3rd Generation Appreciation Thread

There seems to be a lot of focus on the negative aspects of the 3rd gen trucks and hyper focus on some of the reported problems. I think it's natural for long-time 1st and 2nd generation owners to be put off by design changes and resistant to what Toyota did this time around, but I still think the 3rd gen is great. So, in an effort to balance out the negative, how about we post the things we like about our trucks, the things they did or do well?

I'll go first. This is my first truck, I've historically always driven 4-door sedans. My daily for the past 2+ years has been a Mitsubishi Evolution X, basically an engine and suspension with some budget parts thrown in to make it a fully functional car. It's loud (my fault), rough (also my fault), and requires all of your attention to drive (result of the above). It also doesn't fill the role of a "living in the woods" vehicle well, so I needed something else. That's why I got my Tacoma.

To me, the ride in the Tacoma is like driving a Towncar. Luxurious, comfortable, quiet, easy going and just relaxed. There is hardly any road noise, no engine or exhaust noise, the handling is wallowy and boat-like, but that makes the truck easy to drive. Bumps... what bumps? This thing eats pot holes like they weren't even there. I live next to a 30 mile forest service road and now I can drive it without ANY worries, on the stock tires and suspension.

It's long and stable but oh man am I loving the bed in this thing! With a basic tonneau cover I have a HUGE trunk, and with some ratcheting straps I have the perfect cargo hauler. Add to that that I have a well sized passenger row and I have the perfect road trip vehicle, no matter what the destination.

I have no issues with the transmission or the engine. I put it in "Sport" mode and downshift as needed to maintain my speed around the mountains where I live. The brakes are good and the visibility is great, I'm loving the backup camera. Side view mirrors are perfect and the auto-tinting rear-view mirror is my favorite thing in the world now. Plus, all the electronic bells and whistles (even if "a generation behind") make for a very comfortable cabin experience.

So what about the rest of you? What has this truck done well and what has it helped you to get done?

 

+1 on the auto dimming mirror.

 

You put the fan in fanboy.

 

The problem with the credibility of your post is your standard of comparison. As opposed to another truck.

But, for $35k or so, I'm glad you like a wallowing pig.

 

I love the grille in all it's glory.

 

I'll bite. I like how much more smooth and quiet it is compared to me '11 I had. I'm sure it'll eventually get rough and loud like my last one when I add tires and some other stuff. I like the design of the whole truck, inside and out better than my '11.

 

Interior, ride, lines.

 

Enjoying something doesn't require credibility, my dear sir. If I were posting a review and claiming that the Tacoma is the best mid-sized truck out there, you'd have a solid point. I'm not. I'm saying I really enjoy what I bought and it fits my needs perfectly. Am I a fan boy? Hardly. I'm simply trying to bring a little positivity to this subforum

 

You can tell people who bought a new frontier or those who fell into the trap of buying an extremely overpriced Chevy Gully (I think that's what it's called) or GMC (Enter Generic State here) where they added tons of new features and slapped a ridiculous price tag on it. You can see the jealousy and regret in their eyes when I drive by them...haha. I love my 2016!

 

My New Tacoma 16’ Sport DC upgrades from my 13’ Tacoma SR5 AC:

1. *JBL premium sound: 400w amp, subwoofer, 6 JBL surround speakers…all precision tuned.
   
   
2. Quiet ride…much, much less road and wind noise
   
   
3. Smoother ride…less vibration and jostling
   
   
4. Black interior….seats, dash, console, side panels, ceiling, carpet, everything
   
   
5. *Blue (beautiful) dash lights and also on every button/switch…lots of em’
   
   
6. 6 speed tranny
   
   
7. More horsepower and towing
   
   
8. ECT Power mode switch (Electronic Controlled Transmission)
   
   
9. Better gas mileage
   
   
10. 7.2” Display…with many, many, many, menu features… and most of them are “customizable” too. (Makes a very large back up camera display too)
    
    
11. Hands-free audio/iPhone/navigation communication system…with controls built into steering wheel
    
    
12. *Moon roof…power slide and tilt
    
    
13. Navigation integrated…free
    
    
14. *Smart keyless system….fob touchless entry/lock and Ignition start button
    
    
15. *Qi, built in wireless phone charger
    
    
16. 4 door…seating for 4/5 people
    
    
17. Tailgate is lockable
    
    
18. Tailgate has damping
    
    
19. Locking Tonneau tri-fold, removable cover
    
    
20. 17” wheels, sporty look with very, dark gray accents
    
    
21. Bigger tires….265/65R17
    
    
22. Heated seats…high, medium, and low
    
    
23. Duel automatic climate control air system
    
    
24. Multi-Information display with many, many menus…including individual tire pressure, gas mileage reports, audio info, and much more…with controls built into steering wheel
    
    
25. LED daytime lights
    
    
26. Automatic headlights on/off/daytime/dash
    
    
27. Cargo light has dash switch
    
    
28. Built in bumper taillight hook ups (7 pin and 4 pin…both)
    
    
29. Heated/defogger side mirrors
    
    
30. Side mirror turn signal indicators
    
    
31. BSM (Blind Side Monitor) warning light…with dash on/off switch
    
    
32. IPA (Intuitive Parking Assist) monitor/ RSW rear sonar backup warning sound alert system…with dash on/off switch.
    
    
33. Hill Start Assist…automatic activated
    
    
34. *AC power outlet in bed of truck (has 120 volt and 400 Watt settings with switch on dash)
    
    
35. Antenna is hood-mounted…low profile 4”
    
    
36. Fog light indicator in dash display
    
    
37. Glove box door is lockable
    
    
38. Gove box has damping
    

note: * = Unique to Toyota (GM does not offer a competitive equivalent feature)

 

unless you speak troll, I doubt he can read that.

 

I'll you know my thoughts when my ordered 2016 DCLB OR gets here. This will be my 5th Toyota truck, I've owned them continuously for 30 yrs now.

Previous Toyota trucks were an 86 4X2, 91 4X4, 99 4X4 and now still own a 04 DCab 4X4 that will be sold to my son upon receipt of the new truck.

 

You're all bringing popcorn to my party? Woohoo! Hey, can one of you bring kettle corn instead? I want to make sure we have something for everyone.