Best 1st Gen. and why?

My question is which first generation Tacoma is the best, and why? I am new to the forum but not knew to owning a Toyota. Currently I own a 91 Pickup, 3" suspension lift on 33's. 5-speed with the 3.0. At the time i bought the truck the 3.0 seemed like a good deal. But I recently just put 200k on it and the list of problems with the truck seem to just keep growing. So I believe it's time to upgrade. I would love to stick with a V6 and a manual truck. I have heard good things about the 3.4's. I would just like to know what year Tacoma to keep my eye out for.

Thanks

 

95.5-04 work great

 

Agreed

 

^^ x2. Key things I like is the slightly more updated interior, the TRD trim and the important things- 4x4 and Elocker.

I have the 3.4 with TRD S/C, ext cab. If I had to do it again, I would probably sway towards double cabs and/or (and for double cabs this applies to only one year in which they made 2.7s) 2.7 I4s. I drove a buddies uber rare double cab 2.7 and a used car lot's, they are completely ball-less, but having been in the aftermarket game for a while and having installed turbo kits and EMS before, I'm sure the 2.7 could be cleanly (OEM like, low NVH, non-ricy) and reliably turbo charged and make around or more power than the 3.4 w/ S/C, but get that nice 2.7 MPG.

 

i think that either the 2.7L or the 3.4L will suit your needs. But some of us just like a little extra power in which case i would go for the 3.4L. I am content with my 2.7L though. If i could choose again i would go for a double cab instead of an ext cab. (although they are quite a bit more $) Also i would go w/ manual transmission. (pretty sure they didn't make double cab 4x4 manual transmissions though)
I personally prefer the grill/front end of the 95.5 - 97 tacoma vs the 98 -00 or 01-04

 

I just recently sold a 2.7 ext cab 04 5 spd, it had factory 4.30s and I thought it was great power wise. The only time I actually had trouble was loaded for two weeks trip from VA to Moab fighting the crosswind in Kansas. I was in 4th for most of the way. My V6 Dcab has more power, but gets similar mpgs, and the AC doesn't kill it. They are all great trucks and I would still have my ex cab if we didn't just have a little one.

 

You have a great truck-the new ones are not as TOUGH as the pick-ups(look left-avatar-my 91).Still miss that one. Currently have a 03 extra cab-6cyl-5spd-4X4-like it alot. If I was to going to buy the same year again-think the double cab would be a little better-MORE ROOM.
The extra cab is good-but NO third door. If you need the room-the double cab might be better! If you just need to put stuff in the back occasionally-extra cab.
Another thought-regular cab with locking bed cover is another option.
1st gens are GREAT-just want you be aware of the difference from the older pickups.
Definately go with the v6-LOADS of power--one of the benefits from the newer trucks.
The pickups are still in HIGH demand- Do not sell it too cheap.
Put my old one on Craigslist-sold it the first day.
Good luck to you--be picky-get what YOU WANT-Wait if needed.
Once you own a TOYOTA-you never will be satisfied w/anything else.
This is my THIRD ONE.

 

Thank you all very much for the information. I would rather have an extended cab for the longer bed, as apposed to a double cab. Hearing all the positive things about these trucks just makes me want one every time I see one going down the road. Thanks again.

 

'02 Extra cab, v6, TRD, 4x4, manual tranny (of course) and a factory rear locker....that's all you need. Good luck.