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Wish list for Next Gen Tacoma - what would you improve
I have been thinking about ways to improve the Tacoma. And I thought to get other opinions.
So what ideas would fellow Tacoma owners suggest?
I want to see more storage space, either in the sides of the bed or inside the cab. But hey, that's me. What would you want?
So what ideas would fellow Tacoma owners suggest?
I want to see more storage space, either in the sides of the bed or inside the cab. But hey, that's me. What would you want?
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2: move the shifter to the stalk. It's a truck, not a sports car. Put an electric 4x4 switch and get that on the dash somewhere and then give us more storage holes where the shifters were. Sit in a s10 or other truck to see how they do it.
3: take a clue from the S10 and make the door storage big enough to stash a water bottle in it. Very handy
4: Make the CD/radio show the time, why are we moving away from that anyway?
5: I have a doublecab so I don't know if this applies to the other versions but you need to add hooks in the middle of the bed (on the sides), not just at the ends.
6: put the emergency flashers in the same place as the turn signals and put fog lights where the emergency flashers are. I can't believe that this is still this way, it hasn't changed since the 80's.
7: This is probably a law but when I lock out the passenger power windows, I would still like to control them myself. (as the driver).
8: more places to stash stuff. There's always stuff to stash and the toy (and most other compacts) don't add the max amount of space for it.
9: in the double cab you need to rethink the folding seats. It would be nice to perhaps suppor folding up the seat bottom to gain more floor space.
These are just little nits, I really do like my truck, but I would really like for someone to someday follow around the engineers who design these things since a lot of this stuff is strange.
For example I rented a ford focus recently and was very saddened to see that the interior sucked, big time. This is a car for the younger set and it just didn't work. I remember when ford used to run commericals about how they involve average people in the design and that might be the problem...
2: move the shifter to the stalk. It's a truck, not a sports car. Put an electric 4x4 switch and get that on the dash somewhere and then give us more storage holes where the shifters were. Sit in a s10 or other truck to see how they do it.
<<<The 2001 includes an optional 4Hi button for 4Wheel-On-Demand. Pretty Cool. It's a truck and not a sports car? I also drive our Acura Integra GS-R (which moves by the way) and compared to it's sport clutch and short throws, I can't begin to tell you wha't wrong with this statement>>>
OK...MY POINTS:
1. I enjoy the V6. Good power and Torque. But considering my 1.8 VTEC kicks out 170 horses, and some of the VTEC's Honda is putting out there in the form of 2.2L engines are cranking out 200 or more horsepower...Isn't Toyota missing something? I think I should see a few more ponies under the hood (I think this could be done with a better intake design) without having to buy a $3000 super charger.
2. Definately more storage. Just got the truck last Wednesday...still looking for a spot for the garage door opener. Seems like there is plenty of room for an overhead console in the bucket seat configuration (no drivers will be sitting in the middle anyway). I like the map pockets in the doors but that's about all they are good for...paper products and trash.
3. Adjustable Bucket Seats. In addition the bucket seats could use a longer seat base. Even just a couple more inches would help.
4. Twin front tow/recovery hooks. Why not have two instead of just one? It sure would look cleaner. It reminds me of when Toyota Pickups (pre-taco) only came standard with one exterior rear view mirror. LOL
5. A deeper bed. I know I get better ground clearance but man those Nissans have deep beds.
I should also point out these are my 5 gripes. We don't have enough threads on Edmunds to cover what I like about the truck. Top of the list is my 4Hi on Demand button!
John
They also could have some type of engine upgrade besides the supercharger which will cost and extra $3000, just something to give you about 210hp stock
-The space is the back is a joke too. I know that they make the double cab for those of us that want to bring some friends along for the ride, but then you're completely losing the bed on that thing. I mean try and put a quad in there.
-The bed is lacking when it comes to the depth.
But then again, I have no room to talk, I've been waiting to buy a tacoma for the last 2 years and just never got around to doing it.
I doubt you would have the 5000 capacity you have when you get the TRD package. As well, payload would probably be reduced from 3/4 ton to 1/2 ton or below.
John
I'd also like to see a 4-door extended cab, longer bed, and bigger gas tank. And as stated above, add a diesel engine. If they offered a decent diesel in a small pickup, they would clean-up. A 4cyl diesel would be plenty. You don't need a 6cyl diesel IMHO (you realize the cummins is a cyl?) and it wouldn't fit anyway.
If BMW can crank 330HP @ 7900 RPM, and 263ft-lbs @ 4900 RPM in a 3.2L engine, I can't believe Toyota can't develop more HP and Torque from the same engine with better aspiration and exhaust while getting better gas mileage.
Acura can crank 240HP @ 5300 RPM, and 245ft-lbs @ 3000 RPM in a 3.5L engine in their MDX sport ute.
Lastly, Nissan's Pathfinder ouputs 250HP (Manual Transmission) @ 6000 RPM and 240ft-lbs @ 3200 RPM in their 3.5L engine.
Look for Toyota to use the same engine in 2002 with an increase HP and/Torque. The writing is on the wall.
John
I noticed the MDX is only rated to tow 3500# so it's obviously not built for towing anyway. Considering the Tacoma engine is over 6 years old, it was well built from the beginning IMHO. The old Pathfinder engine was much weaker than the current Tacoma 3.4L.
Tacoma 190Hp @ 4800 200ft-lbs. @ 3600
MDX 240Hp @ 5300 245ft-lbs. @ 3000
The Nissan develops peak torque at 240ft-lbs. @ 3200 RPM. Compared to the Tacoma's 220ft-lbs. @ 3600. I guess I don't understand how that makes the Nissan engine for the "Street Crowd".
John
My favorites are:
Make the V-6 available for those of us who need it without the TRD pkg or the frills on the S-Runner.
Eliminate the useless back seats on the extended cab and let us have the added space.
Rear doors on the extended cab ( as Ford does, or as Toyota does on the Tundra ) would be great.
ABS should be standard.
Don't expect Toyota to take our ideas seriously. The "Not Invented Here" factor will prevent a good idea from being implemented almost every time.
I'm in the process of turning up my 01 Cummins Ram, and the thing I've found is I can easily double my HP number, however it doesn't help towing because at such high rpm you start frying things because of the heat when under load. I'm actually going with a lower HP chip (about 80hp), but I gain 160ft-lb of torque. Plus I should gain about 3-4mpg pulling 10,000# (pulling in a higher gear). For another $600 I can add an adjustable system that will take me in stages (50hp, 80hp, 120hp) with the push of a button. The 120hp would be great for drag racing punks in sports cars, but I'm not spending the cash on a toy.
Know of any chips for the Toyota Tacoma?
Heh heh,
John
The SC option on the 3.4 is pretty nice, but costly. The torque is very useful, and nearly flat across the rpm band. I also ran into some guys awhile back that were importing a SC for the 2.7L 4-banger tacoma. It was supposed to take the hp up around the 200 mark, and still get the same mpg. I had the 2.7L in my Taco and would have looked closely at getting that SC. 200hp and 22-24mpg would be sweet.
Later, Al
1) a powered rear sliding windows - I have powered doors, windows, and mirrors. why not the rear window?
2) Get rid of the large reserve fuel tank - i think that when I am close to "E" on the fuel gauge I should really be almost out of gas.
3) a fuel gauge that actually tells you how many gallons you have left and what mpg you are getting.
1. I like the Dakota's size and power ( to bad that won't make them well). Not to small, nor do I feel like I'm driving a tank down the road, especially in the city. So, I'd say increase the size a little and add an 8 cylinder option with the towing ability to go with it.
2. Mid-gate's are the future. Chevy has it, Subaru will have it in a year or two and I believe VW has something in the works. I'd also make it with an electric slider.
3. A built in cargo bed liner and hard taneau cover are good. I especially like Sport-Tracks with the tie down points. Practical if carrying a lot of gear for the outdoors.
4. If the 8 cylinder does not happen, I'd go with a Supercharger package. Nissan has it, and from what I can see, Toyota's is much better.
All with Toyota's quality and ruggedness.
That's my two cents worth.
2. Offer a 5-speed automatic.
3. Offer a triple-range full-time 4WD transfer case, with shift-on-the-fly capability between High, Medium and Low ranges. High range would be for normal driving. Middle range would be for towing or heavy loads, and moderate off-road use. Low range would be for the most difficult situations.
4. Offer a fold-out and drop-down tailgate that could be used as a loading ramp for motorcycles, etc.
5. The crew cab needs larger rear doors.
Bob
Ya know, if you have a selectable option, and you need traction, locker is better.
If you were looking for traction in the snow, get the 4X4 with the 4wheel on demand button. It will do the job and you'll avoid the headache of an LSD.
John
I would have purchase the Nissan SC CrewCab for the same price. If I know the Toyota transmission was crappy.
Don't get me started on the clock.
Hmmm, what else? GET RID OF THAT HIDEOUS NEW GRILL DESIGN AND GO BACK TO THE 1998 STYLE!!!
The curved/sloping shape of the top of the doors and roof means that anytime the door or window is opened, a mini-avalance/downpour of snow/water (depending on where you live; I've seen both) falls directly into the truck's interior. It is substantially worse than other vehicles I've had.
I'm not fond at all of some of the pinstriping, graphics, door molding, etc. some of the new Tacomas are sporting. Keep it plain.
That's it. I'm thankful that my gripes are very minor annoyances, not major headaches. After over three years, I still love my truck and wouldn't trade it in for anything else.
I'd like to see an option for either a bigger interior or longer cargo bed. Of course having all these different options means more cost in the mfg. process. But it looks like Nissan is going that route. Something Toyota is not going to do. Toyota's motto, 'Keep it simple'. I'd also like to see Independent Rear Suspension for a softer ride. Lower the ground clearance and smaller tires for us folks who aren't going to be doing any serious off-roading. Wasn't that the idea behind the double cab? A more family oriented truck?
And maybe some day fix the location of the clock and add a locking gas cap.
The ladder chasse was the reason i purchased my truck, designed to go off road and less twist to the chasse, if i want a uni-body, i would have purchased a SUV (yuk). I Snow Ski in the winter and Jet Ski in the summer, the rear door was in ocean water last month while hauling a ski in the bed through a sand dune. I need the height. Please don't make this a puss mobile. It was already a puss when they made it 40 ft turning radius, factory changed it for people who does not know how to drive a high CG vehicle.
The Toyota keep it simple does not applied for some Tacomas, there are too many electronic sensors that will keep the truck not starting. When i brought my truck back to the dealer, the mechanic told me if the truck will not start within two seconds, wait a couple more, the computer needs to check all sensors before it will start. i feel like driving a microsoft os based truck sometimes. The difflock and 4WD-H is also electronic, i hope it will last longer than my 100k extended warenty.
I love my Taco TuRD 4WD DC, it will never replace my 88 Honda Civic with 264k miles it's been the same places my truck has, not as smooth but it has. But I hope Toyota will fix the bugs we all have listed. We can only sit back and see, will they listen?
So I could mop up Dakota V8s and the upcoming 1-6 4.2 S10/Colorado. With the 3.4 in my 99 Tacoma I already give the Dakota V8 a run for its money... But a 245 horsepower 315 ft/lbs of torque engine in the Tacoma would be just toooooooooooooo swwwwwwwweeeeeeeeeet....
I am still looking for the ergo designer for the TacoDC. This person need to design function before form.
It seems that Toyota is great at keeping secrets and out of all the car companies it reveals very little of upcoming projects until they are ready for launch..
Second on my list is to be able to order options separately. Right now everything is a package and the dealers say that it is too difficult to order trucks. Buy'em like they are on the lot or forget it.
The last is to add a third and or fourth door on the extended cabs and a long bed for the extended cab and double cab.
Oh, and I forgot I would like to see some REAL bumpers, not the wimpy ones we have now.
The Landcruiser 78 should be offered in the US along with the Tacoma and Tundra. The Tacoma is a tough truck but the Landcruiser 78 is tougher.
The 3RZ-FE 2.7 litre EFI engine is a twin cam multi-valve 4 cylinder engine that develops exceptional power (108kW/4800rpm) and class leading torque (235Nm/4000rpm) for a 4 cylinder petrol engine. The 2.7 litre engine with twin balance shafts delivers 6 cylinder power and smoothness but with 4 cylinder fuel economy and running costs.
5L-E
The 5L-E 3.0 litre EFI diesel engine offers impressive maximum power (71Kw/4000rpm) and maximum torque (200Nm/2600rpm), combining high performance with low fuel consumption.
1KZ-TE
The 1KZ-TE 3.0 litre Turbo Diesel engine offers potent power (85kW/3600rpm) and torque (315Nm/2000rpm). It's the most powerful engine in the HiLux range, and the first electronically injected diesel engine in the one tonne 4x4 utility class.
The engine has a lightweight, compact, water-cooled turbocharger for a balance of performance, fuel economy and durability.
Hp=145@4800
Torque=173ft/lbs @ 4000
5L-E
Hp=95@4000
Torque=148ft/lbs @ 2600
1KZ-TE
Hp=114@3600
Torque=232ft/lbs @ 2000