For those from full sized trucks...

Hey guys, new to the boards. Just purchased a new 2009 Tacoma TRD 4dr coming from a 2006 Dodge Ram 4x4 Hemi. It took a little mind readjustment to get into a mid size truck but I am very pleased that I did. I rarely used my the 4x4 the truck was equipped with and the gas consumption was crazy. I was telling my wife, it is odd, my Dodge was a much more capable and powerful truck with the options I had than my Taco, and I really had a great experiance with it and had no problems...however when I look at my new Tacoma I just get all giddy and feel like I could go anywhere with it. I thought it would be cool if everyone could relay their thoughts after switching from a full size truck to the Tacoma.

Barry

 

I also made the switch from a Dodge to the Tacoma. You just didn't keep yours long enough to have problems. I'm still paying off my credit card from the repair bills, and I got rid of that thing a year ago!

Yes, I miss the full size truck. But, I don't miss going to the gas station every other day (or visiting my mechanic almost as often!). The four banger in my Tacoma tows my boats the same as the Dodge did, just takes a little longer to get up to speed. Considering my Dodge got 9mpg when towing, and the Tacoma's worst tank was 17.8 towing the same boat, the extra few minutes getting to the boat ramp doesn't bother me.

Mike

 

I never owned a full sized myself, but I did get to drive my dad's 1500 hemi a few times. He actually sold it to get a 4x4 tacoma... at first I wasn't that crazy about it, but here I am with a 2008 myself and I love it more than I could have ever loved that 1500. I do know the feeling like it seems to open up more options, the tacoma begs to be abused where the 1500 just wanted the pavement.

 

I had a 04 F150 4x4 extended cab for work- and while I really liked the leather interior, it lacked some kinda soul that the tacoma has. The tacoma is just more fun! Its so much more fun to drive and to go offroad in. I love packing up with the GF and another couple and heading to the beach or the mountains for the weekend. I do NOT miss the v8 at all- the tacoma seems so much more peppy and its a tacoma so you can keep it forever and buy more cars or bikes or SUVs but always keep the taco on the side.

 

I drive an 07 F150 at work sometimes, and I feel like im driving a boat!!! it has a mean body roll around turns, and you have to turn the wheel 294723984729384 times to make a u-turn. feels like im driving a bus compared to my Taco. Both are 4x4 but the Taco is more capable as it has a shorter wheel base, is narrower, and has a much better suspension and drive components. there have been plenty of times that I have wished i had my Taco on the job site instead of that monstrosity!

 

I traded my '05 Dodge 2500 SLT Quadcab Longbed 4x4 Diesel for my '09 Tacoma DC SB TRD OffRoad...

I love my Tacoma, but miss the room and power/towing capacity of my 300HP/610LB/FT Cummins... And, I get the same mileage (20-21mpg combined)

My Tacoma is way more nimble and Offroad capable then my Dodge was. The fit and finish and interior of my Tacoma is far-superior to my Dodge. But, the Dodge was way more powerful and had more cab and bed space...

I'm happy with my choice, but there are times when I miss my fullsize diesel, mostly any time I have to tow anything...

 

X100! I know we did!

 

I had an 05 5.4 f150 with a rancho lift on it. I miss the hugosity. Tacoma is nice, tight, small and nimble though.

 

grew up with fords. unless your hauling 4x8 sheets all the time, the best overall truck is the tacoma. Quality, durability, and just plain fun.

 

I've driven many of my friend's fullsize pickups in various applications, but never owned one. They definitely make better work trucks for hauling and towing. The Taco however kicks any fullsize truck's ass when it comes to offroad travel. The extra weight and size of fullsize pickups just makes them less maneuverable and more likely to bog offroad, especially when sand, mud, and water come into play.

It depends on what you want the truck to do, honestly. If you want a dedicated hauler and tower, full size is the way to go. If you want a badass offroad truck with very respectable hauling and towing payloads, a Taco is the best vehicle you can buy.

As many people have also noted...it's also nice to have Japanese quality and reliability.

 

As said, fit and finish can't beat it compared to the 08 2500 Cummins Dodge. But again, the power and ferocity of that diesel coupled with the MPG was really nice. But it's a pain to maneuver in the city for a DD.

 

I had a 2006 ram quad cab before my tacoma. Only thing I miss is the full size interior. Tacoma is more stylish, comfortable and practical for my usage. I found myself not justifying the full size truck. Plus, chicks dig Tacomas

 

Dad used to have an F150 king ranch for work...that thing was a BEAST i miss how big it was and how nice the interior was...wish toyota would make a nicer interior

 

so you're tellin us that your chevy went about 1500 mph?

 

Not an SV, I actually have a Suzuki B-King. Used to have a TL1000R and TL1000S which is where the name "redvtwin2" came from. A member of a lot of forums so just use the same log in information.

 

i went from a 92' Ford F-150 to a 99 Access Cab Tacoma to a 2009 Tacoma.. My 2009 sits a helluva lot lower than the ford, but i feel like i have a fullsize truck minus the 8' bed.

 

forget switching! I have both....73 dodge w200 4x4 with a built 360 and my taco...

 

Bingo! We have a winner. I went from a F250 4x4 Diesel to my Tacoma. love the Taco overall. off-roading is more capable, locker, MPG's, parking, city driving etc. Good switch getting out of the Ram 1500. That is a probably the 2nd worst full size truck on fuel, 2nd to the titan.

 

had a chevy 3500 dually crew cab 4x4 before