Should you buy a first gen Toyota Tacoma?

What if you want the utility of a truck but want something easy to park and drive? What if you’re trying to be a bit frugal and buy used? Then you probably want a compact truck. What if you want all that plus a reputation for stellar reliability? Then you probably want a Tacoma! Let’s go back in time and take an in-depth look at the first generation Tacoma. Should you buy one of these first gen Tacomas? Let's find out!

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Thanks to Matthew Larsen for driving the camera car and filming some shots!

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Music used in this episode:
Selected tracks from the YouTube music library.

[HelloRoad]

What do you think of the 1st gen Tacoma?

[bblackrice]

My first gen Tacoma got over 415K miles, still runs like a champ.

[MichaelSmith-msjw]

Bought my 2001 "Certified Used" in 2001 with 3K miles. Now at 117K miles and bulletproof. 4D 4x4 V6. Hands down the best vehicle I've ever owned. When I had to buy a regular car due to my wife's disabilities keeping her from easily getting in the truck, the salesman at the lot was drooling over it and trying to talk me into trading it in. No f'in way. Mine until the day I die.

[dragonite]

i can recognize a tacoma starting up a mile away, music to my years

[burningknuckle]

Didnt realize how much I would miss my 01 Tacoma. Something about driving that truck...feels satisfying. The Tacoma feels like it has a soul. A classic truck.

[jakelannetti]

This truck is beautiful. The styling aged so well. Combine that with the reliability and practicality, you can’t go wrong with this truck. I’d love to own one. Unfortunately clean examples are approaching $10, 000.

[marcturk]

Toyota should go back making them like that again small and compact my 04 very dependable

[southwestxnorthwest]

I have a 2004 Tacoma TRD and love it. I absolutely hate all of the newer Tacomas and Tundras though; too big and nothing but technology.

[slashmanfan]

Man I have soft spot for small pickups, especially both Tacoma and Toyota Pickup. good vid man.

[bigrat]

Im about to buy a tacoma with 500k miles so we will see how that goes

I just bought the truck and it runs great

[danielramirez]

The nostalgia of those old pull out parking brakes in the old Tacoma’s. I grew up riding in my dads 2005 V6 manual Tacoma and when he would park to drop me off at school I remember the sound of the old pull out parking brake. To this day still runs good with 300k miles. He recently traded it in for a used 2013 Tacoma off-road V6 6 speed automatic. He’s getting old and just wanted an automatic. Tacoma’s are good trucks

[drottle]

I've got a 2000 taco, regular cab, 5 speed, 356k miles, with original engine and clutch. Yes you should

[noleftturnunstoned]

I wish you could sill buy a compact truck.

[LSnium]

My dad has the 02' Tacoma TRD package 6 cylinder all original condition with almost 650k miles.
*Conclusion*
YES YOU SHOULD BEST TRUCKS ON THE PLANET*

[PrepperDawg]

I just acquired my father's 2004 PreRunner. He can no longer drive. Has 250, 000 miles and the thing runs like a top. I'm looking foward to doing some restoration on interior and a good cleaning. Love this truck.

[FretlessFury]

Looked for a 1st gen Taco for 6 months before finding one. Got very lucky on a 2002 V6 Xtra. Florida truck with 53k on it. Looks new. It wasn’t cheap for a 20 year old truck, but I’m planning on keeping it for another 20 at least. Love the size and mechanical quality. Best vehicle I’ve owned.

[samualstanley]

Yes..yes..yes..my 97 2.4 extended cab just rolled over 300, 033 today on the way to work...and im a contractor and have used my Tacoma every day straight for last 5 years!!absolutely love this truck!

[MotoTrooper]

Toyota could've shrugged off that frame issue, but they didn't
That's Toyota for ya

[gtdodgeviper]

I just got a 96 with 220k miles for $2750. No rust on frame and body. Okay conditions need a moffler because it’s missing it, interior driver door handle is broken, driver seatbelt is stuck and needs some TLC but overall it looks good. I will fix all those little problems and add power windows and power locks. Its a great upgrade from my 94 Toyota pickup that has no AC and PS.

[ratpoutine]

I bought one literally the day this video was posted but just saw the video, I have the 96 extra cab, 3.4l V6 manual sr5. Best vehicle I’ve owned