Were certain years of the 3.4l more prone to head problems than other years?

I've been warned a few times by people about this, I'm wondering if heads and head gaskets on the v6 were a bigger problem in certain years and if so, what changes toyota made to fix it.

 

Yes, some 95.5, 96 and a few 97's had head gasket problems. They tended to leak externally and there were "revised" gaskets developed along with some sort of service campaign (long expired). IIRC there were 2 revised gaskets before they got it right. This is different from the earlier 3.0L head gasket campaign.

 

I'm searching for my first tacoma. I can afford a nice 2004 but am willing to consider earlier years as long as I can avoid that big problem.

 

I have an 04. Never had any problems...PERIOD.. 175k.

 

Never heard of this problem for 01-04. You'll be fine
03- 181k