Toyota TACOMA vs Ford RANGER - V

cthompson21

Where was the F150 that you says fell apart? It doesn't even mention them. The econoline van, which I believe is derived from the F150, ranked first.

As I said, talking out of your [non-permissible content removed].

Where do you get that the F150 is a terrible vehicle, that is "slapped together", and "falls apart"? Is this just another one of your little fantasies or something?

spoog

ahh...didnt you see? The f150 is ranked again below avergae. In fact, Ford was ranked below average right along with CHRYLSER. Ow. That includes ALL FORD models at that time except for the Econoline Van.

scottssss

where are you seeing the f150 below average...

link please

scottssss

"That includes ALL FORD models at that time except for the Econoline Van."

NO spoog that is not how statistics work... it sximply means the AVERAGE Reiability for ALL Ford vehicles is below average..

Math time for spoog... (a+b+C....)/number of data entries = AVERAGE

but if you want to keep thinking the way you are then try to accept that every cadilac on the road is more reliable than your taco...

only the TUNDRA is more reliable than the F-150 in the full size truck market..

those are documented facts.. i wish i could link it but it is inside CR's member area so i cant..

scottssss

just reading a Tundra ad in pop. mechanics..
they claim in big letters that they can out haul and out pull the big three's trucks..

Small print...
vs. fords 4.6 liter V8 (not the 5.4 liter)
vs. Chevys 4.8 liter V8 (Not the 5.3L)
vs. Dodge 5.3L V8 ( not the 5.8L)

so it was the TOP tundra engine vs. the base V8 of the others.. you gotta love spin marketing

superjim2000

Good point scottssss. Doesnt Chevys 4.8 have more HP than the toyota?

cthompson21

I think Toy is marketing the Tundra at the wrong trucks. They should be pushing it against the Dakota. Most people who have bought a Tundra or Dakota shopped them together.

I like the Tundra, but I don't consider it a full-sized truck. It's mid-sized.

eagle63

How about the fact that stylistically, the Tundra is a total rip-off of the F150?

How do you guys think a TRD Tacoma would fare against a chevy S-10 ZR2? I'd put my vote on the ZR2, but I've never actually driven a Tacoma.

allknowing

Maybe you're being sarcastic and I just didn't catch it. If the Ranger had a broken arm rest and a transmission that "sounded as if it might fall out at any minute", how can we conclude that it had no problems?

allknowing

It depends on what you mean when you question how the S-10 ZR2 would fare against a TRD Tacoma. Initially the S-10 may do pretty good in spite of the squeaks and pings. When it starts to really fall apart after a few years, the Tacomas and Rangers will eat it alive. Edmunds doesn't think that much of the S-10 either.

spoog

Eagle writes:

"How about the fact that stylistically, the Tundra
is a total rip-off of the F150?"


Wrong Eagle. The Toyota t-100 was the FIRST pickup to utilize that design style. If you remember correctly, the t-100 came out a year before the revamped f150's. In essence, the newer f150 styling's are based on the stylings of the 94 t-100's. Quite frankly, I dont like either styling.

hindsite

One thing I do not like about the F150 is those rear tail lights and the general style. Ford does make a nice van via Mark III after market. I had the 92 Mark III and the interior was fabulous. Only problem was the suspension, ABS brakes, and transmission to be candid. Does anyone like the styling on the full size GMC vans especially the rear end?

On another front there was an article in the paper recently about a 42 volt system replace the current 12 volt system. Alternators will run about $800 for a rebuilt one. Brakes and steering will be electrically powered. What are your thoughts guys or gals?

BTW For NYers they have passed the law allowing pickups on parkways now without the cap.

cthompson21

Armrests don't just break themselves. I'd be willing to wager you that somebody decided to sit on it, and it broke because of the weight. I guess that's why they call them armrests and not seats.

It sounds like they just lubed the driveshaft yolk, and the noise went away. Remember, it's a Ford, not a Toyota. They're noisy. :oD

cthompson21

Do you think that any manufacturer could do a complete redesign of a vehicle in one year, as you suggest of Ford basing the F150 on the T100?

BTW, I think the Tundra looks like a slightly larger Tacoma, not an F150.

And, I'd take an F150 4x4 ext-cab flareside or a Lightning, but that's it. The rest of them just seem kinda plain. A Tundra looks good as a 4x4 ext-cab TRD too.

mviglianco1

What to yu mean by fare? Do you mean in a race or offroad capabillity. I think the s-10 looks prety capable offroad but that means nothing. The rear shock mounts are very low and its ramp travel index is much lower then both the Tacoma and Ranger.

reddogs

I would strap on a FORD RANGER/ANYTHING before I would even think of looking at a GM product and dont even think of telling us how they have improved their products.......:0(

edharri3

Do toyota's compact truck bodies still hold up over time as if they were made of cardboard? Do the beds still dent and ding and deform whenever you throw andything the least bit heavy in them? Do they still rust all the way through after 5-10 years exposure to the elements? On my grandfather's 10 yr old 82000 mile compact I can stick my arm through the bed in certain places that have rusted through because of rain and water buildup.

scottssss

this becoming a chevy versus Toyota room...

Kudos to the toyota owners who say the would rather have a ranger over the s-10

wsnoble

Took a moment to visit my local dealership yesterday, to see if they offer Mobile 1 service. They do not, but i had a chance to look at some new Tacoma's. Well in New England you can get a decked out Tacoma 4x4 Xcab v6 with full power and ABS for 20k even, and we all know you can get one for less than the dealers asking price.

I agree as well i would by a Ranger before i bought an S10.

Anybody else running Mobile 1 and if so are you using the Toyota/Motorcraft filter or not?

-wsn

mviglianco1

I am running Mobil 1 and using the Mobil 1 filter despite its high price. It is easier for me to get to an auto parts store then a dealership.

wsnoble

I can get it at KMart next store myself. I am just having trouble finding a garage that will do it.

So no problems so far?
-wsn

spoog

I would definately take a Ranger over an s-10. Chevies plastic interiors are disgusting.

cpousnr

wsn:
Running Mobil 1 for about 13,000 miles now. I use the Ford filter, it is only 5.50.
No problems, motor is quieter. Use 5W30.

Got your email, give me a few but no problems with your request.

allknowing

At least we can all agree that Chevy's quality doesn't come close to the Tacoma or the Ranger. I personally like the looks of the Chevy full size better than any other truck. Unfortunately, GM doesn't care to concentrate on reliability like Toyota, Ford, and Nissan do.

cpousnr

Your files are over here:
http://members.aol.com/uncchrisb/
and then you add after uncchrish/the following:
license.jpg, MTHood.jpg, sign.jpg and sign2.jpg

Did not make it into an HTML page yet so you have to look at individual pictures.

WSN, your next.

allknowing:
REAL vehicles do not put a BOWTIE on the front for a logo. . .

hindsite

I would take the S-10 or better yet the Frontier over the Ranger. Personally myself I find the Chevy powered engines and transmissions to be superior and more reliable to Ford. Every Ford product that I have owned with the exception of the Taurus has had repeated suspension, electrical, brakes, AC problems, and transmission problems. I guess one out of four is not bad for Ford.

On the Buick Century that I have only one complaint. It is very difficult to remove the battery with that diagonal brace.

mviglianco1

wsn,No problems. Have you considered changing it yourself? After the cost of the Mobil 1 I could not jusify paying someone else to change it. I changed last Thursday, took about 15 minutes or less.

CP, What would be the advantage of using 5W 30. I know it is suggested in colder climates but any other reasons.

mviglianco1

Anyone using synthetic diff fluid. I am considering switching to AMSOIL. When do you think it would be wise to do so? I now have 6K on Tacoma and am not exactly sure when it is recomended to change.

reddogs

I'm not trying to bash or anything personal like, but the last GM product I had that "ran" was the 1970 Chevelle Malibu with the 305 (wish I had gotten the SS 396), it never had a problem, no quality or reliability isssues. Ran 100+k with no problems, just oil and water till a dump truck lost its brakes and used it as a stop ramp. Even after that the engine and tranny fucntion fine, but the back seat was giving the firewall some competition. The next GM product was a Chevy Vega, and let me just say I would have felt better sitting in a Ford Pinto with the fuel tank lit up like a Oil Tanker fire than drive that Vega. I rebuilt the engine 1-2-3-4-5 times and put the tranny back on after it "dropped off!". I just dont know what to say except it was all downhill for GM since the '70s and I challenge you to tell me of any "fun/significant" GM car that it came out with in the '80s or '90s, thats right there aint none........and I'm still waiting and I'm not gonna hold my breath either...:0(

reddogs

Am I lying ??

wsnoble

Currently in a condo which makes changing it myself tough. Anybody know of any oil changing chains that offer Mobile 1 Service?

-wsn

mviglianco1

Do you think you could bring the oil to a small garage and see if they would change it for cheap considering they are not supplying the oil?

scape2

OK guys! for those of you who said I was lying about owning a Ranger or living in Oregon, take a look at the pics at post 344!!! CP posted them for me, thanks CP. Hind, don't feel too bad. Damn, my Ranger looks good!

cthompson21

Check it out:


http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/c/m/cmb273/drtruck.htm

cthompson21

I like the engines that GM offers. They're torquey, good on gas, and are for the most part reliable. It's just what they surround the engines with that bothers me.

mviglianco1

I will admit that that is a sweat looking truck. I would love one in an extended cab as opposed to what appears to be a Sport Trak in the picture

cpousnr

mv:
5W30 is what the vehicle owners manual calls for for the 4.0L Ranger in all climates. Do not recall there was na option. I wanted to put in the recommended oil. It runs fine. Perhaps the tolerances are tight on the engine and thicker oil would not work too well?!?

vince:
Though a Ranger owner, I must admit to you that my preference is not for the narrow bed style. That said, in your case, I think the color combination looks great whth that style. I rarely see that color Ranger around here.

Is that the JC Whitney screen you were talking about? How does it fit with the grill? Putting together an order for my 82 VW Rabbit (try getting windshield wiper motor, door handle and door seal at the dealer for that vehicle) so will order one.

spoog

You are right. The Chevy engines and transmission are superior to Fords. It is the rest of the GMC things I don't like.

spoog

Toyota has been making a truck like that for years. It's called the Tacoma TRD.

eagle63

OK, fair enough. I'll admit that Chevy has some work to do in the reliability department, but you can't honestly tell me that a TRD Tacoma could take a ZR2 in any offroad contest. what specific off-road equipment does the TRD have that the ZR2 doesn't? Too many people assume that a ZR2 is just an S-10 with a lift kit and big tires.
I don't own a ZR2, but I've test driven one back to back with a Tacoma and a Ranger. Anyone who things GM interiors feel cheap hasn't sat in a Tacoma. The doors felt paper thin, and the carpet and seat covers looked like something out of a 70's movie. It thought it handled fairly well, but didn't have the power of the ZR2. (it was a '99 TRD) sorry to start a war, but I just don't think people are giving the ZR2 the respect it deserves. -besides, it's a lot better looking than either the ranger or the tacoma. -eagle

scottssss

ill agree the ZR2 is the best looking.. i wish Ford could do that

scottssss

"Toyota has been making a truck like that for years. It's called the Tacoma TRD."

wheres the winch?
where the auxilary tank??
32" tires??

i know it is not produced but just proving that the Trd is not a concept Vehicle. But is a practical application of one

scottssss

My Father is GM all the way through.. BUT 2 out of the last 3 (Olds 98, Chevy Silerado, Buick Regal) have all had major tranny probs within warranty. Engines have been great tho..

cpousnr

your pictures are here:
http://members.aol.com/uncchrisb/wsn/

and or you can use the above and add, after the right hand slash the following:
wsn1.jpg or wsn2.jpg

Nice truck.

cpousnr

I took the liberty of blotting out your license plate.
You know how bad [non-permissible content removed] we Ford owners can be. . .

cpousnr

do not know if this posted or not so will try again.

There IS a vehicle simular to the Adrenalin. There is a version of the Explorer. 4 doors, 2 full passenger areas and a small pickup bed. Saw it in an accessory catalog at Courtesy Ford today and they are selling accessories for it, so it must exist. Do not think a winch is standard and it may only have 32 inch tires. Do not recall what it was called but think it is the Explorer Scout

allknowing

I'll admit that the ZR2 is a nice looking truck and it probably has a lot of power. If Chevy's track record continues however, and GM has not made any changes to their quality practices that I've heard of, you'll also have a lot of repairs to go along with the power. I used to race Chevy's and know the V8's well. They were designed well but GM's quality slipped miserably in the 70's and never recovered. Ford went through a bad period too in the 80's but turned themselves around. My last car was a Nissan 300ZX rather than a Corvette because I knew I would have more problems with the Chevy Corvette. I had the car almost 9 years with no problems while I don't know of any Vette owner that can say the same. If you get one, I hope you have better luck than most. It is a nice looking truck.

cthompson21

are you talking about the explorer sport trac?

cpousnr

Yes Sport Trac, that is the one.

Now I "personally" do not like it but many may.

mviglianco1

Ok, what does the ZR2 have that the TRD does not? Reading Chevys description, it has the same additions the TRD has, except the ramp travel is lower. Just because a truck looks good does not mean it is better.