2001 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 V6 review from North America

1. Right after the vehicle was purchased, the plastic fender flares warped and the rubber gaskets fell out, causing them to rattle. Dealer repaired.

2. After having the fender flares repaired, the front sway bar actually FELL OFF while I was driving. Keep in mind that this vehicle seldom sees dirt. Dealer repaired.

3. The rear locking differential jammed up and would not unlock, causing the rear differential to blow up. Fixed by dealer after third time to the shop, and not without an argument.

4. Front rotars warped. I never haul anything. Dealer said that I shouldn't haul so much weight with the truck (ha ha) and that the rotars were replaced. They didn't even touch them. Had the truck in 4 times for this problem, and on the fourth time, dealer found that the rear drums were out of round. Fixed by dealer, but not without a fight.

5. Wouldn't start in cold weather. Adjustments made by dealer. That didn't work. Then, it wouldn't start AND it cut out when I tried to accelerate quickly. ECU had to be replaced. Dealer repaired.

6. Rattles EVERYWHERE in the interior. Seats already faded and torn. The ash tray just fell out while I was going to work one day. Speedometer works, but only sometimes. Windsheild has an air leak. Moon roof and passemger side door leak water. Power door locks have a mind of their own, along with the power windows. They only work sometimes as well.

The only good thing I can say about the Tacoma is that it has great acceleration for the engine, it runs smooth, and shifts well. Handles OK off road, but I wouldn't sugest anything to harsh. No drivetrain problems (yet). I feel that this vehicle is WAY overpriced for what you get. The interior is cheap, it rides/handles pretty bad on-road (mostly because of some serious body roll). I would not recomend the TRD package. The locking diff is garbage. Buy a REAL locker if you really want one. The Bilstein shocks ride just like the Toyota shocks, and the skid plates make it next to impossible to get to the oil filter. Don't listen to what people say about "Toyota quality". There is no longer any such thing. It died back in the mid-90's. The 2001 Tacoma is nothing but problems. Save your money and get a real truck.