Seems like Toyota trucks gets a bad rap in media

I'm not a fanboi, I've owned vehicles from many different manufacturers over the years. I wanted a small truck that would tow and run for years without major mechanical issues. I didn't want something the size of an aircraft carrier, didn't need twin turbos and complexity I would simply worry about as the truck aged, and I don't need the entertainment capabilites of my living room in my vehicle. I like things that hold their value so it was the Tacoma for the win. Yes, it has some minor quirks, but nothing major and it works fine as an everyday driver, long distance travel vehicle, snow capable vehicle and everything else I need. Is it for everyone, no, but it works fine for me.

 

I had a mkIV vw GTI. reviews were the same as tacoma. never won any comparisons. the secret to tacoma as well as VW is the aftermarket support. We get blank canvas from the factory. Can bolt on parts to outperform factory vehicles costing much more. that's how I see it.

 

I think mine was a '76.

 

Well in my opinion:

Looks: 10/10
Performance 10/10
Mpg 7/10
Reliablabily 10/10

These are really the MAIN catagories that matter.

Comfort.. it’s a truck not a car
Mpg... it’s a truck not a car
Media features.. it’s a truck not a car

And to add to boot the 2018 3rd gen added the TSS package standard which includes AUTO emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, auto high beams.
It’s got turn signals on the mirrors and back up camera. That... in my opionin show Toyota makes improvements/ upgrades when and where it’s needed. Those are all safety features which is always a plus. The new 3.5 Akins cycling engine which puts out 50 more hp than the previous 4.0 engine is welcome and the mpg on the v6 vs the 4 cylinder in only 1 mpg different so Toyota sticks with the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” while the “others” experiment with changes at the customers expense