American % in Tacoma

Hi all,

I had someone lecture me at the gas station today to “Drive Detroit” questioning my patriotism with a Toyota. Beside dealing with the pure ignorance of some people, what percentage of American parts is our Tacoma’s?

And bonus question if anyone knows for the Highlander’s, since my wife drives one.

Before I bought, my researched both were manufactured in America and had roughly 70% American content... same amount as the RAM this guy was driving...

 

I grew up in SE MI and I have owned nothing but Toyota's for the last 18 years. Don't listen to that BS they are spewing, drive whatever the fuck you want. GO WINGS!!!!

 

https://www.american.edu/kogod/research/autoindex/

Looks like the Dodge Ram is number 18 and we are number 39, the Tundra however was number 17.

Highlander number 19

 

If the US companies (Ford/Chevy) made a quality mid size truck I would have picked it. I used to have a ranger and no issues. But the twins are not nice and ford is taking their sweeeeeet time on the new ranger. Plus my taco was built in the US.

 

I had a Ranger to, hard as nails. I hope my Tacoma does as well. I gifted my old Ranger to a buddy who was without wheels. She s pushing 190k, he replaced the radiator and alternator other than that it's been solid.

 

I'd pay more for a Tacoma built in Japan. My original 1st gen was. Completely bullet proof. I see it occasionally, I sold it 10 years ago when it had 100k miles.

 

My truck was assembled in Texas. The Detroit unions have driven up the costs, and not the quality or value of said vehicles. I am all for supporting USA, but if I don't have money to survive, I can't keep buying American.

 

My whole family worked for G.M. If you didn't drive a G.M. product or at least a Ford or a Chrysler you were kicked out of the circle of trust.

 

Your first gen was built in the USA, the pre Tacoma pickups and hilux were made in Japan. The last couple years of pickup production (I think the ‘92-‘94) were a mix of Japan built and the at-the-time new plant in California. I wish we could get a Japanese designed and built truck here again, but at least the 4runner and land cruiser is still available.

 

Gotcha. We had a 93 that I'm almost positive was. I thought I read the 1st gens were, but I'm sure I am misremembering. I guess that means I had two from the California plant. Can't complain about either.

 

If you had a ‘93, you have a 50/50 shot of it being made in Japan. The production was split because Toyota North America was going to take over design and build of pickups for the NA market, aka, the Tacoma. The design of your truck would have been Japanese regardless, which is better quality in my opinion and experience.

 

It was as base as they came. 2wd, no stereo, no ac, no power windows, one side mirror, 22re motor. I bet anything it's still running. It was less than 8k new.

 

Haha, so basic, yet bulletproof! The 22re is a tough little motor, I love the just the sound of it. As long as the timing chain is stayed on top of, it will run forever!! Simpler is better, I like new stuff as much as anyone else, but to me a truck is supposed to be basic.
I wish a new, basic truck could be picked for less than $8k now!