Manual vs Automatic

Yes.

 

if it werent for the manual i wouldnt own a tacoma. i test drove an auto and almost ended my car search there. last time i had a loaner it was an automatic. i was fully convinced it was a 2.7l until i popped the hood and counted. all 6 cyl were in fact there. trans and gearing make such a difference. fyi my mpg sucks. was around 18-20 in summer and now 16-17. but i wouldnt trade my third pedal for 10mpg so it is what it is

 

I feel sorry for the people with automatics. They will never get to appreciate, just how nice this truck is to drive.

 

2nd that. Out of every vehicle I have owned, my 6speed Tacoma is far and away my favorite. It does everything my 05 STI did, plus I can still run shit over or Blast through terrain. Most on road confidence I have ever had. IT doesnt feel like anything could stop this truck. The gears are great, the feel of the shifts are great, and the power range is also great. Its a pure racing truck feeling, and as the aftermarket affords, will make it the greatest production truck ever made. I fully believe that. the perfect combination of size, drive ability, technology and looks. I have An American-made manual trans Tacoma that appears to have NONE of the issues other Tacoma's (especially Auto's) are having. ZERO.

 

In the manual gearbox, 5th is 0.85:1, 6th is 0.71:1. In the auto, 5th is 0.69:1 and 6th is 0.58:1. Note both 5th and 6th are overdrive gears. The auto's 5th gear is actually taller than the manual's 6th gear. That's why the auto shifts often on the highway, because 6th is often not usable. On the other hand, the auto gets better gas milage than the manual when it's able to use 6th.

 

Here we go... let me get my popcorn... it's almost lunch time....

 

There's been so much incredible information in this thread. It sounds like a manual would be the way to go for me.

I was worried that my only option would be to break down and buy a full size... I've had enough of that!

 

Also with a manual you won't have cruise control downshifting all the time at the slightest grade or light breeze.

 

Amen! That was the biggest reason I sold my Dakota and bought a Tacoma... I feel that a vehicle--ANY vehicle--ought to be able to pull itself down the highway without searching for the best gear.

Unfortunately we live in a world where MPG is a serious consideration and vehicles are beginning to sacrifice performance for a few extra gallons. This is nice in theory, but for those of us that want to use a truck like a truck, it can be frustrating. For me, a full size is not an option and a "compact" is not acceptable. I was really beginning to worry that the Tacoma, which is right in the sweet spot of size/use ratio, was going to fall backwards.

 

I have a 2016 SR5 4X4 with the AT and after the learning phase it shifts perfectly fine. But when cruise control is on, it will shift down all the way to 4th just to keep the spped from dropping 1 MPH. Now with cruise off, it does just fine even with significant pedal pressure.

I used to have a 2006 SR5 MT and cruise was great.

 

Yep exactly. The biggest issue with the Toyota truck, is that it is a truck. Which means the profile is very drag intensive. Toyota basically high geared the truck for MPG's, but the faster you go, the more drag and it goes up exponentially. That is why the MPG goes to shit at speeds faster than 70 MPH.

Just a little note on wind drag. In an airplane to double the speed, you have to quadruple the power.

 

Hey Master...I live in Ks. I drive 100 miles per day at 75 mph. I have a 16 Limited with the automatic. On calm days I love the truck. It does kick down to 5th on overpasses. But on a mildly windy day...I hate the trans. I have had both trans updates and neither helped the kick downs on windy days. It will run in 5th, even if I slow down to 70 mph. It kicks down to 4th on overpasses even if the wind is a crosswind (not just headwinds). I like everything else about my truck. I monitor the wind and drive an alternate vehicle when the wind is 15 mph or higher. My wifes 1.6L Escape doesn't kick down at all on these days. I know it isn't apples to apples but...

 

I just bough a 2017 manual two weeks ago, about 1000 miles on it. Love the truck, no problems so far. The manual transmission is so awesome to drive. Main reason I got the Tacoma, wanted to get back into a manual again. Had a Nissan Armada prior to this, do not regret the change. Had a 1996 Tacoma and put almost 300,000 on the motor before I sold it. Truck was indestructible. Hopefully this new one will be as well. Truck has been fantastic in the snow! We have gotten over 175 inches so far this winter and this vehicle performs like a champ. Surprised how well it does in just 2 wheel drive with a little weight in the back. Get the manual, you won't regret it!

 

If you needed another vote for the manual get it! I've got about 2000 miles on my 17 OR and love every second of it. I pretty much do all around town driving with little highway and can average 16-17 MPG per tank (depending how I drive of course).

 

I think the worst part on kick downs on mine it is very noticeable. It is louder and there are vibes at about 2200 rpm in my steering wheel. Most vehicles it isn't as noticeable. Just my opinion.

 

About the only thing that could make the manual better for me would be a slightly lower 2nd gear. 2nd is high enough, that you can't skip 1st. 1st is very low. Great for towing or crawling, but to get going quickly from a stop is a bit tricky. I also wish 5th and 6th were a tiny bit higher. 6th has plenty of power when running empty on the highway, but it revs a bit high. Around here, I run at exactly 65mph on the highway. 20 is about what you will get at that speed. On a trip around town at 35-45 mph and only a few stop signs....I get 23 to 25 mpg. It cruises town at 1500 rpm in 5th or 6th just fine.

Like someone above said, the MT would be great to install slightly taller tires in. The old "rubber overdrive", then I think it will be perfect. Im planning to go 255/70-17.

The AT is obviously way overgeared. No sure what toyota was thinking. With the taller 5th and 6th in the Auto....they would do good just to install 4.30 gears in all models and be done with it.

 

I feel like I hit the jackpot buying my 2.7L/5MT. Runs great and pulls well revved to 3000RPMs to shift. I feel like MT keeps you a little more involved in your driving. Sure as hell only shifts when I want it too also.

 

EPA manufacturer average mileage requirements across the line. CAFE.

lucky for the MT drivers that the law of averages allows for the odd duck here and there. MT drivers are happy odd ducks, just with worse mileage. no complaints.

 

This^^

Additionally, reverse should be lower (it's higher sped than 1st.. who was the crackhead who designed that?), and have a lockout.

If you get a M/T, the throws are very notchy at first until you get her broken in. 1st and reverse are especially tricky... just be patient and don't force anything.

Your footwork will have to be fairly precise to get smooth and avoid clanks/clunks in the driveline, again be patient and you'll get it.

Oh, and when it's cold out (like, below freezing kinda cold) the clutch will be slow coming off the firewall when released until it warms up. It's just how it is.

Frank

 

I still prefer the auto. Yes you might have some gear shifting but i am not steady having to row it to get up to speed.