It is a no-brainer that Tacoma owners love their vehicles. A 2019 survey shows that Toyota Tacoma comes number three in the most sold trucks in the United States. U.S News has been rating the Tacoma truck among the first three reliable, compact pickup trucks for years now.
Tacoma is a favorite among many and is considered value for money.
However, are Toyota Tacomas still reliable? Tacomas are still very reliable pickup trucks even though the reliability rating for the 2022 model has dropped from the 2021 version.
Consumer reports predict its reliability at 3/5, which is lower than the 2021 model rating that was at 5/5. Even the 2020 model had a reliability rating of 4/5, which was fantastic.
Toyota Tacoma Stylish and Rugged
When you go looking for a reliable truck to purchase, a Toyota Tacoma will always come up. The pickup trucks are not only stylish but rugged and very tough for your off-road trips. Tacomas are not too small, nor are they too big, making them perfect for getting the job done. For this reason, Tacomas are very popular all around the world.
Toyota introduced this model in 1995, and from then onwards, the trucks have been a favorite making them the best-sellers for the company. All its models are loved by many, including the hatchbacks, sedans, trucks, and SUVs.
A study by Power Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout, measures owner satisfaction with a truck with comfort, interior design, utility, exterior styling, and performance factors.
From the study, Tacomas scored an index score of 791, making it top-rated in customer satisfaction.
Reliability and the Toyota Brand
There are consumer reports that indicate several Toyota models offer users superior reliability. These models include Toyota RAV4 Prime and Toyota Venza. However, note that the 2022 Tacomas dropped the overall reliability of the Toyota ratings. The RAV4, Corolla Hatchback, and Sienna scored less on the reliability ratings.
In 2021, Toyota was ranked at position two in overall reliability in the car world. The below-average reliability ratings of the mentioned models and the Tacomas made Toyota drop to position three in car manufacturers. Even though it is a respectable position, it is a drop from where it initially was. Mazda and Lexus rank above Toyota in terms of reliability.
Surveys Guide Consumer Reports
©edgarbullon/123RF.COM
To find out the least and most reliable vehicles, consumer reports send out surveys to car owners to determine how it is going. The consumer reports will ask the consumers about the major repairs done on the vehicle in the past year. Consumers will also have to talk about the severity of these problems, after which the consumer reports will evaluate all the surveys.
Surveys will also ask for the consumers’ mechanical knowledge. The consumer reports will assign the vehicles a reliability rating from the surveys. Every vehicle should contain over two years of data to be successfully evaluated. Consumer reports collect as many surveys as possible to ensure the authenticity of the results. In 2021 alone, the reports collected over 300,000 survey results.
These surveys are very comprehensive, with over 200 to 300 survey responses. All answers here provide an idea of how the consumer is doing with their vehicle brand. Technically, the high number of questions ensures the reliability of the results is accurate.
Even though the 2022 Tacoma may not have the best reliability, Tacomas are still excellent, especially some earlier generations.
What Is the Best Toyota Tacoma Generation?
First Generation: 1995 to 2004
Toyota Tacomas are classified into three generations depending on the year of manufacture since their initiation in 1995. The first generation of Tacomas was from 1995 to 2004, and it is prominent with off-roaders. Tacoma was initially a Hilux, changed to a Toyota Truck, and eventually became Tacoma.
Second Generation: 2005 to 2015
The second generation of Tacomas is from 2005 to 2015, and they are the most common Tacoma trucks on the roads today.
Third Generation: 2015 to 2022
The other generation of the Tacoma trucks is the third generation, with the trucks manufactured from 2015 to date.
Deep Dive Into The Second Generation Tacomas
The second generation of the Tacomas is considered the best generation. Launched in 2005, the common engine choices of these Tacomas are the 4.0-liter V6 and 2.7 liters 4 cylinders. The trucks could be automatic or manual, depending on your liking. A manual Tacoma in this generation comes with long-throw resembling a tractor and gear engagement resembling stirring cement.
Off-Road Package
Its automatic version is so powerful and excellent. This second-generation Tacoma comes with locking differentials for the offroad package. However, this generation did not produce any Tacomas with leather seats. These Tacomas will come with lane departure warnings that alert you with a steering wheel vibration anytime you switch lanes.
Second Generation Reliability
Second-generation Tacomas are very reliable. Their 6 and 4-cylinder engines do not have issues with reliability. However, the v6 engine is ideal for these second-generation trucks since they have no real issues and come with plenty of power. 2nd generation Tacoma towing capacity is a staggering 3500 pounds using the automatic transmission and 2.7 liters 4 cylinders.
The Aftermarket Hysteria
The capacity could go up to 6500 pounds using the V6 and 4.0-liter engine. Many people consider modifying this Tacoma truck to custom it to their liking. These trucks have a massive aftermarket following, meaning their parts are easily available. Anyone looking to purchase a Toyota Tacoma should consider the second-generation trucks as they proved to be more efficient and effective.
What Are the Top 5 Years for the Toyota Tacoma?
Toyota Tacoma was first introduced in the market in 1995 and is aimed at individuals looking for a truck, luxury vehicle, and heavy lifting off-roader. Since 2008, Tacomas have been in the spotlight for producing mid-sized and compact reliable off-road vehicles.
Since the creation of the Toyota Tacoma model, many people are falling in love with the truck. They come in a double cab and access cab body styles. You may wonder which are the best years for the Toyota Tacoma. Below are the best year models of the Tacoma that are incredibly durable and reliable.
1. 2018 Toyota Tacoma
This Toyota Tacoma has faced its fair share of criticism, primarily because it is not a second-generation truck. The 2018 Tacoma is designed to do away with any kind of noise in the cabin. With this truck, you will not hear cars on the road. It comes with an excellent audio performance system and outstanding quality in the ride.
The modern-day truck’s 2018 Tacoma model boasts peak reliability and performance since it incorporates standard safety features. With this truck, you get a rear-drive or 4-wheel drive and choose between a V6 or a 4-cylinder engine.
2. 2019 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma 2019 model added fascinating styling features to the truck, such as upgraded suspension, logo on the skid plate, and standard Star Safety System. These added features make it the second-best year for the Tacoma trucks. The Star system offers an anti-lock brake system, brake force distribution, traction control, and lots of stability.
Because of the upgrades, the 2019 model is efficient and dependable for most Tacoma users. This model gave the company a big win in terms of brand name and reputation.
3. 2020 Toyota Tacoma
The 2020 model had superior stereo performance and offered users the best ride quality powered by a V6 engine. Almost everything works perfectly in this Tacoma model to make it appear on this list.
It comes in two different cab styles, and off-roaders can choose to go with the 4-wheel or rear-wheel-drive trucks. The 2020 model also has two different engines, i.e., the V6 and the 4-cylinder engine.
You could choose to buy an automatic or manual transmission truck. This model entails automatic emergency braking standards and other alluring features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
4. 1996 Toyota Tacoma
It was the second Tacoma after the introduction of the trucks in the market. Many people regard this truck as one of outstanding reliability and frame. This model can easily go past 300,000 miles mark with no or little maintenance.
It comes with lots of cabin room and cargo space to fit everything you need to bring along. The pickup truck is everything you could ask for in your ideal off-roading truck.
5. 2015 Toyota Tacoma
This Tacoma model is among the best pickup trucks Tacoma has ever produced. It has many standard features, a super reliability rating, and unrivaled off-road performance. The truck has outstanding towing and payload abilities. It comes with two engine options, i.e., the V6 power or the four-cylinder engine.
The other advantage of this Tacoma is the substantial resale value. You will not lose too much money if you decide to resale the truck.
The truck comes with a standard touchscreen and has better fuel economy than other models. It includes advanced safety features such as antilock brakes, side curtain airbags, stability control, and front-seat airbags.
Final Thoughts
Even though the 2022 Toyota Tacoma dropped the reliability rating, Tacomas have proved to be reliable trucks that offer luxury and efficiency to off-roaders. Consider the years discussed as they are the best models to offer you absolute value for money.
