A

Well, I can say that about both gens of Tacos if I compared it to my 82 Toyota. But, I'd have to fly to Australia to get a DC version of that, so newer I must go.

Frankly, I don't see anything "truck like" about either Taco interior. But, that's how things go these days. You learn to make due with how things go as they "progress" along. From what I've seen of the American trucks, they're getting less truck-like inside as well. But, both tacos are a variance of the same basic truck. I think whatever gen you have, if it functions well, and is still in great shape, and fits your needs, it's a win.

 

compared to my beloved old toyota's 79-83 specifically there is nothing truckish about my 2013.

and if they made me a brand new 79-83 or even 84-85 i would take it over my brand new taco. but they dont.

unfortunately what the workhorse, simple and rugged old toyota's cant compare to is the towing, and room. soft ride, mpg, and features i dont care about. safety. well, i would still buy a new old toyota for me, but for the family, then the new one wins.

It is such a win lose,
you win:
modern power
mpg
safety
creature comforts
room
warranty
towing
"ride quality"
handling on road, high speed
american jobs



you lose:
toughness
reliability (broad term)
simplicity
utility
quality
serviceability (wheel bearings for one)
handling off road, low speed
japanese built

 

We can only hope that in 2027 when the 3rd Gen Tacomas roll out that they make similar strides forward in design.

 

The weird thing is ill bet anyone that within a few years our 2nd gens will all of a sudden become "legends" like the 1st gens. Hell the 1st gens will likely move to classic car status by then who knows.haha I have a bad feeling Toyota is going to follow GM and make the next Tacoma all big as hell. GM had already said their new trucks were going to be 90% the size of their full-size trucks. F that! I'll also bet the new Tacomas won't have as simple of a drivetrain as what we have now. All I'm saying is hold on to your 1st and 2nd gens boys and girls, it's about to get hairy out there. I'm already turning down random offers inquiring if I want to sell my truck. Hell no jack!

 

4x4 toyotas

1979-83 5 years 1 minor facelift, 1 minor redesign (engine)
84-88 5 years 1 minor facelift, 4 minor redesign (front suspension, engine)
89-95 7 years 1-2 minor facelift, no redesign
95-2004 9 years, 2-5 minor facelift, 1 major facelift, 2? redesign
2005-current, 9 years 1 minor facelift, 1 major facelift, 1 redesign (electronics only?)

yea.. 2027 sounds hopefully accurate. lol

 

I would agree the 2nd gen is a more plush and nicer on road truck. But the 1st gen is an over all much more capable off road truck. If I wanted a daily driver I would say 2nd gen but I bought mine strictly for off road use. That's why I went 1st gen.

 

Preference is preference, I prefer my 1st Gen .

 

If I had to choose from the 3.4 or the 4.0l I would definitely pick the 4.0. It seems more robust and reliable then the 3.4. Also I like the fact its chain driven then belt driven like the 3.4l. Either truck Im a Toyota guy for life. The 1st gen seems more fun to drive but DD is 2nd gen hands down.

 

Sold my 3rd gen 4Runner for my 13 taco...Don't get me wrong I love my tacoma, but the 4runner was an absolutely amazing vehicle.

3rd gen runners were the last of the "good" 4runners. The 4th and 5th gens are pathetic. I will never forget how easy it was to modify my old runner

 

I've got an '82 and love it, wish you could still get them like they were new.

Had a 1st Gen and loved it! Made a poor decision in selling it for a Land Rover.

My 2013 Tacoma is a far cry from my 1982 but would road trip it in a heart beat. Not so much the '82.

Aren't some things hard to compare? As the years go by the general standard changes and I'm happy the newer trucks are plush. The only thing I would change is the 4WD knob because the mechanicals on the 31 yr. old truck kicks its ass! Hope some one is paying attention.

THE 4WD KNOB SUCKS!

 

i actually "settled" for my 2nd gen. I wanted an 04 sooo bad, but couldn't find anything at a good price considering the miles it was driven. I decided it was "cheaper" to buy a newer truck for a few more bucks.

coming from a 92 4x4 pickup, the 1st gen was like a dream, cop ignition, little more cab room, more power, and a/c.

now that im spoiled in my 2nd gen, I cant imagine going any smaller, its already tetris trying to fit camping gear, dog, son, and wife in it.

and for the record, there is nothing wrong with the 2nd gen's off-road abilities, aside from the crossover on v6 exaust

 

It's all just a matter of personal taste and preference. I love small rugged trucks. By the time I get another Tacoma it'll probably be 3rd gen... but if it gets even bigger than it is now, I will look elsewhere.

 

I miss my 1st gen but I need the 2nd in my position. My son is almost 9 and wants a 4x4 toyota for his first truck so I'll get to find him a 1st gen or older in a few years. XD

 

When I first got in the Tacoma game I really wanted a 1st gen, but for the money they ask for them now that they're all 10 years old with 100k+ miles is more than I was willing to pay. And finding one in my neck of the woods without rust is damn near impossible. In the end I'm just glad I got my 2nd gen before the 3rd gen comes out because I'm almost positive they will sacrifice some of the ride height and ruggedness for fuel efficiency.

 

Picked up my second 2nd gen from the dealership a couple weeks ago and mentioned to him that I wanted to "get while the getting is good as I imagine this will be the last year for this body style", and he said yes, they're talking full redesign for 2015. I've known the salesman for many years, even before he was a salesman, and he's not one to talk out of his ass.

 

Think again
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...fficial-perforated-rusted-through-frames.html


http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...a-2nd-gen-terminal-frame-rot-rust-cancer.html

 

2nd gen is better than the 1st gen in every way.

 

Put down the crack pipe.. I will take my 1st gen any day over the big 2nd gen.

 

X2