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.
In This Article...
What Tacomas should you stay away from?
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 model is the best?
The most expensive model in the lineup and the best off-roader is the top-of-the-line Tacoma TRD Pro. It has a locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, four-wheel drive, a TRD-tuned suspension and exhaust, a multi-terrain monitor, a front skid plate, and trim-specific appearance.
Which is preferable, TRD or SR5?
The Toyota Tacoma offers a multitude of model options, like many other pickup trucks on the market, to ensure that there is a truck to suit everyone’s demands. The TRD Off-road and the SR5 are two well-liked variants. The key distinctions between the SR5 and the TRD Off-road may be of interest to you if you intend to buy or trade in your Toyota Tacoma. We looked at both models to find the solution for you.
It is simple to compare the Toyota SR5 and the Toyota TRD Off-road for possible purchases because of their many similarities. There are, however, a few distinctions as well. The following are the primary distinctions between the SR5 and the TRD Off-road:
- There is one package option available for the SR5. The TRD has four different packages.
- The TRD is broader and has more inside room, although the SR5 has a longer bed.
- Weight and carrying capacity: The TRD can carry more weight, but the SR5 can tow more weight.
- Features: The TRD provides features that the SR5 does not.
- The TRD is more expensive than the SR5.
Before you choose which model is best for you, let’s look at each of these variations in more detail and discuss how they impact the driving experience. Let’s get started without further ado!
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What issues are there with Toyota Tacoma?
High-Mileage Toyota Tacomas with Faulty Automatic Transmission The Toyota Tacoma has known transmission issues that 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 long is the Tacoma’s lifespan?
According to a recent study, the Toyota Tacoma is the third-longest-lasting vehicle overall, trailing only the Honda Ridgeline and the first-place Toyota Tundra.
According to the report, 2.8% of all Tundras that are still in use today have an odometer reading of over 200,000 kilometers. Furthermore, Toyota is the automaker with the longest lifespan, with 2% of all active, registered vehicles reaching the 200k-mile threshold.
Only 1.6% separates Honda from first, while 1.5% separates Chevy from Cadillac in third place.
On the high end, Mike Neal, a Tacoma driver, is renowned for having logged an astounding 1.5 million miles and counting. If you see Mike in traffic, you’ll recognize him because he updates the number on the rear of his truck every 10,000 miles and posts it there.
Realistically, the majority of us won’t travel 1.5 million miles. For the majority of us, the maintenance necessary to reach that number is simply too onerous.
Even if you manage to keep the engine and transmission operating for that long, many other components will start to fail.
Drivers can typically expect their trucks to travel between 250,000 and 300,000 miles before repairs start to cost more than the price of a new truck.
Even though it seems impossible, 1.5 million tacos might possibly exist. This should delight enthusiasts of tacos.
Tacoma versus Ford Ranger: which is superior?
When compared to the Tacoma’s V6, the Ranger’s EcoBoost is by far the superior engine. The Ranger’s EcoBoost engine outperforms the Tacoma’s V-6 in terms of towing capacity, torque, and fuel efficiency.
The Ranger has established itself as the best-in-class for towing because to its 7,500lbs of towing capacity on each model (XL, XLT, and Lariat). The ordinary Tacoma SR package can only tow 3,500 pounds, which is more than 50% less than what the base model of the Ranger can tow, but the Tacoma TRD Off-Road can tow 6,400 pounds.
The Ford Ranger benefits from the Ford EcoBoost engine’s fuel efficiency, which is 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined in RWD. Only a small drop in fuel economy is seen in the 4WD Ranger model, which gets 20 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg overall. The Tacoma only achieves 18 city, 22 highway, and 20 combined mpg in the V6 variant. This drops to 18 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the interstate, and 20 mpg overall in the 4WD variant.
With 278 horsepower and 270 horsepower, respectively, the Tacoma’s 3.5L V-6 engine marginally exceeds the Ranger’s 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The Ranger offers 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tacoma’s 265 lb-ft of torque, making up for the Ranger’s lack of horsepower.
Are Tacomas still worth anything?
Although the Toyota Tacoma is six years older than the more powerful Tundra, it retains its value better. The average Tacoma is expected to retain 63.5 percent of its original selling price after five years of ownership. Although the Tacoma’s old bones come with some concessions, such as a small interior, a poorly calibrated drivetrain, and bad fuel economy ratings, it is still a fantastic value and delivers exceptional off-road capabilities in TRD Pro form.
How fuel-efficient are Toyota Tacomas?
For its vehicle class, the Toyota Tacoma gets decent gas mileage. The midsize pickup truck has a city fuel economy of 20 mpg and a highway fuel economy of 23 mpg. Although the Tacoma’s fuel economy isn’t exactly setting any records, it is competitive enough for customers to prefer it over competitors.
The well-liked Honda Ridgeline midsize pickup vehicle achieves 18 city and 24 highway miles per gallon. Another competitive small pickup, the Ford Ranger, gets 26 mpg overall and 21 mpg in cities.
Since pickup trucks often don’t have excellent fuel economy, the Tacoma’s gas mileage is considered average for its vehicle class. The Ford Maverick is the vehicle to choose if you desire outstanding fuel efficiency.
What does SR5 on a Toyota signify?
The SR5 was the top trim level on numerous Toyotas in the 1980s. When a truck had a five-speed manual transmission, it was considered a luxury. SR stood for Sport Rally, and SR5 was the Sport Rally Five Speed. However, that was back when Toyota’s compact pickup was simply known as the Toyota Pickup. Tacoma didn’t become popular until 1995. What does a Tacoma’s SR package entail? What makes SR and SR5 different from one another?
What exactly does TRD mean?
Toyota’s internal racing specialized branch, TRD, is in charge of all things racing. TRD is an acronym for “Toyota Racing Development.” Toyota is no slacker when it comes to fine-tuning and building a reputation of service and racing performance for its fans and car customers across the world. The racing world is a significant pillar in the automotive industry.
All the magic happens at TRD. It serves as the starting point for the creation of performance-oriented components and serves to link Toyota with its racing community.
Can Tacoma be used as an everyday driver?
If you’re considering buying a truck for the first time, this is a great option for daily driving. However, even devoted truck owners like the Toyota Tacoma for its toughness and longevity in almost any driving situation.
TRD Sport
The entry-level TRD model is the TRD Sport. It features 8 distinct drivetrain, cab, box length, and transmission variants as a result. It sports a street-tuned suspension, a front air dam, and a hood scoop. The Sport is more style-focused than the Off-Road when comparing the two. The Sport performs similarly in terms of day-to-day functionality, but with a smoother ride.
TRD Off-Road
The TRD Off-Road model, which is available in 5 distinct configurations, is the following. Off-road driving is the main focus, as its name would imply. It does not have the Sport’s hood scoop or air damn. A selectable off-road traction control system, a locking rear differential, Bilstein monotube shocks, and crawl control are in their place. The Off-Road and TRD Sport have the same daily performance, but the Off-Road has a firmer ride.
TRD Pro
The TRD Pro is a serious vehicle that is only offered in automatic or manual variants. The TRD Pro not only boasts the best-looking vehicle on the market, but it also receives all the TRD Off-enhancements Road’s plus additional ones. It adds a TRD Pro skid plate, a TRD Pro cat-back exhaust, and replaces the stock Bilstein shocks with high-performance FOX 2.5 Internal Bypass shocks that have been adjusted by TRD. Additionally, it receives all-terrain tires and a 1-inch raise to increase the vehicle’s clearance.
What distinguishes a Tacoma from a Tacoma TRD?
Their suspension systems, which give the TRD Sport its added off-road boost, are what set the Tacoma SR5 and TRD Sport apart from one another. Both trucks have a leaf spring rear suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shock absorbers and a stabilizer bar, as well as a coil-spring double-wishbone front suspension and stabilizer bar.