Tacoma gone down in quality?

Yes and no, I went from an 01 pre runner single cab to a 2012 4x4 double cab. Over all I think the quality is great with the 2012, it has some minor issues door seal squeak, passenger seat won't sit still when empty and "rattles" in a certain position when empty, no engine skid plate on non TRD models, the body on the bed is extremely flimsy, and certain things feel "cheap".

Overall though the whole driveline seems bullet proof and from what I have read pretty much is, which is one of the reasons I like Toyota trucks. The reliability of the engine reminds me of my 2.7l in my Prerunner but with more noise. The ride and comfort is night and day between the two though. The minor shit I can live with and really don't think they effect the overall quality of the truck.

I have only had the truck for about three months now compared to 10 years with my pre runner so I am just going by what I have seen so far. I do have a 4 runner that I have had for about 7 years now with the 4.0 in it that I have had no problems with so I have experience with the motor.

 

I don't know about 1st gen Tacos but between my old 88 4Runner and my 07 Tacoma as far as overall dependability the 88 would win hands down. Back then they were built to last, had way less electronic crap to go wrong, and the dealerships believed in customer care.

 

Yes, the new ones suck. I'm buying a Honda Ridgeline next.

 

X2

 

My'82 ran over 200K before the body and frame rusted away - no major repairs.
The '98 got a water pump and the frame was gone at 275K
Dads '09 is problem free at 75K
My '11 got a new blower motor and no other repairs at 40K
If you have all day, I can tell you about my '02 Explorer. Probably dropped 7 grand over 180K. Twice it had to be towed.
If Toyota is having a problem, it isn't anything I noticed.

 

I know what you are talking about. It took me awhile to get used to the 13 coming from an 02. I loved the 02 it was a great truck. I do love my 13 as well but there are some things I wish they wouldn't have screwed with.

Drive by wire = crap (has annoying lag and throttle hang)
rattles at low speed when I take off slowly (some rattle on the outside of truck, can't seem to find it)
Stupid 4x4 knob, give me a freaking lever. If you don't know how to use it go buy an suv.

There are a lot of positives that make me love the 13, I just wish that Toyota wouldn't have changed some of the good things from the 1st gen which where better.

 

I'm not sure quality has declined but I would say Toyota & Honda both no longer push the market as they have in the past. Both seem to have moved to the center as the economy stagnated producing good but not exciting products. Examples to me are cars like the Honda S2000, Acura NSX, Supra, Supercharged MR2 ect. Neither of these manufactures currently produce these types of product rather it's a car or truck. The LFA was unattainable and produced only 400 units (I think), took ~10 years to develop and is outperformed by cars costing a quarter of a million less (but it sounds bad ass).

Quality? Not sure that's the measure but, while these two used to be (god I hate to say it) leading edge or state of the art they now just compete for the masses and this while the other manufactures have stepped up their game.

Plus (IMO) a lot if the shit they make now looks like a cats ass...just fugly.

 

I feel this 2nd gen having the biggest step/difference between generations I've owned.. I've had a
85 Toyota Pickup
90 4Runner
95 Toyota Extra Cab
97 4Runner
01 Tacoma
and now 06 Tacoma

Each generation was a step up from the last.. each more refined and more power.. but this 2nd gen was the biggest step UP! Power, handling, chassis, interior.. it's all def a step in the right direction compared to all my previous Toyota truck/SUV's.

 

FWIW the 3.4l v6 lasted from 95-2004 Tacos (8 model years) and the current v6 is now running on 9 so not really much of a difference.


In my own standpoint the only thing I feel is of poorly chosen quality in my 13 opposed to my dads 1st gen is the dash material. The painted on matte finish scuffs like a mofo.

 

I'd LOVE to have that 4wd lever back........classic Toyota

 

i guess it depends what your looking for in the truck.
both have their ups and downs.
1st gens dont have all the fancy gizmos, but they are all metal!

 

It's funny though, seems Toyota likes to add and take away manual Transfer cases.

 

I think the 2nd gen hasn't been around long enough to prove itself like the 1st gen has.. Only time will tell

 

Don't the FJ Cruisers have a 4wd lever?

 

Yes. That's why some members here have mated up a FJ case in the Tacoma. I think it started this year that they switched 5th gen 4runners back to a manual t case

 

9 years isn't long enough? or did you mean total years on the road?

 

i don't like the plastic and electric add ons that come with the newer trucks, imo just more things to go wrong that often do, like the crappy 4wd actuator and non mechanical limited slip. but the comfort is there in the newer trucks, not necessarily my reg cab but the rest of you with buckets..! the mix and match parts that go into the truck from different manufacturers pisses me off, i had one of the shitty luk clutches, sure it got replaced by dealer with aisin brand but this kinda stuff is bad because it has been going on long term. i'm curious to see what the next gen brings

 

Honda S2000, Acura NSX, Supra, Supercharged MR2. All great cars with the same thing in common. They were all discontinued due to lack of sales. Everyone loves them but nobody wants to (or can't afford to) buy them. They are concentrating on what sells. Not what looks pretty in a showroom or on a magazine cover. Want to see the Tacoma change, stop buying them. They'll respond to that. Being #1 in sales for it's class means they are doing something right.

 

Neil Young said it best back in 79...

 

Good point.. they are still best in class.. so it's either do like you said or the competition gets better.

Tacoma double cab is on the other spectrum of practicality compared to those cars you mentioned.