Consumer Reports 2016 Tacoma Review

I believe you should write all auto reviews. That is some funny stuff.

 

And it's about as onpoint and relevant as the CR review.

 

Which is of course, your opinion... but do agree it's subjective to interpretation

Sums up 95% of the forum...

 

Reliable - already one warranty issue that took two weeks to resolve so its not starting out the best but we'll see. My 2004 had 0 issues in 12 years so a pretty high bar.
Ride and comfort - I like it well enough. Not for soccer moms looking for a crossover type ride and again... coming from the 2004. Power seats? Whatever. I'm 6'0'' and no headroom issues.
Tech - my 2004 had manual windows and locks. Enough said.
Transmission -definitely a gear hunter from 5-6. The surging when cold is annoying too, Other than that OK.
MPG - below expectations but seems to be doing better in the warmer weather.
Power - does what I need. Plenty of acceleration for the on ramp and passing. I'm not out to drag race.
Styling - whatever. I would prefer the new Maxima but need a truck.

 

It is a Tacoma forum after all...

 

But what does your dog think about it?

 

My dogs love it

 

The best steam iron I ever bought was a CR best buy.

Small appliances and some electronics are their sweet spot.

 

You're asking peoples opinions of a mainly negative review of the Tacoma on a Tacoma forum...of course you're going to get the fanboys to come out in droves all defensive. With that said I think there are some things about the review that I agree with, and others I don't.

I agree that the engine is uninspiring and slow, even with ECT mode engaged. Now I know this isn't a sports car, and if that's what I wanted that's what I would have bought, but even the Nissan Frontier that I had as a rental about a year ago had more balls and was more inspiring to drive than the Tacoma and got the same gas mileage. As far as the reviewers commenting on Toyota falling asleep during the last few years and missing out on advances in truck technology, I can understand this as well to some degree. GMC for example has some nice little additions and creature comforts that seem very nice, but you'll pay for them, and in the end they really aren't necessary and some can say they are just more things to break and have to shell out to fix later on once the warranty expires. The Tacoma is more of a bare bones truck compared to the other higher end offerings from other makers. Even the Limited Tacoma really isn't that impressive as far as amenities, but for me that's not an issue. I grew up when trucks were bare bones utility vehicles, and for the last 10 years drove Subarus, so it's pretty much the same. you go into it knowing you're getting a utilitarian vehicle that's known to be reliable, rugged, etc. You sacrifice some creature comforts for quality in other areas. Some like that, others need to be spoiled and pampered in their truck, and they've probably spent their lives having their mothers cut the crusts off their sandwiches for them as well.

I hate the transmission in my Tacoma and it's been the bane of my issues (and only issue actually) with my truck, and have not experienced any of the other concerns the review mentions. I do agree with their "not so smooth' description and think this is a major area where Toyota dropped the ball. MPG is another area they could have done better with. The Atkinson cycle sounds great on paper, but it's so anemic and lifeless in the real world that you end up stomping more on the pedal and giving it more gas to get it to respond which in the end results in crappy mpg. I can get the same, if not better mpg with the ECT button engaged and have a much better driving experience compared to the ridiculous Atkinson mode.

I think the truck drives great, the steering is just fine, and have had to test the brakes a few times and actually commented on how well a truck this size stops and even had the ABS kick in and slid and was happy with how the truck handed during all that. Drum brakes are not a bad thing people, and we all know why they are there. It's basically for the Crawl Control on the OR models. I don't have Crawl on my Sport, but am 100% happy with the drum brakes on the rear wheels.

Cabin noise is a little loud, but again, its'a truck, and it's not so loud that it drowns out the stereo or prevents a conversation between passengers. I think CR is being a little dramatic with that comment. Seat height/comfort is subjective. I'm 6'2" tall and find the seats very comfortable after adjusting them to my body type and height and telling myself that there will be an adjustment phase coming from my old vehicle. Others will disagree. Shorter guys complain about the seats, others won't give their bodies time to adjust, and then there are those that just aren't made for the way these seats are, plain and simple.

I find the sight lines of the truck great contrary to the review. Blind spot is easy to see with a DC and tonneau cover (was obviously worse with a topper). Complaining about the tailgate being a "chore" to raise, again means the reviewer probably belongs in a luxury SUV with an automatic rear hatch, or better yet a minivan that has auto doors and needs to spend more time in the gym.

I will agree with their assessment about mentioning a fully equipped Tacoma with leather, collision control warning system, high end stereo, etc. (basically a fully loaded Tacoma) is the same price as a better performing, better towing full size truck. Thats a tough one there. I was ready to do exactly that and pull the trigger on a left over 2015 F150. More features, more power, better towing, etc. In the end I still opted for the Tacoma. I don't need a full-size truck, and instead wanted proven reliability and peace of mind with better resale down the road. Given the issues I've had and how Toyota has dealt with my concerns I still have no idea if I made the right choice, but I am happy knowing that when I'm tired of the truck I'll get much more for it than I would have for an F150 that cost the same or even more.

 

Unfortunately, I only took the 2 hours with a service manager--after he had two weeks with my truck trying to fix it. Even he is disappointed with the new trucks. When I was test driving before my purchase, I guess I didn't notice? I was too busy looking at how much better put together it was versus its GM counterparts and ogling the pitch and roll indicator, and CRAWL control and MTS (which is cool AF). I also didn't really think to run a toyota vehicle through its paces like that? I never would have though I had to.

It's the craziest thing though. I still love the truck. I must be in denial--like an abused girlfriend. I just wish it didn't have all of these "I expected more from a new toyota truck" issues. Reading the reviews and knowing Toyotas "bulletproof" history with small trucks (see: Top Gear's Hilux episodes)--and then buying it brand new I figured I would be set for the next 10-20 years. I've wanted one for the last 15 years--finally the start aligned so that I could get one! Then 350 miles in it's clunking, vibrating, howling, and pulsating. Is it even going to last me a year after the warranty is up? They already replaced the rear diff, and my ATF was low for 4K miles (because they refused to check it).

I guess I feel obligated to balance out all of the head-in-sand Tacoma owners. If I can at least let people know what to look for--and let them decide if they are able to live with the behavior of the truck, then I've done something I wish someone had done for me. I wish I had found this forum and read about all of the issues before I purchased my truck. But I read sooo many reviews and articles that raved about the thing with nary a negative blimp on the radar. It's even more irritating to know that most of these ostrich owners are having the issues too they just haven't realized because their 2nd gens did it too. If more people complained, then they might accelerate their efforts to fix it.

Maybe your truck doesn't do these things? I highly doubt that is the case, because "its a characteristic of the vehicle" (-Toyota). But, if it doesn't, then I am extremely happy for you and you got the truck I expected to get.

 

Honestly this is the only thing that keeps me from going ballistic at Toyota. That and knowing I'm not alone with the issues so they will eventually have to address them. Except with the issues these trucks have: Are they going to keep their value?

 

haha I appreciate your enthusiasm. That was my point really. Its really interesting to come here and see so many hardworking people who spent $36k on a truck be so willing to use their own hard work to correct the issues that Toyota shouldn't have allowed in the first place.You really shouldn't have to accept these are "features".

But seriously--the enthusiasm of people like you --hardcore Tacoma fanboys is one of the reasons I got it. Not every vehicle evokes that kind of response. Plus they are badass looking.

 

Let's be honest a fully loaded Tacoma sells for what it should. A similarily optioned f150 sells for the same because the dealer is happy to cut 10k out of the price to get you to buy it. Which translate to an immediately lower resale value off the bat.

That has nothing to do quality of the product. Just how dealers are happy to do whatever they can to get the dollar at the expense of the consumer.

I looked at and seriously considered a ecoboost f150. Just didn't need or want the larger truck. Also I knew in 2 years that the trucks value would be shit compared to the taco.

The only ford that does well in that regard are the dually diesels and the raptor.

 

People buy these trucks and immediately upgrade the tires and wheel and spend thousands doing a lift and other mods. I doubt they are concerned with the purchase of a tube of grease and grease gun.

 

My best friend, the late Taffy, would have loved this truck. She is exactly where best friends go, awaiting my arrival with her tail wagging and a grin on our face a foot wide. Sadie, a Miniature Schnauzer, loves the truck and will ride with me as long as I am able to drive.

Take Care

Bob

 

And waiting for a belly rub

 

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And a typical response from someone that does not own a 3rd gen. We can do this all day.

 

There is a fix otw for the weather stripping in the doors for the noise. I dont have it but some have a loud howling when the wind blows the right way.

 

I've had my own problems with my truck, but still love it. I would like a Pro and better yet, a Raptor, but I just can't justify spending that much money on a rig because I'm just a poor teacher

I do feel that Toyota will step up and there will be TSB's, everyone has them now a days. Anymore, all new vehicles have issues. With Big Brother making such a big deal out of environmental pushes, it's like the 70's all over again when car makers took all the power out of the muscle. Diesels are just so restricted now, turbo's are the buss, 9 speed autos..... it's just crazy, but times are a changing.

Time warps can't happen fast enough, lol.