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Entry #6 - A Little Look at the Toyota Tacoma

Today, Toyota is known worldwide for its cars like the Corolla, Camry, and a personal favorite, the Supra. However, their trucks are also just as popular, if not more. Throughout their production of trucks, they've had many different kinds like the Hilux, ironically, Toyota Truck, and the Tundra. Each one of these trucks is great, but the one that we'll be going over is the Toyota Tacoma, specifically how it came to be and what is so great about having one.

The first generation of Toyota Tacomas was made from 1995-2004. Compared to the previous truck, the Toyota Truck, it had improved handling and comfort. By the time the 2000s came, they had made standard running headlights on models with abs. They would even add vehicle stability control(VSC) and traction control. Toyota would also make the PreRunner Xtracab and Xtracab TRD packages in this generation. With the TRD (Toyota Racing Development), Toyota aimed to create a truck dedicated to off-roading. This was only possible with the enhanced suspension, better shock absorbers, and exclusive exterior marking. This solidified Tacoma's reputation that it could handle the most demanding and challenging terrain, like a stroll in the park. These additions made the first generation Tacomas stylish, utilitarian, and durable in a period that demanded enhancement due to the competition, like the Nissan. 

1st gen Toyota Tacoma Xtracab TRD modified

Next, we have the second generation, which went from 2005-2015. This generation of Tacomas presented a more significant focus on the driver's needs instead of innovation and refinement. Despite the leaning away from these things, they still provided what drivers wanted and were still able to refine and improve on the generation. Toyota would also go and provide two different powertrains. One was the 4.0L 6-cylinder engine that delivered more substantial power, making towing trailers and traversing challenging terrains seem easy. They would also make a 2.7L 4-cylinder model for people who wanted more fuel efficiency. This generation also presented more options, notably the TRD Sport and TRD Pro packages. These packages gave more experienced drivers specialized tunning and performance with exclusive markings. By paying attention to driver feedback, refinement, and foreseeing marketing trends, Toyota solidified the mid-truck benchmark with Tacoma. 

Finally, for now, we have the third generation that spans from 2016 to the present. For this generation, Toyota has sought to redefine and raise the bar for mid-sized truck standards to respond to the changing culture. They've bridged the legacy of Toyota and the modern aspirations of new truck enthusiasts. This Tacoma presents a drastically different design from previous generations by going with sleeker lines and a hexagonal grill to give it athleticism and complexity. These modern changes aren't just for the outside; the truck illuminates, quite literally, with LED daytime running lights, improved visibility, and a futuristic addition to the appeal. This generation remembered the performance by adding an Atkinson-cycle 3.5L 6-cylinder engine with direct injection. This technological leap between Toyota ensured a mix of robust power and improved fuel economy. Toyota also made a six-speed automatic standard in their models, which made driving smoother, no matter if you are in the suburbs or on formidable trails.

2024 Toyota Tacoma | Ultimate Adventure Machine

Despite its long history of making trucks, Toyota has made it its goal to keep improving, refining, and listening to feedback to keep raising the bar for its trucks. After reading this, I hope you've learned a little about Tacomas and how they changed throughout the years. I drive a first-generation Xtracab TRD and take it off-roading whenever possible. If you ever get the chance to take one out, enjoy yourself and make the most of it because it could be an experience of a lifetime.

Comments

  1. Jordan HoytNovember 2, 2023 at 2:58 PM

    Ive always heard great things about these trucks. My friend has a 3rd gen with 33's and 3.5 inch lift. He let me drive it once and it felt great! Their reliability is awesome. Have you heard of the Tacoma that lasted for over a million miles?

    ReplyDelete

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