, Land Cruisers and M-37 trucks from the 1950's that are still running because all the parts are mechanical and can be rebuilt or replaced.
I was really sorry to see Toyota go over to the Dark Side in 2005, but I suppose it was inevitable. Ah, well, I guess my Taco will probably last me at least another 4-5 years (or longer: I kept my equally simple Montero for 7 years) so I won't have to worry about buying another vehicle until then.
Can you even buy a car today that doesn't have power windows?
What saddens me is that there doesn't seem to be any slowing down in this race to make everything on a vehicle electrically controlled and remotely operated. Seems like a terrible idea and a great example of planned obsolescence - as in, within 15 - 20 years, nobody is going to make all the little electrical doodads that will keep this vehicle running, so you might as well scrap it and buy a new vehicle.
Contrast that to the fact that there are Land Rovers, Land Cruisers and M-37 trucks from the 1950's that are still running because all the parts are mechanical and can be rebuilt or replaced.
I was really sorry to see Toyota go over to the Dark Side in 2005, but I suppose it was inevitable. Ah, well, I guess my Taco will probably last me at least another 4-5 years (or longer: I kept my equally simple Montero for 7 years) so I won't have to worry about buying another vehicle until then.
mcm4090
Explorer
Ok let me first say that this is just my opinion. I am not trying to insult any vehicle or promote another.the dude said:
I believe from 1998 - 2004 the toyota Tacoma was the best truck on the market compaired to Ford, chevy,and Nissan. And I was totally set on getting a 2005 tacoma until I started compairing it to the other makes. Personally I don't feel that the 2005 Tacoma is an improvment to the previous generations.
the dude
Adventurer
mcm4090 said:
BUT WHY???
I am looking for opinions and real life comparisons!! :beer:
I can understand some of the "electronic" issues. I struggled with the push button 4x4 and the auto on my Land Cruiser. Now, I don't think I would give up either (well the push button could go, but I love the auto) I don't know if the Tacos are built to the same high standards as the Cruisers...
Jim&Tammy
New member
I owned a 00' Ext. Cab TRD Taco until last year when I traded it in for my FJ Cruiser. The 00' Taco had a 3" Lift, 33" tires, JBA exhaust, JBA Headers, and K&N CAI, fiberglass shell, Wilderness Roof Rack w/ Hi Lift mounts and Jack. Of course it had the stock locker too. That thing was indestuctable and would go anywhere from Colorado to Northern and Southern Arizona. That Taco litteraly took a beating and kept on ticking. Never had any motor issues or Diff problems. I drove from Arizona to TN. to North Carolina back to AZ and then to Colorado. Also drove back and forth for a while to Arizona to see my wife until she came to Colorado with me. I regret selling it now and even almost bought a 01 Ext. Cab. TRD SE w/TRD S/C. But the motor sounded like it was really hurting beyond my wallet.
I will stick with the FJ now and continue the build, currently has: 3" OME, All Pro front and rear bumpers, M8000 winch, 295/70/17 Nitto Terra Grapplers. Of course more to come.
I will stick with the FJ now and continue the build, currently has: 3" OME, All Pro front and rear bumpers, M8000 winch, 295/70/17 Nitto Terra Grapplers. Of course more to come.
Cackalak Han
Explorer
the dude said:
Well, I think it's mostly due to the increased size. That's the only thing I can think of. When I drove my friend's 06 Double Cab, it felt about as big as his old Tundra DC. They just "feel" bigger, whereas the 95-04 Tacomas feel like a mid-sized truck. If this is an issue for you, get the older Tacoma.
I actually wouldn't mind the new Tacoma, because I don't do any hardcore crawling, so size difference doesn't matter and the extra space would be nice. And I really like the new 4.0L V6 in the new Tacomas, too, along with the 5-sp auto transmission. But not enough to sell my 01 DC.
Here is a nice looking 04 w/ low miles. Could probably talk him down a lot. Don't know anything about it, though (just found it browsing craigslist).
http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/car/739089301.html
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maxama10
Welcome to Nevadafornia
05+ Tacomas are still much smaller than the f150 and only a little bigger than the colorado/canyon or ranger.
I dunno why the size thing is so important, I guess a lot of you live where you can barely squeeze through trails?
All those commercials brain washed me into thinking bigger is better I guess?
For me the extra room is nice.
I dunno why the size thing is so important, I guess a lot of you live where you can barely squeeze through trails?
All those commercials brain washed me into thinking bigger is better I guess?
For me the extra room is nice.
Jacket
2008 Expedition Trophy Champion
I find this repeated discussion/argument kinda funny. There are so many people on the "95-04 is better" bandwagon - many without a good reason why.
The bottom line is this: each person is going to have different needs with their vehicle. While one person thinks the size increase is the worst thing imaginable, the next guy (like me) finds a lot of value in having the extra space to travel with 3 other passengers. To say the quality on the 05+ isn't up to snuff is a bit premature to say the least. The truck is barely 3 years old, and has only begun to enter the market of 2nd and 3rd owners that will begin to look for long term quality and value.
Let me ask you this: How many folks thought the 60 series LC was "way better" than the FJ40? And how many folks believed the new FJ80 was a "huge improvement" over the FJ60? And who out there saw the 1st gen Tacoma in 1995, and said - man, this thing is sooo much better than the old mini-truck? I'll venture to say not that many. But over time, these trucks proved their worthiness. I guess we'll see if the 05+ Tacoma holds up to these standards.
I'm one of the freakish minority that started my search for a Tacoma looking for a 2001-2004, and ended up with a 2nd gen Tacoma. Is it the best wheeler? No. Is it the best rock crawler? No. Is it more comfortable? Yes. Is it more well-rounded? Yes. Is it the best fit for my needs? Maybe. Is it the best fit for yours? Maybe.
The bottom line is this: each person is going to have different needs with their vehicle. While one person thinks the size increase is the worst thing imaginable, the next guy (like me) finds a lot of value in having the extra space to travel with 3 other passengers. To say the quality on the 05+ isn't up to snuff is a bit premature to say the least. The truck is barely 3 years old, and has only begun to enter the market of 2nd and 3rd owners that will begin to look for long term quality and value.
Let me ask you this: How many folks thought the 60 series LC was "way better" than the FJ40? And how many folks believed the new FJ80 was a "huge improvement" over the FJ60? And who out there saw the 1st gen Tacoma in 1995, and said - man, this thing is sooo much better than the old mini-truck? I'll venture to say not that many. But over time, these trucks proved their worthiness. I guess we'll see if the 05+ Tacoma holds up to these standards.
I'm one of the freakish minority that started my search for a Tacoma looking for a 2001-2004, and ended up with a 2nd gen Tacoma. Is it the best wheeler? No. Is it the best rock crawler? No. Is it more comfortable? Yes. Is it more well-rounded? Yes. Is it the best fit for my needs? Maybe. Is it the best fit for yours? Maybe.