- 2020: Facelift for the Third Gen (N300).
- 2016 – 2019 3rd Gen (N300)
- 2nd Gen (N220/N240/N250/N260/N270) Facelift 2. 20122015
- 2nd Gen (N220/N240/N250/N260/N270) Facelift, 20092011
- 2nd Gen (N220/N240/N250/N260/N270) from 2005 to 2008
- Facelift 2. 1st Gen (N140/N150/N160/N170/N190) 2001-2004.
In This Article...
How many different Toyota Tacoma generations are there?
One of the most adored Toyota models in North America is the Tacoma pickup truck. The three Toyota Tacoma generations are detailed here.
Which Tacoma generation is the best?
The first Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 1995 and produced for three versions, ending in 2005. While the tough truck has never exactly been recognized for being quiet or smooth, its value has held through the years.
The 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2004 Tacomas from the first generation received the highest ratings. However, 2004 received less praise overall.
There are many models available if the second generation is of interest to you. 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 all received flawless dependability verdict ratings from MotorBiscuit.
For purchasers looking for an all-purpose vehicle that can handle tough terrain, the 20122015 series is ideal. These Tacomas had a significant renovation and now have a stylish interior.
This second generation is more expensive than other used trucks on the market, even with higher mileage.
A 2005 Toyota Tacoma 2WD Access Cab PreRunner with 200,000 miles was posted on Autotrader for $9,000, as were a Tacoma 4WD Double Cab with 75,000 miles and a 2015 Tacoma with the TRD package and 6,000 miles.
With a 4 out of 5 rating from Consumer Reports, the 2005 Toyota Tacoma has the greatest satisfaction rating out of the group.
Even the 2016 model of Toyota’s current generation costs between $20,000 and $32,675. But if you’d prefer a more recent design, the Toyota Tacoma from 2019 is your best alternative. The 2019 model received a 4 out of 5 rating for dependability and owner satisfaction.
When did the second-generation Tacoma debut?
From the 2005 model year through to the 2015 model year, the second-generation Toyota Tacoma was produced, and during that time, not much changed.
What Tacomas should I avoid?
The Toyota Tacoma models from the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017 have a lot of faults, therefore we advise staying away from them. The body, paint, and engine issues on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 models are major difficulties.
Along with several light, body, and engine flaws, the interior accessories of the 2009 model have a tendency to be defective and frequently malfunction.
There are several issues with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma, and complaints have been made concerning almost every part. The drivetrain and engine are primarily flawed in the 2012 model, whereas unreliable transmissions are also present in the 2016 and 2017 vehicles.
These two Toyota Tacomas are among the worst you can buy because their transmissions have so many flaws that driving them might be dangerous. However, the 2007 is as unwise to purchase due to its extraordinarily high repair expenses.
The average automobile spends 1-2 weeks on the lot, but the greatest offers are typically scooped up in less than 48 hours. Get notified right away when the price of a saved car reduces or when a great new Tacoma listing appears by downloading the CoPilot app.
What Tacoma year is the best?
The Tacoma is one of, if not the finest, pickup truck options if you’re looking for a dependable vehicle. While there are some outliers, the majority of years have gone successfully. Due to their great reliability ratings and superior equipment, prospective purchasers should concentrate on years 2013 through 2015 and 2018 to present.
The 20132015 Tacomas have fared substantially better than the 2012 model. According to the NHTSA, the 2013 model has had six recalls, compared to four for each of the 2014 and 2015 models. The majority of recalls are modest and deal with issues like inaccurate tire pressure labels and improperly installed accessories.
Furthermore, according to J.D. Power, Toyota Tacoma models from 2013 to 2015 received outstanding ratings. Model year 2013 receives an overall score of 82 and a dependability score of 86 out of 100, while model year 2015 receives an overall score of 85.
Price-wise, 2013 models start at $18,000, and good ones cost more than $20,000. The price of the 2014 and 2015 Tacomas, which range from $25,000 to $39,000, is a hefty premium.
When did Toyota Tacoma transmission issues start?
There are reported transmission issues with the Toyota Tacoma, which affect vehicles with anywhere between 125,000 and 150,000 miles on the odometer. These problems, which hinder the car from shifting properly, have been documented in Tacoma models made between 1995 and 2015.
How far can a Tacoma travel?
How important is mileage? That really relies on how well the car has been maintained.
A properly-kept Toyota Tacoma will run far over 300,000 miles, although standard automobiles are known to endure up to 200,000 miles. According to some sources, Toyota Tacomas have traveled more than 400,000 miles. The equivalent Chevy Colorado has an around 200,000-mile lifespan.
What distinguishes and distinguishes the Toyota Tacoma as the best is its capacity to last hundreds of thousands of miles longer than its rivals. Your brand-new Tacoma today might endure until your kids get their driver’s license in 15 years, provided you take good care of your car.
When were Tacomas’ frames problematic?
As a more portable alternative to larger half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150, the Toyota Tacoma made its dbut in 1995. There have been several setbacks along the way, with certain years experiencing problems with rusted frames, failing leaf springs, and defective transmissions. Despite this, it is now among Toyota’s most well-liked vehicles.
Since the later models of the Tacoma are more likely to be for sale online or on dealer lots, we’ll focus on them in our study.
The Tacoma experienced double-digit annual recall counts from 2005 to 2010 along with thousands of combined complaints, many of which are related to premature rusting problems that might eat through the frame or break leaf springs.
Faulty Frames Could Leave the Pickup with Severe Rust that May Eat Holes Through the Frame
Numerous complaints from Tacoma owners between 2005 and 2010 claimed their frames had excessive rust, rot, and corrosion. Some truck owners claimed that substantial frame damage from rust that had spread to other parts of the truck’s frame prevented their vehicles from passing inspection.
In the end, Toyota handled the recall properly and provided the information in a fairly open manner. More significantly, the company paid drivers $3,000,000,000 to resolve the rusted-frame issue. Tacomas were once again the most impacted vehicles from 2004 through 2010.
Corroded Leaf Springs Can Brake and Puncture the Fuel Tank, Possibly Causing Leak or Fire Risk
The leaf springs above the back axle are subject to one NHTSA recall. Due to a potential hazard where the springs could break and increase the risk of a fire, over 710,000 trucks had to be recalled. If a leaf spring were to break under stress or from corrosion while being driven, it may move, come into touch with the fuel tank and possibly puncture it, releasing petrol. All damaged vehicles receive replacement rear leaf spring assemblies from Toyota, and the frame-corrosion warranty has been increased to 15 years.
Other Issues Include Loose Seatbelt Screws, Airbags that may not Deploy, and a Gas Pedal that May Stick
Seatbelt screws that might gradually loosen over time and possibly lead to the pre-tensioner detaching if excessive pressure is applied are one problem that only particular Access Cab models are susceptible to. Over 342,000 Tacomas were apparently affected by this issue.
An further recall relates to Toyota Tacomas with a driver’s side airbag that might not deploy in an accident because of a defective flexible flat cable that might prematurely wear out when twisting the steering wheel.
The Tacoma was also a part of a significant recall involving almost 4.5 million Toyota vehicles, where a defective design could cause the gas pedal to become stuck in the fully-accelerated position.
What Tacoma motor is the best?
The V6 is the superior engine choice, despite neither being particularly outstanding. It enables the Tacoma’s highest towing capacity and helps the car accelerate a little more quickly.
What Toyota pickup is the most dependable?
The Toyota Tundra, regarded for being an all-around truck for most consumers, comes in top on the list of the most trustworthy trucks.
3.79 percent of all Toyota Tundras, according to the report, will last for more than 200,000 kilometers. These are the V8-powered versions with automatic 6-speed gearboxes.
Toyota will soon begin offering a new Tundra with a V6 engine as the only option. Although the majority of Toyotas are dependable, it will be a while before people can determine whether the new model will maintain its title as the most resilient pickup truck.
PreRunner: What does that mean?
In a technical sense, a “prerunner” is a car that is used to test an off-road racetrack. The majority of racers utilize a different vehicle that is built similarly to their race vehicle to scout the track before the race. They can take GPS notes, become more accustomed to the different terrain, and increase their chances of finishing the race safely.
Which year of the second-generation Tacoma is the best?
Consumer Reports gave the second version of the storied Toyota Tacoma a favorable review. However, a handful stick out if you’re looking for one of the greatest from the second generation. The reliability ratings for 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 are all 100 percent.
Consequently, the options are numerous. It appears, nevertheless, that Tacoma owners from the 2005 model year were more content overall. With a nearly flawless rating, the 2005 Tacoma has the best Consumer Reports satisfaction rating of any generation.
How dependable are third-generation Tacomas?
Having said that, history has shown that some brands have a tendency to keep their value over time better than others and make for a safer used purchase. If you quickly scan online evaluations and ratings for the third-generation Tacoma, you’ll come to the conclusion that the vehicle’s dependability is ordinary and is actually rated lower than the gen 2 model. Since many of these reviews were done on the most recent models, this is not totally true.
Any new release has faults with many of its early models. Additionally, the Tacomas are a long cry from the primitive, basic first generations and come equipped with a host of modern conveniences, technologies, and safety measures. Any vehicle’s chances of breaking down increase with the amount of technology it has.
This doesn’t necessarily make them unreliable, as many of the early problems were eventually fixed by TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins), which were then implemented on the production line.
The statistics and data demonstrate that Toyota continues to be the most dependable brand and that the Gen 3 Tacoma is still the most dependable mid-size vehicle on the market.
So while there may be some early-model “Tacos to be on the lookout for, they are more likely to be the exception than the rule.
Take a look at what actual Tacoma owners have to say before you believe me.
A second-generation Tacoma’s lifespan
According to automotive research company iSeeCars, the Tacoma has a maximum mileage range of 200,000 miles. Almost any Toyota Tacoma may easily surpass 300,000 miles with routine maintenance and repairs. Your Tacoma could last 10 to 15 years if you drive it 20,000 to 30,000 miles per year before needing significant repairs.
Is it worthwhile to buy a used Tacoma?
The generations also last a very long time on top of all that. For instance, the initial Tacoma generation was produced from 1995 to 2004. From 2005 until 2015, the following generation was in production. With the 2016 model year, the third and most recent generation got under way. The Toyota Tacoma 2021 now sports updates.
Because of these lengthy generations, a used Toyota Tacoma from the 2016 model year will remarkably resemble a 2021 vehicle. One of the key factors supporting the continued value of Toyota pickup trucks is this. It’s almost absurd to try to save money on a used Toyota Tacoma model because they maintain their worth so well. Consider your options carefully before just investing in a brand-new tiny pickup vehicle if you’re in the market for one.
Although you can make a small financial save, it might not be worthwhile to invest in a used model. More contemporary features are seen in more recent Toyota Tacoma pickup truck models. Yes, buying a used one might help you save a little money. You can decide that it would be better to spend the money on fresh merchandise instead.