no new Tacoma for 2014

It's not terrible imo, but I think it's interesting that GM is trying to sell a Hilux knockoff stateside. It's like their marketing department decided that Toyota's was full of shit, and they are determined to prove Toyota is wasting money on a dedicated North American model. This could end disastersly for GM.

 

If you continue to build the same thing for too long without much improvement your competitors will start taking over your sales as they begin to improve and you remain prehistoric.

In the mid size market there is not much competition but let's say in the price range for a nicely equipped TRD Pre-Runner ($30K) you have unfortunately some very convincing options... Which is why you will see a lot of "I sold my truck and bought a Dodge/Chevy/Ford" threads.

In order to stay ahead a new model is needed every 5-7 years (average going rate for model years) and needs to have more technology, Better gas mileage, more power, more optional luxury items (I know a lot of people don't like them, But everything these days are getting softer in order to stay afloat).

 

now, THERE's a fellow who has learned the secret to happiness in life.

 

^
Agreed

 

I just want a Hilux diesel engine in my Taco...

 

yep. and plus the 1st gen lasted what like 9 years(95.5 thru ’04)? all though it did have a few front end changes. but so has the 2nd gen now. I don’t think it is over dew for a whole new change like everyone els seams too. Both the 1st gen and 2nd gen have been in production for about the same amount of years now.

 

GM has stated that they're making some substantial styling and tuning (read as "suspension") changes for the U.S. market Colorado, hence the long delay from the international version.

 

This is true in the full size market, but not as much with the midsized trucks. In 2009, the almost 20 year old Ranger was #2 in sales behind the Tacoma. Ranger sales were down that year, but Ford still sold twice as many Rangers (56K vs 28K) than Nissan sold Frontiers (#3 in sales). The Ranger was definitely prehistoric compared to the competition - most notably with no 4 door model offered, but they still sold very well.

I agree with you about the optional luxury items. Toyota has sort of backed themselves into a corner in this area. In order to not lose any customers due to lack of luxury, they are going to have to load up the higher end models (leather, sunroof, power seats...) and not raise the price AT ALL. The price of high end models is already at, or above, the price you would have to pay for a loaded full size truck. There will always be people who don't need or want a full size truck, but if you have been inside a Lariat or FX4 lately all that luxury sure is tempting.

 

The reason the Ford Ranger was so popular up til the end was for the same reason the Crown Victoria was in production virtually unchanged for so long.

Fleet... For the fleet market. It has to be cheap to buy, Easy to use and low maintenance. For every non commercially owned Ford Ranger I see about 15 commercial Ford Rangers. Even the very last Ford Ranger ever built went to a pest exterminator company.

 

Ford is stupid to have neglected the Ranger the way they have. The Chevy and Dodge midsize trucks both blow, but the Ranger was too outdated to compete with Tacoma.


Who the hell buys the Suzuki Frontier anyway?

 

I'm in a Taco for the same reason - no 4 door Ranger. Had to fit a child seat and you can't do that with jump seats. Last truck was an '01 Ranger and I loved it. 4 cylinder 5 speed, solid little truck. Regret selling it... Should've just kept it as a 2nd (well, fourth) vehicle.

I hear the replacement is going to be uni body... What a joke.

 

If ford gives the ranger a chance, and goes with an f100 name or something that won't threaten their first series sales crown, it will be based on the global ranger. Ford's had too much success with their "one" vision to design a second ranger when the global one is getting pretty high marks from everyone else. If they can sell a euro inspired focus hatchback stateside, they can sell tons of the global ranger.

 

The North American Colorado is reported to be wider, with completely different powertrains. We'll just have to wait and see how much commonality it has with the global version.

Some interesting details from the spy shots:
- No visible vacuum brake booster. Could be an electric brake pump a la TRD Off Road.
- Truck comes with beam wipers, hood struts, and hood insulation.
- Engine cover is ugly as hell.

 

What I want is a modern interpretation of the late 70's early 80's truck, something the size of a Jeep Wrangler with a solid front axle. But, I am sure I have the same chance of getting one of those as I do of finding a leprechaun.

 

^Just have to go to Australia. The 70-series Land Cruiser is still made there, with facelift and modern interior:

 

Dang! and it probably comes with a Diesel engine option too. I WANT it!

 

Yup, a big V8 turbo diesel. Mining companies up north are still importing these brand new for off-highway use. No way to get them reg'd on Canada, though...

 

i agree completely. this is my third taco. two gen 1s and a 2011. maybe the drive train is a dinosaur but my truck works just fine. it is comfortable, gets reasonable mileage, pulls my trailer down muddy logging roads and looks great. no issues after getting the fan and spring tsb done. it has all the technology i need. what i do not want is toyota's interpretation of the ridgeline or some sort of hybrid. i want a body on frame and 4wd with a transfer case.

 

GM has been doing Hydroboost more and more. Originally it was only on turbocharged engines like the Duramax.
It's not electric... it runs off of the power steering system.

And my Duramax had a recall (one of FOUR during the first year I owned that truck) for replacement of one of the PS hoses because they were not clocked properly at the factory and they would wear on the belt.

Hood insulation is pretty standard for GM.

 

Maybe... Though there's a world of difference between euro cars and a euro truck. Don't think the two equate. I love euro cars (when I sold my Ranger it was because I'd just bought a Mini), but want anything to do with a euro Ranger. The closest things to it in the U.S. market are probably the Avalanche and Ridgeline, neither of which have particularly stellar sales, so I'm guessing I'm not alone...