Manual or Auto?

I'm going to have to disagree with you on this, it's almost factual that manuals get better mileage than auto's in pretty much any vehicle... (given the same driving style, etc..)

 

Almost???? it is fact!!!! haha

 

I didn't want to crush his hopes and dreams completely..

 

Lol....

 

Look it up off the Toyota websight.
4X4 v6 5sp auto 16-20
4X4 v6 6sp man 14-19

http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/specs.html

Just so you know the auto's in the 1st generation trucks, equiped the same, also got better mileage than the manuals.

 

true.... but i am bullheaded and still don't belive it...

 

It also shows the 4cyl models getting better mileage with manual.

"Still, in its most basic form, a manual transmission is inherently better equipped to prove better fuel economy. The manual transmission couples the engine to the transmission with a rigid clutch instead of an automatic transmission's torque converter, which bleeds off power. The automatic transmission wastes engine power to drive the high pressure hydraulic pumps required for its operation."

 

likewise.. highfive.

 

The 6 speed manual on the 4.0L V6 would get much better fuel economy if the top gear wasn't shorter than the top gear on the Automatic. It makes sense if you are hauling all the time, but I wish the 6 speed had a taller top gear.

...I also wish Toyota offered the 6 speed manual on the Long Bed.

 

Manual. I like having more control of the vehicle.

 

^^ Everyone is correct...

Manuals do get better MPG than auto generally.
Specifically, tacoma's sticks get worse MPG than their autos

4Cyl gets better mpg because it is a 5speed not 6sp manual.

 

My last 3 trucks were Manual, Not that I tow a horse trailer, I thought an automatic would be easier on the truck when towing up the mountains.

 

auto.......im way too lazy for a manual!!!

 

Actually, the 6 speed manual would be better for towing up hill as the gears are shorter (and closer ratio) than the 5 speed Automatic. I would have rather had the 6 speed manual for towing my Jetta through the mountains of Colorado. Cest la vive...

 

maybe, but the torque converter adds a great deal when towing, at the cost of some wasted energy

 

True. But you could do the same thing with a partially engaged clutch...

"hey... (sniff) (sniff) what's that smell? Is something burning?"

 

Automatic...traffic sucks

 

I have gone back-and-forth with the transmission since I began driving. I am in a standard mode right now. To me, it feels more like an activity with the shifting and it is much more enjoyable. An auto makes me feel like more of an observer and the stick makes me more of a participant in the experience.

 

Yaknow... everybody says that, but I loved driving my 2.7L PreRunner in Houston traffic. Gearing down always gave me a buffer and kept me from brake tapping constantly. Also, the people behind me only saw my brake lights when I was really coming to a stop.

Of course, the 5 speed automatic on the 4.0Ls is just incredibly smooth. I just wish it would shift when I want it to.

I guess (as always) it really is a matter of preference, but I really do like them both.