How do 1st Gen Tundras compare to new Tacomas?

Earlier this year I was considering getting a 1st gen tundra. I’ve always loved the footprint they have while still be a full sized truck! They are getting harder to find and so I was thinking of getting a Tacoma instead.

Any feedback on how they compare and the advantages of the 1st gen tundra?

 

No comparison. Just buy a 1st Gen Tundra. Trust me on this. (This message has been blue checked by friends who did the wrong thing and bought Taco instead and then ended up selling to get a Tundra).

 

So what are the primary differences that make the Tundra superior?

 

Too many to list.

 

The main difference is power. V8 vs. V6 no comparison with roughly the same MPG.

Better tow/haul.

Much roomier inside 1st Gen cabin even though both trucks are roughly the same size.

Less expensive 1st Gen. Taco prices are stupid high for a wimpy truck.

 

I have a 2002 4.7L Tundra and my mother has a 2005 4.0 V6 Tacoma Prerunner that I drive from time to time. The Tacoma is nice enough for my mom, but the Tundra is so much better, more power, more space, smoother ride... it's just more truck.

 

Not trying to be a ass, but use the search button...there are several threads from the last 12 months with this exact topic. I myself went from a 2005 Tundra to a 2017 Tacoma back to a 2006 Tundra.

 

I find the seating position to be odd in the Taco and I can not get comfortable in one.
It feels like sitting on a floor withyour legs straight out in front where in a Tundra there is a chair like position that is the reason I like driving trucks in the first place really!

 

Really? I imagined some of the bigger cabbed Tacomas might be similar.

 

appreciate all of the feedback. That is helpful

 

You aren’t coming across like a jerk at all. I did search but most of what I found was oddly non-specific. More general statements like “Tundras are just better!”

That’s why I started for this thread. Maybe I should have been more specific in my question in order to solicit more specific responses. Maybe I’ll try searching again to see what I missed!

 

The Tacoma she drives is a 4 door, my Tundra is a regular cab... I am claustrophobic in her Tacoma.

 

Yeah, I had a 3rd gen 4Runner and just switched it out for a 100 series cruiser. Even though I love the 4Runner and drove it for a decade, the comfort of driving the larger 100 series is much better. I’m up higher, my legs can extend and my head no longer hits the roof. And I’m not really a tall enough guy to be having those problems!

 

Crazy! My desire for a 1st gen tundra is based off of my memory of being in a couple that belonged to friends over a decade ago. I remember the cabin being great, but I haven’t sat in one in so long, I just can’t remember that specifically. I’ve been in a 2018 that belongs to a coworker. The cabin is huge, but I don’t feel like it has gained a lot of useful space. Just bigger in general.

 

I also have an '07, and the cabin is much larger than my '02. Example: I can't reach the passenger door while seated in the 07's drivers seat without unbuckling my seat belt, that's not a problem in the '02.

 

Funny I got rid of my V8 4Runner to get into a 100 too and just traded it for a 2015 Tundra!
I also have a 1st Gen Tundra and both Tundra are a lot more roomy than the Cruiser which I did love in almost every other way.
I also drove current 200 Cruisers but did not want to go there just yet but I am sure that I will,there is nothing else like them still!

 

This is my actual experience having both right now and both are Regular Cabs as well.
The current ones are just silly huge to me and the thing that drew me to the Tundra in the first place was the unique size but with full power of the original!
On the other hand I think I could sleep in the space behind the seat too in the new one and that is truly welcome usable space!

 

The search engine on this site is awful.

I proposed (6 months ago) that we create a sticky on Taco vs. Tundra and nothing happened.

We need a sticky on this topic like we did for the rust frame topic, as well.

All those in favor say, Aye!

 

Aye!!!

 

A sticky would be great!

 

Aye

 

To give good advice we need to know which Tacoma (Gen and Cab config) you are considering over the what 1st Gen Tundra (cab configuration). Without knowing that, it's tough to give accurate advice. I've owned 4 1st Gen Tacomas (AC and DC) and 3 1st Gen Tundras (AC and DC) and a 3rd Gen Tacoma DC, and I've spent a decent amount of time in 2nd Gen Tacomas and 2/3Gen Tundras. What is on your list of consideration at this point?

 

AYE!!

 

I'm also VERY curious and the search engine gave back too generic of responses.

I have a 2004 4Runner with a 4.7L engine. It is a perfect 4x4 SUV in every respect and the interior is fantastic and still looks good. There's nothing I would change and I've owned it for >16 years, bought it brand new, and put 202,000 miles on it. A wonderful vehicle that has never let me down and has hauled and towed and made long road trips like a champ!

Here is what I don't understand, and I'm sure I'm not the first to realize this.

1. I do NOT understand why that wonderful design did not carry over to the Tundra of the same era?! Instead it looks like a bubble with bubble components like Fords of the era. It didn't look good then, and looks horribly dated. Oh well. I can get past it but it looks bad.

2. I do NOT understand why the execs at Toyota haven't figured out to drop the 4.7L or 4.6L into the Tacoma. They would sell like hotcakes and you couldn't keep them in stock. That truck BEGS for a V8... even as a +$5000 option, make it happen...

Anyway, as it stands, I'm trying to find a $10-$15000 well loved Tundra or Tacoma and curious as to the differences and benefits of both are so I'm staying tuned in.

 

The Tundra was designed almost exclusively for the US market. The Ford F-150 was (and I believe still is) the #1 selling vehicle in America. Not the just the #1 selling truck, but the #1 selling vehicle. Duplicating its look was exactly what Toyota was trying to do. They even tried to name it the T-150 but Ford sued Toyota over trademark infringement.
Personally, I always thought that version of the F-150 was the worst looking truck on the market -- even when it was new. Over time, the look of the Gen-1 Tundra has grown on me. But I still think the F-150 of similar vintage is ugly as sin.

Of course... IMHO.

 

I agree. There was a good thread awhile back iirc, but dont remember. If anyone finds it tag @Pinay and she'll sticky it for us.

 

Different strokes for different folks. It's pretty much agreed that the 4th Gen 4Runner is the ugliest of all 4Runners, but obviously you like it. Personally, it's the interiors that I really dislike on them....especially the dash and all the plastic that unfortunately carried over to 2nd Gen Tundras that also have horrible interiors. The 1st Gen Tundra by comparison, feels/looks like a truck interior, and the best looking 1/2 ton of it's era...IMHO, YMMV... [/QUOTE]

2 Reasons. 1. They sell every Tacoma they can make as is. 2. It would cannibalize Tundra sales which have a higher markup. If they threw a 4.6 in the Tacoma (which I think would be a GREAT idea) I expect they would lose somewhere between 10-25% of Tundra sales.

 

My opinion would be to try and find an older Tacoma pre 6 speed. New Tacos are trash. My 06 Tundra walked circles around my always shifting 2018 Taco, so I sent it down the road and bought a 2020 4RNR which in is far superior to the Tacoma in every way IMO.
My 06 shifts as smooth as butter and cruises down the HWY like the day it was new with 80k on it. I'd keep my Tundra and sell my 4RNR as well.