I did the thing you're 'never' supposed to do and bought my taco when it was the first year of production in 2016. I've had it for 100k miles and it has had zero problems. There are extremely few vehicles that have this quality.
*YES THE WHOLE TRUCK IS DESIGNED AS A TRUCK IN 3D* I supplied the 3D projection system they used to design these, every piece is put in and out hundreds of times to find the most serviceable shape and path. They have theatres with 3D true to scale projections of the vehicle that you can stand in and remove the alternator or assemble the suspension.
said " They have theatres with 3D true to scale projections of the vehicle that you can stand in and remove the alternator or assemble the suspension. " So the Star Trek Holodeck is now reality?
Shiiit why is this not a Quest app? Aptera has an AR/VR demo of their cars so you can get a feel for how you fit in them and it makes a huge difference. I'd never buy an ICE but even I'd get a kick out of showing friends and family how to dissassemble a virtual tacoma. Free advertising
I have a 74 Corolla that has over half a million miles on it, and it's still one of the most reliable vehicles I've ever owned. I went out on a 20°f morning not too long ago and fired it up for the first time in months, and it didn't skip a beat. You get the added thrill of it being one of the least safe vehicles on American roads too, so that's exciting.
Old corollas are where it's at! I have had many and still have a te27 and a te72. The 2tc/3tc engines are more bullet proof then the R series truck engines.
@@ryanwalker388 no doubt. Growing up, my mom had an '80 wagon with the 3tc that we beat the crap out of. It had a water pump go bad. I would drive it down the interstate, notice the gauge in the red, pull over to let it cool down, and just keep doing that till I got home. We did this for over a week until my uncle could change the water pump. It was absolutely none the worse for it.
Can fully attest. Had a 2013 Tacoma that I bought for $500 after it sank in hurricane Matthew in 2017. It already had 240k miles when it flooded. I used it on the farm until I sold it for $10k this February. It had a salvage title and 260k miles but was a 4x4 V6 and still held so much value.
I had a 1985 (before the name Tacoma) and I drove it for 23 years, until I needed a bigger truck. I almost cried as I left the dealership, seeing my little yellow friend sitting there alone. I should have kept it and just bought the bigger truck, as I know I got stiffed on the trade-in value. Anyway, a few years slid by and I bought a new Tacoma in 2017. Of course that new truck is perfect (not a rust bucket like the 1985 version) , but I still feel like I abandoned an absolutely loyal friend.
Here's an applicable song lyric: "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got till it's gone." Joni Mitchell Big Yellow Taxi@@alanmeadows4056
You didn't talk much about the size creep on these mid-sized pickups. It seems to me like an F150 from the late 90's is about the same size as a new Ranger. The Tacoma is certainly a larger pickup than the previous generations as well. And, generally, the more weight you ask a vehicle to carry around every day, the harder it is on all components of that vehicle (except it usually rides smoother). I'm still of the philosophy that I'd like to ask a larger displacement engine to work at about 20% of its capacity 80% of the time than ask a small engine to work at 60% of its capacity 80% of the time. Adding turbos adds complexity and heat. Not things that usually go hand in hand with long-term reliability.
all of the tacomas have more power than the cow towing hiluxes and such. the 1.9 isuzus work all day all year hauling ice too. like, it doesn't really matter as much as much as the engine at 100% isn't overtaxing the engine in the first place.
Size creep is required by the government, not a result of consumer demands or trendy design. ruclips.net/video/azI3nqrHEXM/видео.html&pp=ygUfd2h5IHdlIGNhbid0IGhhdmUgc21hbGwgdHJ1Y2tzIA%3D%3D
That size creep is due to the EPA. The formula for determining required fuel economy is based on size of wheelbase and year of production, so to avoid fines they have to make the vehicles larger to keep the same class engine. It’s why the Maverick is a hybrid.
EXACTLY, for those who want the info-dive, Corporate Average Fuel Economy, known as CAFE laws. TLDR: The bigger the vehicle, the lower required fuel economy. Important for Toyota because while they have some vehicles with good to great fuel economy, some of their more robust models, like the Taco, could actually run more efficiently, but are tuned down to maintain durability. @@megazombiekiller9000
My '96 Tacoma 4WD 3.4L V6 Extended cab in burgundy? non-SR5 trim has 336,000 miles. It can go years without adequate maintenance almost nothing breaks and I've forgotten most of what I knew about how to work on vehicles. IF it ever dies I want another one of the same year and model.
Preach brother. I feel the same about my 18 Tacoma. I have already put 156,000 miles on it and she has not skipped a beat. I have replaced 2 ball joints, UCA bushings, breaks once and spark plugs once. Tacoma's are amazing.
Toyota never fail to amaze me with just how perfectly they manage to straddle the line of inoffensive and perfectly adequate vehicles. There’s nothing special there, but it will start and get you where you are going with no fuss in acceptable comfort. The perfect appliance for someone who just wants to get from A to B.
What Working as mechanic taught me about Toyotas. They our underpowered. Mechanical more complicated when compared to other trucks. Build quality is superb. Interior quality in the 90s was also simple and superb for wear/longevity. Front Suspension geometry was a head of its time and is now copied by almost all other truck manufacturers. They offered awesome off road tech with rear locker available. They also fail like other manufacturers, and factor parts our more expensive. Yes they can and often do last a long time the owners also our more willing to keep them maintained and on the road because they hold their value. I have seen all brands of trucks reliably be worked hard with high miles put on them, Toyotas our no exception. I would not pay the money people want for them used. Awesome video Matt!!
Now the manual transmissions are failing even though they detuned the engines to not stress it. The fully boxed frame is made from extra thin metal to save weight and money.
I did the same thing bought a 2016 and as well no issues. I don’t do off road so I’m not worried about the plastic antifreeze pass through on the backside of the motor. They started making them out of metal in 2018. I think turbos will be OK. The most important recommendation is let the motor warm up, change the oil often and let them cool down before turning off engine.
I am an engineer at a Toyota supplier. I set up the process to manufacture the shift lever boot for the new manual transmission Tacomas. Another thing that makes Toyotas so reliable is there extreme attention the quality specifications. It makes being a manufacturing engineer more difficult, but it makes for really reliable vehicles.
The Honda Ridgeline was the truck I was looking at getting when I eventually gave in and bought a truck, but now that the Tacoma has an available hybrid, I might end up getting one of those instead if the real world fuel economy delivers; I need a truck to do homeowner stuff, I've been putting it off for ~12 years, so hopefully I can continue to hold out until a PHEV model is available.
I love that they've brought back the turbo to the toyota truck line! I have an 87 pickup with the 22RTE and it's excellent, and I wish they would've kept it! Already have 171k on it with original engine and turbo too.
Original owner of a 1998 SR5 2WD V6 with 225k miles. I've done all the wrenching since new. Minimal issues except for the rear leaf springs flattening prematurely, misc oil leaks, replacing the alternator and a couple bad fuel injectors. I think I am still under $2k in total repair parts. It has never stranded me. I get asked every so often by random people if I want to sell. I'm keeping this thing until the wheels fall off, about 1.5 forevers from now if Matt is correct.
I bought my first Toyota truck new in 1982 , a Hilux . Drove it all over Idaho and California and Michigan , until ! I rolled it one day on the way to work in 2002 . I still miss that truck !
my 06 tacoma was still a tank after 150k, after lifting, and turbocharging, and all the things i did to it, it was still worth at least half what i bought it for and i never had to think about it, it just worked.
I had a 98 Tacoma for 4 years, loaded with TRD package, V6, 4x4. I even put Bilsteins on it like the ones here. It was pretty reliable, easy to park, and it felt like a "real truck" which came with "real truck" downsides. It was super slow. It rode like a shopping cart and the bed was narrow. I replaced it with an 07 Ridgeline which is far more comfortable and fits my needs better. I drive off road pretty infrequently, though when I do, it's nice not to have to switch to 4WD. It's also excellent in the snow. The Ridgeline's "AWD" system works pretty well and is seamless. The Ridgeline is also much more comfortable on road where I spend most of my time, and it fits sheet goods between the wheel wells. Hauls motorcycles in the bed and I towed a UHaul to help someone move. Not saying the Taco is bad. It deserves its good reputation. But I think the compromises you make with a Ridgeline actually fit 90% of what most truck buyers need. Too bad the Ridgeline is as ugly as a bulldog licking peanut butter off a cactus.
I have been on the fence for a Ridgeline for about 10 years. The only reason I didn't pull the trigger was the horrible fuel economy. I get 22 mpg in my paid off 2010 Silverado... the Ridgeline was still "boasting" 18/23 mpg last year, and that just doesn't cut it for a Honda in 2023. Still, I must agree that it does everything as good or better than it's counterparts, besides off-road, where few people ACTUALLY go. And yes, it is Butt-Fugly. Honda, as an exceptional off road vehicle company (motorcycles, Quads, UTVs) needs to step up and make a proper truck to compete with the Taco, and I think they could.
@@matthewpeterson3329 I'll drink to that. My RL has A/T tires and mileage with mostly city driving is in the low teens. On the highway I've gotten 20, but it's just thirsty. For the mpg it gets, it should make more power. Though my Taco with the V6 wasn't any more efficient (the 31" tires may have also had a hand in that) and it had 60 less hp. The 2nd gen RL now makes 280 hp which is a welcome bump, and mileage improved a touch to boot. I only put 2k miles or so on my truck each year so this wasn't a dealbreaker for me.
@DylanClements98 That's funny... I put bilsteins on my Silverado and it rolls and sways like a boat now. But yeah, not a great ride... I wouldn't choose them again.
@@DylanClements98Agreed, I think they contributed to the rough ride, though even before I installed them the truck was hardly cushy. They did give me confidence to take the truck over some large bumps. The Ridgeline by comparison rides and handles more like a car (well, because it basically IS a car) and that's a good thing when you're driving it mostly like a car.
Love my 99 Taco. It’s still worth nearly what I paid almost 20 years ago but ITS MINE! 200k miles and it still runs great. Replaced the alternator, radiator, a few ball joints.. thats about it.
It's pretty much the same size as the Hilux, VW, Nissan, Mitsubishi, ranger pickups you guys have over in Europe. Not super duper huge, but far from a small car.
American market pickups changed during the Obama years due to new vehicle regulations. The full size became extra large and imo, unwieldy for urban driving and car lots. The mid-size more resembles the old full size.
As a German living in Germany, calling it mid size is accurate. We have sedans than are just as long as a Tacoma. MB and Audi SUVs are huge. You must live under a rock if you haven't noticed cars here are huge now.
I bought the first XtraCab in 1987. A 4WD white XtraCab that I turned into a flatbed. It ran flawlessly and hauled everything without a complaint. I loved that truck.
I have a 95 tacoma! So happy with it. It is the same specs as yours, although an auto, so quite a gem! I picked it up in 2023 for $2200 from some guy who was tired of it. Quite a steal! I wish it had AC, but that's partially why it was so cheap.
I agree. Toyota has spent a mess of money on paid reviews like this, and every article I have seen is boasting about how much better this truck is that no one has put through a proper test. It's bigger, it's way more complicated, and it's getting harder to tell it apart from the other trucks in the market.
@Sarrus25 In an automotive field that's a lot. Toyota's TPS quality engineers are probably drowning with work and applying 6 sigma principles to cut that down.
Not crazy about the giant fish-mouth and lizard-eyes look that's all the rage, either. My '96 Tacoma is paid for, with only 83K on the clock. It will probably outlast me!
I got a used 2002 Tacoma in 2015 with 160k miles on it. After 2 crashes, another 50k miles, a whole 6 oil changes, and driving for 3 months without even knowing I didn't have brakes, it's still going very well. I will end up giving this to my grandkids.
About 20 years ago Dana made frames for the Tacoma in Stockton CA. I got to do some engineering analysis work on production at the plant. Was a relatively low tech but very productive assembly line. Was really interesting to see how the sausage was made so to speak.
Got my first ever Toyota, a brand newTacoma at the end of 2022. Now I know why people love these trucks so much! Simple, overbuilt, almost basic and still just a joy to drive.
Really enjoyed this review. It was refreshing to see a review that was less based on specs and numbers and more focused on what it can actually do. Be reliable? Get you enough power? Tow things? Some practicality? That's all I'd be looking for in a truck.
I mean apply this logic to a car. Basically you would be saying the Toyota Corolla is better than the Camry because it gets the job done just as well for less money. While it may not be a spacious it can still seat 5 people.
as someone who drives an old toyota yaris, yes toyota does make reliable cars. Can't get that thing to fail if I wanted to. And it's really fuel efficient too
Great video, found it funny and somehow poetic. I love the line you decide who lives or dies. Honestly I’ve watched thousands of RUclips videos and I am one of those people who never subscribe, nor did I have the RUclips app downloaded until now, but downloaded the app just so I could leave a comment. Anyways nice work!
Bought my 2005 manual, 4 cyl Taco brand new in May 2005 and paid it off in full in May 2010. Was and still is my daily driver in Southern California to this day. There's been several serious problems with it both short and long term but overall I consider it a good buy.
I have only owned one Toyota, a 1982 Starlet. Dinky little engine, dinky little car, super reliable, bulletproof, and it was front engine, rear wheel drive, and manual (not that that really mattered, given the power output). Only thing that ever went wrong with it was a clogged fuel filter. Nothing against Toyotas and their reliability, but I was looking for something more fun, ended up with my 93 Miata. Also pretty bulletproof, still drive it today after 30 years of ownership.
I absolutely love the 1st gen taco, it’s my favorite platform of all time by far. But I think way too many people put tacos on a pedestal. It’s still got its share of problems, in every generation. But the 1st gen in particular has the amazing lower ball joint failure, as do 3rd gen 4Runners, 1st gen tundras and sequoias, As well as the 100 series Land Cruiser Prado. Aside from that on all 3 gen’s there’s the puny rear diff, drum rear brakes, thin frames, super invasive security and communication circuits in modern trucks. Seriously the 8” diff came out in 1979 in a truck that weighed 3000lbs and made 80 hp. 1, 2, and 3rd gen’s all use basically the same diff and it’s a known issue.
My dad just bought a v6 taco because he doesn't believe in 4 cylinder trucks. He's coming from a 2003 tundra which is really close in size and an absolutely amazing car to drive. So far, he loves the truck and I highly doubt that will change!
I agree strongly with the whole video except for the part at 8:31 . I live in Mexico, I have a manual 2023 4x4 turbo diesel hilux, STOCK it did as well as jeeps with 27 inch skinny tires. I lifted it and gave it 32s and now it outperforms jeeps, and when it was on those skinny tires in 4H, man that thing did burn outs…. A FOUR BANGER. it’s 220hp and had a 0-60mph of about 6 seconds. Crazy fast. Since the tires upgrade it’s much slower but it’s the most badass truck I’ve ever seen on trail down here. It’s ANYTHING but mundane. And I use it for painting jobs too, it’s a do everything truck. It even does mudding better than the fords and rams and chevys because it’s lighter and doesn’t sink. Life has only been getting more exiting since this truck, and due mostly BECAUSE of this truck, I’ve taken it up so many mountains and horse trails, where no truck has been. And in the entire climbing community I have the most capable truck, so in the rainy season when the roads to the climbing spots are all muddied up, only I can make it out there and it’s all to myself.
Bought a ‘99 Taco in 2002. It was rear-ended a few years ago and I used the settlement check to pay off my mortgage. The truck retains a clean title and I retained the truck. Dead serious. Not enough like buttons to do this video justice; just like all of the other videos you’ve made Mr. Matt.
Back in 2006 I replaced my Silverado 2500HD work truck with a 2nd gen Tacoma. Over 300,000 miles later it's paid for itself in fuel alone. Not to mention I'd likely be on my 3rd transmission with the Chevy.
I recently bought a midsize truck. I needed something to daily drive, do some offroading, to tow my track car, and still be able to park it. Towing ended up being the deciding factor and I got a Colorado. If I had anything less than a car to tow, or even just a lighter car, I would have gotten a Tacoma with zero question.
I have a 95 tacoma 4x4 that I still drive despite having the money to buy a newer truck. For the last 2 decades since I bought it off the dealership, as long as you change the oil, it just keeps going, and any repairs don't require a computer and done in a basic home garage.
@superfastmatt great video! Good point in mentioning the rust. I just did a repair on one and documented it. Its well noted that in some cases the rust is much worse than appears on the surface. That being said, its repairable and these are still great trucks!
Been driving Ram trucks for the last 30+years and they have all been good trucks but my next truck will be a Toyota Tacoma been wanting for quite a few years now. Especially now I don't need a full size truck for work anymore. I have always like the trucks And I've always heard good things about them from friends and family that have owned them. One friend owned 1 of the ones from the 80s and that truck lasted forever and always ran good right up till the end. The real differential finally took it out. It was just so old at that point with over 400000 miles But still ran like a top Crazy how good those engines are especially in the old ones.
1st gen Taco owner here. It has push-button 4 wheel drive. I'm amazed every time I see far newer, far more expensive American trucks where the driver has to climb out of the cab and lock in the hubs for 4 wheel drive.
I bought my ZJ for all the same reasons. It's now 26 years old, I've had minimal problems and the 4.0L I-6 will live past the heat death of the universe. Tacos are cool too, Yotas are a great vehicle in general.
Non road salt / warm areas allow " last for ever " or even OK vehicles to continue on a very long time. The problem in other areas is road salt makes a 4 year old vehicle look like a 30 year old warm area vehicle and cold starts are very hard on engines causing them to fail.
I mean they still are reliable even in salt. Ive had an 04 corolla for three years now and its fine even with all the salt that gets put on the road here..
Yeah, everything except the new frame on mine is solid rust. I can't believe they did a whole frame and didn't replace even one shitty failing bracket. One of said brackets broke and severed a wheel speed sensor wire so I had to troubleshoot the ABS system to find that. Fun?
Am I the only "cheeky Brit" to consider this entire video a brilliant education on Americans and America land. Literally everything said in this video was an education. Love it
bought my truck new in 2021 for 2 reasons: 1. they hold crazy value and 2. aftermarket parts. the aftermarket for tacoma's is insane no matter what type of driving whether parking lots, rock crawling, prerunning, overlanding.
Whatever truck you have is usually the best truck. I've had them all, the only two that really stuck in my heart was a v10 4wd F250 and a v8 2wd quad cab Dakota. They couldn't have been more different, but it's the feel, the memories, and the experiences. Would a Tacoma have given the same feels in those situations, maybe, probably not though. Like you said, they are pretty good at being dependably mundane.
Honestly people way overhype Toyotas. I've had a 9 cars in the last 15 years and the only ones to actually die and not be financially viable to fix were toyotas. One was a 1996 4runner and the other was a 1987 Camry. Both died at under 200k miles due to transmission issues. Most of my other cars have over 200k miles without any serious issues. There are definitely worse brands than Toyota but the point is that it really depends on the model and how well it's taken care of and people should buy based on what they need and not fall for "brand loyalty". For off roading I've been looking around and the Toyotas tend to no be a great option because the long wheelbase and the body that sticks out past the wheels forward and back seems excessive.
Had no appreciation of the Tacoma til a friend towed my ‘52 Ferguson tractor a couple hours for me with his 2nd gen work truck when I needed to get it moved to a new home. His Taco was a stripped, basic white V6 fleet unit and it towed that big old tractor like a champ. Smooth, stable, and plenty of power to stay with interstate traffic despite being at max load. An hour into our ride a driver yakking on their phone whizzed past us on the left, changed lanes without looking and collided with the vehicle in front of us causing them both to spin. It was raining which didn’t help. The cell phone yakker careened by turns off the center median and inside guardrail, back and forth doing pirouettes right in front of us and our load, every smash into concrete shortening the car a couple more feet front and back. My buddy was standing on the brakes to stay out of her way and that glorious Toyota got us stopped dead straight from the speed limit to zero in very short order without a wobble or hint of trouble. Loved those trucks deeply ever since. All hail the algorithm AND the Tacoma.
I just wrapped up the first phase of a 2006 tundra project today and this was the first video the algorithm served me this evening. Seems fitting. All hail the algorithm.
I bought my first rebuilt vehicle this year- a 2022 Frontier S with 3500 miles for $19k. 310hp v6, 24 mpg if I stay under 75mph and toss 6700lbs and CarPlay. Way more bang for the buck than my last 3 F150s. Not a Toyota, but a damn solid option for dirt cheap.
I had a 1997 Tacoma and it sold years ago for my than I bought it for, I regretted not keeping it. The Tacoma is the best truck at it's size... but I got a used Frontier recently and have to say It holds up, especially since they go for $8k-$15k less for equivalent models, years and miles.
Hello young man. I am just a tad over half century years old. My wife and I had the opportunity to own many different types of cars , including C4S, Evo 10, C7, mustangs RTR.... Since I got little older I realize toyt is the long lasting vehicle and it's cheap to maintain. At this time my wife and I own 07 tundra 5.7 with 188k miles, 13 rx350, 18 nx300, 23 gr86, 07 rx350. We love all of them. By the way I tow my 22 ft fishing boat every summer. The only reason I need full size truck because of the boat otherwise I would of own a taco. Enjoy your video thanks.
I love Tacomas and The Pickup (miss my 1986!) but Toyota's pricing makes me cry, the 2024 is starting at $50k in Canada and it's practically guaranteed that if you want anything better than a stripped out fleet dog it'll be $60,000++ Better than a beat up used one that'll set you back $15-25,000 though haha
The only new vehicle I bought in my 54 years was a 98 Tacoma Limited because I worked for Toyota, my first car was a Toyota and after totalling my not Toyota by trying to occupy the same space at the same time as a Kenworth I was offered enough money to pay cash for a 98 Tacoma Limited and get one great deal from my shrewd negotiating skills my Snap-On dealer at Toyota taught me 34 years ago. What's really important is my 85 year old father is safe driving his Lexus, psst Toyota, with it's easy to use navigation and many automatic safety measures I recently experienced while terrified. Toyota, scaring and scarring people going places. Edit: I actually made money when I sold the Tacoma as I negotiated another Toyota into the deal that had just come in as a trade-in. Sweet.
I would have bought an old Tacoma. However the new Tacoma is basically the same size as a Tundra. Trucks are too damn big and way too expensive. Probably the reason why the old Tacomas and Rangers are so valuable today are because the only way to get a small & affordable pickup is to buy an old Tacoma or Ranger. I went with a Maverick, which Toyota should have had a competitor out for a long time ago. Quick Edit: The Ranger release pissed everyone off because a lot of people thought the Ranger was going to be the old hunting truck from the 90s. Instead they got a Tacoma competitor, which literally nobody asked for. As your video points out, there wasn't a market for the ranger. However the only vehicle in the US you won't find on dealer lots right now is the Ford Maverick. People want the small utilitarian pickup back, too bad none of the car companies wanted to make them for sale until the Maverick came around and prooved market viability. Heck, any idiot coulda told you it was a home run, just rich execs are really detatched from the market.
Matt great footage, you've spent a lot of time with that. And you've made Toyota look really good. In a sane world Toyota would be happy to pay you many thousands of dollars for this coverage, undoubtedly you've helped sell at least a dozen or more.
@@heartsky yeah. A lot of them get flown out to places and hotels paid for. During the reveal in Hawaii for the 4th gen Tacoma many of them got flown out. And a lot of those who did are the same ones who got flown out to Texas and said very good things about the 22 Tundra.
@@AntilleanConfederation Ya I know about corporate junkets for journalists and marketing outlets but those people are not getting paid directly to sell product, those trips, hotel stays and various gifts are the compensation, as far as I know nobody is getting a check from Ford or any other major manufacturer.
Donut media did a Tacoma video and it was full of mistakes, drove me nuts. All of your info was accurate and well presented. I had a first gen for 13 years and now a second gen for 12 years. Plan on skipping the 2.5 gen and getting a 4th generation eventually.
When I was looking for a mid-sized truck 5 years ago, I considered all of them. This was before the Ranger dropped or the Frontier finally got updated. I wound up buying the Colorado, and as a truck, I absolutely loved it. The power was fantastic, it was comfortable, it had great utility, and it wasn't terrible on gas. However, it was the most unreliable vehicle I'd ever bought, and the only vehicle I've ever bought brand new. It was in the shop for over 80 days in the first 2 years of ownership, and it was ALL warranty work, nothing I did wrong. It was just junk. The 8 speed auto had the well known issue with the hydroscopic fluid, the rear diff would randomly go full lock on a turn, the catalytic converter failed at under 10k miles, the wiring harness broke under the seat causing an airbag light, it had so many problems I can't even remember them all. All of the problems, and I couldn't get it lemon lawed, because in Texas the days in the shop don't count against it being out of service if you accept a loaner, so no matter how awful that truck was, it wasn't a lemon, by Texas law. Absolutely absurd. I sold it to CarMax, so it became their problem.
I will literally never buy another GM product again. Currently own a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7l, it tows up to 7500lbs without even hesitating, and it's extremely reliable and comfortable, even after 166k miles. My daily is a 2019 Miata RF, which is easily the most reliable car I've ever owned, despite me putting over 30k miles on it in 2 years.
And just think you paid $40k for a vehicle that’s worse than a 40yo vw rabbit pickup And people wonder why most new things are junk. People like you paid them for it!
Recently got a 2011 Tacoma SR5. It’s 2wd and has the 2GR-FE so it’s not super desirable for most but it’s double cab, only had 121k miles, and is perfect for me. Came from a 3rd Gen T4R and then a highlander for a bit and the Taco just rules.
Your writing and delivery are only getting more and more humorous. Let me know when you train an AI with your personality, humor, and voice. I’ll then load that up on my phone as my personal assistant. Well done Matt.
I’m an Australian, in early 2023 I spent 3 months in the US. In Australia I drive a Hilux in diesel, they are truly indestructible. They are as powerful as you could reasonably ask in the 2.8 lite diesel. Back to the US, I was offered and accepted, the loan of a Tacoma. It was old, I don’t know how old, it was in good condition, it had been lifted a couple of inches, had a step, but otherwise it was stock automatic petrol. I was delighted, both on road and off road, the Tacoma did the trick. The Tacoma has given me cause for pause on the question of petrol versus diesel. On balance I’m still on the side of diesel, because I like the off road range and longevity.
My only issue is Toyota doesn’t offer a manual double cab long bed Tacoma. I found the 6ft bed on my dad’s old 98 Tacoma and my old 95 Ranger perfect. My dad sold that Tacoma at 240k. I pulled the carfax. It’s still on the road today, odometer appears to have been rolled back twice, but it has well over 300k when calculating the actual mileage. I sold the Ranger to a friend at 265k and it’s nearing 300k now. Both those trucks were workhorses and put through abuse. The Tacoma was definitely the more reliable one, but the Ranger wasn’t far behind.
I own a midsize truck and it is not a Tacoma, it is a Ranger, but that’s only because I am too tall for the previous generation Taco. I already have my order in for the new one (TRD Sport, manual, traffic cone orange) and I’m excited to get it and have a 3-pedal driver again. It might actually the last manual I’ll buy new, but that’s ok, because it will last forever.
That was a big part of why I got a Ranger too. I went around test driving everything on the market but didn't even get as far as starting the engine on a Tacoma, sat in one in the showroom and immediately knew I wouldn't be able to live with it. Of course it didn't help that any desirable Tacoma was marked up to the moon, or that it was slower than the Ranger, towed and hauled less than the Ranger, got worse fuel economy than the Ranger, and, probably shockingly to most people, was statistically *less reliable* than the Ranger.
Same boat here about a year ago. Drove all of them and Toyota was wanted originally for the reliability and durability. Once I spent real world time behind the Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, AT4, etc. The Tacoma was just a little too tight cabin wise and also for some reason I didn’t like the interior. Between those two and the “peppier” feel I went with my Ranger. Optioned top level XLT and added my own Coilovers, Wheels/Tires and some performance upgrades power wise. 31,000 miles in and it’s been great. Seen daily duty in the Midwest on mostly garbage roads, traveled lots of trails and trailered the race car thousands of miles all without a problem. When the time comes to shop again in a few years I’ll definitely try the Toyota again, but this last time I went Ranger and have been very happy.
Yeah it was down to Tacoma or Ranger for me, but the Ranger won. Picked up a 4x4 2011 Ranger with only 50k miles last month. Southern-owned, so no rust. Tacomas are great but Rangers come out on top, IMO. There's just something about 'em. I absolutely love mine.
Hi Matt am Matt and I am stoked out that I found your page … you got my Views and 👍🏼’s up awesome vlog on the 🌮 . You truly helped me seal the deal on my 🌮purchase . Taking about tacos so much got me having the munchies .. thanks again for the great video .
Toyota Tacoma engineers brought back the fully boxed frame that they used to put in their older Hilux/T100 models. They also took the Land Cruiser 100-series' rear suspension (4-link) and replaced the old leaf spring suspension. So they took, proven old tech and threw it into a "new" chassis.
That's not the tech I'm worried about, alas. Frame and suspension can be fine; head unit deciding to give up the ghost in half a decade, or the 'lane assist' deciding to dodge a branch in favor of dodging into oncoming traffic, or the turbo exploding from excessive wear from the thinnest oil known to mankind...
@@TheLoneWolfling Don't disagree with you on all that. Toyota would be better off scrapping all the new safety features and make the driver the main safety feature. In regards to the motor and turbo, only time will tell but keep in mind, this isn't the first time Toyota has developed a motor with a "factory" turbo or supercharger. The old Hilux 4-bangers could be optioned with a factory turbo or you could buy a TRD supercharger.
up her in the north east, the rust takes them out long before they reach that age. As far as MPG I know my crew cab 5.3 silverado does almost 5 MPG better than a tundra regular cab
I've done the same kind of stuff with my S10 Blazer, just last week I took it mudding, but hands down I'd prefer a Toyota 4runner / tacoma. The 4L60E is a serious weakpoint of all the small Chevrolet trucks.
I can agree with the tacoma's overwhelming buyer (and after market) preference.... But there is a case to be made for 2nd gen Frontiers. Namely their ability to have factory titan parts swapped in. Will you have the resale value/undeniable pedigree of tacoma? No. Will you have unholy torque numbers, 6 speed, on half ton axles, and mid travel ifs, that still looks and performs like an especially wicked oem? Absolutely. And all for a fraction of cost and effort that would go into making a tacoma similarly capable... If you're gonna sell it, tacoma. But if you're gonna keep it?
Exactly the reason i gave up my toyota 4x4 dreams and bought a 2016 frontier. For 8-12k less than a comparable tacoma and relatively the same reliability cant really beat it. Plus the frontier definitely feels more powerful than the taco and seems to ride i bit nicer.
I’ll wait to see that turbo 4 cyl with its 0 weight oil make it to 476,000 miles with no rebuild. Did manufacturing get better? Yes. But 0 weight oil and the turbo is to pass emissions and fuel requirements from the EPA.
Turbos aren't inherently the problem. The diesel world has been turbocharging everything since the 80s and they all last. My 313k mile diesel mercedes has the original turbo on it. The 0w8 weight oil definitely has me more concerned. Given the option I'd sooner lose a bit of efficiency to run heavier oil.
@@coltonmcrae5873 Sure, but diesel engines are just plain built like tanks to deal with the abuse. So while the turbo adds some complexity to a diesel, it doesn't add much risk. Turbocharged gasoline engines are a different thing entirely.
I'm well aware that 0W-20 means that 0 refers to the flow in cold temps and 20 when the engine is at operational temp. Toyota is also making a 0W-8 oil now. However, the main component here is the reduced viscosity of the oil. Viscosity is a fluid's resistance to flow. The new low viscosity oils are nice because they reduce friction that a higher viscosity oil would introduce. But oil also is susceptible to thermal breakdown and as engine temps go up, the viscosity and protection goes down. That's your increase in wear on the rings and piston that is giving better fuel economy standards to squeeze out the efficiency versus longer engine life. When you are turbocharging an engine, you are increasing stress on all parts of the motor simply because you are increasing pressures in the combustion chamber. Better head gaskets, more oil cooling, bigger radiators, etc. It appears Toyota has done their work with this engine as they have beefed up the cooling system for hauling. I simply don't see the average consumer being able to push one of these motors to 300k like the older motors because most people don't change their oil at 3,000 miles and use a good filter. They'll simply beat on it because "it's a Toyota" etc. You'll still have problems not changing your oil regularly on the old motors like the 5vz, 3rz, 2rz, 22RE, 22R, 4ac, 5sfe but a turbo motor won't tolerate that.
The biggest reasons I bought a Taco was because it had a 6MT and it wasn't a Gladiator. No other truck on the market in the US can say that. That said, it's still significantly larger than I want. I wish Subaru would bring back the Baja but do it with a 6MT option. I might just have to get a Crosstrek and go full Aussie on it with a Ute conversion. And an EyeSight deletion.
Drove a 05 Silverado for 18 yrs, an going to a 21 Taco is quite the difference, especially from a 5.3L V8 to a 3.5L V6. The 21 Taco cost used in 24 as much as the 05 Silverado did new in 05. My parents had a 1989 Camry that was built in Japan, one of the last ones, and that thing was finally sold in 2001 for a Avalon.
I always wondered why toyota trucks sold for such high prices, Then I had a 91 pickup v6 4x4 fall in my lap, it just does everything you want it to, and doesn't complain or break down. Mine had 580k miles when I got rid of it. 100k of that was me offroading, camping, hauling, AND using it for work (construction). I changed fluids, bushings, and shocks, that was it. all in $1100 in parts? Id love to have another but dont have room for another vehicle haha.
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
I did the thing you're 'never' supposed to do and bought my taco when it was the first year of production in 2016. I've had it for 100k miles and it has had zero problems. There are extremely few vehicles that have this quality.
I hate that 100k is the bar for not having issues now. That bar should be closer to 200k.
@@Steinerrides How is he gonna say "I've driven 200k and not had an issue" when he had only driven 100k miles, that's some very interesting logic
My '10 Prius was the first year of the 3rd gen and at 330k it only needed a headgasket, is that better 🙃@@Steinerrides
@@ImNotHere4750 I'm saying 100k without issues isn't impressive or note worthy
@@Steinerrideslol listen to yourself
*YES THE WHOLE TRUCK IS DESIGNED AS A TRUCK IN 3D* I supplied the 3D projection system they used to design these, every piece is put in and out hundreds of times to find the most serviceable shape and path.
They have theatres with 3D true to scale projections of the vehicle that you can stand in and remove the alternator or assemble the suspension.
That's actually amazing, I wish stuff like that could be accessed by the public for things like tours.
said " They have theatres with 3D true to scale projections of the vehicle that you can stand in and remove the alternator or assemble the suspension. "
So the Star Trek Holodeck is now reality?
They didn't have that 30 years ago when they designed mine. And they may have it now, but car companies are still building shit today.
@@iderryan Do realize that 30 years ago, people like you were complaining about " junk " new cars longing for stuff 30 more years older.
Shiiit why is this not a Quest app? Aptera has an AR/VR demo of their cars so you can get a feel for how you fit in them and it makes a huge difference. I'd never buy an ICE but even I'd get a kick out of showing friends and family how to dissassemble a virtual tacoma. Free advertising
I have a 74 Corolla that has over half a million miles on it, and it's still one of the most reliable vehicles I've ever owned.
I went out on a 20°f morning not too long ago and fired it up for the first time in months, and it didn't skip a beat.
You get the added thrill of it being one of the least safe vehicles on American roads too, so that's exciting.
dude. I'll take an old Corolla any day of the week and twice on Sundays.
"exciting" 🙂
Old corollas are where it's at! I have had many and still have a te27 and a te72. The 2tc/3tc engines are more bullet proof then the R series truck engines.
I love my 84'. I drive it just about every day and its such a fun reliable little car. Very practical too.
@@ryanwalker388 no doubt. Growing up, my mom had an '80 wagon with the 3tc that we beat the crap out of. It had a water pump go bad. I would drive it down the interstate, notice the gauge in the red, pull over to let it cool down, and just keep doing that till I got home. We did this for over a week until my uncle could change the water pump. It was absolutely none the worse for it.
Can fully attest. Had a 2013 Tacoma that I bought for $500 after it sank in hurricane Matthew in 2017. It already had 240k miles when it flooded. I used it on the farm until I sold it for $10k this February. It had a salvage title and 260k miles but was a 4x4 V6 and still held so much value.
Imagine being the idiot paying 10k for a high mileage, flooded, salvage title truck lmao
@@imnotatalk about passing the savings along lol
Sounds like you ripped off someone.
@imnota if it's not had flood related issues after 7 years it's not going to have flood related issues. Only fudds care about a salvage title.
disgusting
I have a 98 V6 4wd MT with 517,000 miles on it. It is my daily driver.
I had a 1985 (before the name Tacoma) and I drove it for 23 years, until I needed a bigger truck. I almost cried as I left the dealership, seeing my little yellow friend sitting there alone. I should have kept it and just bought the bigger truck, as I know I got stiffed on the trade-in value. Anyway, a few years slid by and I bought a new Tacoma in 2017. Of course that new truck is perfect (not a rust bucket like the 1985 version) , but I still feel like I abandoned an absolutely loyal friend.
not gunna lie, kinda made me tear up abit. Only thing i can see is "Its better to have loved and lost, then to have never loved at all."
:'( poor lil yellow truck
shoulda kept it dude :(
Here's an applicable song lyric: "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you got till it's gone." Joni Mitchell Big Yellow Taxi@@alanmeadows4056
I sold my triple-salvage titled 1989 toyota pickup many years ago and have regretted it since.
Four door pickups! Oh man I long for the days of two doors small pickups. I'm hoping my 25 year old Frontier keeps going longer than I do.
it will my boy, the 1st gens are a hidden sparkling gem that no one notices
That's why I bought a '17 ext cab TRD Sport with the bigger box. It's a dying breed.
You didn't talk much about the size creep on these mid-sized pickups. It seems to me like an F150 from the late 90's is about the same size as a new Ranger. The Tacoma is certainly a larger pickup than the previous generations as well. And, generally, the more weight you ask a vehicle to carry around every day, the harder it is on all components of that vehicle (except it usually rides smoother).
I'm still of the philosophy that I'd like to ask a larger displacement engine to work at about 20% of its capacity 80% of the time than ask a small engine to work at 60% of its capacity 80% of the time. Adding turbos adds complexity and heat. Not things that usually go hand in hand with long-term reliability.
all of the tacomas have more power than the cow towing hiluxes and such.
the 1.9 isuzus work all day all year hauling ice too.
like, it doesn't really matter as much as much as the engine at 100% isn't overtaxing the engine in the first place.
I "downsided" from an 07 Ram 1500 to a new Ranger and it's just as much truck with better fuel mileage. So, yeah I agree.
Size creep is required by the government, not a result of consumer demands or trendy design. ruclips.net/video/azI3nqrHEXM/видео.html&pp=ygUfd2h5IHdlIGNhbid0IGhhdmUgc21hbGwgdHJ1Y2tzIA%3D%3D
That size creep is due to the EPA. The formula for determining required fuel economy is based on size of wheelbase and year of production, so to avoid fines they have to make the vehicles larger to keep the same class engine. It’s why the Maverick is a hybrid.
EXACTLY, for those who want the info-dive, Corporate Average Fuel Economy, known as CAFE laws. TLDR: The bigger the vehicle, the lower required fuel economy. Important for Toyota because while they have some vehicles with good to great fuel economy, some of their more robust models, like the Taco, could actually run more efficiently, but are tuned down to maintain durability. @@megazombiekiller9000
My '96 Tacoma 4WD 3.4L V6 Extended cab in burgundy? non-SR5 trim has 336,000 miles. It can go years without adequate maintenance almost nothing breaks and I've forgotten most of what I knew about how to work on vehicles.
IF it ever dies I want another one of the same year and model.
Preach brother. I feel the same about my 18 Tacoma. I have already put 156,000 miles on it and she has not skipped a beat. I have replaced 2 ball joints, UCA bushings, breaks once and spark plugs once. Tacoma's are amazing.
Toyota never fail to amaze me with just how perfectly they manage to straddle the line of inoffensive and perfectly adequate vehicles. There’s nothing special there, but it will start and get you where you are going with no fuss in acceptable comfort. The perfect appliance for someone who just wants to get from A to B.
Yep, I tend to refer to my Camry as an appliance
Yup, Toyota makes kitchen appliances with wheels. The car for the NPC’s of the world.
My Prius is the most NPC car possible and I love it for that.
@@danielwatson5595the “NPCs” are smart. Far better than all the idiots buying junk vehicles they can’t afford.
@@TherapyGel Wow! The NPC loves a car built specifically for NPC’s? What a revelation!
What Working as mechanic taught me about Toyotas. They our underpowered. Mechanical more complicated when compared to other trucks. Build quality is superb. Interior quality in the 90s was also simple and superb for wear/longevity. Front Suspension geometry was a head of its time and is now copied by almost all other truck manufacturers. They offered awesome off road tech with rear locker available. They also fail like other manufacturers, and factor parts our more expensive. Yes they can and often do last a long time the owners also our more willing to keep them maintained and on the road because they hold their value. I have seen all brands of trucks reliably be worked hard with high miles put on them, Toyotas our no exception.
I would not pay the money people want for them used.
Awesome video Matt!!
Are*
That autocorrect on your phone is terrible!
Now the manual transmissions are failing even though they detuned the engines to not stress it. The fully boxed frame is made from extra thin metal to save weight and money.
I did the same thing bought a 2016 and as well no issues.
I don’t do off road so I’m not worried about the plastic antifreeze pass through on the backside of the motor. They started making them out of metal in 2018.
I think turbos will be OK. The most important recommendation is let the motor warm up, change the oil often and let them cool down before turning off engine.
I really like Matt’s videos. It’s sad he hasn’t uploaded since last year
I am an engineer at a Toyota supplier. I set up the process to manufacture the shift lever boot for the new manual transmission Tacomas. Another thing that makes Toyotas so reliable is there extreme attention the quality specifications. It makes being a manufacturing engineer more difficult, but it makes for really reliable vehicles.
The Honda Ridgeline was the truck I was looking at getting when I eventually gave in and bought a truck, but now that the Tacoma has an available hybrid, I might end up getting one of those instead if the real world fuel economy delivers; I need a truck to do homeowner stuff, I've been putting it off for ~12 years, so hopefully I can continue to hold out until a PHEV model is available.
I love that they've brought back the turbo to the toyota truck line! I have an 87 pickup with the 22RTE and it's excellent, and I wish they would've kept it! Already have 171k on it with original engine and turbo too.
Original owner of a 1998 SR5 2WD V6 with 225k miles. I've done all the wrenching since new. Minimal issues except for the rear leaf springs flattening prematurely, misc oil leaks, replacing the alternator and a couple bad fuel injectors. I think I am still under $2k in total repair parts. It has never stranded me. I get asked every so often by random people if I want to sell. I'm keeping this thing until the wheels fall off, about 1.5 forevers from now if Matt is correct.
I bought my first Toyota truck new in 1982 , a Hilux . Drove it all over Idaho and California and Michigan , until ! I rolled it one day on the way to work in 2002 . I still miss that truck !
Drove a 2.7l taco scross Michigan after #2 and 3 cylinders left the chat. Compression checked them at 35psi! It still got decent mileage.
Cylinder deactivation 😂
my 06 tacoma was still a tank after 150k, after lifting, and turbocharging, and all the things i did to it, it was still worth at least half what i bought it for and i never had to think about it, it just worked.
I had a 98 Tacoma for 4 years, loaded with TRD package, V6, 4x4. I even put Bilsteins on it like the ones here. It was pretty reliable, easy to park, and it felt like a "real truck" which came with "real truck" downsides. It was super slow. It rode like a shopping cart and the bed was narrow. I replaced it with an 07 Ridgeline which is far more comfortable and fits my needs better. I drive off road pretty infrequently, though when I do, it's nice not to have to switch to 4WD. It's also excellent in the snow. The Ridgeline's "AWD" system works pretty well and is seamless. The Ridgeline is also much more comfortable on road where I spend most of my time, and it fits sheet goods between the wheel wells. Hauls motorcycles in the bed and I towed a UHaul to help someone move.
Not saying the Taco is bad. It deserves its good reputation. But I think the compromises you make with a Ridgeline actually fit 90% of what most truck buyers need. Too bad the Ridgeline is as ugly as a bulldog licking peanut butter off a cactus.
I have been on the fence for a Ridgeline for about 10 years. The only reason I didn't pull the trigger was the horrible fuel economy. I get 22 mpg in my paid off 2010 Silverado... the Ridgeline was still "boasting" 18/23 mpg last year, and that just doesn't cut it for a Honda in 2023. Still, I must agree that it does everything as good or better than it's counterparts, besides off-road, where few people ACTUALLY go. And yes, it is Butt-Fugly. Honda, as an exceptional off road vehicle company (motorcycles, Quads, UTVs) needs to step up and make a proper truck to compete with the Taco, and I think they could.
@@matthewpeterson3329
I'll drink to that. My RL has A/T tires and mileage with mostly city driving is in the low teens. On the highway I've gotten 20, but it's just thirsty. For the mpg it gets, it should make more power. Though my Taco with the V6 wasn't any more efficient (the 31" tires may have also had a hand in that) and it had 60 less hp. The 2nd gen RL now makes 280 hp which is a welcome bump, and mileage improved a touch to boot. I only put 2k miles or so on my truck each year so this wasn't a dealbreaker for me.
How's your water pump gasket doing?
@DylanClements98 That's funny... I put bilsteins on my Silverado and it rolls and sways like a boat now. But yeah, not a great ride... I wouldn't choose them again.
@@DylanClements98Agreed, I think they contributed to the rough ride, though even before I installed them the truck was hardly cushy. They did give me confidence to take the truck over some large bumps.
The Ridgeline by comparison rides and handles more like a car (well, because it basically IS a car) and that's a good thing when you're driving it mostly like a car.
2:20 is actually a Land Cruiser but we'll just gloss over that little fact.
Give me the 1986 model that was small useful, indestructible, good MPG and $6k at the dealership.
But what was the minimum wage is 86, a dollar?
One look under the hood and I'll simply say, 'Nope.'
Back up to 1985 and you get the live axle in the front instead of IFS, but don't get a carb.
@@monkeybarmonkeymanwhat's wrong with under the hood of a 1986 toyota
@@monkeybarmonkeyman people who actually used trucks for trucking, if they need a truck of that size, would say yes.
Love my 99 Taco. It’s still worth nearly what I paid almost 20 years ago but ITS MINE! 200k miles and it still runs great. Replaced the alternator, radiator, a few ball joints.. thats about it.
I love my little 2006 Taco! It's not fancy, but it's never failed to do exactly what I needed it to do!
As a European calling it a midsize pickup really took me off guard. It looks like a ship already
A Dodge ram would give you a heart attack
It's pretty much the same size as the Hilux, VW, Nissan, Mitsubishi, ranger pickups you guys have over in Europe. Not super duper huge, but far from a small car.
American market pickups changed during the Obama years due to new vehicle regulations. The full size became extra large and imo, unwieldy for urban driving and car lots. The mid-size more resembles the old full size.
As a German living in Germany, calling it mid size is accurate. We have sedans than are just as long as a Tacoma. MB and Audi SUVs are huge.
You must live under a rock if you haven't noticed cars here are huge now.
@@thndr_5468 we have plenty of dodge rams in Europe.
I bought the first XtraCab in 1987. A 4WD white XtraCab that I turned into a flatbed. It ran flawlessly and hauled everything without a complaint. I loved that truck.
I have a 95 tacoma! So happy with it. It is the same specs as yours, although an auto, so quite a gem! I picked it up in 2023 for $2200 from some guy who was tired of it. Quite a steal! I wish it had AC, but that's partially why it was so cheap.
I love tacomas, but I am incredibly skeptical about how reliable the new one will be. Especially given how unreliable the new tundra has been
I agree. Toyota has spent a mess of money on paid reviews like this, and every article I have seen is boasting about how much better this truck is that no one has put through a proper test. It's bigger, it's way more complicated, and it's getting harder to tell it apart from the other trucks in the market.
Engine failures on the new Tundra are under 1%
Everyone said this about the 2nd gen Tacoma...
...and the 3rd gen Tacoma.
@Sarrus25
In an automotive field that's a lot. Toyota's TPS quality engineers are probably drowning with work and applying 6 sigma principles to cut that down.
Not crazy about the giant fish-mouth and lizard-eyes look that's all the rage, either. My '96 Tacoma is paid for, with only 83K on the clock. It will probably outlast me!
I got a used 2002 Tacoma in 2015 with 160k miles on it. After 2 crashes, another 50k miles, a whole 6 oil changes, and driving for 3 months without even knowing I didn't have brakes, it's still going very well.
I will end up giving this to my grandkids.
About 20 years ago Dana made frames for the Tacoma in Stockton CA. I got to do some engineering analysis work on production at the plant. Was a relatively low tech but very productive assembly line. Was really interesting to see how the sausage was made so to speak.
Are these the same frames that got recalled and replaced due to rust?
@@seymoarsalvageDon’t know but it would not surprise me if they were. I was there circa 1999-2000.
Got my first ever Toyota, a brand newTacoma at the end of 2022. Now I know why people love these trucks so much! Simple, overbuilt, almost basic and still just a joy to drive.
Really enjoyed this review. It was refreshing to see a review that was less based on specs and numbers and more focused on what it can actually do. Be reliable? Get you enough power? Tow things? Some practicality? That's all I'd be looking for in a truck.
I mean apply this logic to a car. Basically you would be saying the Toyota Corolla is better than the Camry because it gets the job done just as well for less money. While it may not be a spacious it can still seat 5 people.
Love the title. Your humor absolutely makes the videos!
as someone who drives an old toyota yaris, yes toyota does make reliable cars. Can't get that thing to fail if I wanted to. And it's really fuel efficient too
Great video, found it funny and somehow poetic. I love the line you decide who lives or dies. Honestly I’ve watched thousands of RUclips videos and I am one of those people who never subscribe, nor did I have the RUclips app downloaded until now, but downloaded the app just so I could leave a comment. Anyways nice work!
Bought my 2005 manual, 4 cyl Taco brand new in May 2005 and paid it off in full in May 2010. Was and still is my daily driver in Southern California to this day.
There's been several serious problems with it both short and long term but overall I consider it a good buy.
Thanks for making this video. I always wondered why owners loved Tacomas. I have a Ram Rebel and have had a great experience with it.
I have only owned one Toyota, a 1982 Starlet. Dinky little engine, dinky little car, super reliable, bulletproof, and it was front engine, rear wheel drive, and manual (not that that really mattered, given the power output). Only thing that ever went wrong with it was a clogged fuel filter. Nothing against Toyotas and their reliability, but I was looking for something more fun, ended up with my 93 Miata. Also pretty bulletproof, still drive it today after 30 years of ownership.
Got a 1982 starlet a sunday's driver myself :D
reliability is indeed great :D
I absolutely love the 1st gen taco, it’s my favorite platform of all time by far. But I think way too many people put tacos on a pedestal. It’s still got its share of problems, in every generation. But the 1st gen in particular has the amazing lower ball joint failure, as do 3rd gen 4Runners, 1st gen tundras and sequoias, As well as the 100 series Land Cruiser Prado. Aside from that on all 3 gen’s there’s the puny rear diff, drum rear brakes, thin frames, super invasive security and communication circuits in modern trucks. Seriously the 8” diff came out in 1979 in a truck that weighed 3000lbs and made 80 hp. 1, 2, and 3rd gen’s all use basically the same diff and it’s a known issue.
My dad just bought a v6 taco because he doesn't believe in 4 cylinder trucks. He's coming from a 2003 tundra which is really close in size and an absolutely amazing car to drive. So far, he loves the truck and I highly doubt that will change!
I agree strongly with the whole video except for the part at 8:31 . I live in Mexico, I have a manual 2023 4x4 turbo diesel hilux, STOCK it did as well as jeeps with 27 inch skinny tires. I lifted it and gave it 32s and now it outperforms jeeps, and when it was on those skinny tires in 4H, man that thing did burn outs…. A FOUR BANGER. it’s 220hp and had a 0-60mph of about 6 seconds. Crazy fast. Since the tires upgrade it’s much slower but it’s the most badass truck I’ve ever seen on trail down here. It’s ANYTHING but mundane. And I use it for painting jobs too, it’s a do everything truck. It even does mudding better than the fords and rams and chevys because it’s lighter and doesn’t sink. Life has only been getting more exiting since this truck, and due mostly BECAUSE of this truck, I’ve taken it up so many mountains and horse trails, where no truck has been. And in the entire climbing community I have the most capable truck, so in the rainy season when the roads to the climbing spots are all muddied up, only I can make it out there and it’s all to myself.
Bought a ‘99 Taco in 2002. It was rear-ended a few years ago and I used the settlement check to pay off my mortgage. The truck retains a clean title and I retained the truck. Dead serious. Not enough like buttons to do this video justice; just like all of the other videos you’ve made Mr. Matt.
I luv your story!
Love the humor in a car/truck review. Well done!
Back in 2006 I replaced my Silverado 2500HD work truck with a 2nd gen Tacoma. Over 300,000 miles later it's paid for itself in fuel alone. Not to mention I'd likely be on my 3rd transmission with the Chevy.
1990 pickup with a paltry 250k here. She’s still got decades in her.
I recently bought a midsize truck. I needed something to daily drive, do some offroading, to tow my track car, and still be able to park it. Towing ended up being the deciding factor and I got a Colorado. If I had anything less than a car to tow, or even just a lighter car, I would have gotten a Tacoma with zero question.
I have a 95 tacoma 4x4 that I still drive despite having the money to buy a newer truck. For the last 2 decades since I bought it off the dealership, as long as you change the oil, it just keeps going, and any repairs don't require a computer and done in a basic home garage.
@superfastmatt great video! Good point in mentioning the rust. I just did a repair on one and documented it. Its well noted that in some cases the rust is much worse than appears on the surface. That being said, its repairable and these are still great trucks!
Been driving Ram trucks for the last 30+years and they have all been good trucks but my next truck will be a Toyota Tacoma been wanting for quite a few years now. Especially now I don't need a full size truck for work anymore. I have always like the trucks And I've always heard good things about them from friends and family that have owned them. One friend owned 1 of the ones from the 80s and that truck lasted forever and always ran good right up till the end. The real differential finally took it out. It was just so old at that point with over 400000 miles But still ran like a top Crazy how good those engines are especially in the old ones.
As someone from the state of Kansas, I can confirm the validity of the towing capabilities of the F250 super duty.
1st gen Taco owner here. It has push-button 4 wheel drive. I'm amazed every time I see far newer, far more expensive American trucks where the driver has to climb out of the cab and lock in the hubs for 4 wheel drive.
I bought my ZJ for all the same reasons. It's now 26 years old, I've had minimal problems and the 4.0L I-6 will live past the heat death of the universe. Tacos are cool too, Yotas are a great vehicle in general.
My grandma's '93 4Runner is still cruising around. The body is starting to show its age, but it's mechanically flawless.
Non road salt / warm areas allow " last for ever " or even OK vehicles to continue on a very long time. The problem in other areas is road salt makes a 4 year old vehicle look like a 30 year old warm area vehicle and cold starts are very hard on engines causing them to fail.
Spot on. It's becoming increasingly harder to find clean 1st gen Tacoma on the roads here in Michigan
I mean they still are reliable even in salt. Ive had an 04 corolla for three years now and its fine even with all the salt that gets put on the road here..
Yeah, everything except the new frame on mine is solid rust. I can't believe they did a whole frame and didn't replace even one shitty failing bracket. One of said brackets broke and severed a wheel speed sensor wire so I had to troubleshoot the ABS system to find that. Fun?
I bought my Tacoma new in 1995. It was listed as a 1995 1/2. One of the first in my state! Also a 4x4 5 speed extended cab. Great truck.
Am I the only "cheeky Brit" to consider this entire video a brilliant education on Americans and America land.
Literally everything said in this video was an education. Love it
bought my truck new in 2021 for 2 reasons: 1. they hold crazy value and 2. aftermarket parts. the aftermarket for tacoma's is insane no matter what type of driving whether parking lots, rock crawling, prerunning, overlanding.
Whatever truck you have is usually the best truck. I've had them all, the only two that really stuck in my heart was a v10 4wd F250 and a v8 2wd quad cab Dakota. They couldn't have been more different, but it's the feel, the memories, and the experiences. Would a Tacoma have given the same feels in those situations, maybe, probably not though. Like you said, they are pretty good at being dependably mundane.
Honestly people way overhype Toyotas. I've had a 9 cars in the last 15 years and the only ones to actually die and not be financially viable to fix were toyotas. One was a 1996 4runner and the other was a 1987 Camry. Both died at under 200k miles due to transmission issues. Most of my other cars have over 200k miles without any serious issues. There are definitely worse brands than Toyota but the point is that it really depends on the model and how well it's taken care of and people should buy based on what they need and not fall for "brand loyalty". For off roading I've been looking around and the Toyotas tend to no be a great option because the long wheelbase and the body that sticks out past the wheels forward and back seems excessive.
@@rubiconnnYour exceptions prove the rule.
Had no appreciation of the Tacoma til a friend towed my ‘52 Ferguson tractor a couple hours for me with his 2nd gen work truck when I needed to get it moved to a new home. His Taco was a stripped, basic white V6 fleet unit and it towed that big old tractor like a champ. Smooth, stable, and plenty of power to stay with interstate traffic despite being at max load.
An hour into our ride a driver yakking on their phone whizzed past us on the left, changed lanes without looking and collided with the vehicle in front of us causing them both to spin. It was raining which didn’t help. The cell phone yakker careened by turns off the center median and inside guardrail, back and forth doing pirouettes right in front of us and our load, every smash into concrete shortening the car a couple more feet front and back. My buddy was standing on the brakes to stay out of her way and that glorious Toyota got us stopped dead straight from the speed limit to zero in very short order without a wobble or hint of trouble. Loved those trucks deeply ever since.
All hail the algorithm AND the Tacoma.
You are a gifted genius. A communicator without compare. You mesmerize. Keep being you!
I just wrapped up the first phase of a 2006 tundra project today and this was the first video the algorithm served me this evening. Seems fitting. All hail the algorithm.
Love your channel. Love the videos about your personal projects. Don't care for the videos springing from marketing events, like this one.
yeah what a total turd
I currently have 4 toyota's, 1 4runner, 2 pickups, and a tacoma. I love them all.
I bought my first rebuilt vehicle this year- a 2022 Frontier S with 3500 miles for $19k. 310hp v6, 24 mpg if I stay under 75mph and toss 6700lbs and CarPlay. Way more bang for the buck than my last 3 F150s. Not a Toyota, but a damn solid option for dirt cheap.
You always have a way, and that way always makes sense....so thank you.
I had a 1997 Tacoma and it sold years ago for my than I bought it for, I regretted not keeping it. The Tacoma is the best truck at it's size... but I got a used Frontier recently and have to say It holds up, especially since they go for $8k-$15k less for equivalent models, years and miles.
Hello young man.
I am just a tad over half century years old. My wife and I had the opportunity to own many different types of cars , including C4S, Evo 10, C7, mustangs RTR.... Since I got little older I realize toyt is the long lasting vehicle and it's cheap to maintain. At this time my wife and I own 07 tundra 5.7 with 188k miles, 13 rx350, 18 nx300, 23 gr86, 07 rx350. We love all of them. By the way I tow my 22 ft fishing boat every summer. The only reason I need full size truck because of the boat otherwise I would of own a taco.
Enjoy your video thanks.
As if used Tacomas weren't expensive enough... I've already seen 1999s with 280k miles trying to sell for $12k
Nissan Hardbody is the new "Toyota" truck. Can still be had for a couple grand
Was looking for a video for watching when eating. Couldn't have been better timing!
I love Tacomas and The Pickup (miss my 1986!) but Toyota's pricing makes me cry, the 2024 is starting at $50k in Canada and it's practically guaranteed that if you want anything better than a stripped out fleet dog it'll be $60,000++
Better than a beat up used one that'll set you back $15-25,000 though haha
The only new vehicle I bought in my 54 years was a 98 Tacoma Limited because I worked for Toyota, my first car was a Toyota and after totalling my not Toyota by trying to occupy the same space at the same time as a Kenworth I was offered enough money to pay cash for a 98 Tacoma Limited and get one great deal from my shrewd negotiating skills my Snap-On dealer at Toyota taught me 34 years ago. What's really important is my 85 year old father is safe driving his Lexus, psst Toyota, with it's easy to use navigation and many automatic safety measures I recently experienced while terrified. Toyota, scaring and scarring people going places.
Edit: I actually made money when I sold the Tacoma as I negotiated another Toyota into the deal that had just come in as a trade-in. Sweet.
I would have bought an old Tacoma. However the new Tacoma is basically the same size as a Tundra. Trucks are too damn big and way too expensive. Probably the reason why the old Tacomas and Rangers are so valuable today are because the only way to get a small & affordable pickup is to buy an old Tacoma or Ranger. I went with a Maverick, which Toyota should have had a competitor out for a long time ago.
Quick Edit: The Ranger release pissed everyone off because a lot of people thought the Ranger was going to be the old hunting truck from the 90s. Instead they got a Tacoma competitor, which literally nobody asked for. As your video points out, there wasn't a market for the ranger. However the only vehicle in the US you won't find on dealer lots right now is the Ford Maverick. People want the small utilitarian pickup back, too bad none of the car companies wanted to make them for sale until the Maverick came around and prooved market viability. Heck, any idiot coulda told you it was a home run, just rich execs are really detatched from the market.
Matt great footage, you've spent a lot of time with that. And you've made Toyota look really good.
In a sane world Toyota would be happy to pay you many thousands of dollars for this coverage, undoubtedly you've helped sell at least a dozen or more.
Who’s says he isn’t getting payments or another form of compensation?
@@AntilleanConfederation
Do you know of any youtuber in the auto space who has such a deal?
@@heartsky yeah. A lot of them get flown out to places and hotels paid for. During the reveal in Hawaii for the 4th gen Tacoma many of them got flown out. And a lot of those who did are the same ones who got flown out to Texas and said very good things about the 22 Tundra.
@@AntilleanConfederation Ya I know about corporate junkets for journalists and marketing outlets but those people are not getting paid directly to sell product, those trips, hotel stays and various gifts are the compensation, as far as I know nobody is getting a check from Ford or any other major manufacturer.
Donut media did a Tacoma video and it was full of mistakes, drove me nuts. All of your info was accurate and well presented. I had a first gen for 13 years and now a second gen for 12 years. Plan on skipping the 2.5 gen and getting a 4th generation eventually.
When I was looking for a mid-sized truck 5 years ago, I considered all of them. This was before the Ranger dropped or the Frontier finally got updated. I wound up buying the Colorado, and as a truck, I absolutely loved it. The power was fantastic, it was comfortable, it had great utility, and it wasn't terrible on gas. However, it was the most unreliable vehicle I'd ever bought, and the only vehicle I've ever bought brand new. It was in the shop for over 80 days in the first 2 years of ownership, and it was ALL warranty work, nothing I did wrong. It was just junk. The 8 speed auto had the well known issue with the hydroscopic fluid, the rear diff would randomly go full lock on a turn, the catalytic converter failed at under 10k miles, the wiring harness broke under the seat causing an airbag light, it had so many problems I can't even remember them all. All of the problems, and I couldn't get it lemon lawed, because in Texas the days in the shop don't count against it being out of service if you accept a loaner, so no matter how awful that truck was, it wasn't a lemon, by Texas law. Absolutely absurd. I sold it to CarMax, so it became their problem.
I will literally never buy another GM product again. Currently own a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 5.7l, it tows up to 7500lbs without even hesitating, and it's extremely reliable and comfortable, even after 166k miles. My daily is a 2019 Miata RF, which is easily the most reliable car I've ever owned, despite me putting over 30k miles on it in 2 years.
And just think you paid $40k for a vehicle that’s worse than a 40yo vw rabbit pickup
And people wonder why most new things are junk.
People like you paid them for it!
@@fastinradfordable 27k
Recently got a 2011 Tacoma SR5. It’s 2wd and has the 2GR-FE so it’s not super desirable for most but it’s double cab, only had 121k miles, and is perfect for me. Came from a 3rd Gen T4R and then a highlander for a bit and the Taco just rules.
Your writing and delivery are only getting more and more humorous. Let me know when you train an AI with your personality, humor, and voice. I’ll then load that up on my phone as my personal assistant. Well done Matt.
the s10 would've been a great competitor if they continued to make it
The only other competitor tbh
RIP Chevy S10 and Dodge Dakota! You are sorely missed!
I’m an Australian, in early 2023 I spent 3 months in the US. In Australia I drive a Hilux in diesel, they are truly indestructible. They are as powerful as you could reasonably ask in the 2.8 lite diesel. Back to the US, I was offered and accepted, the loan of a Tacoma. It was old, I don’t know how old, it was in good condition, it had been lifted a couple of inches, had a step, but otherwise it was stock automatic petrol. I was delighted, both on road and off road, the Tacoma did the trick. The Tacoma has given me cause for pause on the question of petrol versus diesel. On balance I’m still on the side of diesel, because I like the off road range and longevity.
Only missing is a supercharger. My 01 4runner got one added a few years ago followed by a 5 speed swap this year.
My only issue is Toyota doesn’t offer a manual double cab long bed Tacoma. I found the 6ft bed on my dad’s old 98 Tacoma and my old 95 Ranger perfect.
My dad sold that Tacoma at 240k. I pulled the carfax. It’s still on the road today, odometer appears to have been rolled back twice, but it has well over 300k when calculating the actual mileage. I sold the Ranger to a friend at 265k and it’s nearing 300k now. Both those trucks were workhorses and put through abuse. The Tacoma was definitely the more reliable one, but the Ranger wasn’t far behind.
Hey Matt, loved this, and would love to see your take on the engineering/driving experience of an FJ cruiser
The same as a 4Runner
FJC = 4R with bad body kit.
I've got a 1988 Toyota Celica, it's power windows still work, they never stopped. despite the car being left outside under an apple tree for 10 years.
I own a midsize truck and it is not a Tacoma, it is a Ranger, but that’s only because I am too tall for the previous generation Taco. I already have my order in for the new one (TRD Sport, manual, traffic cone orange) and I’m excited to get it and have a 3-pedal driver again. It might actually the last manual I’ll buy new, but that’s ok, because it will last forever.
That was a big part of why I got a Ranger too. I went around test driving everything on the market but didn't even get as far as starting the engine on a Tacoma, sat in one in the showroom and immediately knew I wouldn't be able to live with it. Of course it didn't help that any desirable Tacoma was marked up to the moon, or that it was slower than the Ranger, towed and hauled less than the Ranger, got worse fuel economy than the Ranger, and, probably shockingly to most people, was statistically *less reliable* than the Ranger.
Same boat here about a year ago. Drove all of them and Toyota was wanted originally for the reliability and durability. Once I spent real world time behind the Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, AT4, etc. The Tacoma was just a little too tight cabin wise and also for some reason I didn’t like the interior. Between those two and the “peppier” feel I went with my Ranger. Optioned top level XLT and added my own Coilovers, Wheels/Tires and some performance upgrades power wise.
31,000 miles in and it’s been great. Seen daily duty in the Midwest on mostly garbage roads, traveled lots of trails and trailered the race car thousands of miles all without a problem.
When the time comes to shop again in a few years I’ll definitely try the Toyota again, but this last time I went Ranger and have been very happy.
Yeah it was down to Tacoma or Ranger for me, but the Ranger won. Picked up a 4x4 2011 Ranger with only 50k miles last month. Southern-owned, so no rust.
Tacomas are great but Rangers come out on top, IMO. There's just something about 'em. I absolutely love mine.
@@max_archer Resale on the toy will be double though......
Don't know about lasting forever now that it's a turbo.
My Dad had 1995 Tacoma XCab 4x4 V6 manual with manual windows & locks. It finally died in 2017 and he got a Double Cab Short Bed 4x2 4-cylinder SR.
I, for one, run my drywall business using a 911... Which, apparently, is like a Taco.
Any mundane convertible with a flat trunk can do truck things
Hi Matt am Matt and I am stoked out that I found your page … you got my Views and 👍🏼’s up awesome vlog on the 🌮 . You truly helped me seal the deal on my 🌮purchase . Taking about tacos so much got me having the munchies .. thanks again for the great video .
Toyota Tacoma engineers brought back the fully boxed frame that they used to put in their older Hilux/T100 models. They also took the Land Cruiser 100-series' rear suspension (4-link) and replaced the old leaf spring suspension. So they took, proven old tech and threw it into a "new" chassis.
That's not the tech I'm worried about, alas.
Frame and suspension can be fine; head unit deciding to give up the ghost in half a decade, or the 'lane assist' deciding to dodge a branch in favor of dodging into oncoming traffic, or the turbo exploding from excessive wear from the thinnest oil known to mankind...
@@TheLoneWolfling Don't disagree with you on all that. Toyota would be better off scrapping all the new safety features and make the driver the main safety feature.
In regards to the motor and turbo, only time will tell but keep in mind, this isn't the first time Toyota has developed a motor with a "factory" turbo or supercharger. The old Hilux 4-bangers could be optioned with a factory turbo or you could buy a TRD supercharger.
up her in the north east, the rust takes them out long before they reach that age. As far as MPG I know my crew cab 5.3 silverado does almost 5 MPG better than a tundra regular cab
I've done the same kind of stuff with my S10 Blazer, just last week I took it mudding, but hands down I'd prefer a Toyota 4runner / tacoma. The 4L60E is a serious weakpoint of all the small Chevrolet trucks.
An honest man!
@@johnhein4851 It's the truth, if you have send time and money to "bulletproof" something it isn't reliable!
Intellectually I can appreciate the new Tacoma is better by every measurable metric. I still covet the old Tacoma.
I can agree with the tacoma's overwhelming buyer (and after market) preference....
But there is a case to be made for 2nd gen Frontiers. Namely their ability to have factory titan parts swapped in.
Will you have the resale value/undeniable pedigree of tacoma? No.
Will you have unholy torque numbers, 6 speed, on half ton axles, and mid travel ifs, that still looks and performs like an especially wicked oem? Absolutely.
And all for a fraction of cost and effort that would go into making a tacoma similarly capable...
If you're gonna sell it, tacoma.
But if you're gonna keep it?
Exactly the reason i gave up my toyota 4x4 dreams and bought a 2016 frontier. For 8-12k less than a comparable tacoma and relatively the same reliability cant really beat it. Plus the frontier definitely feels more powerful than the taco and seems to ride i bit nicer.
No way. A mini titan? What the fuck man I had no idea they could swap easily
My LandCruiser turns 50 years old next year. It has a manual choke, and a handcrank that I have used to start it.
I’ll wait to see that turbo 4 cyl with its 0 weight oil make it to 476,000 miles with no rebuild.
Did manufacturing get better? Yes. But 0 weight oil and the turbo is to pass emissions and fuel requirements from the EPA.
Turbos aren't inherently the problem. The diesel world has been turbocharging everything since the 80s and they all last. My 313k mile diesel mercedes has the original turbo on it. The 0w8 weight oil definitely has me more concerned. Given the option I'd sooner lose a bit of efficiency to run heavier oil.
It's not 0 weight oil, it's 20 weight oil.
Like Jared said above, it’s either 0w20 or 5w20 oil weight. 0 is just to get the fluid around when cold so it’s really 20 weight oil when driving.
@@coltonmcrae5873 Sure, but diesel engines are just plain built like tanks to deal with the abuse. So while the turbo adds some complexity to a diesel, it doesn't add much risk. Turbocharged gasoline engines are a different thing entirely.
I'm well aware that 0W-20 means that 0 refers to the flow in cold temps and 20 when the engine is at operational temp. Toyota is also making a 0W-8 oil now. However, the main component here is the reduced viscosity of the oil.
Viscosity is a fluid's resistance to flow. The new low viscosity oils are nice because they reduce friction that a higher viscosity oil would introduce. But oil also is susceptible to thermal breakdown and as engine temps go up, the viscosity and protection goes down. That's your increase in wear on the rings and piston that is giving better fuel economy standards to squeeze out the efficiency versus longer engine life.
When you are turbocharging an engine, you are increasing stress on all parts of the motor simply because you are increasing pressures in the combustion chamber. Better head gaskets, more oil cooling, bigger radiators, etc. It appears Toyota has done their work with this engine as they have beefed up the cooling system for hauling.
I simply don't see the average consumer being able to push one of these motors to 300k like the older motors because most people don't change their oil at 3,000 miles and use a good filter. They'll simply beat on it because "it's a Toyota" etc. You'll still have problems not changing your oil regularly on the old motors like the 5vz, 3rz, 2rz, 22RE, 22R, 4ac, 5sfe but a turbo motor won't tolerate that.
TF!? That seat suspension made me more excited than most stuff, especially if it works good. I hate getting throttled around on bad trails.
The biggest reasons I bought a Taco was because it had a 6MT and it wasn't a Gladiator. No other truck on the market in the US can say that. That said, it's still significantly larger than I want. I wish Subaru would bring back the Baja but do it with a 6MT option. I might just have to get a Crosstrek and go full Aussie on it with a Ute conversion. And an EyeSight deletion.
Drove a 05 Silverado for 18 yrs, an going to a 21 Taco is quite the difference, especially from a 5.3L V8 to a 3.5L V6. The 21 Taco cost used in 24 as much as the 05 Silverado did new in 05.
My parents had a 1989 Camry that was built in Japan, one of the last ones, and that thing was finally sold in 2001 for a Avalon.
I always wondered why toyota trucks sold for such high prices, Then I had a 91 pickup v6 4x4 fall in my lap, it just does everything you want it to, and doesn't complain or break down. Mine had 580k miles when I got rid of it. 100k of that was me offroading, camping, hauling, AND using it for work (construction). I changed fluids, bushings, and shocks, that was it. all in $1100 in parts? Id love to have another but dont have room for another vehicle haha.
At today's prices, you mean room in the budget! 🙂
I had a 2023 Tacoma on hold for a month before I decided to get a Gladiator. It works well for what I wanted. A jeep that does truck stuff sometimes.