I do not agree with Consumer Reports

Why don’t you go check your garage and attic for spiders!


also may want to check for any recalls on the jeep.

 

I came across this article myself today. Coudn't disagree with it more.

 

I too will have disagreement with Consumer Reports about my 2014 TRD Tacoma. The ride is smooth and quiet engine. Handling is superb and quite manueverable. Driving position/steering wheel is adjustable and the present setting is comfortable. Ample leg room. Getting in and out of the Tacoma is easy for me since I have long legs. The suspension is not lifted. I haven`t been in the rear seat area. Rear seating is for kids who won`t complain about anything and placing items not desired on the front seat.

 

^^^this hahha

 

Overall I would agree with CR. The thing is, for me at least, I throw out the subjective parts of their critique. And sometimes, if I like some well enough, I don't use their objective data either.

Recently, I've been thinking of selling the Taco and replacing it with a full size truck or mid/full size SUV. After driving several, I decided to keep the Taco because I didn't like any of the new ones that I drive as well as my Taco with 70k + miles on it.

 

I posted my dislikes a few posts back. But I too drove other vehicles. After driving theTacoma it was an is still my first choice.

 

This report doesn't concern me, nor should it concern any of the other Taco owners on this site. This article is aimed towards people who are looking at buying a new vehicle and have no clue what to get. If you are shopping for a vehicle and make a decision based on an article that's your choice. Tacoma's are a great truck for many reasons and they have their downfalls as well, but I feel very happy every time I get behind the wheel. If comfort, fuel economy, handling is what you're looking for, don't buy a truck, it's very simple. We all know why we bought a Tacoma so that's the only thing that matters.

 

I notice it seems like a lot of Ford/Chevy advertising shills are out there on the net lately spouting some Consumer Reports ratings that had the Tundra #3 behind the Ford and Chevy half tons. Tundra still number one in reliablilty but the others won certain categories like inside cab room and such. Then they start with the crap "You can't really be a true American man driving a Japanese truck, yada yada.."

I suspect Consumer Reports is getting pressure lately from the big three due to market shares. Despite their claims of total objectivity. And the pressure rolls downhill to Tacoma as well.

 

best thing to do?

Drive by auto repair shops. Full of ford and chevys more often than anything else.

At least thats the case in my area.

 

Consistent with most consumers.

 

Went from a ford to a toyota tacoma and I`m much happier. I dont pay much attention to consumer report anymore.

 

I am a long time CR subscriber, and generally find their (generally) unbiased reports very helpful. I was amused, however, at the 'dreadful' adjective attributed to the Tacoma's ride.

Before buying my new '14 Taco, I did test drive a Sierra shortbed. The Sierra was comfy, reasonably quiet, and seemed to handle nicely. Perhaps better than the Taco, but not sure.

I'm ok with the Taco's ride and driving position, and at 6'3" I feel I have plenty of room. As many in the thread have observed... it's a truck.

I also own a small two-seater sports car, and the ride is so stiff, and on Maine roads especially, I have been de-sensitized by the tooth filling loosening bumpiness.

 

From the Consumer Reports magazine this month:

Tacoma
Pros:
Powertrain, handling, controls.....

Cons:
Ride, handling, driving position....

So how the hell is handling both a pro and a con?!?! WTF

 

My '06 Access Cab 4x4 (6 spd. stick, 4.0 V-6) handles very well, and is quite a good "Canyon Racer" for a 4x4. I think the electric locker maybe is a part of that. Less understeer. But the rear axle hop is brutal if I don't get the throttle/clutch just right on a rainy uphill start. I'd like to see a fix for that. Both wheels driving helps a ton...light 'em both up...no hop. But sometimes, I do wish I had a real, full time, limited slip.

I've got the BFG Rugged Trail TA's, which might matter...I like them a lot, and have not been brave enough to change. I almost got Yokohama Geolanders, but didn't. The BFG's are excellent in rain, snow, cornering, stopping and accellerating. They are not wonderful in highway tracking in crosswinds or big rig wakes, and generally follow the seams or trenches from studded tires just like a bias ply tire. I looked at the Dunlop tires on the next trim level and knew I didn't want them. Softer ride, I'm sure. Probably racier on dry pavement, too.

By the way, my pressure callouts are 35 front, 37 rear. I try to get 35 all around, but that doesn't always happen. The equal F&R helps the rear harshness a lot when lightly loaded...and that's almost always. Bulky, not heavy, loads.

 

I think Consumer Reports is comparing the Tacoma to a "luxury truck" (oxymoron). It's a truck, and a damn good one at that - nuf said!

 

Consumer Reports panned the Studebaker Lark in '63. I haven't read any of their stuff since.

 

I love the "high step in" comment...its a Pre-runner they test drove..LULS

and yahoo on reviews or news is like believing the internet is all fact...

 

What? Was it the Regal V8? The Lark was rated a "Best Buy" by CR in the '61 Auto Issue, which I have right in front of me.