2001 TRD extra cab 3.4 engine was the best truck I've ever owned. I didn't offroad that much but I did a lot of carpentry side work with it. Great in the snow
I still own my 1st gen, 21 years later and almost 500K miles with minimal maintanence and repairs and original motor and tranny and not pampered. I have to say this is the best gen of Tacoma.
Nice I got a 04 double cab TRD off-road with 240,000 miles and just like you minimum maintenance and not babied. I love the truck it’s my daily and on the weekends it’s a trail hunter. I don’t ever plan on selling it.
@eight0eightdvs258 I also have an 04 double cab trd or with 250k. I love the 4x4 shifter and how the truck is lighter and smaller than the new gens. If I wanted a slightly bigger truck, I'd go with 1st gen tundra.
@@JoshuaCussins that’s sick yah I like the lightness smallness of the truck especially when I go offroad on tight trails. The only newer truck I’d get would be a 2nd or 3rd gen Tacoma but I’ll never sale my 1st gen.
Andre, you live in Colorado. Near Boulder at that. Having all 4 generations of Tacomas in one place at one time happens literally multiple times a day. 😊
From a tuning perspective. I preferred gen 3 out of all. I get the 4 litre has the reputation and all, but after getting the shift logic sorted, the 3.5 is way smoother and peppier, has been my favorite truck to drive. We've had a JDM Hilux surf (diesel), Land Cruiser Prado (diesel), 97 T100 with the 3.4, 04 Tundra with 4.7, now a 2024 Tundra. So I've driven all types of Toyota's The 2GR may not be loved in the Tacoma community but it's been a highly praised platform on the Lexus side and has been just as reliable as the 1GR considering how many more vehicles it's been in. Shame that Toyota never did a better job with the Trans tuning on the 3rd gen because it had way more potential IMO.
@@butterscotchstrat YES! OTT makes it perform as it should, plus you get 2 levels of tuning. One in ECT mode and one in normal. I believe that you also have 5 levels to choose from.
@@butterscotchstrat i have the OTT tune and i love it. I had my tuner put the mild tune on and then when i hit the ETC it turns on the hottest tune aka “spicy”. Makes it shift so much nicer and doesnt search for gears like it used too. Well worth the 500
Nice truck. A buddy of mine has a 23 with similar specs. I will say “little” isn’t really how I’d describe it though. It’s like 90% the size of my old 2001 F-150 But manufacturers haven’t make little trucks in the US since the previous gen Ranger.
My dad had 93' Toyota Pickup. Pre Tacoma. It was beautiful and I really wish I was old enough to get it at the time! I like how similar the 1st gen Tacoma's look to it.
The 2001 Tacoma w/the V6 was by far the best Tacoma I've ever owned. Currently I have a 2012 Tacoma which gets the job done but apples to apples the 1st Gen is my favorite.
I love the Tacoma. But after owning my 1995 toyota t100 for 10 years i can honestly say i think its better. A little bigger. More roomy. Can still fit down pretty tight offroad trails. Abit beefier suspension and payload capicty. Its not a V8. Little more slow then the tacoma due to the added weight. But overall still feels compact. I like the look of the t100 better to. After owning one for so long i got into a first gen Tacoma and realized the t100 is superior. At least for me and my needs.
The ECT button is good for going up steep hills which prevents the transmission for up shifting when you want to stay in lower gears. For normal driving it just holds the gears longer. Doesn’t necessarily give you more power.
I have a 1st gen prerunner and a 3rd gen trd off road. I love both trucks. The prerunner is great for local Home Depot runs. The 3rd Gen is lifted and has a camper and I only air in for overlanding.
I’ve had 2.7, 4.0 and 3.5x2. 2.7 was my favourite mostly because I did lots of stuff with that truck I shouldn’t and it just handled it all. I get what you’re saying about MTS and likening mechanical systems but MTS=front diff lock. Or the closest we can get. So in extreme situations it can be handy.
I have a 2002 Taco TRD manual V6 (my first Toyota V6) that is bone stock (that I bought new), other than a couple sets of KO2s since then, and I live about 20 miles from CO (as the crow flies). I live in the four corners (San Juan County NM), and it has never been stuck that I couldn't unstuck myself without a winch. I've yanked many a friend in bigger vehicles out of bad situations thanks to that locking rear diff. I swap between it and my 2023 Tremor Coyote as far as daily driving goes. The Taco has almost 200k miles on it and has never stranded me or burned oil. That is my 5th small Toyota truck, and all the others were 4-bangers (which were bullet-proof but underpowered). It was used as a work truck quite a bit and will probably retire as an overlander when I find the time. I bought a new 2013 Tundra Rock Warrior to replace it and wound up selling that to my company last year for a work truck. The Tundra was a great truck, but the lack of a locking rear was its Achilles. In spite of being the oldest truck in our local fleet, it is the best overall...just needs a locker (and better mpg).
I had an '82. Nice shell on the back. Wife and I did some awesome Arizona trips. went to an '84 because of Extended Cab. Gave me the room I needed. no way more than me and a friend are in one of these trucks. Did take My Grandmother, Two Great Aunts in my '84. Top of Four Peaks pass. Overlooking Roosevelt Lake and Phoenix, AZ. one Granddam up front with me, Nana and other Grranddam in the back shell. Bean Bag chair, Futon fold out, comfy set up actually. Ladies wouldn't let me use the Blazer. They cooked, bought the gas and beer. I drove, great trip. Awesome Truck. miss it,
I've had 2 second gen tacomas and I absolutely love it there's something about a proportional truck with the access cabs that look more appealing to the eye than 4 doors
I used to own a 1990 Sr5 extended cab bench seat in the rear cruise control with manual locks manual transmission. Also, it had cruise control with a V6 3.0 leader.
Had a '96 4x4 Xtra Cab with the 2.7L and it was amazing. 100% stock. Also have an '06 4x4 TRD Sport 4dr with a 6' bed. Finding a 6' bed was a chore back then. Excellent rig and 100% stock
I loved the old pull and twist parking break of the old trucks. It didn’t seem to interfere with anyone’s leg room and gave more room in the center console.
Actually depends on lifestyle and culture. When i was a kid, parents farmed so our first gen toyota tacoma was all stock till it died. Lots of friends and family with tacomas were all stock because we farmed.
My 1992 4x4 3.0L V6 5spd I owned since brand new was awesome. Drove it for 14 years. Loved that truck. My 3rd gen 2020 TRD DCLB 4x4 has been just as awesome so far after almost 4 years. Love this one just as much.
2nd gen is the best. Modern safety features and the reliability of the 4.0. A real truck engine that has more torque than HP unlike the engine in the 3rd gen mini van Tacoma engine.
Interesting. I've brought this issue up to numerous guys who get angry and swear they've never heard of a Tacoma frame issue. Somehow it offended them that any Toyota could have any problems
@@jeanclaude7018 the frame design trapped water and salt in the frame and that led to rusting from the inside out. At least that's what it looks like when you see a tacoma that broke in half
@@beexiong2995 I've always wanted to see one of those. An engine that runs forever dragging a cab around by the front wheels. One could bolt some harbor freight casters on the back and still drive around.
Had a first gen, 2000, V6, TRD Off Road w/5-speed and sold it. It was a good little off-road truck! I currently upgraded to Tundra w/5.7 for towing. I sure miss the Taco when I’m hunting in the Rockies.
Dude so much has changed in our culture. Back in 04 when I got my Tacoma TRD Prerunner with an extra-cab, I got crap non-stop that my truck wasn't a pickup truck, it was an SUV! I always viewed double cab trucks as SUV's, extra-cab is just enough for groceries or suit case. Now my 2023 TRD sport, I feel like I need a shower everytime I realize it is a double cab. I don't drive a truck, I drive an SUV.... the only upside is that it is a standard. I am fond of the first gen body model. Take the 4.0 6cyl from the 2nd gen and put it on a 1st gen body for the win!
I have a '22 Tacoma TRD OR and I am absolutely in love with it. I like the looks of the 4th gen, but I love have the proven reliability of that 3.5L V6. It's by no means fast or efficient, but its never gonna let me down
I got my first Tacoma 2017 TRD Sport 4x4 a couple years ago so I only know 3rd gens. I came off my 08 Colorado Z71 I had for 12 years after wrecking it. The Tacoma rides better and has way more than I need but I love it.
I have a 22 TRD Off Road I think it is the most well rounded Tacoma. New ones have tons of issues compared to gen 1,2,&3. Great 4x4 and looks awesome. I think if you have any gen except for 4 you made the right choice.
I have a 2021 TRD Off Road and love it. Very comfortable for me on and off road. And was one of the very few midsize trucks that I fit in, being 6'6". Most trucks I had leg room but no head room. The 3rd gen Tacoma fit the bill. And as for future videos, yes it would be great to see all midsize truck makes and their prior generations reviewed similarly to how you guys did the Tacoma.
Would love to see a Frontier, Colorado, etc. generational comparison! I always envisioned you guys would do something like this at some point or another. Thanks TFL team!
Everyone loves the rear locker and in CO i can see it. However in the midwest and other places when in 4wd high the mechanical locker offered up to 2008 in the tacoma sport was great!! I would prefer the mechanical locker (posi trac) for my wheeling then the electric locker. Granted the mechanical/posi can really get people in trouble in turns on snowy roads but you don't need to be in 4lo for it to work. First gens were nice for just do the grey wire mode to get the rear locked whenever you wanted.
1st gen is my favorite. And the 2.7 is my favorite engine. I do miss the lever and am thankful I have it in my TRD OR 4Runner. 2nd gen Tacoma offered ATRAC along with locker.
4th gen - 4-Link, coils spring, Bilstein piggyback reservoir shocks rear suspension. You asked why the ride on the descent was so smooth - nothing to do with the box frame, EVERYTHING to do with redesigned rear suspension. 4Runner enthusiasts have been enjoying this since 1996. You could have mentioned that in your presentation. It’s 2.4L torque peak @ 1,600 rpm, not 4,600 (3rd gen) wasn’t mentioned either. An additional 2” of legroom in the back seat while having the EXACT same overall length - not mentioned. You didn’t even get in the back seat of the 4th gen or you could have demonstrated that. 4th gen FTW
Just helped my son pick out a 2nd gen for his very first vehicle. The way it’s sounding by reading the comments is that 200k miles isn’t much to worry about
Yall should do a head to head test on BASIC 4x4 midsize trucks. Tacoma sr/sr5 vs frontier s/sv, etc. Would be nice to see the affordable models offroad with no lockers!
What about the gen 2.5? I have a 2015 TRD Off Road with the 4.0 engine automatic carrying a Super Pacific. At my age it will likely be the last vehicle I buy. Very happy with it.
Got a ‘99 tacoma. The tiny tailgate works with my trailers tongue jacks which is nice. I have an f150 as well and can’t put the tailgate down all the way. Kind of a pia
I had a 2002 Prerunner double cab w/ 3.4 V6 and auto trans and it was trouble free for 300K miles when the head gasket started to leak. Was still not burning any oil and ran great. My nephew has it now and instead of replacing the head gaskets on a 300K engine, he replaced the engine with a rebuilt 3.4 V6 and will probably get another 300K out of it.
2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma cabs are identical on the exterior. I think they changed some of the inner structure for safety standards but doors are interchangeable, roof racks etc.
Great show guys, thank you. PS my 1989 red/grey cloth, 5 speed manual 4×4, extracab was my favorite. Bought it in 1993, wish I never sold it. Sure, all the trucks that followed were great but man...that one was special
I have 3rd gen trd offroad. One of the available selections is "Mogul" which would do a power transfer for each of those wheels when slippage occurs. Locking the rear was not the ideal thing for that terrain. The different modes are for variable power transfer for things, or locking for rock crawling.
I happen to LOVE my 3rd generation, a 23 TRD Off Road , double cab, 6’ bed with the Premium and Technology pkgs. I’ve added a Cold Air intake and an Overland Torque Tune. Between the intake and the OTT, my 3.5L V6 is pumping out 318 horsepower and 295 lb ft of torque at 2,200 RPM and I’m getting 19.3mpg at 78-94mph.
I like them, and thought of waiting for a 24 trd pro, but went for the Ranger Raptor instead. It really came down to the all plastic front bumper that needs to be cut up to install a winch bumper, the 4 cylinder vs twin turbo v6, live valve suspension and raptor pedigree, and the ugly square buttons where the headlight knob should be in the Tacoma. The ranger also has the memory seats that I love in my other raptors. Now if Ford would finally deliver my truck that's been sitting in a field for a month, that would be great.
Got a 06 taco awesome truck, had to replace the engine once only bc the oil fired wasn’t on tight and blew out all the oil, and totaled it last week smashed the cab in. Trying to find another cab bc it is an awesome truck
The first gen with the facelift is still one of the best looking trucks on the road, I mean aside from the third gen, of course. The other neat thing about the third gen, is that it sings to you whenever you enable crawl control :)
As someone who has owned both first and second generation, the first generation is by far superior. You lose power with the first gen, but you gain a steel bed, lighter weight, smaller size, and a manual transfer case that works 100% of the time. If you’re stuck on the power thing, go source a TRD or magnussen supercharger. They used to be covered under warranty on the T100 trucks.
2nd gen is best, 4th gen 4cyl turbo is like fake gold, pretty on outside but wont last very long lucky if you get 200k miles due to turbo beating on smaller motor
Tacoma guy chiming in about the ECT it holds the gear while towing for just a little longer resulting in smoother towing. The supercharger really brings this truck to life!! A must have for 1st gen’s.
Thanks to Original Grain for sponsoring this video. Use code ‘TFL’ at originalgrain.com/TFL for $100 off the Toyota TRD Collection!
After the vehicle got stuck in the snow and the break in diff. how do you feel about the 2024?
2nd gen with a 4.0 is peak Tacoma. I had one and loved it. Pulling a trailer was a breeze. So much power down low too.
I have a 5th gen 4Runner with the 4.0 it really is a good motor
Yep I love my 2015 2.5 gen!
Toyota put 4.0L V6 in the landcruiser 70 series in some markets
True and it was because that 2nd gen tacoma with the 4 liter had 282 of Torque
@@joeblack1052 and even in the LC 300 as one option today in Middle East!
2nd gen is my favorite. Simple design that still looks good.👍🏽
newer one is far better
@@DaleWillythe 3rd gen is the same frame with worse styling and an engine downgrade. The 4th gen should have a basic 4-cyl option without a turbo
Same 😎🤘🏾
Keeping my 2.5 gen until it dies
@@DaleWilly says no one
2001 TRD extra cab 3.4 engine was the best truck I've ever owned. I didn't offroad that much but I did a lot of carpentry side work with it. Great in the snow
I still own my 1st gen, 21 years later and almost 500K miles with minimal maintanence and repairs and original motor and tranny and not pampered. I have to say this is the best gen of Tacoma.
Nice! I wish they all didn't rust away in the northeast. They are great trucks.
Nice I got a 04 double cab TRD off-road with 240,000 miles and just like you minimum maintenance and not babied. I love the truck it’s my daily and on the weekends it’s a trail hunter. I don’t ever plan on selling it.
@eight0eightdvs258 I also have an 04 double cab trd or with 250k. I love the 4x4 shifter and how the truck is lighter and smaller than the new gens. If I wanted a slightly bigger truck, I'd go with 1st gen tundra.
@@JoshuaCussins that’s sick yah I like the lightness smallness of the truck especially when I go offroad on tight trails.
The only newer truck I’d get would be a 2nd or 3rd gen Tacoma but I’ll never sale my 1st gen.
Andre, you live in Colorado. Near Boulder at that. Having all 4 generations of Tacomas in one place at one time happens literally multiple times a day. 😊
From a tuning perspective. I preferred gen 3 out of all. I get the 4 litre has the reputation and all, but after getting the shift logic sorted, the 3.5 is way smoother and peppier, has been my favorite truck to drive. We've had a JDM Hilux surf (diesel), Land Cruiser Prado (diesel), 97 T100 with the 3.4, 04 Tundra with 4.7, now a 2024 Tundra. So I've driven all types of Toyota's
The 2GR may not be loved in the Tacoma community but it's been a highly praised platform on the Lexus side and has been just as reliable as the 1GR considering how many more vehicles it's been in. Shame that Toyota never did a better job with the Trans tuning on the 3rd gen because it had way more potential IMO.
Which tune did you go with? I’m considering OTT.
@@butterscotchstrat YES! OTT makes it perform as it should, plus you get 2 levels of tuning. One in ECT mode and one in normal. I believe that you also have 5 levels to choose from.
@@butterscotchstrat i have the OTT tune and i love it. I had my tuner put the mild tune on and then when i hit the ETC it turns on the hottest tune aka “spicy”. Makes it shift so much nicer and doesnt search for gears like it used too. Well worth the 500
3rd gen manual 22’ owner here. Probably one of the most fun and exciting little trucks I’ve ever driven. 3.5 wakes up really quick.
I have a 2016 manual and it is fun to drive. Gas mileage could be better
Nice truck. A buddy of mine has a 23 with similar specs.
I will say “little” isn’t really how I’d describe it though. It’s like 90% the size of my old 2001 F-150
But manufacturers haven’t make little trucks in the US since the previous gen Ranger.
ive had a 2012 tacoma for 6 years now. got it when i turned 16 and plan on keeping it till i die
My dad had 93' Toyota Pickup. Pre Tacoma. It was beautiful and I really wish I was old enough to get it at the time! I like how similar the 1st gen Tacoma's look to it.
4 liter all the way.
💯
2nd is everything we ever needed with a great price. 3rd gen is cool and fix some things but not needed. 4th gen is just excessive
2nd Generation was a revolution for 2005!
All owners thanks for the use of your trucks for this video!
The 2001 Tacoma w/the V6 was by far the best Tacoma I've ever owned. Currently I have a 2012 Tacoma which gets the job done but apples to apples the 1st Gen is my favorite.
Did you have the auto or manual?
@@volvo09 I had the auto
I love the Tacoma. But after owning my 1995 toyota t100 for 10 years i can honestly say i think its better. A little bigger. More roomy. Can still fit down pretty tight offroad trails. Abit beefier suspension and payload capicty. Its not a V8. Little more slow then the tacoma due to the added weight. But overall still feels compact. I like the look of the t100 better to. After owning one for so long i got into a first gen Tacoma and realized the t100 is superior. At least for me and my needs.
I still have a 2004 double cab Off-Road. 256,000 miles and still going strong
The ECT button is good for going up steep hills which prevents the transmission for up shifting when you want to stay in lower gears. For normal driving it just holds the gears longer. Doesn’t necessarily give you more power.
Yeah it just changes shift points for Hilly terrain or for towing, it's more eager to downshift and less eager to constantly be in the highest gear.
Thank you, this is correct, was about to make the same comment till I saw this one, weird how people think it magically gives the truck more power
I have a 1st gen prerunner and a 3rd gen trd off road. I love both trucks. The prerunner is great for local Home Depot runs. The 3rd Gen is lifted and has a camper and I only air in for overlanding.
2nd gen was peak taco
I was here to see the 2nd gen
umm WRONG the newest one is the best by far; why would an older one be better lmao
Loved my second gen so much.
@@DaleWilly Second gen is way better
@@DaleWilly my 2012 and 2009 are both serving me well and both never have a problem
I’ve had 2.7, 4.0 and 3.5x2. 2.7 was my favourite mostly because I did lots of stuff with that truck I shouldn’t and it just handled it all. I get what you’re saying about MTS and likening mechanical systems but MTS=front diff lock. Or the closest we can get. So in extreme situations it can be handy.
Did they just try to sell me a freaking watch in a pelican case what the hell is wrong with the world
It’s what to be seen wearing when one goes to the HOA meeting to complain that the neighbors Sprinter van is actually an RV and violates the covenant.
Gotta pay the bills. Does abc have commercials?
Well yeah. TFL is entertainment. They gotta pay the bills somehow since a lot is involved in making these videos.
Yes they did, and it worked.
Yeh this video commercial SUCKS
I have a 2002 Taco TRD manual V6 (my first Toyota V6) that is bone stock (that I bought new), other than a couple sets of KO2s since then, and I live about 20 miles from CO (as the crow flies). I live in the four corners (San Juan County NM), and it has never been stuck that I couldn't unstuck myself without a winch. I've yanked many a friend in bigger vehicles out of bad situations thanks to that locking rear diff. I swap between it and my 2023 Tremor Coyote as far as daily driving goes. The Taco has almost 200k miles on it and has never stranded me or burned oil. That is my 5th small Toyota truck, and all the others were 4-bangers (which were bullet-proof but underpowered). It was used as a work truck quite a bit and will probably retire as an overlander when I find the time. I bought a new 2013 Tundra Rock Warrior to replace it and wound up selling that to my company last year for a work truck. The Tundra was a great truck, but the lack of a locking rear was its Achilles. In spite of being the oldest truck in our local fleet, it is the best overall...just needs a locker (and better mpg).
I’ve had every generation of Tacoma, and I’ve felt that it’s lost some of its character with each iteration. I just got my first 4 runner last year
WRONG, THEY ONLY GAINED MORE AND MORE CHARACTER
@@DaleWillyseems like it’s personal for you kid 🤣
The 1st Gen is a wonderfully simple truck. I love them
I love my 3rd gen. Never gotten stuck, 33s, plenty of power. I pull a pop-up camper up steep dirt slopes and it just rolls up the hills effortlessly.
I had an '82. Nice shell on the back. Wife and I did some awesome Arizona trips. went to an '84 because of Extended Cab. Gave me the room I needed. no way more than me and a friend are in one of these trucks. Did take My Grandmother, Two Great Aunts in my '84. Top of Four Peaks pass. Overlooking Roosevelt Lake and Phoenix, AZ. one Granddam up front with me, Nana and other Grranddam in the back shell. Bean Bag chair, Futon fold out, comfy set up actually. Ladies wouldn't let me use the Blazer. They cooked, bought the gas and beer. I drove, great trip. Awesome Truck. miss it,
I've had 2 second gen tacomas and I absolutely love it there's something about a proportional truck with the access cabs that look more appealing to the eye than 4 doors
I used to own a 1990 Sr5 extended cab bench seat in the rear cruise control with manual locks manual transmission. Also, it had cruise control with a V6 3.0 leader.
Gavin's got himself a sweet ride. I would love to have a locker and a stick shift
I got one and I’m kind of tired of it but it’s part of my family too
Had a '96 4x4 Xtra Cab with the 2.7L and it was amazing. 100% stock. Also have an '06 4x4 TRD Sport 4dr with a 6' bed. Finding a 6' bed was a chore back then. Excellent rig and 100% stock
I loved the old pull and twist parking break of the old trucks. It didn’t seem to interfere with anyone’s leg room and gave more room in the center console.
But when they get old they don’t go back in all the way and the light stays on
@@mannymotta2174 because the brake is out of adjustment
453,000 kms on my 95. Everything works as it should no issues
Actually depends on lifestyle and culture. When i was a kid, parents farmed so our first gen toyota tacoma was all stock till it died. Lots of friends and family with tacomas were all stock because we farmed.
My 1992 4x4 3.0L V6 5spd I owned since brand new was awesome. Drove it for 14 years. Loved that truck. My 3rd gen 2020 TRD DCLB 4x4 has been just as awesome so far after almost 4 years. Love this one just as much.
If they’d just change the CAFE requirements auto manufacturers would make a killing selling the 1st gen truck sizes.
2nd gen is the best. Modern safety features and the reliability of the 4.0. A real truck engine that has more torque than HP unlike the engine in the 3rd gen mini van Tacoma engine.
The 3.5 in the 3rd gen is incredible. Just need to tune the progrqmming.
I had a 2001 double cab. Loved it, but it had the frame issues and had to get rid of it.
Interesting. I've brought this issue up to numerous guys who get angry and swear they've never heard of a Tacoma frame issue. Somehow it offended them that any Toyota could have any problems
Yup if you live where salt is used or on the roads your frame would rust out bad
@@beexiong2995 What was different on the Frontiers? I don't hear of them having this issue.
@@jeanclaude7018 the frame design trapped water and salt in the frame and that led to rusting from the inside out. At least that's what it looks like when you see a tacoma that broke in half
@@beexiong2995 I've always wanted to see one of those. An engine that runs forever dragging a cab around by the front wheels. One could bolt some harbor freight casters on the back and still drive around.
I currently drive an '09 2.3L 5 speed manual. Based on current truck prices i'll be keeping it for 500k+ miles.
2.7?
Had a first gen, 2000, V6, TRD Off Road w/5-speed and sold it. It was a good little off-road truck! I currently upgraded to Tundra w/5.7 for towing. I sure miss the Taco when I’m hunting in the Rockies.
Best Taco ever 2015 TRD Pro. Peak of Tacomas.
Man I love it when you guys do a video together 🤠
Thank you.
Dude so much has changed in our culture. Back in 04 when I got my Tacoma TRD Prerunner with an extra-cab, I got crap non-stop that my truck wasn't a pickup truck, it was an SUV! I always viewed double cab trucks as SUV's, extra-cab is just enough for groceries or suit case. Now my 2023 TRD sport, I feel like I need a shower everytime I realize it is a double cab. I don't drive a truck, I drive an SUV.... the only upside is that it is a standard. I am fond of the first gen body model. Take the 4.0 6cyl from the 2nd gen and put it on a 1st gen body for the win!
I have a '22 Tacoma TRD OR and I am absolutely in love with it. I like the looks of the 4th gen, but I love have the proven reliability of that 3.5L V6. It's by no means fast or efficient, but its never gonna let me down
I got my first Tacoma 2017 TRD Sport 4x4 a couple years ago so I only know 3rd gens. I came off my 08 Colorado Z71 I had for 12 years after wrecking it. The Tacoma rides better and has way more than I need but I love it.
I have a 22 TRD Off Road I think it is the most well rounded Tacoma. New ones have tons of issues compared to gen 1,2,&3. Great 4x4 and looks awesome. I think if you have any gen except for 4 you made the right choice.
“Where’s all the caution and warning signs on the 4th gen? I think they done away with that all”
(Cameraman pans over to the driver visor card) 😂
that was nice !!! 4 generation !!! I had the same V6 in my FJ, and that engine was a beast!
The 2nd gen is the greatest midsized truck ever made. Period.
I have a 2021 TRD Off Road and love it. Very comfortable for me on and off road. And was one of the very few midsize trucks that I fit in, being 6'6". Most trucks I had leg room but no head room. The 3rd gen Tacoma fit the bill. And as for future videos, yes it would be great to see all midsize truck makes and their prior generations reviewed similarly to how you guys did the Tacoma.
Would love to see a Frontier, Colorado, etc. generational comparison! I always envisioned you guys would do something like this at some point or another. Thanks TFL team!
It’s nice to see these comparisons. Do this as much as it can and local viewers, show us your trucks for the series.
Everyone loves the rear locker and in CO i can see it. However in the midwest and other places when in 4wd high the mechanical locker offered up to 2008 in the tacoma sport was great!! I would prefer the mechanical locker (posi trac) for my wheeling then the electric locker. Granted the mechanical/posi can really get people in trouble in turns on snowy roads but you don't need to be in 4lo for it to work. First gens were nice for just do the grey wire mode to get the rear locked whenever you wanted.
The sport had an LSD not a locker
I love all this extra Nathan content. It's like they are using him extra before he goes to Cali and im here for it. Nathan is the best. 😊
Why in the world would he go there?
Had 2004 Trd Xtra cab 4x4 with the 5 spd and it was a fantastic truck.
Agreed. Got a 2001 manual with diff lock. Such a great truck.
The 96 Tacoma was really the sign off for the classic Toyota look with the square recessed headlights.
I have a 2001 and am jealous of the square headlights. Such a nice retro look.
Definitely I grew up with the Toyota pickups in Hawaii and we used them for hunting and off-road adventures. One of the best trucks ever made. Hands 🙌
@@19888995I drive 99 4rummer so I'm just jealous yall get the tacoma front end.
My 2021 TRD OR is my first ever toyota. Absolutely love it. Hesitant to trade it for a 2024.
Don't!
I wouldn’t
Don’t do it
Don’t do it man
Well the newer one is much better in every way
1st gen is my favorite. And the 2.7 is my favorite engine.
I do miss the lever and am thankful I have it in my TRD OR 4Runner.
2nd gen Tacoma offered ATRAC along with locker.
Great review of all the Taco Generations...very insightful and love the real commentary.
4th gen - 4-Link, coils spring, Bilstein piggyback reservoir shocks rear suspension. You asked why the ride on the descent was so smooth - nothing to do with the box frame, EVERYTHING to do with redesigned rear suspension. 4Runner enthusiasts have been enjoying this since 1996. You could have mentioned that in your presentation.
It’s 2.4L torque peak @ 1,600 rpm, not 4,600 (3rd gen) wasn’t mentioned either.
An additional 2” of legroom in the back seat while having the EXACT same overall length - not mentioned. You didn’t even get in the back seat of the 4th gen or you could have demonstrated that.
4th gen FTW
Just helped my son pick out a 2nd gen for his very first vehicle. The way it’s sounding by reading the comments is that 200k miles isn’t much to worry about
2nd gen always be favorite
Loving the trd sport hood wish the TRD came with one wanting to put one on mine only came on the trd sports amazing video guys !!
That 2001 model is a second refresh. Look at the 98 Taco.
Mmmm tacos for breakfast ☕️
Yall should do a head to head test on BASIC 4x4 midsize trucks. Tacoma sr/sr5 vs frontier s/sv, etc. Would be nice to see the affordable models offroad with no lockers!
What about the gen 2.5? I have a 2015 TRD Off Road with the 4.0 engine automatic carrying a Super Pacific. At my age it will likely be the last vehicle I buy. Very happy with it.
I recently went back and forth between the 1st, 2nd, 3rd gen. I went with a low mileage double cab first gen and I love it
Got a ‘99 tacoma. The tiny tailgate works with my trailers tongue jacks which is nice. I have an f150 as well and can’t put the tailgate down all the way. Kind of a pia
Tailgate is a grower… not a show’er.
I had a 2002 Prerunner double cab w/ 3.4 V6 and auto trans and it was trouble free for 300K miles when the head gasket started to leak. Was still not burning any oil and ran great. My nephew has it now and instead of replacing the head gaskets on a 300K engine, he replaced the engine with a rebuilt 3.4 V6 and will probably get another 300K out of it.
These two guys have a rocky chemistry.
Would absolutely like a Colorado version of this, as I had a first generation for nearly 10 years.
thank you for this video.. just wondering.. what's the suspension set up on the 1st gen taco..
Never gonna get rid of my 90 Toyota 4x4 p/u with the 22re.
2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma cabs are identical on the exterior. I think they changed some of the inner structure for safety standards but doors are interchangeable, roof racks etc.
Nathan and Andre have great chemistry together. Awesome review!
Nathan: "You gonna be ok with the leaves in front of you?"
Andre:"No...." 😀
Great show guys, thank you. PS my 1989 red/grey cloth, 5 speed manual 4×4, extracab was my favorite. Bought it in 1993, wish I never sold it. Sure, all the trucks that followed were great but man...that one was special
Miss my 08 TRD Sport, no traction control and a LSD, fun to drive in the winter
TFL Truck is the best channel ever
I own a 1st and 3rd gen Tacoma. Both 4x4 and i think the 1st gen is better for offroading.
I have 3rd gen trd offroad. One of the available selections is "Mogul" which would do a power transfer for each of those wheels when slippage occurs. Locking the rear was not the ideal thing for that terrain. The different modes are for variable power transfer for things, or locking for rock crawling.
That noise wasn't the side step, that was your front diff wanting to break again.
My 96 is all stock and has 351,000 on it. Also have off road it with friends who had jeeps.
Love my 2nd gen double cab 4x4!!
4 liter v6 in my 2013 2.5 gen is gold im driving tris thing to the moon boi
I happen to LOVE my 3rd generation, a 23 TRD Off Road , double cab, 6’ bed with the Premium and Technology pkgs.
I’ve added a Cold Air intake and an Overland Torque Tune.
Between the intake and the OTT, my 3.5L V6 is pumping out 318 horsepower and 295 lb ft of torque at 2,200 RPM and I’m getting 19.3mpg at 78-94mph.
No you aren't
Nathan I believe the c channel was just the back portion of the frame where the bed is
Yep. It was a triple tech frame design. Boxed in the front, double wall c channel , and then single wall c channel frame.
Let’s go! This is my Saturday morning cartoons
18:40 facts on the expedition, that section isn't even offroading you just gotta go more than 3mph for once Andre lmao
I like them, and thought of waiting for a 24 trd pro, but went for the Ranger Raptor instead. It really came down to the all plastic front bumper that needs to be cut up to install a winch bumper, the 4 cylinder vs twin turbo v6, live valve suspension and raptor pedigree, and the ugly square buttons where the headlight knob should be in the Tacoma. The ranger also has the memory seats that I love in my other raptors. Now if Ford would finally deliver my truck that's been sitting in a field for a month, that would be great.
😂
Got a 06 taco awesome truck, had to replace the engine once only bc the oil fired wasn’t on tight and blew out all the oil, and totaled it last week smashed the cab in. Trying to find another cab bc it is an awesome truck
The first gen with the facelift is still one of the best looking trucks on the road, I mean aside from the third gen, of course. The other neat thing about the third gen, is that it sings to you whenever you enable crawl control :)
As someone who has owned both first and second generation, the first generation is by far superior.
You lose power with the first gen, but you gain a steel bed, lighter weight, smaller size, and a manual transfer case that works 100% of the time. If you’re stuck on the power thing, go source a TRD or magnussen supercharger. They used to be covered under warranty on the T100 trucks.
The 1GR is my favorite engine of all the Tacomas. They tend to blow head gaskets at higher mileage. Not all, but some.
I got to drive the 24 tacoma yesterday. If i didnt buy my 23 tundra last june and wanted a new midsize truck, i think id go with the tacoma
2nd gen is best, 4th gen 4cyl turbo is like fake gold, pretty on outside but wont last very long lucky if you get 200k miles due to turbo beating on smaller motor
Tacoma guy chiming in about the ECT it holds the gear while towing for just a little longer resulting in smoother towing. The supercharger really brings this truck to life!! A must have for 1st gen’s.
Should have tested the 2nd and 3rd gen traction control with no locker like they tested the 4th gen.
Going to miss Nathan here with the gang...
Why? Is he leaving TFL?
You dudes have best channel on UA-cam.
Are you going to be okay with the leaves in front of you?! 😂