2004 Toyota Tacoma base model reg cab 2.4 from North America

Summary:

Excellent basic transportation commuter and utility vehicle

Faults:

No problems so far.

General Comments:

So far this base model, no options Tacoma has been a great commuter pick up truck.

Although the interior is small there is enough head and leg room for me. (5'9") But with two people the interior becomes cramped and there is no extra room for storage, being a regular cab.

It has not had any problems in 6500 miles and I expect it to stay that way.

The only major issue with it is performance in winter.

The back end breaks loose very easily. Even a high wind on a slippery road will cause the rear to slide a little. I just added 4 snow tires and some weight so hopefully that will help during the next storm.

However during cold days the heater heats up quicker than any car I have ever owned.

Another small issue I have is that there is a slight transmission whine in 3rd and 5th especially. It's noticeable, but I know if I take it to the dealer they'll just say its normal. So I will wait to see if it gets worse. Its not a big deal; the radio easily drowns it out.

The gas mileage is excellent at around 26 mpg combined.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th February, 2005

2004 Toyota Tacoma SR5 V6 XTR Cab 3.4L V6 from North America

Summary:

I am not satisfied with this vehicle

Faults:

When I purchased my new Tacoma I was excited that I had purchased a vehicle that has a good resale value and gets above par gas mileage for a mid size pickup. The unfortunate thing is that I am getting 13-13.5 MPG in the city and 16 MPG on the highway. This is far below the advertised EPA/MPG advertised on my sticker (17/20). I took the car to the dealer's service center and they found nothing wrong. The explained to me that the manufacturer claims that truck will get a range in mileage between 13-24 which does not correspond with my sales sticker which states 14-23.

General Comments:

I have owned Toyota trucks in the past and I was very happy with their performance on and off road. I am very disappointed with my new Tacoma for this reason. I wish I could take it back and go and buy a different truck. If you are interested in buying a Toyota for mileage reasons, I do hope that this informations helps you.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 7th December, 2004

7th Dec 2004, 18:23

I too have heard comments regarding the dismal gas mileage of the 3.4 litre engines. True, it is a V-6 and a truck, but in comparison to say a Nissan Titan V-8 with 305 HP and getting similar gas ratings, Toyotas should command better mpg. As I perform additional research for the best truck on the market based on several key factors - reliability, mpg, resale, integrity, etc., I am seriously considering a purchase other than a Toyota. Owning Toyota trucks and cars for the last 21 years with excellent/trouble free experience, they just don't seem the same quality as past year models and of course the fortune a new model demands today.

2004 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner from North America

Summary:

Not worth $27,000 and not for tall people

Faults:

Several noises are starting to come from the cab area. Also, tires for the PreRunner are not a usual stock brand. I had to wait 8 days before they came in.

General Comments:

Though the drive train I have not problems with, the interior is lack of bells and whistles. It barely has a kazoo. The seats are very uncomfortable, fuel economy if a lie on the V6 model, the bed is too shallow to do anything with, the fold down rear seats don't form a platform to be useful, interior storage space is a big problem, the clock on the dash board is hidden behind the wheel.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th October, 2004

28th Nov 2004, 16:50

It is no wonder why it is not built for tall people, it is a mini-truck. I am six feet three inches and as long as it is not the regular cab it is fine for me. my advise test drive before buying!

29th Nov 2004, 17:54

I don't even own a Toyota, so I'm not biased. But you should've test drove and did your research BEFORE buying. If it didn't meet your expectations, why did you buy the truck??? The only real problem you have is with gas mileage not meeting your expectations. Case closed.