Differences in generations?

I used to own a 99 Tacoma and loved it. Now I just want some quick feedback on all of your opinions on which generation to buy; I'm not stoked on the look of the newer models but want to hear from you! Or, just click on the poll to let me know.

What do you feel is a major difference (and would possibly sway your decision in purchasing) between the generations?

In case this matters, I will be purchasing a manual, with ext. or double cab, and 4 wheel drive. Thanks!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld.

This is going to quickly degrade into "the generation I own is the best".

 

• 1st gen, smaller, more steel, less power, awesome build quality.

 

2nd gen.... larger, more power, less steel, ok build

 

3rd gen...... mo powa, needed to push that huge front end thru the air..... iffy trans.......still lots of plastic.....screen door attached to front end......no force fed options.

 

Phone browser wont let me skip a line, sorry

 

i have a 15, love it. had a 02 loved it. i'm going to go make a batch of popcorn, let the games begin.

 

It totally is @PVT Pablo but I'm sort of okay with that!

 

So far 3 poll results for the 2nd generation...any other takers?

 

How are you gonna use the truck?

 

Nothing fancy: schlepping stuff around; sleeping in occasionally; light off roading...plan on getting a topper or finding a WilderNest or something similar.

 

Screen door, now that's funny.

OP needs one of each.

 

Well keep in mind 1st gen beds are a bit smaller. So youll sleep better in a 2 or 3 gen. The bigger bed is also more useful when hauling more crap. I think you'd be happier with a 2nd or 3rd gen. But try and test drive all of them. It'll come down to personal preference.

 

Need 6' bed for sleeping?
1st and 2nd gen do not offer it in double cab manual tranny(can be wrong if there is some edition different from Canada), can't tell about 3rd gen. 2nd gen access cab have the halfdoor for the back. I owned a pre tacoma without it and now a 2nd gen with it and I really appreciate it!

A shell is a great idea in all gens for outdoor activities!

 

Thanks guys--both super helpful! I'm 5'2 so definitely no problem with smaller bed. Although good to know about double cab manuals...I don't have to have a double cab (I can do extended cab) but I HAVE to have a manual. I need to look into camper shells or just a regular shell and maybe build my own...haven't done that yet. Only have experience with Wildernest but didn't own it myself.

 

Obviously depends on your application :

1. I never owned a first gen, but I did own a 92 pickup. The first gen is a favorite of mine because of the build quality, the decent ground clearance you get from the factory, and the well-renown 3.4L engine. If heavy 4-wheeling is your forte, then a first gen is a great choice because you will save some dollars which come in handy considering all the aftermarket parts you will be buying. Their size is also better suited for the trail and as mentioned above more steel = more body rigidity. However with smaller size comes less travel/storage longevity. The first gens are classic Toyota underdog-muscle.
2. I own a second gen and it goes without saying that these trucks are the king of the mid-sized market. In terms of styling, they are definitely the best looking trucks on the road. I like the second gen best because in this case bigger = better. The trucks come in a range of combinations including the spacious double-cab with the 6' bed, which is great for travel/storage and camping. The build quality is not as solid as the first gen but I think this comes as a worthy sacrifice for the size and it feels more solid once you replace the stock suspension. Just make sure if you plan on heavy 4-wheeling that you have cash in your pocket because they will be more expensive and the aftermarket is vast. The second gens also come with the long-stroke 4.0L 1GR engine which is great for low-end torque. The second gen is my #1 choice because it is so good all around as a mid-sized truck on and off the road.
3. I don't own a third gen, but in terms of build and size they mimic the second gens. The biggest change on the third gen Tacoma is the engine, which is a shorter-stroke 3.5L akinson/otto-cycle engine. It gets a couple extra mpg over the 4.0L, but loses a little low-end torque. It also has a newer transmission but I haven't heard of it being much improvement over the last. For every other category it remains to be seen if the third gen will be as good all around as the second gen. If you can get past the big, ugly grill Toyota slapped on the front of the truck, the third gen would be a good choice for taking the body of the second gen and saving a little mpg.

Good luck!

 

Pretty subjective poll, but I'm going to go with 1st gen. And that is purely based on my own personal favortism toward the body style. That and I drive one.

 

Thanks @Supra4x4! That actually raised another question--is there major different in mpg between the gens (manual)? I know that might be a dumb question but asking anyway...

 

I'm not %100 sure about the 1st gens, but I think the 3.4 gets similar MPG to the 4.0L. How that works: well the 4.0 is the first generation of Tacoma with VVT-i so it still pulls decent MPG. You can google it, but I imagine the numbers mirror close to these:

1. 18/20
2. 18/20 (2WD 19/21)
3. 19/22 (2WD 21/23)