Tacoma gone down in quality?

Anyone else out there feel like the newer Tacoma's have gone down in quality? I love my '13 but it just doesn't feel like the same quality truck as my '01 did.

 

No.

 

Nope. If nothing else I feel like the 13 is better than the 11 and I was very happy with my 11.

Not sure what you're basing your opinion on.

 

^ditto

 

1st gens=metal
2nd gens=plastic

 

No. I've owned several Toyota Pickups, 1st & 2nd gen Tacomas & T100s ect and I feel like my DD 2012 is as good as any. It only has about 62,000 miles but I've had zero problems (as it should be). Never had a problem from any of the others either.

 

they have their pros and cons.

I do like the steel vs plastic on the 1st gens vs 2nd gens

 

Front bumper and flares are plastic on the 2nd gen, is this what you are referring to?

 

dont forget the beds, the gas tank, and I would assume thinner sheet metal on fenders?

dont get me wrong, I LOVE my truck..................but some things I wish were steel

 

We don't all view quality the same. I'm not opposed to the composit bed. In fact, I like it.

OP, what part(s) are you referring to specifically or do you otherwise have examples?

 

I had an 03 Taco and have a 13 Taco. Both have their pluses and minuses but the 13 is more refined and a better truck than the 03 IMO.

 

thats what im referring to, and there are tons of other plastic parts that dont come to mind at the moment.

 

Plastic gas tank is good right? Long term no rust.

 

It's hard to answer because we're all going to have different answers to what we say is considered quality or not.

 

There is nothing concrete that I can come right out and say is better or worse. BUT, immediately after going to my 2011 DCSB I felt it wasn't the truck my 95 T-100 was. IMO the quality isn't as good but I cant point a finger to anything.
Minor annoyances:
Not being able to see the radio while wearing sunglasses is just plain ridiculous.
The BABY blue shocks that stand out like a sore thumb.
The upside down G sticker on the frame behind the rear tire.
I love my truck and I'm a life long Toyota owner but there have been negative changes (IMO) since they moved to American factories.

Also, I didnt notice the gas mileage going up when they moved to the plastic parts. I wonder why ??

 

Based on domestic trucks, my 2012 is far superior in term of refinement and quality. However my 2000 4Runner and 2002 Tacoma were as solid as a rock. I also had a 2000 Honda Civic that was a tank as well. I'd say the japanese auto makers were at their peak back then, but their rush towards volume sales led to cost cutting and de- contenting in recent years.

 

I would think so along with bed

 

theyre nice trucks, but toyota doesnt innovate anymore. essentially same v6 engine since 05, and the corollas still use 4 speed autos. but if it aint broke dont go fixin it

 

My 07 was better than my 01, my 13 is better than my 07, but I wish I never sold my 85. That thing was solid.

 

Devils advocate here so...

About the not seeing the radio...are you wearing polarized lenses?

The shocks...is the (paitable) color a reflection of quality or taste?

Upside down letter on the frame...are you talking the paper stick on (removable) letter used during manufacturing?


Fuel milage...extra weight added for extra size and equipment. Some of which were regulator & some of which were elective. Horsepower is also up in the V6 from 190 to 236 (240 using the former method/standard used to calculate the 3.4 V6). Even MPG actually seems a decent considering.

Again neither here or there for me just bouncing it back.