The Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck produced and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation since 1995. The second-generation Tacoma was Motor Trend Magazine's Truck of the Year for 2005. The Toyota Tacoma is named after the City of Tacoma, Washington, USA
First generation (1995–2004)
In its first couple years of production the Tacoma sold very well, attracting many young buyers. The first generation Tacoma underwent a total of two cosmetic facelifts: the first in 1998, and the second in 2001. The facelifts mainly entailed new headlights and grilles. Mechanical changes included a switch to distributorless ignitions (coil-on-plug) in 1997 and in 1998 longer rear leaf springs. A passenger-side air bag was added for 1998, and the driver's side air bag (added in 1995) was "depowered". All 4x4 models came with Toyota's Automatic Differential Disconnect (ADD) system after the 2000 model year.
The only extra feature in 2001 was a new crew cab (four door) model added to the lineup. The crew cab featured four doors, while the extended cabs still opened with two doors. The extended cab featured a 6-foot (2 m) bed while the crew cab featured a 5-foot-5-inch (1.65 m) bed. Many customers were upset with small crew cab beds, but most competitors shared this shortcoming.
In 2001, along with the front facelift, Toyota had also unveiled an S-Runner trim package which included the 3.4 liter V6 engine. It came with 16-inch (410 mm) alloy wheels, and a 5 speed manual transmission with Tokico gas shocks. There were only 200 produced each month from 2001-2004.
In 2001, along with the front facelift, Toyota had also unveiled an S-Runner trim package which included the 3.4 liter V6 engine. It came with 16-inch (410 mm) alloy wheels, and a 5 speed manual transmission with Tokico gas shocks. There were only 200 produced each month from 2001-2004.
By 2003 the Tacoma had gained 16.5 percent sales from its previous years. The Tacoma's popularity only increased in the next few years. By 2004 it was ahead of the Nissan Frontier, and Dodge Dakota, but still 2.2 percent behind in sales to the Ford Ranger.
In 2008, Toyota proactively announced a 15 year, unlimited mileage corrosion warranty for 1995-2000 models due to inadequate rustproofing and frame corrosion issues affecting a small number of Tacomas. Toyota will either repair the frame or buyback the truck for 1.5 times its KBB retail value.
In 2008, Toyota proactively announced a 15 year, unlimited mileage corrosion warranty for 1995-2000 models due to inadequate rustproofing and frame corrosion issues affecting a small number of Tacomas. Toyota will either repair the frame or buyback the truck for 1.5 times its KBB retail value.
