Tacoma or Tundra?

[Michael P]

I am planning on changing from an older 4x4 Toyota truck with popup truck camper to a newer 99 to 03 Toy truck with a different popup camper. I have been doing some homework but need actual owner advice. I need a 4x4, and can get a popup that fits the truck I decide on.

Consumer Reports gives the the 00 Tacoma a bad review yet I see lots of indication owners LOVE them. I could go with a Tundra, but I will be going from a 4 cyl to a 6 or 8, and don't know if I need the power of the 8 cyl in a Tundra. Just two of us so I will get a smallish popup, like a 6.5' or 8' (if I go Tundra). I will be driving some pretty bad roads but no rock crawling or extreme stuff. Body style is undecided yet, and I could opt for crew cab, or extended cab or access cab. Tacoma or Tundra will meet my needs when the popup is off the truck and I need to go to the dump with brush or trash.

PLEASE tell me how you feel about the differences in Tacoma and Tundra. I like low mile vehicles, so this is why I choose 99 to 03 model years.

Consumer Reports says they were unimpressed with the 00 Taco's handling, rides choppy, uncomfortable seats, and the back seat is useless. I have been driving ancient Toyotas so long almost ANY newish truck will seem great to me. Please help. Thanks in advance

[Bakemono]

The Tacoma is a great truck, who cares what Consumer Reports says. They also said a few years ago that the RAV4 is the biggest POS on the road, which is also false.
I went from a '99 Ford Ranger to a '99 Ford F-150, so I think that I can give you some insight about a compact vs. a full-size.
I like the room, power and hauling capability of the F-150. I NEVER have had a problem when it comes to passing power. I like how I can stretch out in the cab of my F-150 if I want to. I also like that you can haul just about ANYTHING in the bed without running out of room. (Mine has an 8 foot bed)
However, the cornering and braking of my F-150 leave much to be desired and crowded parking lots are something that I like to avoid whenever possible. My F-150 weighs 4600 pounds so I cant take the corners as hard as I could with the Ranger. Also, the weight makes it so that you cant ask the F-150 to stop quickly, it just doesnt have big enough brakes to do it. Also, you have to be VERY carefull on icy roads. If you try to stop or turn on ice/snow it just plain wont happen.
Also, with my F-150 (its a 4x4 with the Off-Road Package) it sits pretty tall, so you reach the point where you cant see the lines in the parking lot. Also, its so big and so long that it makes it hard to back up or turn around without hitting another car. I try to park so that I have a straight shot out of the parking lot when I leave. No backing up and no other kind of fancy parking lot maneuvers for me, thank you!
I only really use my truck as a truck about 4 times a year. Twice a year when I haul my snowmobile and twice a year when I haul firewood. For me, a full-size truck is kind of overkill. My next truck will be something smaller, a Tacoma most likely.
Both are great trucks. You just have to look at your personal needs and if you think you will do a lot of heavy hauling/towing, maybe the Tundra is the better truck for you. On the other hand, if you dont haul stuff very often you might appreciate the smaller size and greater fuel economy of the Tacoma.
Cap'n

[crazycruzer]

I think that the Tundra is very weak for a full size truck with a V8. I would choose an American made full size truck over the Tundra any day of the week. However, for a compact size truck, the Tacoma is awesome with adequate horsepower and torque for the size.

[ricqik]

Originally Posted by crazycruzer

I think that the Tundra is very weak for a full size truck with a V8. I would choose an American made full size truck over the Tundra any day of the week.

That's the craziest thing I've heard. Other than higher tow rating and payload in "certain trims", they all stand shoulder to shoulder in abilities.

[Bakemono]

Well, not exactly ricqik.

The Tundra is smaller than the F-150, GM 1500 and Dodge Ram 1500. It also doesnt have the power of the others.

One advantage the Tundra does have over the other 4-door or "crew cab" trucks is that you still get a 6 foot bed with the Tundra double cab. With the domestics you only get a 5 foot bed.

My parents have a 2004 F-150 SuperCrew and let me tell you, that 5 foot bed sucks, especially when you are used to having trucks with 6.5 and 8 foot beds!
I for one hope that the next-generation Tundra is longer, wider and more powerfull than the current one.
Cap'n

[ricqik]

The tundra is slightly smaller than it's competition, but toyota's have always been slightly smaller than the competitor. The size thing is getting old. Going by paper spec mean nothing in real world. I've towed with every 1/2ton truck beside the 05's models. Honestly, off the line power the titan and f150 were the only two that felt significant enough to say it was stronger. The ones I've towed with are all equiped with they're largest V8. Once all the trucks gets past the rolling start they're impossible to tell the difference in power except the titan which kept pulling. I've yet to tow with the 05 tundra's with the 282hp and 5spd auto tranny but heard it'll be close to the titan in moving power thanks in part to the 5spd auto.

[Bakemono]

Size does matter in both perception and it real-world capability.
Some people would look at the Tundra and think that because its smaller that its less of a truck that a Titan or F-150.
Also, the Tundra still doesnt have the power to match the Titan and F-150. To someone who is comparing all 3 trucks, they may pass on the Tundra because its down on power.
Also, the Tundra' interior isnt as roomy as other full-size trucks.
There are all things that I hope Toyota will fix when the design their next full-size truck. The T100 was a good truck, and the Tundra was a big step up from the T100. Lets hope that whatever they come out with next is even better!
Cap'n

[JETACO]

if you wanna talk towing, i have pull my racecar and trailer with my 01 taco, and believe it or not it pulled very well. when i bought the taco i sorta under estimated its power to tow, but it pulled that very well