Gen III Tacoma Compared to a 1970 Full Size Pickup - How "small" are our trucks really?

I agree. I think James May had a rant about "things were not better in the good ol' days" Modern cars are superior in every conceivable way. Safer, more efficient, waaaaaaaay more reliable, more performance, more pleasant to drive.

I once went and restored an old Triumph Bonneville because my dad is always going on about how great the past was. Spent almost $6,000 finding/buying one and putting it back together, and then I rode it. What a piece of crap. It didn't turn, it didn't stop, when I tried to accelerate it just vibrated more, it covered my legs with oil if I revved over 2000 rpm. It was the most intense feeling of buyers remorse I've ever had. The past is best left in the past.

Photo Tax:

 

Nice find, thanks. I don't recall anyone dropping F-bombs on TV in 1991 (~13:10 minute mark)

 

When thinking of nostalgia vehicles, it's like fortune cookies being 10x better when you add " . . . in between the sheets." Here, we have to add " . . . when it ran." The wrenching can be fun at times, but not when you want to be somewhere.

 

Tacomas aren't small.

Some manufacturer could do really well making a rugged simple small 4x4 truck for the USA.

I heard Ford is looking at bringing back the Courier.

 

Yeah, they are calling it the Maverick.
https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a35823013/2022-ford-maverick-spied/

 

The problem with small here is that it is FWD biased with no low range.


Of course, I'm thinking of the mid-80s when Subaru Brightons had MTs, turbos, a low range T case, and adjustable ride height.

 

I think that has potential to do well if they don't screw it up along the way.

 

Nice, only needs a lift and MT tires

 

For most of the new folks coming into mids size trucks with part time 4wd, this, just like the Ridgeline, would probably be the better solution with less confusion about the driveline use and functions.

 

I think the only thing good about the good ol days was simplicity. If something broke it was likely mechanical and could be replaced easily and inexpensively.

 

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a35823013/2022-ford-maverick-spied/

Why, even bother with a D.C. heck, most complain the Tacoma's back seat is too small, can you imagine getting in the back of something that is much smaller ?

 

It depends?

We had a 1995 Geo Metro sedan (1.3l 5MT) and should have not traded it. I'm 6ft and had plenty of room, front or rear. It was a bit tight in width. There are lots of ways to use dimensions to an advantage or disadvantage.

 

Like the 1960's muscle cars... fast in a straight line and nothing more...

 

Plus trucks in general have gotten larger and more expensive, a smaller truck with a low price has "potential" to do well.

 

Very true. It is funny how close we are to full size trucks. But, the smaller package (and MT) was worth it to me.

 

I built a 1968 Bonneville from what was commonly known as a "basket case". Not an exact restoration, but it went nearly 140mph.

 

I'd like to see this same comparison between a 3rd Gen Tacoma and the new Australian market Hilux.

 

They spied one out driving around.

 

Scaled down version of... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Avalanche