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Why do toyota's powertrains suck?

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by David411, Dec 9, 2017.

  1. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:25 AM
    #1
    David411

    David411 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Serious question.
    I'm in the market to replace my 2nd gen tacoma.
    Which has been incredibly solid and reliable. My only complaints are the shoddy seating position and gutless 3.4 V6.
    I love the third gen Tacoma. It looks mean and the interior is much improved.
    But my god that 3.5 V6 is gutless when I test drove one. You need to have high rpms to make any power.
    I test drove a diesel Colorado and although not a racehorse the low end torque and highway cruising was incredible. It never needed to downshift on the highway hills around here.
    Now I hear Ford is putting their ecoboost engines in the upcoming ranger. If that is true that machine will be a monster.

    So why is it that Toyota is so brutally behind the times on powertrain technology? It's almost 2018!
     
    BCorban7884 and 12TRDTacoma like this.
  2. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:29 AM
    #2
    barcelona7568

    barcelona7568 Well-Known Member

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    They're pretty far advanced as technology goes, it just doesnt generate a lot of power where most peopl expect in a truck.
     
  3. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:30 AM
    #3
    robbievo

    robbievo Well-Known Member

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    I chose the Tacoma because it’s a way better looking truck than the Colorado. The Ford has power, can tow like a beast, and can be tuned to do even more, but my last Ford rattled like crazy inside, had driveline vibration, poor body panel alignment and depreciated like crazy. Sure the Chevy will depreciate just the same as with all of their other cars/trucks. Get a shift sense and call it a day.
     
    2016Tacoman, Wedge, Lucifer1 and 2 others like this.
  4. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:32 AM
    #4
    Tunngavik

    Tunngavik Well-Known Member

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  5. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:32 AM
    #5
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    You have a 3.4 in a 2nd gen? I thought they were 4.0 in the v6 variant.

    And to answer your question, what did your searches on the multiple threads on the topic reveal?

    Hint. You were smart to test drive. If you don't like it, don't buy it. Easy peasy.
     
  6. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:33 AM
    #6
    Opihi59

    Opihi59 Vulgar Boatman

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    Unknown lift, maybe 2" I don't know how to ID it, and would rather set it back to stock.
    The two Gen 2s I have had never seemed gutless. I am sure Toyota is bending to pressures to improve fuel economy as are most of the usual major vehicle manufacturers, and the 3.5 is rated a higher horsepower than the 4.0 was. However, it does not really feel that way to the "seat of the pants" operator.
    I'm not real sure the Otto cycle/Atkinson cycle introduction into the 3.5 that made its debut (discounting Prius) in the Gen 3 was that great of an idea other than on paper. As vehicles gain in miles and years, and warranties get used up, I am sure we will see a lot of modifications and changes made by Tacoma owners.
     
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  7. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:37 AM
    #7
    ElGatoLoco

    ElGatoLoco Well-Known Member

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    I think part of the reason why these Toyota’s easily go over 200K miles is because the engine is simple.

    I don’t browse Ford forums but any data on how long the turbo engines are lasting on average? I’ve had FI cars and after you reach 100K it can start affecting reliability at an increasing rate.
     
    cruxofthebisquit and stun gun like this.
  8. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:37 AM
    #8
    boynoyce

    boynoyce .

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    :rofl:
     
  9. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:38 AM
    #9
    David411

    David411 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have a first gen. My bad. I got confused with 4runner gens. I have a 2003 doublecab TRD
     
    PennSilverTaco likes this.
  10. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:40 AM
    #10
    boynoyce

    boynoyce .

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    :rofl:
     
  11. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:40 AM
    #11
    Iamraiderpower

    Iamraiderpower Well-Known Member

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    What the fuck am I reading?
     
  12. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:41 AM
    #12
    TACORIDER

    TACORIDER Just another statistic

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    Not comparing apples to apples
    Toyota is gas with no turbo
    Eco boost is gas with turbo so when it spools up you’ve got the power
    Colorado Diesel is a diesel with a turbo

    Three different motors, Toyota is the only one that offers a manual and I4 for motors. Test drive a gas Colorado and then you can at least compare those two.
     
    PennSilverTaco and over60 like this.
  13. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:43 AM
    #13
    Iamraiderpower

    Iamraiderpower Well-Known Member

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    You can get 4banger and manual in Colorado....
     
  14. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:45 AM
    #14
    TACORIDER

    TACORIDER Just another statistic

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    really? I thought dodge and Tacoma’s were the only manual trucks left.
     
  15. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:47 AM
    #15
    shakerhood

    shakerhood Well-Known Member

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    Nissan has Manual Frontier too
     
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  16. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:48 AM
    #16
    Iamraiderpower

    Iamraiderpower Well-Known Member

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    Yuuuuup
     
    shakerhood[QUOTED] likes this.
  17. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:48 AM
    #17
    David411

    David411 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Which is a shame.
    I could see Toyota engineering a really kick a$$ small displacement hi torque turbo engine.
    For an application like the Tacoma it would be perfect.
     
  18. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:50 AM
    #18
    shakerhood

    shakerhood Well-Known Member

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    They could do that, but then the price of an already expensive truck is going to increase.
     
  19. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:50 AM
    #19
    Iamraiderpower

    Iamraiderpower Well-Known Member

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    Yea but then you start jacking with the Toyota reliability
     
    hiPSI, 2016Tacoman, Steadfast and 7 others like this.
  20. Dec 9, 2017 at 8:51 AM
    #20
    siznarf

    siznarf Everyone my age is older than me...

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    What are your expectations when it comes to powertrain tech?
     

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