What does it feel like owning/driving/being seen in a Tacoma versus another truck?

I'm stacking on your exponentials to get back to Ho's saggy old...truck.

 

I am old, but have to admit i do get the from other taco owners of the younger generation when passing by them on these back roads. Never noticed that with the old silver/gray tundra, but i still buy another if toyota built one like that gen1. New ones are just too large for my taste.

 

You probably think I mean more like this:

which I don’t. That’s hideous.

but I do like more squares off edges and curves, if it’s done tastefully

 

Saw that exact model and color in the wild today along my commute home. It's horrible from every angle. I give the ranger grief for needing a ladder to reach into the bed, this one is much less accessible/practical, even though it doesn't look it.

 

Powerless. Lol

 

You sound like a hit at parties

 

I think Ford built the Ranger tall in the rear due to the Tacoma having complaints of saggy leaf springs. Someone cross shopping a Tacoma and a Ranger might take that into consideration. Level the front of the Ranger and it already looks lifted.

 

Yeah, I usually do the hitting

 

Do most owners feel this way? I suppose if you have a cool truck, regardless of brand, you’re going to feel me staring you down. I just really like and appreciate cool and rare trucks. I like to show a little respect for your hard work with a nod and frankly I don’t care if you catch me drooling over your truck

 

Likely the first of it.

 

I know you don’t think TW is considered polite company.

my loins are set a blaze whenever I see, hear, smell or touch a taco.

 

I'm in this boat, but either Tacomas around here don't wave or I don't pay attention. To me it's just a good reliable small pickup, it's not special and it's not bad. I enjoy driving it and I think it is a good size. It does everything I need a truck to do. I do feel like a kid in it sometimes when I pull into a parking lot full of half tons. But on that note one of my favorite things about it compared to half tons is the bed sides are a reasonable height, the bed side height on half tons is ridiculous.

 

I’d wanted a Toyota truck since at least tenth grade; My parents bought a New Tacoma when I got my learner’s permit and I still have it!

 

That would be nice - probably a little less busy too. I daresay I liked Jackson Hole/Grand Tetons a little better than Yellowstone...!

 

I was an F150 guy for 20 years, starting with an '88 bought off my dad. For me it was shifting priorities that made me shift from a full size to a compact/midsized. So far I don't really miss the full size. Up here in NH I have not had any real gruff from any other truck guys. The Taco is pretty popular around here so their reputation is well known and respected for the most part. Guys will give me good natured crap but then be like "but I'll need to replace my truck twice before you need to replace yours" At work most of the guys got silenced after I pulled one of their full size HD trucks up out of a ditch this winter. So I would say it feels pretty good. They're great little trucks and I think most informed truck guys know that. The reality is the the Tacomas are plenty of truck for most people.

 

I have Ram. But I needed a daily driver, hunting, fishing, camping truck that is nimble an capable, maneuvers well in the woods, reliable. TRD OR. I enjoy this truck for just 1 month I've owned it. I find it comfortable, plenty of comfort features for me.

 

I've driven a first gen Tacoma for many years, a third gen Tacoma for many years, my friends double cab F150 for a few trips and I've been in a F150 and Tahoe rentals. So here's my answer:

What does it feel like owning a Tacoma versus another truck?
Man, my wallet loves me for it. I have a reliable truck and I do my own maintenance and I believe that no other truck would be this easy to work on. Name another truck out there with fixed calipers?

What does it feel like driving a Tacoma versus another truck?
It feels like it's the perfect truck for somebody my size and the perfect truck for the off-road trails. I'm not a big guy, but boy I enjoy driving a small house made by Ford or GM every once in a while. It's the coolest thing to be able to stop at a light and see the roof of the sedan next to you. But that size and weight is a real limitation when it comes to off-road.

What does it feel like being seen in a Tacoma versus another truck?
Really feels like I'm only acknowledged by other Tacoma drivers or prospective Tacoma owners. Driving the first gen, I'd be at a light and the guy next to me rolls down his window and says "Hey, kid, any change you're willing to sell your truck?". It's flattering when someone recognizes the value.

 

See, I think the new chevy/GMC HD trucks look great (not the 1500s)...the only thing that would stop me from buying one is the mirrors believe it or not..I mean I just can’t get over what a terrible after thought those are

 

I had a Ram 1500 4X4 before the Tacoma. The Tacoma, or any other mid size wasn't on my radar at all. My wife and I had discussed buying a new truck for several reasons. One was my wife was having a hard time getting into the Ram because of knee problems. Still, I was thinking 3/4 ton. We had a Tacoma as a rental while on a trip. My wife asked how about one of these? I told her I would never drive anything other than a full size. After a a day in the Tacoma, it changed my mind. Far better road manners, more comfortable, was much quieter, and got much better mileage. The Ram got 9 in the city, the Tacoma gets 18-19. A great day on the highway for the Ram was 15, the Tacoma gets 23-25. On a long trip, the Tacoma is easier to drive and leaves me less fatigued. The Ram required constant steering inputs, the tires made a good amount of noise, it didn't brake as well, and I dreaded seeing the gas gauge go down on a long/steep pass. On trails, the Ram went through gas like it had a leak. Not a big deal with the Tacoma.

The Ram would easily out-pull the Tacoma, sounded mean, and had a good stereo system (Alpine HU/Amps with 1000 to the sub and 500 to each Satellite. The bed was quite a bit bigger which I do miss. The Ram was tougher to park, and you really knew it if you were at the beach or in LA. The Ram got a lot of looks and positive comments, though I don't think it was that eye-catching. The conversation usually started with Duuuude... You get the idea. I was happy to get the Tacoma, and like my signature says, "mostly old man mods". I like just being able to get in it and drive. I like the reliability. The Ram had lockers front and rear, gears, a built transmission with strong shifts, new motor with some special sauce, tuner, CAI, exhaust, and was premium fuel only... the usual BS. It went to a 20 something that was starting a career in construction. He was happy to get it. It served me well and took my family all over the western US without a problem, but it was time to move on.

I just drive the Tacoma and don't think about whether I have maintenance, or what's that sound, or how much gas do I have. It also fits in the garage better. I can actually get into it while parked inside with my wife's JK next to it. I have a lot of tools, several saws, two work benches, welder, plasma, hydraulic press, engine hoist, and a motorcycle in there, so my 24X24 two-car is tight.

When I drive the wife's JK, I usually get a few very excited Jeep owners who give me the big Jeep wave. They are a very enthusiastic bunch. On rare occasion, I get a "what's up" head bob from another Tacoma owner. We are a little more subdued I think. I did once get a lot of questions from a Colorado owner. He liked the color (Quicksand) and I suspect he may have been regretting his bow-tie choice. You know, everyone wants to be able to sit at the "cool kids" table.