Generation Question

OK, I'm new to TW, so don't laught too loud.
What is the difference between 1st and 2nd generation Tacos.

 

almost everything but the name!

 

2005 + years 2nd gen.

 

95.5-04 1st gen

05+ 2nd gen

Are you asking about more specifics?

 

The truck on the left in my sig is a first gen. They built them from 95 thru 2004. That one is a 97. The one on the right is second gen. 2005 thru present.

 

Tacoma was completely redesigned in 2005. 2005 to present are 2nd gen - bigger truck (midsize), bigger engines, 09+ with some new electronic traction toys, especially the fully loaded TRD OffRoads. Some thoughtful features like a fully ceramic bed and a versatile interior.

2004 on back is 1st gen. Still a true compact truck, less of the things that come with size (payload, towing capacity, interior room, etc.), less powerful engines, but considered more bulletproof. This may be a misconception in that very few second gen Tacos have had a chance to make it past 100K miles yet.

The two generations have different styling.

1st gen had, I believe, .5" more ground clearance stock.

Both gens are considered class-leading for offroad capable trucks.

 

God question I am a newbie too

 

hahaha......true

 

The difference is the 1st generations rust out before the 2nd generations.

 

there we go, quick with the comebacks. i like it

 

the 2nd generations are 2 x better than the first

 

The only people who agree to this statement have never owned a 1st generation (or have never used it to its potential). Granted, the 2nd generation does get you to the Mall in more comfort.

 

i've had 5 1st generations.

 

ive owned a 2000 and now a 2010... time will tell.

 

(read the part of my post in brackets)

 

Meaning, what? A compact?

 

So you have some metal fetish?

I would love to know where this '1st gen more solid than 2nd gen' idea came from. Two things:

1) The second gen hasn't been around long enough to test its longevity/durability in the same way the first gen has.

2) The "I've heard XXXXXX about a second gen from some people I know" is pretty much moot because the second gen Taco has destroyed the first gen taco in sales. Yes, you are going to here about more second gen problems from second gen owners...because there are so many more of them.

I want to know what percentage of second gens are problematic compared to what percentage of first gens were. I'll bet the numbers are almost identical when it's all said and done.

Of course, by then, 2gens will be ragging on Gen3 owners.

I like my second gen. It feels brick-shithouse solid, just like every other tacoma of either generation I've ever been in. I have no reason to believe it won't be.

 

thanks to all for the info.
Now I understand...
I just sold my 04 (1st gen) and bought a 2010 (2nd gen).
I will admit that the 2nd gen. is bigger, more comfortable, more power.
I think a move in the right direction.

 

Had a 89 (pre Tacoma), still have a 98, and just bought a 10. The 89 was built like a truck all around. Not fancy but a great vehicle. The 98 went to struts, etc and more plastic, the 2010 even more. I would love to go back to the 89 design with the 2010 size/engine/trans. Much sturdier vehicle IMHO and I like the styling. Although the 10 is much better than the 98!