Absolutely agree. I go down the rabbit hole with all vehicle reviews. Marks reviews are exceptional. I would make a purchase on his reviews alone. Keep up the great work.
I think people expect too much from Toyota in terms of tech. First and foremost Toyota cares about quality, dependability and reliability. You will notice that Toyota always prioritizes tech somewhere down the line (excluding Lexus of course). I'd rather have a vehicle last me 200,000+ miles than a vehicle that blows up at 120,000 mi but has a better infotainment system. That is kind of Toyota's business model.
+TheJoncic I think its the fact they are one of the biggest in the world and don't recognize the opportunity to either outsource design like Ford, Mazda and Hyundai have or just really centralized design in one place making it a bigger priority for all cars.
When I bought a 2014 TRD (in 2014)it was behind the times as far as infotainment. Not much has changed since then. I put a Pioneer double din in it, problem solved. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and the best nav I’ve ever used. The systems that aren’t replaceable with an aftermarket double din make me nervous. I’ll take my old school hvac control knobs over a touch screen integrated system any day.
Toyota company culture is very conservative. There is huge resistance to modifying--"you mean messing with?"--a proven formula among Toyota management. They would only try new stuff on a low volume model, and that "new" would probably be old news to other manufacturers. Toyota accountants probably like this approach for their own reasons, but there are sound engineering benefits to this approach too.
Have had 3 Tacoma's (1997, 2007, 2008) and now got me a 2016 TRD Sport in Barcelona Red and it is simply genius. It works so well. It is totally different from the last generations but it still has the heart of the Tacoma. But only time will tell if it really has the same reliable engine from the past. I have a feeling it does.
Dude, your reviews are simply the best. The quality of the production (sound, video, editing, etc) is 2nd to none. Your clever, intelligent, often-monotone narrating is perfect. Combined with Turbowski’s more blue collar, mechanic’s perceptions, and no other auto review site compares.
I'm currently looking at the midsize truck market for my first truck after 15 years of sedans and crossovers. This is one of the best review videos I've seen, bar none, and just wanted to let you know.
Man, I have watched so many videos of this truck and somehow they all seem superficial. This review truly told me so info that I cared about when I'm looking to make this a daily driver. Sure, I can find a video that shows me how well a Tacoma can handle loose sand - or how it does on the highway. I loved that your video covered basic, daily driving situations and whether or not it can handle what 99% of us are truly going to use this truck for.
+NoWay One of the areas I focus on most is understanding existing owners of a car or truck. What they like, hate etc. You get that and you can make a video that is less generic. Sometimes we don't get it still. I am glad you said that because we don't do off road tests nor would I want to risk damage to the vehicles either. We got knocked for testing trucks to same standards as cars but hopefully it helps getting some of that type of feedback. Anything we left out that we should have in?
+NoWay I agree. The driving commentary (esp the part about the transmission behavior and why it happens) really helped me understand the truck. It will help when I go test drive to have this review's driving impression in the back of me head. I'll figure out the rock crawling stuff on my own ;-)
I enjoyed your review of the '16 Tacoma. I've had a '98, '02, '06 and just purchased a '16 with off road package and the 6 MT. Love the improvements in the truck, but getting that MT in a $40k truck this refined is what makes me smile every time I get in it.
I just exchanged my 14' Tacoma TRD off road double cab for a 17' and it is a world of difference. The 3rd generation Tacoma is done right. The quiet cabin alone is enough to switch. I couldn't believe the difference when I test drove it. It's wider, taller and the interior is much more refined and comfortable. I can't say enough about this truck. It's by far the best in it's in class.
Do u still have the Tacoma? How did it treat u while you owned it? I got a '22 off-road 6-speed manual & love it! I'm not into that 🆕 Tacoma turbo 🗑️ I'll stick with the V-6 all day
I watch so many car videos but wanted to take a minute to say how impressed I am with this channel. Just found you in the last few months but I was immediately taken by the production quality. The combination of honesty, thoughtfulness, and wit you have is rare and appreciated. BTW, I loved the Turbowski rants you guys did a while back. For entirely selfish reasons I would like to see you review a v6 Accord sedan(thinking about buying one). Regardless of the car, I look forward to more videos. Thanks.
+Jason G Thanks for saying that stuff, for a hobby the video work is taken pretty serious and overall presentation takes more time than it should. But the fact that it's appreciated by yourself is nice to see, clearly means we are not wasting our own time or others. The Honda/Acura story is kind of annoying, been working on trying to get vehicles from them for over a year.
Rarely comment, but probably one of the best automotive reviews I’ve watched, and I’ve watched many! Just bought my 2018 TRD Sport loaded to the gills 👍👍
My dad bought a year 2000 Tacoma when it first came out that he passed down to me. We had that truck for 16 years and damn it still runs great and never had a problem engine wise. I've done stuff to the frames but it's minor. I highly recommend Tacoma as mid size truck.
+StaticExvolt The lesson to be learned from your experience is to use a quality rust proofing product/process from Day 1. Rust proof the body, use top quality synthetic lubricants, drive sanely, avoid moose and you're all set for decades of dependable driving.
You are the first reviewer I have seen who looks at why they did certain things instead of complaining it doesn't have a certain feature or that Toyota should've put something in that they didn't. GOOD JOB!
First off, love your videos. I look forward to learning about any vehicle you review. Stop me if you've heard this one before, but one thing to remember about the modern Toyotas is that they do not have a "manual" mode or a "sport" mode where you can manually shift. They have what is called a "sequential shift mode" that limits up shifts, but not down shifts. My 2014 Toyota 4Runner is the same way. It's great for towing in the hills, but horrible for inspired, sporty driving. Perhaps Toyota had no intentions of making the "S" mode sporty (I have no idea, only the engineers do). I used to own a Mazda CX-5 that had a true manual mode on the autos and that was terrific. I used it all the time, plus they got it right; slap forward to downshift, slap back to upshift, just like the beamers. Again, I'm a huge fan of you and The Turbowski and look forward to all your videos. The whole "toyota sequential mode" thing is not known very well and honestly is somewhat counter-intuitive compared to the rest of the industry. I wonder why the engineers went that route. And I agree with the others - I appreciate the production quality and the wit. These are my favorite car reviews out of the big ones....holy crap I can blabber....
I am one of the first owners of the new taco (bought mine in October 2015). After 20k miles, I have had no issues whatsoever. My one regret is I should've gotten a higher trim instead of a sr5. Didn't anticipate it being so good.
well said GM has a long way to go to prove the reliability after owning a Buick and a Chevy S10 I have plans to never ever go back to General Motors product ever
I don't car what negatives a review may have about this truck. This things just...works..period. It is durable..tough..reliable..resale value is great. Why would I go for another truck?
The ONLY Tacoma review that needs watching! As always guys, great job. I honestly feel you guys are the best automotive channel on the RU-vid's right now. Just curious what you'd recommend... in the market for a truck. I live in Canada, will do about minimal towing, will haul more. Considering either the Silverado custom (love the no-bs simplicity + classic look), Tacoma (proven reliability) or Colorado/Canyon diesel (MPG's, diesel!) Lot of snow, so 4x4 is a must. It's something I am going to need for work and especially weekend fun. Thanks.
+Da Vas If you are going for long term, I'd stick with the Tacoma. Whatever minor trade offs you get with the Toyota are gained in having a mostly drama free owner experience.
I swear the new Tacoma is much more than just a pickup truck. I believe it is a status symbol for the rich. Every time I drive thru a rich neighborhood almost every driveway has a new tacoma in it. Not sure why but they are extremely popular with rich people lol 🤔
I down sized from a 2006 Tundra now have a 2017 Taco Off Road and could not be any happier.The more I drive it the more I like it and yes the Entune system needs work but overall its all of the truck I need.Thanks.
This is the first time I've ever heard of savagegeese. I really like your review on this truck. I just reserved one that hasn't been built yet in blue, trd off road, and I can not wait to see it. I especially like how you don't really give a crap on what you say, you don't rehearse it over and over again because of awkward silences. You talk when you think of something instead of memorizing your lines. All I know is I am now subscribed and look forward to future reviews you post.
Great Review. Scott's attempt at cynical responses is distracting. Just talk shop bro. Point out what's similar to the old, what's new, and whether I can reach the oil filter. What's likely to break at first glance? What's likely to outlast the truck? Appreciate you both. Love the superior production.
I understand some of you view point, but when it's about a truck to work or going off road, that's the perfect truck, not a Suv or hatchback, but it's though and reliable and independent
I was hopping for some off road driving, everyone says it shines pretty good there. Although I do understand this truck is a loaner for you to review and they prob dont want it back all dusty. Your reviews I feel are always honest and I enjoy that thanks.
2007 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 TRD Off-Road (that’s one helluva mouthful, eh?) owner checking in. Enjoyed your review! You know, I have to wonder if reliability is going to be as good with this truck, as it has been on all previous Tacos, with the added complexity and all the electronic crap. Reliability suffers when complexity increases (just try owning a used German or British car once it’s out of warranty). I have 198,xxx miles on my Tacoma and the biggest repair I’ve had to do was to replace the u-joints (a bearing in the aft joint failed, causing a squeak in reverse. There was nothing wrong with the other 2, but the replacement necessitated the removal of the driveshaft, so I went ahead and replaced the others too). (The 2WD Tacomas don’t have Zerk fittings in the u-joints.) I’m on my original A/C, starter, alternator, all pumps, etc. I did have to replace an idler pulley bearing, and I can hear the faintest squeak starting up again, so, one of the others is probably about to let go. Uses zero oil between changes (Mobil 1 Extended Performance, changes every 10,000 miles or 1 year). A solder joint failed in the overhead compass/temp display, which a friend in avionics easily fixed for me (known issue). Center console latch broke... And that’s IT! The ride sucks on broken pavement, and the gas mileage sucks (I get 17 mpg, city OR highway, but those are really my only complaints. Love the truck and have no plans to get rid of it. I personally don’t think the new Tacoma offers enough over my ‘07 to warrant buying one. It would actually be a risk, because reliability will almost certainly be worse, due to the added complexity and more electronics.
I had a 2012 tundra and a 2015 Tundra great trucks!! Awesome Engine and 430 Rear for towing, but got sick of stopping at gas stations for fill ups gas mileage is a Joke!! I was towing Utility Landscaping Trailer only 2600 pounds, so did the math and figured the Tacoma would be no Problem so did all the research and downsized to the Tacoma TRD Off Road I will save about 5 grand a year in Fuel!! It's got 10,000 miles on it now and it does everything I asked of it and has Ben Flawless!!!
Always enjoy the details you go into on your reviews. With this one I really appreciated throttle/transmission behavior discussion. Other reviewers will just call it sluggish and be done with it. Understanding that there were likely design considerations that caused that and that there is an override is good to know. Other folks have noted the lack of adjustment on the front seats and low seating position. Any thoughts on that?
+Kevin Laycock Seats adjustment is pretty lackluster, I can see height adjustment being an issue for short or really tall people. It kind of just worked for me. Hard to gauge how it will work for others. Glad you got something out of trans/throttle behavor. I see so many people gloss over this stuff and it's what I'd want to know if I was going to buy this truck.
great review, thinking of getting a small pick up in a year or so for regular house/lawn work and plan to keep it until rots away. The Tacoma seems to be the perfect truck for my needs
If that's you in your profile pic, you look like a big guy. I'm 6'1'' and fat and love Tacomas. I sat in one though and my head was like a half inch from touching the roof. Maybe the seat wasn't adjusted right?
I competently understand you. We got 3 cars all of them fully loaded, 2015 Chysler 200, 2016 Highlander and 2016 civic and switching between the cars Chrysler's uconect is the better system
Interesting about the charging pad, It worked just fine with my phone. Even on bumpy roads where it was vibrating a lot, it didn't have any issues. Could just be a bug or perhaps varies by phone. Great review, very well organized.
100% agree with the drums. I have a '13 Tacoma dbl cab short box 6-spd with 100,000 km on it and my rear drums still have 70% left. I use it heavily off road moose hunting in northern Canada, and in any condition you can name, including towing to the truck's maximum capacity, and haven't had a hitch with the rear drums. Definitely my preference after my experience with my own truck. I can't figure out how discs would be better for me. Family who hop in and borrow my truck for errands usually remark their first time hitting the brakes, even at this mileage, "wow, brakes are strong, eh?".
As far as i know, the very first dual injection motors are used in 2004 toyota crown athlete and mark x engines(JDM), which is GR series like this one. ie. 2GR-FSE
Can 4 adults fit in the double cab? I have a new TRD crewmax tundra but it's just so damn big. Too big to go down back woods roads. It's just so hard to tell if the rear seat is doable for grown men.
great review but you did forget that the backseat back support if you take off the headrest and then fold down the seat then you get more storage in the back and on the back part of the back rest.
This is the best and honest critique of the Tacoma I have watched. Maybe a bit too kind on the backseat. I would have made the cushions thinner to give more leg room. Cancel that, I would have added 4 inches to the cab.
Why does everyone seem to review the sport? Off Road is where it's at, and there's no fake air scoop. Even though I have one already I keep watching videos for some reason.
Off Road only comes in the Access Cab, right? Immediate "No" from me and I'm sure many others. I want to get Double Cab 6 ft box, so that leaves me with the TRD Sport.
The Sport is the only model with the Hitachi shocks and the pavement performance focused tuning. It has the best handling, the firmest dampening and is the best model for towing. Many people think they need the Off Road but the reality is that they'll be on the pavement 98% of the time and they'd be better served by the Sport. It makes a lot of sense for Toyota to send out Sports in their press fleet, knowing that the vast majority of reviews will be limited to pavement and the occasional dirt road.
Funny you should talk about u joints, I had a 2011 Tacoma 4 cylinder 4x4, had a clicking noise coming from the back, took it to a dealer at 77,000 miles for a spark plug/tune up, and asked them to check the noise. I got it back, a lot more power, but still the clicking. Then took it down the street to a local auto shop, they found the issue, bad rear u joint. They said it was about to go, and could have broke on the freeway. I guess I was lucky.
I just wanted to point out that the rpm range at 40 is the same as in the V8 4Runner, but it doesn't feel like it's lugging since (in my opinion) it's a V8. I get this V-6 lugging feeling in my '04 Odyssey when it hits 5th gear @45mph and drops to 1200rpm. No valve tricks there - definitely lugging lol.
I just stumbled on this review - absolutely fantastic, in fact perhaps the best review I've seen! I just bought (about 2 months ago) a new 2019 TRD OFF ROAD double cab Tacoma. I absolutely love the truck (I have 7500 miles on it) and the 4wd capabilities are terrific...I do not go off roading, but rather we own a horse farm on a river so for real world use I could not ask for more. You have a new subscriber - great job!!!!!! **I appreciate your sense of humor too**
Amazed at how many people swallow the "brand new" pill...I was eagerly awaiting for this truck...After what came, I will stay with my 2013 Taco (not too many improvements to change it)...We'll see what Honda appears with in a few days (new Ridgeline)...
I got a 2017 4dr sport short box but in 6 speed manual... I put a little bigger tires (265/70 r17 falken wildpeak at3) took off air dam and added trd skid plate and a leer cap. 5th and 6th gear are not far apart at all... i rarely use 5th, just skip it. At 100kmh i'm 2100rpm. The auto is much more efficient it seems. I get best 18.5mpg during summer... never mind winter. But a fantastic truck other than the engine has weird cleaning cycle ticks.
Wow, excellent review! I am glad you brought up the bad tech issue. I was thinking about getting the SR5 4x4 and just upgrading the radio with an aftermarket Android Auto capable system. Very helpful as I was thinking about upgrading to the TRD Off road but now I think I will just stick with the SR5.
Great Review! The best yet. Great points made on the negative and positive. Reliability is the number 1 issue for me and as a former chevy and ford owner and now a proud owner of a 4runner for the past three years that I use for my business, I'm convinced toyota trucks are amazingly dependable. I have 115,000 miles on my 4runner and never seen the check engine light come on. Try that on a ford or a chevy. Looking to buy a Tacoma 2017 Tacoma TRD 4X4 in November for personal use.
My 2008 Tacoma, purchased used at 30k, had a sensor light come on after 150k. It was the MAF sensor. I pulled it out cleaned it and put it back in. Light went off and drove the truck for another 50k. The damn truck was so reliable I regularly forgot to change the oil for thousands of miles after the maintenance light came on. All this after owning a Dodge Durango which had me checking under the hood multiple times a week. I loved that old Tacoma so much I just bought a brand new 2017!
