My 3rd gen is still the best truck I’ve ever owned

All these positivity threads lately, how much is Toyota paying you guys? They must be scared that the Bronco and Frontier are coming and all Toyota has to serve up is leftovers from 2005

 

Never had the 4.0 only the 4.7 v8 in my 01 tundra, which was a nice motor, but 10 mpg if that in town and 16-17 highway at best was getting old. This 3.5 v6 tacoma does everything just as well, yet get's 19 mpg towing the same stuff over the same highway roads that the tundra barely got 14 on.

 

Toyota doesn't pay me chit. If you knew me, you'd know better to ask that question.

 

Agreed. We have a 2019 4Runner with the 4.0L and a 2017 Tacoma with the 3.5L. We use the Tacoma far more for our lifestyles. I can't say either is better in my opinion. My 3.5L gives me plenty of passing power at speed and I can get 21-23 MPG at 70 MPH during my commute in the summer. It is a big improvement over my last pickup as well which averaged 18 MPG in the same situation. My old pickup was quicker off the line but much worse when power was needed while already at speed.

 

I had never seen a 3rd gen Taco before last October (I was in Hilux Land for a few years...). I was interested in the Taco because of the available MT, capable 4x4, suited my use expectations, its size, and good looks.
I also wanted something reliable. I've had a land cruiser and several other toyotas. Drove around Australia in a Land Cruiser. I have found many broken down vehicles in far, far away places...

Then I found TW to look into the 3rd gen Taco and read that:
- The taco had the power and the engine performance equivalent to a Chevette Diesel Automatic
- I would not be able to get inside due to the low cab and high floor making it too small for human occupants
- it had the reliability of an 80's Cadillac
- having a sunroof at 6'-1" would cause a bald spot from my head rubbing on the headliner
- came with a hood big enough to land a plane in (- this one was true).
- no sound was produced by the sound system
- the interior was made of 100% chromed plastic
- the paint would peel off within a month
- the seats were too uncomfortable to sit in
- the brakes were incapable of stopping the vehicle
- the suspension was slushy like the above mentioned 80's Cadillac
- the auto gearbox was trash (this need not be said as it is a truism - I do not like auto gearboxes)
- That a 70's ford truck was a better vehicle
(this is when I realized it was all bollocks!)

I ordered my taco never having driven the MT version.

Result - I like my Taco.

 

Another 3.5 vs 4.0 thread is exactly what the world needed...

We get it, the 4.0 has better low end torque. Having driven both the 3.5 feels much punchier past 3,000 rpm, the 4.0 below. Even then it's not that huge of a difference. I mean they're both medium displacement V6s. Anyone who claims there's no debate between the two must be deathly afraid of the redline and the throttle because yeah the 3.5 is trash if you shift before 3k. The powertrain isn't what's exciting about these trucks, they both produce adequate power to move the vehicle and are reliable.

I mean people talk about the 4.0 like the Tacoma used to have a turbodiesel inline 6 or the 5.7 from the Tundra or something.

 

I agree OP. My 2020 SR5 Tacoma is hands down the best vehicle I’ve ever had.

Of course, in my case it’s the only new car I’ve ever had too. Everything else was at least 11 years old when I got it. Probably the best part is the lack of effort and fatigue from long drives. A new Tacoma is the perfect camping and road trip vehicle.

 

Same here my 2021 TRD Sport DC has been the best of all my other tacos over the years. This year is the best as all the flaws from the others years have been fixed or improved.
Forgot to list my Taco
1993 xt cab 4cyl 4x4
1998 xt cab v6 4x4
2003 double cab TRD Sport 4x4 v6
2008 DC TRD Sport 4x4 v6
2021 DC TRD Sport Premium 4x4 v6

 

I had a 2005 Limited Tundra DCLB 4x4 that I bought new in 05. I had 253K relatively trouble free miles on it. Had it until I traded it on my 3rd gen Taco and at this time I have zero regret. I found this forum after my purchase and kind of puckered up after reading some of the 3rd gen bashing. So far so good. I only have 2500 miles on it but I like everything about it so far. I was concerned about the engine noise when I first turned the radio off and was sitting at idle but I read about the GDI motors making a little noise, I don't even hear it now.

 

I agree it’s a damm good vehicle!

 

This makes me wonder... Is the second year after the mid-generation refresh the best version to buy?

The 2013's are also really well regarded.

 

I really like my truck (second one). Took a 800 mile trip with the shifting and long 3-5k rpm was a pia while going up hills on cruise but I got 20mpg+ with no problems. The 2003 didn’t do that gear hunting but all in all a good truck.

 

Mine is a bipolar bitch . lol

 

I can't understand why you say the 3.5 is trash below 3k rpm? I have plenty below that, even at 1600 rpm it pulls grades just fine in 6th. The most rpm towing my boat was still under 3k....can't see any need to go higher.

 

Right there with ya, OP! I love my truck. It's been my favorite vehicle so far.

 

My laugh for the day... thank you!