Toyota has to be getting feedback, right?

This post is not meant to bash the 2016. At this point that is too cliche and I too am getting sick of it in this forum. Lots of things I really like about it. My question I am posting is, Toyota has to know a large portion does not like it, right? I do realize that every generation has it's naysayers from every model. People resist change, and sometimes become unconsciously upset that their toy isn't the newest toy in the sandbox.
I have not seen the backlash towards any new pickup like this in a long time. The 2014 Silverado re-do was conservative change, but overall people liked it. The new F-150 did some radical new things but overall people are embracing it. On every Facebook group or thread on Tacoma World, there is always a large handful of people expressing their discontent towards the new "half-assed" redesign.
Time will tell if the redesign is a success. I wonder if Toyota knew the market would be expanding rapidly after GM threw their name in the hate. Did they test the new looks on focus groups? Is the front end mainly a result of new pedestrian safety standards? Did Toyota just try to play it safe?
I love the new interior and the rear end. The front end even looks good from some angles, but to me it looks almost cartoon-ish from others. If I had $40k burning a hole in my pocket I would really consider one just because my 2002 Tacoma has been the best vehicle I have ever owned.
Just really odd how Toyota approached this "redesign".
Will Toyota be listening to all of those who are put off?

 

Depends on the numbers of people who are "put off".
Forums are not much for scientific polling.

imo, people are more likely to post negative comments, problems or issues regarding a vehicle than post my vehicle has no issues.

I would bet Toyota will do some sort of market analysis.

 

The data will be coming in quickly based on units sold and Toyota will have to take that into consideration. If it sells and performs, I wouldn't expect much to change. Money talks. Wonder how many recalls there will be on this 3rd Gen v1.0 in the first 12 months?

 

The second Gen was bashed just as much, Being "put off" by a grill is just silly. The engine has been improved and taken from the Lexus line and re-tuned. The tailgate complaints were resolved, Suspension has been re tuned for every model. The bed is deeper and even across the tailgate, The interior has been improved, not many complaints there including the new moonroof and tech options.

There are more improvements I am sure I don't know of because they don't apply to me. I bought a 15 as a hedge against liking the 16, but I didn't see anything re the 2016 on paper that would have made me keep my 15. So I sold it and ordered a 16.

I am paying $6000 more for the same model in a 16 and am getting far more than $6000 worth for my money...premium and tech with JBL, As well all the improvements listed above.

There will ALWAYS be those who don't like change. I have seen this phenomenon with the both the C6 and C7 Corvette (with the Camaro back end), the ND Miata (with it's catfish look), and now the Tacoma's "grill",

The bottomline is Toyota will sell every single one they make. QDR will stay intact and Those who have a bundle $$$ in their gen 2s will find reasons not to like it. Those looking for a major improvement and don't have a lot of money invested in their current rides will buy the 3rd Gen.......Those who are satisfied with their Gen 2 will stay satisfied............for awhile

That said what I DON'T like about the 2016? The black tape between the doors. 35/20 Tint should improve that look.

 

Wait until the 2017 or 18's come out. Should be a few refinements to the face, hopefully... I'm gonna drive a '16 tomorrow, we'll see how little the grille impacts the experience.

 

Can't wait till the 2020 come out.

 

4th gen FTMFW

 

more like 2.7 gen

 

How long did it take to refine the last two gens. after debut?

 

When you spend around $40K on a truck, you should like the looks. Having that front-end slapping me in the face everytime I walk up to it, would make me regret the purchase.

 

I like burritos.

 

My point was not to bash. There has been an overwhelmingly large amount of people who do not like the styling. Not just on Tacoma World. The only way I think Toyota will do anything about it is if sales tank dramatically.

 

Well, that's not going to happen because of the grille... The price maybe, but for people who are actually thinking of buying a new truck, the grille will either have no impact or they'll just get an aftermarket one.

 

No one will know if the engine has been improved until owners start putting 300k+ miles on them with no problems like the 2nd Gen's 4.0. I actually think some of the frustration from current owners is partly due to the engine. The new one offers less low end torque, only slightly more power in the high end range above 4k rpm, and it only gets a couple extra MPG. I think expectations for the MPG and low end torque were much higher than what we got. The new engine is also smaller and more complex. The simplicity and reliability of the 4.0 is what attracted me to it. Only time will tell how these smaller more complex engines will hold up.

If they turn out to be just as reliable, then I will prolly get a 3rd gen around 2025, after they are proven in the tacoma and just before the 4th gen comes out. I don't like to gamble on new tech when dropping $30k+.

 

I am more than sure the redesigned Tacoma passed and won over a lot of focus groups along with the many variations that may have been presented. This forum is a microcosm of owners and only represents those who are knee deep in the hobby and brand. Toyota does not build for enthusiast forum members. They build for the GP who has a much higher tolerance for changes . Especially cosmetic changes on a truck.

 

Hard not to bash it when you have Jeep Cherokees with 300 hp and that get higher MPGs. I was hoping for a lot more out of the powertrain.

 

You ride a stump jumper, so your opinion is invalid.

 

Don't forget about the fleet sales part of it. Companies buy these things in bulk and don't give a shit about styling, they just want dependable vehicles. The TRD's are a small part of it...

 

I think in many way the new Tacoma has taken steps back and not forward. Heck, no motor has less torque. That is less overall twisting force out of the engine. Been a long time since I have seen that.
Full size trucks are gravy for most automakers. No real incentive to beef up mid-size options since full sizers make more profits. I understand the need for better MPG and safey, but I think the new Tacoma is a result of Toyota being constrained by government regulation. All that R&D spent to meet regulations means less cool stuff for the consumer.

 

I used to ride a Stumpjumper then I saw that Specialized bikes is an evil corporation that unnecessarily pursues frivolous lawsuits against small companies.