Opinions? New Tacoma versus old.

[bobwilson1977]

I have the small 4 banger, regular cab, manual transmission with power nothing version of a 1996 Tacoma.It's been a good truck and has around 215,000 miles with no major problems so far. That said, I'm thinking that in a year or two, I might get a new Tacoma.

I looked at a new Tacoma a year ago. The interior was a lot bigger and more comfortable. The styling was pleasing. But there were a few things I wasn't crazy about. For one, the intake was made out of ABS plastic. Secondly, the engine looked like it would be difficult to access things compared to my current truck. Lastly, I wasn't a huge fan of the composite bed. I use my truck to haul things all the time and could just see some sharp metal object cracking the bed.

So... since the truck has been out for almost three years, has anyone had one long enough to get some honest opinions? How's the acceleration? how has the bed held up? also- is the composite material the actual bed or does it have a metal bed underneath? How is maintenance like changing the oil,tranny oil, radiator fluid and brakes? how is the interior comfort?

Just looking for an overall impression here. If you owned to previous generation truck, that would be even better so I can see what your thoughts are based from the two generations. thanks!

[TacoStuffer]

id put my money on a bed rusting out before our beds cracked, as far as acceleration the v6 im sure is above and beyond, as for the 4 cyl i think mine is rather powerful for a 4 banger

[OtherHand]

11 months ago I got rid of a 4wd, 3.4 liter, 95 Tacoma extended cab with 192,000 miles on it (I was the original owner) and got a 07 4wd Access cab w/Offroad package. With 10,000 miles so far, the new truck has left me left than thrilled, and I sort of wish I had just rebuilt the old one for less money.

Things I like about the new truck:

- Great power
- The access doors are MUCH better than the old truck for loading.
- Oil filter in excellent location for changing.
- Passenger side airbag.
- Inverter outlet in bed.
- Locking differential (but haven't needed it yet)
- Adjustable (but lightweight) bed tiedowns
- Better rear seats.

Things I don't like:

- It's f'ing big! I prefer a small vehicle, and this is the same size as the old T-100. I was off 4 wheeling yesterday, and really noticed the extra width in a bad way on a narrow road.
- 6 speed manual tranny. Why 6?? My old 5 was plenty. I have to shift a lot more now. And the way the reverse location is located has caused me no end of problems shifting quickly from reverse to first and back.
- Worse handling than my old truck. It's just not nearly as fun to drive.
- Crappy gas mileage compared to my old truck. I am lucky to get 20 on trips.
- No aux input on the radio (Come on Toyota, it's the new millenium....)

Things my old truck had that the new one doesn't (and annoy me):

- Locking gas cap cover
- Sunroof
- Lighted glove box
- Lighted ring around ignition switch
- Auto retracting antenna
- Bed floor tiedown rings all around

The composite bed leaves me a little lukewarm, but having drilled into it (to add the lacking tiedowns), it seems plenty strong. I will say that if you need to replace a rear side panel (not that it's ever happened to me....) it's much easier to the body shop to replace. It just bolts off the bed.

In summary, I expected a lot more from a 12 year interval between essentially the same trucks. Were I forced to buy a new truck, I'd still go for a Tacoma, as I don't see anything better for my needs. It's just my 95 Tacoma was a better truck and more fun to drive.

[6shooter]

i've had both and while i was more sentimentally attached to my last bodystyle tacoma (95), this is a very well built truck. the power is amazing and it is a very solid truck. i like the extra room it has (more like a t100) and it hauls and tows much better than my last one. the bed is extremely strong and is reinforced with metal. i didn't think i'd like it but, it's actually pretty cool and hasn't even flinched at anything i've tossed at it so far.
as maintenance goes, it's even easier to service than the last bodystyle was. if you opt for the 4cyl. on the new truck, the filter is going to be in about the same position as your current one. the v6 however has a top mounted filter that is right in front of you when you open the hood.
overall, you won't be disapointed with a new tacoma. go drive one, you'll see!

[rugerm44]

The average person wouldnt know much difference but if you have worked on the older trucks they are built better.I have owned a 82,87,99,02 and now an 06.I have never had a rust issue in the bed or anywhere else for that matter.All the automatic transmissions had a dip stick.If I had seen that this one didnt I would have left it on the lot for someone else,It has more power but so dose a ford mustang.Its more comfortable compared to the older ones but then again so is a ford pickup.You asked.

[bobwilson1977]

I too noticed the non-locking gas door. I also think that the larger version of the Tacoma is a bit too large. If I were to buy the new one, I'd probably go with the smaller model, which is now about the same size as the previous 'larger' model. I also don't like the crew cabs on the new models because it makes the truck look too long and disproportionate. I've been pretty happy with the handling, acceleration ( the small 4 banger small tacos are actually pretty damned fast) and comfort of my current truck. Good to hear there's a few opinions floating around. thanks guys!

[lotust]

Things my old truck had that the new one doesn't (and annoy me):

- Locking gas cap cover
- Sunroof
- Lighted glove box
- Lighted ring around ignition switch
- Auto retracting antenna
- Bed floor tiedown rings all around

Dont forget the lights that were on under the interior door handles. I liked them.

[OtherHand]

Originally Posted by lotust

Dont forget the lights that were on under the interior door handles. I liked them.

Oh yeah, I did forget those. All these nice little touches were left off the nerwer model.

Oh, and I forgot to bitch about that godawful amber instrument panel lighting that's next to impossible to see in the daylight with sunglasses. I've switched most of mine out to white.....

[Firstimer]

Originally Posted by rugerm44

The average person wouldnt know much difference but if you have worked on the older trucks they are built better.I have owned a 82,87,99,02 and now an 06.I have never had a rust issue in the bed or anywhere else for that matter.All the automatic transmissions had a dip stick.If I had seen that this one didnt I would have left it on the lot for someone else,It has more power but so dose a ford mustang.Its more comfortable compared to the older ones but then again so is a ford pickup.You asked.

So....go pick up an F-150.


















No huh?

[2 tacomas]

Originally Posted by bobwilson1977

I have the small 4 banger, regular cab, manual transmission with power nothing version of a 1996 Tacoma.It's been a good truck and has around 215,000 miles with no major problems so far. That said, I'm thinking that in a year or two, I might get a new Tacoma.

I looked at a new Tacoma a year ago. The interior was a lot bigger and more comfortable. The styling was pleasing. But there were a few things I wasn't crazy about. For one, the intake was made out of ABS plastic. Secondly, the engine looked like it would be difficult to access things compared to my current truck. Lastly, I wasn't a huge fan of the composite bed. I use my truck to haul things all the time and could just see some sharp metal object cracking the bed.

So... since the truck has been out for almost three years, has anyone had one long enough to get some honest opinions? How's the acceleration? how has the bed held up? also- is the composite material the actual bed or does it have a metal bed underneath? How is maintenance like changing the oil,tranny oil, radiator fluid and brakes? how is the interior comfort?

Just looking for an overall impression here. If you owned to previous generation truck, that would be even better so I can see what your thoughts are based from the two generations. thanks!

I have owned 3 Toyota trucks :
- 1988 Toyota Regular cab long bed Pickup, 3.0L v6, Auto, 4wd (200,000 miles - totaled)
- 2004 Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab, 3.4L v6, Auto, 4wd, TRD Off-Road (50,000 miles - sold)
- 2006 Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab, 4.0L v6, Auto, 4wd, TRD-Sport (23,000 miles and counting)

I can honestly say that I like my 2006 much better than the other two trucks. The ride is much better, it is much more comfortable to drive, it has loads of power, and it gets MUCH BETTER gas mileage than either of my other 2 Toyota's got. Just make sure you get the 5-speed automatic transmission if you get the v6.....the 6-speed manual doesn't get that great of gas mileage. Also, don't worry about the composite bed- it is very strong and can take a lot of abuse. It will scratch if you use it a lot, but it would take a heck of a lot to break it. I am very happy with my 2006 and plan on keeping it for a very long time.

[patroldawg]

I sold my 2004 DC, 6 cyl, 4x4, trd to buy my current 07 DC, 6 cyl, 4x4, trd. my '04 just did everything perfectly. I realize now it was probably the closest thing i ever had to the perfect truck. for me at least. it could've used a bit more power, but, still damn near perfect truck. excluding that little shudder at 20mph deceleration, the '07 is a fantastic truck as well. but i don't think anything can beat the older generation tacomas in all around capabilities and function.

i wouldn't worry about the composite bed. there are some naysayers, but i think it is engineered well

[Fla_Sun]

I owned a '96 4X4 Ext Cab V6 5sp LX for 10 years. I liked the size and power and didn't even notice the "rough ride" until my wife complained one day. It had a couple minor problems like notchy shifting (MT-90 almost cured that) and the intermittant wipers quit working. I added a rear leaf and installed Bilsteins to improve the towing of my 2800 lb boat (w/trailer). When towing it handled good, braked good and had adequate but not great power. Off road it seemed like a very tough little truck. The only problem I had selling it was turning away all the other people after it sold. Should have bought a one week ad!
My '06 4X4 access cab V6 5sp auto SR5 seems much more refined, although it sometimes it feels bigger than what I wanted. It definately will out run the '96, tows much better and has a smoother ride. I just installed new Bilsteins, Timbrens up front and bagged the rear so it rides more truck like now. I love the oil filter location, no more scraped up arm. Since I do all the maintenance on my vehicles I have noticed that the '06 doesn't seem as tough a vehicle looking at the thin frame. If it holds up like the '96 and has them lined up when I sell in ten years or so then I will be happy.