1st gen or 2nd gen?

Nicely put....

 

Well, this is my first Taco.... so I can't compare the 1 to the 2. I have read that my Gen 1(2000) is a pretty strong truck. My frame is rust free...

Wish it had the 3.4 though, but the 2.7 is pretty strong. No matter what I love the truck. I actually like the grill in my 00 over the 01 that protrudes out.

None the less, all Taco's are great.

 

Gen 1.5, definately! But I do like the hood scoop on the Gen 2.

 

1st gen. Love my 95.5. Rust free frame and 90K certified.

 

1st Gen...98...absolutely love my truck...I don't think I could ever part with it...

 

2nd gen!

 

Don't forget to add the dual shifters and manual hubs on 4x4's

 

Give me a first gen with the 4.0L and the 6 speed tranny and that would be my ultimate truck.

 

What size tires are on yours, I have the identical truck and want mine to have that same stance as yours, I have 3" of lift already.

 

except hes got a 5VZ-FE and 5spd manual

 

I have a 2nd Gen, but hate to admit I like the 1st Gens a little more.

Dad used to have a small 2001 4x4 standard cab as a work truck, and that thing was literally built like a tank. Never had to worry about denting to scratching it. I'd love to score a cheap 1st Gen as a project truck.

I love my 2nd Gen in terms of practicality (for me) and features.

 

LOve my 2nd generation Taco to much to do anything even though my friends wants to buy it from me...

 

I think both generations are amazing, both with their ups and downs. I wish I could have more room in the Cab of my Taco and it does ride a little stiff, but at the same time, I like the idea of having a smaller truck as i can get through smaller places w/o having to worry about scratching it up too bad. The 2nd Gens have more ponies and Ill always be jealous of that. Also, there's more to gain from supercharging it too. But Ive read somewhere that the 1st Gens are alot tougher. Correct me if Im wrong but I think it has something to do with the trade off Toyota has been making in the American model of the truck since the early 80s..or maybe late 70's The Tacoma (American model) generally has a more comfortable ride while the Hilux (international version of the Tacoma) is tougher.

But I could be wrong. Either way, they are all VERY CAPABLE trucks

 

I'll take the 2nd.

 

Well I have owned a 1989 reg cab 4 cyl.4wd, a 2002 extra cab V6 4wd, a 2000 model reg cab 4 cyl. 4wd (probably was my favorite one), a 2007 model double cab V6 pre-runner, and now a 2009 access cab V6 4wd. Really all of them have been good trucks. I really hated the suspension on the 2002 and I don't think they have fixed that issue even today. Another thing I wish they had never done was gone to independent front suspension on the 4wd trucks. By far and away I think the Tacoma is the best of the small to mid-size trucks. So are the first gens better or worse than the second gen trucks? Personally I think they are all awesome. Functionally I guess it could be argued that the new trucks are better but again it is really debatable. I do know that the real old ones that had a solid front axle (4wd) were tough as nails. The only thing that would kill one of those was rust. And they were simpler in design. I will always love the 1st gen trucks but also have to admit that the 2nd gens are possibly better from a feature standpoint. I will always pefer the styling on the '89 to 2000 model trucks over the new ones. I wish I had never sold the '89 or the 2000 model reg cabs I owned.

If they made 'em like they used to with steel beds, a solid front axle (4wd) with the good brakes (solid feel) and put bilstein 5100's on (and offered a 3 litre turbodiesel) that would absolutely be the king of trucks hands down.

 

2ng Gen fo sho'! lol I had a 03 silver pre runner and it does not even compare to my 07 trd 4x4. The 2nd gens are so much nicer all around and have a lot more interior space which is important to me.

 

1st gen: more bulletproof.

2nd gen: Better features, better looks, easier to maintain, 4.0L is a beast.


Take your pick.

 

2gen Im trying to find a way to buy one. There badass!

 

Feel in LOVE with the TACOMAS when I first test drove a Brand New 2003 TRD. Always thought they were great looking trucks.

I was looking to buy a 1st gen and found an excellent one for a great price. Then I test drove the 2nd gen and it was game over. Its fit my needs and vision a lot better. I oped to spend the extra 8K for a Brand New Taco. I love both but I love mine more!

I couldn't picture doing the mods I did to a 1st Gen Rad Red. Its not Powerful or Beefy enough. Great Truck but not for me.
​

 

I've had both now and love them both. I'de like to get a first gen as a second truck just to play with