Former 1st gen owner finally understands why you guys like your 2nd gen

Sold my '97 to a buddy of mine, had my 2011 for two weeks now... WOW! What a difference.

So much more comfortable, roomy and classy.

I even find the handling quite a bit better as well. The doors and tailgate don't seem as solid as the 1st gens when I close them, but whatever. I really do think Toyota did a nice job with this model.

 

I also had a few toyota trucks. A 79 4x4, 864x4,94 2wd,96 4x4, and now a 2009 4x4. My opinion is the 79 was a better truck, just simple. But lack of power. My 4.0 has pretty good power, but to many electronics

 

I had 88 4x4, 92 4x4 (loved it), and wanted a 1st gen but ended up with my 2nd. no regrets

 

I just wish I was able to use my 1st gen Leer topper on my 2nd gen... wider by 2.5"

Geeez.

 

they are wider. I was shown up by a stock 1st gen when out wheeling.

"you cant fit through there lol?"

 

First gens are great trucks but the second gen is a way better did vehicle than the first gen.

 

My first vehicle was an 02 4Runner 2WD, and then I drove my dad's 04 Taco PreRunner for about a year before getting my 2nd gen.

I wanted a 1st gen DC 4x4 with lower miles, but around my area they are a needle in a haystack and then when you find one the price is just too damn high to justify.

Then I wanted a 3rd gen 4Runner 4x4 with lower miles, but those too are hard to find. 2wd 4Runners are a dime a dozen, and usually beat up and high mileage. The 4x4's with low mileage are near impossible to find, but pricing is justifiable.

So I have a 2nd gen Tacoma. I like it a whole lot and am very satisfied, but I prefer the look and feel of 1st gen Tacos and 3rd gen 4runners.

 

2nd gens are great trucks! I've had an 82' 4x4, 86'4x4, 87 turbo 4x4, 86 4runner 4x4, 94 extra cab 4x4, 01 extra cab 4x4, 06 tundra d-cab 4x4, and now my 05 taco d-cab 4x4.
In my opinion the 94 was the toughest and best built, 303k miles and still didn't smoke, knock, hiccup, nothing. But it got totaled a year ago.
My 01 taco was tough too, just had a dash rattle I couldn't fix and cheap seats. It had the best feeling tranny I've ever shifted.
The tundra just felt to big for its drivetrain but I never had any problems with it. I got tired of driving the automatic; boring.
My 05 taco is a wonderful truck. Right size, drives great, looks pretty good, great power, rides pretty good for a truck with OME, no TPMS, and is a six speed! Still trying to get used to the little bed but I have a family and still wanted a straight shift so had to sacrifice bed length. I've had to replace TOB and clutch, front diff bearing after lift, front wheel bearing, and front air bag sensor. I think I'll keep this one.