Baby be coming...all we need is a truck.

No, he asked for experiences of people who use Tacoma’s with kids. He didn’t ask about a midsize vs full-size vs minivan. Even an idiot knows a minivan is better then any truck for a family vehicle. That was not the question asked. The Tacoma works just fine unlike what you say.

You can keep the Tundra, I’ve owned a full size and much prefer the Tacoma for daily driving.

 

We were typing at the same time. I raised 2 kids. Didn't buy a Tacoma until my youngest moved out in 2007. Still have it, but by 2016 I had 4 grand kids and the Tacoma no longer worked. I kept it, but we added a F150 crew cab. Over the years I traded cars/trucks more often than I should have. I've never been one to trade just because I wanted something newer or better. The mistake I made was tying to go cheap and make something else work. And for a while they did, but as my family and kids grew so did the size of the vehicles needed. By the time my son, the youngest, was in 10 grade he was 6'3", 240 lbs and wore a size 13 shoe. He wasn't gonna fit in the back seat of my Tacoma.

I'd have been better off if I'd bought a full size 4X4 crew cab pickup for myself and a full size Suburban type SUV for my wife when my oldest kid was about 5-6 and my youngest was 1-2. I could have kept them until the kids got out of school and spent a lot less than I did by trying to be cheap. That is what I'd advise a young man to do today.

We have the F150 crew cab and it is no problem getting kids and car seats in. Easier than a mini-van.

 

OK!

Funny story!

My son was four. He was in the back of my old Taco and he asked me, "How does a car go?"

I looked at him in the rear view mirror and decided that a four-year-old would not understand me if I explained the workings of an internal combustion engine.

I told him, "You can't see my feet right now but I'm pedaling furiously like you do on your tricycle."

He sat in the back and thought about it for a good five minutes.

I could see his gears grinding in his head.

He finally responded with, "Nuh! Uh! I can see your feet."

Priceless!

 

I prefer a Tacoma too until I try to hook it up to a 7K utility trailer. Then it is not so good.

 

@hiPSI You weren't kiddin' about that Uppa. Did you have to change seats from infant to something else when they got bigger?

 

@Thegenerik1 What a fun looking family you've nurtured friend! May I ask how tall your family averages? It really does seem the height of a family determines the comfort. Also, what seats are you using for your kids? Any pros or cons? Any insights you've gathered along the way? Thanks!

 

Chico Keyfit 30, then Chico Nextfit. That’s all you need until they go to a booster seat. Super highly rated seats and not anywhere near $1000.

 

@Tommyb08 What is that cover under neath the car seat? Did it come with the car seat? How tall is the main driver of your ride? enough room for the legs for the little one?

 

I’m 6’, wife is 5’-7”. Kids are both average to tall for their age.

 

That’s where a lot of babies start - and end when they grow up to become large enough to ride shotgun.

 

You must have just installed those car seats let's way to clean haha

 

Get a 4Runner, much easier with little ones and off-road capable.

 

Got tired of all the negativity and didn’t read all the posts.
My wife and I have two kids and we have the truck and a 4 door mid size.
The car is the go to. But we have done plenty in the car. With one kid the car seat fit in the back. Car seat behind passenger and it was a squeeze. But we had one of the largest infant carriers made. It still was doable.
I added a tonneau cover after debating switching to a 4 runner. With the locking tailgate you can secure baby stuff no problem. I can’t think of a time it’s gotten wet and I live in Portland Oregon where it rains a lot.

Bottom line, it’s not the best, it’s not the most comfortable, but it works and I would do it again.
I enjoy going off the pavement and exploring. With the Tacoma I can take the family and do it and not worry about being in a full size.

 

Also note that the rear seats lean back, baby’s head will fall forward a lot when rear facing, so you may want to consider that issue while looking too.

Ive raised kids in the 4Runner and 1st Gen Taco, so I know the difference.

 

Lol, yeah they are doing pretty good so far. I’m pretty lucky lol, I try my best to control what they eat back there but occasional messes do happen. The worst is when the projectile vomit happens. Had that once happen on the way to Sesame Street, boy was that fun. Felt bad for them we had to turn around, she was begging to still go. We ended going then next week tho so all good!

 

I’ve never owned a minivan but have rented a few and m’fer they are badass as far as a family wagon goes...it’s just the truth.

 

I'm sorry but...what?! I can respect someone's right to responsibly carry but in a diaper bag???

 

Now that's being fully committed!! You have everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink!! Well done.

 

@OnHartung'sRoad hmm I would've never known that! Thanks for the input, is there or have you found a remedy for the recline?

 

The seats usually have an adjustment to compensate. Look for ones that do. Evenflo.