Toyota Tacoma

[4X4]

Any opinions? I'm definitely going to buy a new truck this summer because my Jimmy no longer suits my needs. I need an open boxed truck that gets decent fuel economy. Jimmy is neither.

I'm definitely not interested in a full sized truck, so my options are fairly limited. The Tacoma looks good spec-wise, and just looks good. I'm going to drop by a dealership with a tape to see how wide the box is (gotta be able to stick a sheet of plywood or drywall in there).

I know Toyota has a very good reputation, but has anyone heard any bad stuff about the Tacoma that they feel like sharing? Under braked? Wacky glitches? Recalls?

As long as the dollars make sense, I'm probably going to capitalize on the usual end of summer sales. I wanna be prepared! Calling all Tacoma owners!

[chummer]

Have owned one for 3 years...great truck.
A bunch of guys I work with have bought in the States and saved thousands,definitely the way to go.

[Knut]

I have the 05 Tacoma, and will be picking up the 08 in August when my lease expires.

Gas Mileage is decent (although the Ridgeline is better).... versatile and chicks dig it.

[Burninator]

I have some friends who bought a Nissan Frontier last year. Not sure if it was something you were considering, but they like it.

[habernac]

Originally Posted by chummer

Have owned one for 3 years...great truck.
A bunch of guys I work with have bought in the States and saved thousands,definitely the way to go.

one of my biking pals just did this, bought one in Seattle and saved at least $5000.

[ricoFlame]

my cousin has had an '04 and now an '08 and he won't buy anything else, he swears by it as a practical truck/daily driver.

[prarieboy]

I love my 04 Tacoma. I would like a bigger box which the newer models offer but it's not a big deal for me right now.
I once droped it off for an oil change and when I picked it up they had replaced, at no cost, my ball joints due to some sort of manufacturing problem on the production line.
I was concerned about the automatic push button four wheel drive system but so far it's worked just fine.

I've always had really good luck with Toyotas.

[kevman]

Seeing as I too am currently in the middle of the Tacoma vs. Frontier debate I'll offer some of my insight...

Tacoma - Pros:
Looks, it may be vane but man do I think the new Tacoma's are the best looking truck for sale, on the road or for that matter ever manufactured. Aggressive, sporty and tough!
Weight, the Tacoma's are light (thanks to the composite bed) and drive like it!
Reliability, and resale for that matter...I plan to keep my new truck for 15 years so resale isn't a big issue but it's hard to find a disappointed Toyota owner.

Tacoma - Cons:
Brakes, while I'm aware that braking performance is good and it doesn't make a difference I'm not too stoked on the rear drum brakes. Say what you want but if I'm spending $40k on a truck and it's the year 2008 I want 4 wheel discs.
Payload, this sounds like it's been fixed but if you're looking used this is a huge issue. The old Tacoma's (2005-2007) were under sprung in the rear and would easily ride the bump stops when hauling 7-800 lbs. + maybe that's not your thing but If I'm buying a truck with a 1150 lbs. payload I expect it to be able to haul that and still handle well.
Handling, while I said they feel quick and nimble they do not ride as responsive and upright as the new Frontier and at the same time they do not ride as comfortable on the road. This is mostly cause by excessive body roll from the soft rear springs but I've driven '08's as well and still find the Frontier to have a nicer ride.
Options, mostly a problem if buying in Canada but the build options are limited...TRD Off Road & Quad Cab? You're out of luck!

Tacoma - Preferences:
Dash, not sold on the contemporary styling. It looks good but a little "car-like" in my opinion and the gauges can be hard to read.
Seats, they're comfy and supportive but the seating position is also very "car-like" Toyota trucks tend to have you sit low and reclined vs. the much more upright driving positions found in the Nissan and North American trucks/jeeps.

On to the frontier...

Frontier - Pros:
Power, good powerful engine that despite the frontiers larger curb weight actually gets better fuel economy.
Price, you get a lot more "bang for your buck" compared to the Toyota.
Ride, fantastic!
Build Options, more than the Tacoma but still hugely limited compared to the US.

Frontier - Cons:
Frame flex?, I've read of certain cases where your frame can flex and actually dent the cab with the bed...
Weak tailgate?, again I've read of people bending the tailgate hinges for they are only "rated" to 50 lbs. which in my opinion is ridiculous. I added the '?' on both of those because they are obviously things I can not determine for my self from test drives but only from internet research.

Frontier - Preferences:
Seats, I find the seating position much more comfortable.
Interior, the interior is slight more "boring" than the Tacoma's but if you're like me and prefer the slightly more "utilitarian" look the Frontier is nicer.

Wow, apparently I got a lot to say on this. It's late and I didn't read over it so I hope it reads ok...

Finals Thoughts:
With all that said, in my opinion, the Frontier is the better truck and better deal. Yes the Tacoma has the "reliability" that comes with the name but the Frontier rides better, is more fuel efficient, has better options and has a lower sticker price. With all that said I plan to buy a 2009 Tacoma. Why? For one they are rumered to add disc brakes to the rear in 2009 and have worked out the kinks in the rear suspension but most importantly for the head room...

This is a huge one and the sole reason I've decided to buy a Tacoma when the time is right. Being 6'1" and wanting the NISMO package I have to get the sunroof which eliminates my head room. I have less than an inch above and to the side of my head when seated comfortably. The slightest bump on the road and I hit my head. If I could simply remove the sun roof option, that i don't really want anyways, and have the rest of the options I want I'd buy this truck in a heart beat. In my opinion Nissan really messed this one up because by the sounds of it I'm not the only one.

Phew, all done! If anyone else has any opinions I'd love to hear them! I've ruled out the domestics because other than the Colorado no one offers a locker with a quad cab.

[Kjesse]

Were I in the market for a truck, I'd have a hard time picking between the Tacoma and the Frontier.

I've owned two 240sx's, a 300zx, and an Xterra, and I've never had anything go wrong with any of them, so I'm really happy with Nissan in terms of quality.

I've also kept good care of each Nissan I bought, and when it came time to sell, I recovered enough of my initial purchase to roll it over into another vehicle such the payments on the loan for the new one were low, or I was able to add enough to the kitty to buy outright.

I even took the Xterra 4x4ing a few times and while it is not a good choice for a true offroader, it held its own (though I respected the fact it didn't have a skid plate (and I should add that those nerf bars were very vulnerable)).

That being said, I think Toyota makes vehicles that are probably 'better' in most respects, though that's a personal feeling.

Both the Tacoma and Frontier look great, you can't go wrong with either IMHO.

[Bobblehead]

I have an 04 Tacoma - no complaints so far.

[4X4]

Wow kev, thanks for the info!! And thanks for everyone else's replies.

The 50 lbs thing on the Frontier, if true, is a deal breaker. That is just ridiculous. Tailgates are meant for sitting on and also for remaining closed and being used to contain a load that is levered on it thus eliminating the need for straps. I would have an aneurism if either practice damaged the tailgate.

I agree about the look of the Tacoma. It turns me on. I'm vain in few ways, but when it comes to trucks and women, I have to like what I'm looking at.

Rear drum brakes? That's sooo last century. I'm shocked. But it's unlikely that I'd be doing much of the maintenance on it so I guess I don't care.

What I really like is the 6 speed manual. I've been driving an auto for 4 years and how I miss the manual tranny on my old truck. Giving me a 6th gear is like giving me a lobster tail with my steak dinner.

The payload question concerns me a bit. There are times that I have to go to Rona and get a truckload of construction materials. I expect a truck to be able to handle that. I'm not buying a truck to look cool (though I'm sure I will).

I'm going to find a dealership that offers extended test drives and then I'm going to go fill the box with materials and take it for a spin. If I bring it back broken... Well... I'll just borrow an excuse from Homer Simpson.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

I bought a new truck about two years ago, and if money hadn't been a concern I'd have bought a Tacoma no question.
However, I saved quite a bit by buying a Colorado, and I've been very pleased with it.

I know most people on this board have a hate on for domestic vehicles, and I the Tacoma is a fantastic truck, but the Colorado isn't too far behind.

[4X4]

Ooh. The Colorado. Totally forgot about that rig. It's got a 5 cylander engine, no? How many liters? What kind of fuel efficiency does it get? Are you happy with it? Can you fit a 4' sheet in the back?

[Dr_Hook]

I have a 06 Tacoma TRD Offroad with the 6 speed manual. I absolutely love driving it and have no complaints in just over two years. Decent gas mileage, a great truck in the city and on the highway. As for payload, I've taken quite a few loads from Rona etc. and to the dump, only once have I ever felt it was a little too much for the truck, and I was close to if not over 1150lbs on that load.
Only thing to watch out for is the back end is extremely light with the composite box, but for the winter time I throw in a few sand bags and when needed put it into 4x4 and have never had a problem getting anywhere.

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Ooh. The Colorado. Totally forgot about that rig. It's got a 5 cylander engine, no? How many liters? What kind of fuel efficiency does it get? Are you happy with it? Can you fit a 4' sheet in the back?

Yeah, it's a 3.5L inline 5 (I'm fairly certain there is a 4 cylinder model as well, but who wants that?), and I've had no problems with it at all.
The fuel economy is pretty good. I couldn't tell you off the top of my head what the numbers are, but I've never really thought it was outrageous.
As for putting a 4ft sheet in the back, I'm not sure I've never tried, I think it'd be tight. I'm certain you could put it over the wheel wells, but between them? Not likely, and I doubt you could with anything under a 1/2 ton.

As for wanting a manual, you might be SOL depending on what cab you want.
The quad cab only comes in automatic (at least it did when I bought it), but if you are just looking for an extended or regular cab you should be okay.

It's also got the push button 4 wheel dirve, and I did have a minor problem with it when a solenoid broke and I had to drive around in 4 high for a few days before I got it into the dealership, but they fixed it up and I've had no problems since (even driving around in 4 high didn't bother it).

I've also taken it hunting onto some pretty sketcy cutlines and logging "roads" and I was able to get everywhere the other guys I was with (Tundra and F150) could go, so it'll do pretty well off-road as well.

[ZDogg]

I have a 2006 Tacoma Double Cab with the TRD Sport Pacakage.

Already at 75k... and shes still running perfect. Just bought new tires which is fairly impressive since factory tires usually seem to last 60k or less. Haven't had a problem hauling anything (Drywall, Washers, Dryers, Couches, Beds, Heavy Cast Iron Saw, etc). I love the lined box and the movable anchors on the rails.

The only issue I have to date is my fan sometimes makes a quiet humming noise when its cold outside. Another thing is that I wish they had the side mirror defrost. Overall I give it two thumbs.

[Traditional_Ale]

How much are you guys paying to completely fill your tanks, and then with reasonable driving style, how many kilometers does it go?

[Bring_Back_Shantz]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

How much are you guys paying to completely fill your tanks, and then with reasonable driving style, how many kilometers does it go?

I just paid $80 to fill it up when the fuel ligh was on (about 65L).
As for mileage, I'm not 100% sure as I rarely drive it right down to emptly like that, but I'm thinking probably around 600k (somewhere around 10l/100km)

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by 4X4

Ooh. The Colorado. Totally forgot about that rig. It's got a 5 cylander engine, no? How many liters? What kind of fuel efficiency does it get? Are you happy with it? Can you fit a 4' sheet in the back?

Steer clear of the Colorado, I love GM but that inline 5 has bad cylinder heads.. If money is no object get a diesel, fuel economy is great and so much power. I wouldnt trade mine for anything. I get about 600km to a $100 worth and its got 475 hp and 880ftlbs of torque..

[Knut]

Originally Posted by Traditional_Ale

How much are you guys paying to completely fill your tanks, and then with reasonable driving style, how many kilometers does it go?

2005 Tacoma -

I pay about 85 bucks to fill up with the fuel light on. Get about 500 in the city and 550 to 600K on the highway. At 121 Km/h on the highway my truck just settles in (I feel it ride very smooth and almost coast), i can get from Calgary to Edmonton and Back....