TOYOTA TACOMA vs FORD RANGER- Part XI

pocahontas

Here's the new place to discuss the Tacoma vs the
Ranger.

Also, try using the Topic Search for previous
Tacoma vs Ranger forums.

Happy Motoring. ;-)

Pocahontas,
Edmunds.com/Roving Host

sparkplug1

Face it. These vehicles are used 95% of the time on the road where you really appreciate the attention paid to their road going virtues. Of the 5% of the time on the trails, 5% of that is when something like the LSD comes in handy. So IF the Taco still rules off road (and most of the posts you read here compare older models not the current one), it is a slim advantage in that category when the two go head to head in a comparison. If it was an off road toy you were after then you would be better off with a Jeep or Hummer. As far as a main vehicle for someone to own then I think the Ranger comes out ahead.

sparkplug1

Oops...I meant locker not LSD

allknowing

Got in my wife's 98 Ford truck today and was gifted with a new rattle from the door to add to my list. Another good reminder of why it was worth paying a bit more for my Toyota which has no squeaks or rattles so far.

scape2

Got into my friends Tacoma today (1996) and it has rattles too..... love that Toyota quality. I asked him about them and he just laughed... This is the same guy that tried to hide his headgasket problem from me...
Spoog, keeps claiming that Rangers will "fall apart" if taken offroad... I am living proof they don't.
The Ranger is the best compact truck for value and everyday use. Ford engineered the Ranger for the majority not the minority. As was said over 90 percent of 4WD vehicles never see gravel. And most 4WD owners use their 4WD as a true 4WD maybe 5 percent of the time. So, I guess the TAcoma is better than the Ranger 5 percent of the time??? LOL!
Enjoy those open axles Toyota boys...
See you in the beautiful Cascade range...

allknowing

The Ranger is a good truck and won't fall apart off road. It just squeaks and rattles more than the Tacoma from my experience. No big deal.

eagle63

any of you guys own a wrangler? I'd love to get a used TJ and modify the crap out of it for offroad use. are jeeps (wranglers) generally the best thing out there for offroading??

chipshot1

Has anyone seen one of the newer Wranglers up close? They are nothing like what they used to be. I was looking at one at the dealership the other week and they seem tiny compared to the CJs. You can grab the rollbar and rock it like a canoe with very little effort. Nothing like my friends cj-7 or Landcruiser. Both were like tanks compared to this. I am sure they are good offroaders but nothing at all comparable to previous models IMHO.

allknowing

The Jeeps' main asset is the turning radius. Sometimes a truck can be hard to maneuver off road.

eagle63

there's also a virtually endless supply of aftermarket stuff you can get for a jeep.

2k1trd

Well if 90 percent of the trucks are not seeing gravel than the limiited slip really doesn't matter than does it.......open axles on pavement vs LSD doesn't matter and actually open axles make snow driving more controlable.

cthompson21

Just try towing something in the snow in a 2wd truck with open axles. Guess what. You don't move. I've even gotten the truck stuck in driveways when not towing.

Been there. Done that. Traded in for a 4wd truck as soon as the finances were willing.

If you get a 2wd truck without an LSD or a locker and live anywhere inclimate conditions might be common, you're nuts.

scape2

2k1trd, what?? A LSD is far superior to an open axle period!! Just as in severe offroad conditions a locker is better than LSD.
LSD helps you pull with two tires rather than one....
A neighber has a Toyota 4-runner. It had been raining so the streets were plenty wet. I asked if he would stomp on his gas pedal at a stand still. ONE rear tire spun! LOL!! When he engaged the 4wd system there was a decrease in tire spin. I stomped my Ranger in 2WD and both tires spun and grabbed. I have the better traction by far on wet pavement.

rickc5

cthompson and vince are absolutely correct! A limited slip is vastly superior to an open axle when things get real slippery. On my Toyota pickups/4Runners, I tried 2wd on icy roads so I wouldn't tend to drive faster than conditions allowed, but had to resort to 4wd in most cases just to get moving. One rear wheel just spins in 2wd on ice.

chipshot1

Wow, thanks for the insite guys, I had never heard that before. Does anyone know anything about side impact tests?

indacurl2k

Did you have buckets seats or bench seats? In reading the last post on this thread, I was totally reminded that some Tacomas come with a bench seat. Also, did you have the regular cab or extended. Again, I have the X-cab so I can recline a little further if necessary. I think this combo may be the most comfortable. Even still, I test drove the Ranger and it was a little more comfortable than the Tacoma, but it wasn't a Lexus or anything like that.

Vince: It is your OPINION that "the Ranger is the best truck." I believe it's the Tacoma but I don't make the statement: "The Tacoma is the best truck," because I respect the fact that others may have a different opinion that might interest me. That's what this bb is for dude. If you don't respect other people's opinions, then don't expect anyone to respect yours. I think you make some intereresting arguments but you tend to get carried away with your pro-Ranger feelings. Again, I'm not saying that the Ranger is a bad truck, it is quite capable in in just about every capacity for which I require a truck. At the time I purchased though, I could not their 4.0 with a manual tranny. I also feel the Tacoma is slightly more reliable than the Ranger, but not much. I don't think Toyota's are better Ford's in general and I don't think there is any prestige in owning a Toyota. If I wanted prestige, I would have bought Lexus or Lincoln.

scape2

www.crashtest.com is just one site for crashtests. MSN, and even Edmunds has some crashtest data.... Toyota Tacoma doesn't fair too well....

skipper300

If I had a 4X4 but never left the road, I would never want a lsd. 2K1trd has a point when talking about driving control. Control is the key word.

Whenever we get a fresh snow, I use 4wd when going to work. After a day or two, the snow on the road melts and bare pavement starts showing. I don't like to use 4wd (a part time system)during this time because of the binding. On the slick patches that remain, a lsd will sometimes cause the vehicle's backend to kick out sideways. I think this is more likely to happen with manual transmissions. This is not good when you are stopped at a stoplight with someone beside you in the other lane. This is also dangerous if you should have the cruise on while going over an icy bridge. The same problems occur with a locker. In fact they might be worse.

I do go off the road, so I consider the advantage of a limited slip or locker in a 4x4 outweigh the disadvantages. I think a lsd provides advantages in these situations:
1. Extra traction when almost stuck.
2. Extra traction when using the transmission for braking down a steep/slick slope.
3. Providing traction to both rear wheels helps keep the vehicle moving if one wheel should leave the ground. Crossing a ditch or dry wash at an angle (to keep the bumpers from hanging) in an open diff 4X4 could leave you stuck if one front and one rear (oposite sides) leave the ground at the same time. You end up with kind of a teetering effect.

Cthompson21 is correct when talking about 2wds. 2wd open diff pickups are helpless during a snow. I would have to have a limited slip if I owned a 2wd. Despite the control risks.

I wouldn't worry about the traction loss (2wd or 4wd) on wet pavements. When I was younger (the late 80's), I used to own a 5.0 mustang with a traction lock. I learned quickly to never stomp the gas on that thing when the pavement was wet or frosty. Do it and you are in for one scary ride. The back bumper would kick out in a heartbeat.

I know I am going to stir it up, but for me the Toyota 4x4 gives me a locker that can be shut off. I consider that the best of everything. Control while in 2wd, less bind in 4wd while on road, and improved traction in extreme situations off road. The fact that it only works in lo range doesn't bother me because I am already in lo range in extreme situations. I don't need a locker if I am going faster than 5th gear/lo can provide. In a 4x4.

Everybody have a great turkey day.

sparkplug1

I used to own an '86 5.0 Mustang Cobra also. My first snow fall was a real experience. I was stuck on a near flat country road. When the tow truck arrived he thought I had freed myself, until I got in and spun my wheels. Every revolution brought me closer to the rhubarb. I could only go sideways. I changed from the stock Goodyear Gatorbacks to all season Michelins and it transformed the vehicle (for winter anyways). If you have been watching the national weather, you have seen the mess in Buffalo. I am about 1 1/2 to 2 hours north of that and we got hammered as well. If I had my Ranger now I would be able to drive it at any speed in 4X4 and reap the benefits of the LSD in this stuff.

cthompson21

I know your pain quite well. The BFG G-Force T/A's on my SVTour are like glue on dry pavement, but they're like skis in even the slightest of snow.

I switched to BFG Comp T/A's all-terrain tires for the winter. I just didn't have the heart to go with pure snows, as they exact a severe penalty when it's nice and dry. Can't wait to see how the new tires fare when we get some snow.

scape2

Skipper, what are you talking about with this "kick out" from an LSD? I have owned LSD's and have never had this happen?? Binding?? What??
Skipp, do you know the difference between a locker and LSD? With your last post I have to question your thoughts..
The locker is far more dangerous than an LSD. Lockers bind easier than an LSD too... lockers don't like sharp turns.
LSD is the most useful diff for the majority of truck users out there. LSD has many more advantages than an open diff. Lockers are better offroad than an LSD.

sparkplug1

cthompson; The old Gatorbacks were like slicks with grooves. When you spun them they would whizz instead of screech. The all-seasons worked a lot better in the white stuff and felt really good in the dry. When you lit them up they would howl bigtime!

2k1trd

BFD if my truck doesn't have a "LSD" if i run into any situations where i need added traction i can throw into 4WD.And if i ever do some serious offroading there is also the awsome locker that toyota provides ....Honestly i only drive the TRD model because i wan't the top of the line truck to drive and i like the looks of it much better plus the ride is nicer.

rustysaw

Does any one know the 0-60 times for the Tacoma 2.7L 4-cyl and the 3.4L V6? I read up on cars but damn, some of the info is hard to come by on these trucks. I am thinking about trading my 4-cyl Tacoma for a V6 Tacoma. Only reason for the trade would be to have more power and acceleration. I don't pull anything with the truck. Don't like the slow take-off with the 4-cyl engine. Also, are the Toyota engines all-aluminum (like Honda's) or just aluminum heads! Havent' been able to find that anywhere in my research. I am very happy with the truck otherwise. Thanks for the info.

scape2

I would like you to explain how the locker is beneficial to towing or hauling or pulling a trailer?

tacoma_trd

go to the edmunds review of new tacomas they may have the 0-60 times under there, I believe the v6 is somewhere in the 8.9 sec range, im not sure about the 2.7L 4 cyl

cthompson21

Trying to recall the average test data from the car rags, I believe the V6 Tacoma is in the high 8s in acceleration and the I4 Tacoma is something like 10-11s.

I had thought that their engines were all aluminum too. But, I can't say for sure.

sparkplug1

Well boys and girls, I am leaving my job today and starting a new one a week this Monday. I have to give back my laptop so I won't be able to keep track of this post until I purchase my own computer for home. I also have to give back my company vehicle which is also my personal vehicle. I'll miss the old F-150 but am looking forward to taking delivery of my new Ranger. Unfortunately that won't be until the first week of January. Till then I will be taking cabs (I wonder if they'll let me drive). I'll check in on this site till I leave later on today. I will also report in with regards to the 2001 XLT 4X4 with some personal experience instead stuff I have read about. Take care folks and try to keep it friendly O.K.

cthompson21

Good luck at the new job and with the new truck.

spoog

ere is a COMPLETE list of the TSB's, Defect Investigations, and Safety Recalls for the Toyota pickup, Chevy s-10, Ford Ranger, and Dodge Dakota from the years 1989-2000. Enjoy.


Defect Investigations 1989-2000

Ford Ranger - 20

Dodge Dakota- 14

Chevy S10 - 51

Toyota Tacoma - 2




Safety Recalls 1989-2000

Ford Ranger- 32

Dodge Dakota - 28

Chevyy S10 - 47

Toyota Tacoma - 6



Technical Service Bulletins 1989-2000


Ford Ranger -2,279(yes, 2,279)

Dodge Dakota- 940

Chevy S10 -448

Toyota Tacoma - 150

-------



So there you have it. All data is factual, and very telling. This is NOT "subjective".

A trucks reliability and build quality is NOT "subjective".

Not all trucks are built the same, as you can plainly see.

Here is the hard link:

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

2k1trd

I like the new hood/grill on the new ranger....
kinda gives the hoodscoop effect.....cool.

obyone

Where have you been? Have you not read that Toyota is in denial, that they no longer honor California's lemon law and arbitration system? Ever wondered why their TSB's are so low? Ever read the posts at Tundrasolutions.com. Get with it man. Perhaps in the 80's I would agree with you. There is just too much evidence that Toyota cuts corners like everyone else. Did you not read the news where a lot of Japanese companies, to become competitive on the world market, has outsourced their parts manufacturing to Vietnam and China. Best to check your glass house before you continue to throw them "old" stones...

lariat1

are you aware what a TSB is? They are a technical service bulletin and they are to help out the people who service the vehicle. TSB's range from how to change the oil filter without spilling any to why a vehicle may clunk when going into 4WD they are never for major problems.

allknowing

How can Toyota not obey California law and no longer honor the Lemon Law? I find that pretty much impossible to believe.

obyone

you are correct, my bad. They do not have a certified arbitration program with the state of California.

scape2

I would like to know why the Tacoma hasn't reached the top 20 selling vehicles in its 6 years of production if its so great? Why hasn't a compact Toyota truck EVER made the top 20? Why isn't the Tacoma the most popular compact truck for 2000?
Spoog, we have seen these stats over and over again. You want people to see the TOTAL numbers not read into it and see what the numbers really mean. Noone is going to take the time to read every TSB or recall. All the recalls are NOT for every built either...
Toyota does cut corners and their pedestal is slowly crumbling. I was at a Thanksgiving party and was talking to a person who purchased a new 2001 Camry. Problems, problems, problems, from electrical to the transmission... I was chuckling to mystelf wishing all these Toyota fanatics who think Toyota is perfect could hear this....

eagle63

I love that TSB post spoog! keep 'em coming please!! WE WANT MORE, WE WANT MORE, WE WANT MORE!

cthompson21

Is it just me or have things gotten really stale in here?

allknowing

Yeah!! ...and why hasn't Ferrari ever had a top selling sports car? They must not be any good either.

allknowing

OK, I'll buy that.

chipshot1

"I would like to know why the Tacoma hasn't reached
the top 20 selling vehicles in its 6 years of
production if its so great?"

You have ansered this for us a million times, THEY COST MORE AND ARE JAPANESE

eagle63

speaking of toyotas, anybody here like the new Celica? Personally, I think it might be the ugliest thing I've ever seen on the road, except for the Aztek of course. I used to love the older celicas, but the new one is awful.
I know this is way off topic, but as Cthompson pointed out, this room is getting stale.

barlitz

Do a search from maybe a week ago,I got the sales #'s and combined them for the S-10,Dakota and Ranger they sold over 5 million more trucks combined than the Tacoma since 1989,maybe thats why they have more tsb's.

2k1trd

You get what you pay for

cthompson21

I'll buy that price has a lot to do with the Tacoma's lower sales figures.

But, I don't think that the Tacoma having a japanese nameplate has much of anything to do with it. On the contrary, the japanese nameplate (with the implied higher quality) seems to be a strong selling point. That's at least what the Tacoma guys on this board have to say about it.

What are the two top selling cars in the US? They're the Camry and Accord. They're japanese branded, and they seem to do okay.


Besides price, I think more of the Tacoma's low sales numbers lie with limited trim levels, option packaging, a somewhat stark interior, a very ugly 2wd truck, a tighter cab, and the weakest top level engine (currently anyways).

In other words, you don't tanglibly get more for your money than its competitors.

cthompson21

I like the new Celica. I've never been a fan of the jelly-bean styling that seemed to take over in the '90s. Everything was just so plain and bubbly. The Celica seems to have gotten its edge (or edges) back.

As for the [non-permissible content removed]-tek... Yuck!!!

scape2

Actually the Taurus has passed the Accord in sales numbers and is very close to catching the Camry for top seller.
Yes, the Celica is U G L Y! But hey, its a Toyota and its ok right.??
allknowing, 6 years... Your analogy of the Ferrari is a joke. The capacity to make Tacoma's is there. People just aren't buying them in droves like the Ranger.. Why? Ranger has been the most sought after compact truck for 14 years STRAIGHT. Some say sales don't matter... Bull...
Sales make MONEY.

chipshot1

But you are talking about truck buyers not car buyers. You have to admit they have a different mentality.

cthompson21

I believe that, in general, compact truck owners are much more similar to car owners than full sized truck owners.

Many of the full-sized truck owners seem to be older and have the "buy american" mentality.

Compact truck buyers are generally younger and buy their trucks for every day commuter vehicles. The domestic vs. import mentality seems like a very small factor.

wilcox

Toyota fished me about 2 months ago. They
advertised (on TV) $1,000 cash back on Tacomas. I
even called em up and asked them directly, "Do you
give $1,000 cash back on 2000 Tacomas?". "Yes",
they replied.

When I got up there and found a nice
PreRunner...just the color the wife liked, etc...
We got into negotations, but we were far apart.
When I brought up the $1,000 cash off on
Tacomas...their response was: "That dosen't apply
to PreRunners".

I was out of there quicker than a cat could lick
it's rearend...

Ford got my money and Toyota did me a favor - I
scored a better truck and it cost less. The Ford
dealership is on Thornton Road in Atlanta/Lithia
Springs. Pretty good place IMO.

chipshot1

I am the first to admit that most all Toyota Dealerships are sheisters (sp?). I was very luck to find the one I did.