Bought a 2000 Ranger SC 4X4 with all options and love it. Have a 95 F150 SC 4X4 (selling it) with 91,000 trouble free miles that was just "too big," - wife wouldn't drive it and it uses a lot of gas. The 150 is also loaded, off road, 5.0, auto and got about 15 MPG average use. My Ranger has 1500 miles and has averaged just short of 18 MPG thus far (4.10, off-road, 4.0l, 5 speed auto). Wife thinks it's great and jumps at a chance to drive it. Got a good deal - $25,285 MSRP and ended up with $21,911 (after rebate) and a free bedliner.
MAN!! It would take a month of Sunday's to read all the comparisons in this topic. Both trucks have their good and bad sides. It's a matter of personal taste. They're BOTH GOOD TRUCKS!! I happen to have 99 Ranger XLT SC because I believe in supporting an American product.
I also ride Harley-Davidson for the same reason. Lighten up people!!!
Dave, Looks are a personal choice. I feel the Ranger is every bit as nice looking as a Tacoma. Value is just one of the Rangers high points. Interior design, comfort, handling blow the Tacoma away. Go to any chat on the net and I hear over and over, Toyota seats are thin, no padding. Interior is bland and full of cheap plastic! Too much road feel and very harsh ride. And another point is the Tacoma finishing last in the crash test results. Option for option the Tacoma will cost you more. Insurance is higher also. I used to live in Daly City! I know all about the hills in S.F. . I would get the 4.0 with the 5spd automatic. All I can say is test drive and compare. I own a 4.0 4x4 XLT 5spd stepside S/C. Its going on about years old and runs great, not one problem. I live in Oregon now and my truck gets used as a truck and has never let me down. Get a Ranger you won't be disappointed. Take the extra 3K and take a nice vacation. I just find it hard to believe a TRD V6 for 21.6K. What kind of options? Pwr windows? CD? Alarm? remote entry? pwr mirrors? A/C?. This is still 2K more than my loaded Ranger. So much for price drops on the Tacoma. CP, how was your trip? Locker is still a marketing gimmick, enjoy your stickers, LOL.
Great statement!!!! Can I have the Japanese carb(Mikuni I last heard) or how about them Japanese instruments(Nippon Desmo) maybe those Japanese suspension parts off of your Harley. Let's not forget the Japanese tranny in the Ranger(I'll take that also while you're being patriotic.) By the way I like the Ranger better but Hardlys are junk.
Options on 2000 TRD: v6, ac, 5sp, cruise, power windows/locks, tow hitch, CD and tape(will replace soon though). Really was exactly the configuration I wanted. It seems like most people in here are form West Coast or Western States, from my experiences out there recently and and siblings and friends in CO, AZ, CA, OR, WA all say EVERYTHING is more expensive then in Southeast. I sure know gas is, when I left here last Spring low grade .99 when I got to west coast same grade 1.70 and more. Maybe locker is overkill but included alloy wheels, 31"s, Bilsteins, and higher rate springs are nice. I personally couldn't care less about sticker.
My Ford and Chevy driving friends love the truck, variety makes life more interesting. My friend is hardcore Chevy, family is into building special events vehicles for Winston Cup. He also owns a Harley Dealership and about to open a second and is competes in All Harley Drag Racing Association. I dont think he would ever drive anything but Chevy and Harley but can appreciate diversity enough to say "hey man, nice truck" even though it is not his personal choice.
"Value is just one of the Rangers high points. Interior design, comfort, handling blow the Tacomaaway. "
lol...my how we forget. The Tacoma beats the Ranger in every single performance catefegory, and that includes HANDLING. Check out 4wheeler and Petersons June offroad issue. Check the road holding indexes, and the other handling issues. Also read how 4wheeler gushes about the handling of the Tacoma. In fact, 4 wheeler gushes about the offroad handling of the Taco so much, you would think they were talking about their mothers........" The tacomas supsension and handling was good on the highway, but it REALLY shined offroad.
Vince, the very fine tuned racing suspension on the TRD makes it a ten times better handler than the small torsion bar, highway tuned ranger suspension.
The tacoma performance shocks, steering, springs, ect all lead to superior performance. Just as k 4wheeler and Petersons( oh..you didnt know? Petersons off road magazine ALSO picked the tacoma in a compact shoot out over the ranger..interesting...!).
Two solid performance related magazines picking the tacoma in every performance category...icluding HANDLING.
Vince, to even COMPETE with the Tacos handling, you will need several serious upgrages to your suspension , springs and shocks. Sorry there little fella....they dont call it Toyota Racing Develoment for nothing.
I am in the market for purchasing a truck, and a few have caught my eye. A few questions about the Tacoma. I am only looking at the reg cab 4x4 tacoma and was wondering about the 4 wheel drive demand transfer case. Does this option make the manual hubs to automatic hubs. I really don't want manual hubs. Also, with the 4-wheel demand, does it allow you to tranfer into 4 wheel drive at any speed, or do you have to stop then switch, and reverse when disengaging 4x4. thank you for any help that can be offered.
The 4 wheel demand gives you the auto locking hubs, and the 4wd high can be engaged up to 50 miles per hour. I beleive it is a vacuum actuated spline that is used to engage and disengage the hubs, so as long as your are not spining the rear tires you should have no problem engaging your 4wd at speed.
Not to defend spoog, but where did you get those numbers? The ratios you listed as Ranger are for Mazda according to article. Is that to compensate for them not using 4 wheel package? If the difference you stated in your post #155 was not significant than this difference is miniscule if even acknowledgable.
Do you have an opinion on Line-X, I am scheduled to get "sprayed" next Wed.
The Mazda and the Ranger use the same Mazda M5OD 5-Speed transmission, so the ratio is the same.
My only point is that, in each case there is only a 1-4% advantage either way. This just supports the position that the vehicles are, in general, very equal in performance. It is a percentage that will not be noticed in a 4 wheel drive situation, be it 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear.
I am sorry I have no real good pics of the liner. I looked at Ameriguard and Rino liners but the place that did Ameraguard was only 4 miles away from work.
Kelly Blue Book http://kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.rp?kbb&&11&99fordranger "Final Word The new Ranger may be the best compact pickup truck on the market. Its driving qualities leave the other trucks in the dust... offers plenty of power and hauling capacity .... Handling is superb ...making this truck a good companion for everyday driving.
Mazda is selling mechanically identical models... the Ford looks tough, the Mazda looks sporty. Mazda B-Series trucks offer a compelling alternative to the Toyota Tacoma, with the Mazda delivering more truck per dollar."
"It is a percentage thatwill not be noticed in a 4 wheel drive situation, be it 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear."
According to 4wheeler and PEtersons offroad magazines, the crawl ratio and gearing made a HUGE difference, as the Tacoma was "their every testers choice for hill climbs and steep ascents"(their words). Sorry Cspounser, but you blew it once again. YOu cant just pop in another vehicles numbers for the Ranger!!!! lol!!!!! IF you would have read the EXCELLENT 4wheelers technical data page, you would have seen the different rear ends for the vehicles. Also, lets not forget.....its the combined performance of the gears that determines the FINAL crawl ratio, and the tacoma comes out in tops on that. So, once again, you try to mince words and confuse people. It see seems these cheap tactic are all you have left.
All you can do is quote from family car magazines that rave about the Rangers ability to park in a grocery store lot and how coveneient it is to have four doors for the plant pots from HOme Depot.
Whoa...hold on Cspounser..you cant just use the MAzdas numbers either. It has a different rear end than the Rangers. Also. the mazda in that tests beat the Ranger offroad.
Oh...and you want to get into the quality issue again?????? Ok...Ill start posting the NHSTA stats again for total safety recalls, technical repair bulletin recalls, and defect investigations!
CP, it is obvious by spoog's lack of response he doesn't understand what you are talking about. He keeps refering to an article we all have picked apart and proven to be bias, unreliable, have way too many contradictions. He is a kid with a pipe dream of owning a Tacoma TRD with a supercharger. The Ranger is known for its handling, comfort and interior. The interior seat comfort is the best of all compact trucks right along with the ergonomics. I have already given many sites/reviews that agree. Back to the open axle on the Tacoma. Had my neighbor to a little test with his 4-runner. It has been raining here like crazy. I asked him to stomp on the gas from a standstill with his 4-runner in 2wd. One tire spun quite aggressively for quite sometime before the tire caught traction and the vehicle was able to move. I did the same with my Ranger and there was a huge difference in traction. He is a devoted Toyota fan and was surprised at just how well the Ranger grabbed the pavement. Limited slips do matter, they are superior to an open axle. Toyota only offers open axles! So much for superiority. The Ranger/Mazda are the best all around compact trucks on the market today. Option for option they are less expensive. Interior is more comfortable and better quality. Interior space is larger along with the optional 4th door. A limited slip can be had on ANY model with ANY engine. A 3.0/4.0 can be had in ANY model. The 4.0 can be had with a 4spd/5spd auto or 5spd manual. The 3.0 with a 5spd or 4spd auto. The Ranger can be had so many more configurations and setups, Toyota can't match that! This is just one of the reasons the Ranger continues to be the NUMBER ONE compact truck in America!
lol Vince!!!!! YOur talking limited slips on 4x4's!!! hahahahahahah. Good one. WHo knows what all the land cruiser, range rovers and jeep cj7's would have done wihout limited slip!!!! lol!!!!! lol!!!!!lol!!!!!! Oh man this is too much. I also like how you state that the range ris of higher quality, yet you have no actual data to back that up.
(the OFFICIAL site for recalls, and defect data. there is no heresay here. There are no worthless reviews of one guy saying how he likes the feel of the interior and the parking ability.)
SO Vince, instead of spouting off about things, make sure you know the facts. Do you even know what defects are? Well, they are the basic component of quality. Defects can be loose dash knobs, rattling windows, windows that dont roll all the way down, dashboard rattles, ect. And the Rangers number of defects severly outnumbers the Tacomas. Quality? Need further proof, and not heresay and opinionated fluff from some shopper?
Well, then take a gander at the safety recalls. Take a gander at the Technical service recall repair bulletins. Man, this is way to easy.
It is CLEARLY proven that the Tacoma is a higher quality vehicle than the Ranger. PROVEN. No ifs ands or buts about it. Lots more defects, lots more safety recalls, and lots more repair bulletins. L-O-T-S. Its almost funny in fact.
Vince Writes
"The interior seat comfort is the best ofall compact trucks right along with the ergonomics."
ahahahaha purely objective, PURELY objective. YOU cant prove that the Rangers seats are more comfortbale!! lol!!! Everyone has their own views on comfort. WHAT CANT be argued is ACTUAL data and defect investiagtions PROVING faulty parts exist. Do you now understand the difference between fact and opinion? Do you realize that yet?
Vince does it yet again:
"Limited slips do matter, they are superior to an open axle. Toyota only offers open axles! So much for superiority. "
ahahaha LOL!!!!! Tell me Vince, what have all the legendary offroaders done without limited slip???? lol!!!! The cj'7s, rangerovers, landcruisers that are the choice vehicles for safaris and arctic expeditions? lol!!!!!!
Oh man this is too rich!! lol!!!!!!!!!! Limited slip is for passenger cars. PASSENGER CARS and 2 wheel drive trucks. Limited slip on 4x4 has proven to be unreliable.
"to all others... spoog doesnt like havein his MAIN ^^^^^^^ sorce of Knowledge being proved biased. and also ^^^^^ ^ ^ apparently eddited by a 16 year old kid " ^^^^^^^^
lol!!! Oh man, this site has just been to much fun today!! Ok everyone, notice how Sredman slams my "editing", obvioulsy pointing out my spelling and grammar errors. Now please refer to my little arrows ( ^^^) under certain words in his response.
LOL!!! Hey Sredman, next time you try and scold someone on their grammatical errors, try not to mispell in the very sentence you are using to scold someone!!!!! lol!!!!!! 5 times....5 times in two sentences. MAn, this is too rich.
i know my typing is horendous. im reffering to the editors at 4-wheller mag... they seemed to skip thier fact checking on that article..
next time you feel like discussing differential calculus why dont you give me a call.. we all have our callind and trust me mine Is NOT writing... i know my limitation how bout you .. or are you Jusdt a perfect as your TRD??
"does anybody know the sales totals for '94-99 forFord rangers and tacomas"
That is irrelevent Sredman. It s not like each Ranger is handrcafted individually by seperate contractors. The Tacoma comes from two factories, and so does the Ranger. The factory as a whole is responsible for defects, regardless of how many units sold.
The last I read is the Ranger outsells the Tacoma almost 4 to 1. The Ranger is ranked 7th out of all car and truck sales in the U.S. The Tacoma doesn't even show in the top 20. The consumer has spoken. Ranger is the winner.
If you ever had a course in statistics you would KNOW that the Number of Vehicles on the road Affects the the Number of Independent Defects that YOUR site post... sooo the more vehicles on the road the equals a higher probability of individual defects... basic statistics my friend.. and ill even spell check just for you spoog
That WOULD apply if the vehicles were each hand crafted by independant contractors. The source of defects is faulty machinery or poor work at the factories where the vehicles are produced. Tacomas and Ranger come from two factories a piece. It is the FACTORY where vehicles get their defects, not some random happen-stance on the road. Defects just dont randomly happen despite the source factory.
No.. if they were independently crafted this whole point would be mute.. here are my assumptions: 1. the design is flaw free... no problem that affects ALL production vehicles.. 2. that they are assembled in a assembly line method...individually handcrafeted vehicles would not reflect the car company but the individual craftman.. 3. the post on the NHTSA site are individual isolated investigation.. 4. reliability of a Kind of vehicle(ie. ford Ranger) is determined by how many of the produced vehicles have problems.
Now.. each investigation is initiated by a complaint.. Now lets say the odds of a kind of vehicle getting a complaint = X complaints per vehicle produced.. and Y = total vehicles produced so the formula goes :
TOTAL complaints = X * Y..
So therefor if you increase Y (vehicles produced) the total complaints will go up.. like wise if X (complaints per vehicle produced) goes up so does the total complaints..
I do conceed that the toyota is a more RELIABLE vehicle, i never doubted that... BUT the ranger is NO WHERE CLOSE to as bad as you make it sound..
And the same goes for the data Ranger owners present to Tacoma owners mmcbride! Enjoy the TRD sticker on your overpriced compact truck! Do you know what an open axle is? Why is their a 5mph disclaimer by Toyota that Tacoma owners seem to brush under the carpet with that locker? The locker is not active all the time and the axle is open the majority of time you drive the truck. What good is it? At least the limited slip on the Rangers is used in towing, hauling and everyday traction whether on the street or offroad the limited slip is always there. Don't get mad at me you found out too late you paid too much for a compact truck.
Remember, a few posts ago, I said I was willing to invest in a spoog filter. At least Cpousner is willing to concede valid points, as am I. You and Spoog, however, seem to miss everything that has been mentioned up to this point and are still hammering away at old, tired issues (I believe everyone else has been at least a little open). Everything you just brought up has been rehashed over and over. I'll respond anyway.
Yes, I know what an open axle is. I have one on my 4Runner. I have never had tire slippage problems in day-to-day driving (I know you and your neighbor did the experiment, but I don't mash my gas pedal in any situation, let alone wet streets, so your results don't apply to me). If my tires slip on snow or ice, I simply put my truck in 4WD and the problem is solved.
Yes, the TRD locker is for extreme situations (up to 5 mph) only. AS ARE ALL TRUE LOCKERS. True hard core offroaders like real lockers, not limited slips. Is your Ranger good offroad? I don't doubt that it is and that it will go anywhere you are willing to take it. But I would also bet you that the open diff in my truck will take me anywhere you can go. Don't say nobody will pay 23k for a truck and then take it to rough places, either. My uncle has a '95 Land Cruiser (hint: it cost a lot more than 23k) and takes it places I wouldn't even consider taking my 4Runner.
Yes, TRD Tacomas are more expensive than Rangers, but they hold their resale value better (we have already covered this one, too). So although it does cost more out of the chute, you will get more back out when it comes time for a new one.
P.s. - I thought you forgot to say "Enjoy your sticker", but then I looked again and I found it. You had me scared for a minute.
Ok I don't own a Ranger or a Tacoma!!!!!!! I don't work very hard so I get to play on the internet alot. Everyday I search about the same thing, I guess I am getting a little obsessed with this whole Ford vs. Toyota deal. I will be buying a compact truck withing the next year and a half. I have researched both of these trucks day in day out very extensively and I have come to some conclusions. They both have there pros and cons. What I especially like Ranger: American Nameplate (good and bad) explanation- it is good to support your country and buy american products, it is bad when the company knows this and that is one of the biggest reasons it is America's #1 selling pickup. Interior seems to have a sharper layout then Tacomas. Tacoma: Offroad qualities- has more power then Ranger. Better suspension (as far as offroad) Bigger tires available (bigger then Rangers) higher ground clearance. Both: Look very good from the exterior, far better than any other compact truck. Conclusion: I have basically narrowed it down to these two trucks because I had a Chevy and the interior is Cheap, don't like the style either. Dodge=gas guzzler. Nissan=buttpirate It basically boils down to what you want. If you are going to do some very serious offroading I would go with the Tacoma. If I had to sit in traffic on the way to work I still might go with the Tacoma because of the quiet engine but the Ford has a comfy interior. If I was going to haul, I would pick the Ranger. Both of the trucks are around the same price so it isn't too much of a concern, Ford does have some nice rebates though and more configurations. Earlier today I wanted a Ford. But right now I am not feeling so patriotic, I think Ford owes us a little more (not to say there trucks are crappy...but) because it is time they stop giving buyers a run-a-round and start building trucks that can outperform any trucks with a V-6 because we still want good gas mileage. Bottom Line- Ford needs a high output engine. I like Toyota engines, they are known to last and pack a punch. Is Ford too civilized?
I think that may be true. THeir vehicles features and setup are more geared for street driving. This same design philosophy also applies to the Explorer and the Expedition. In performnace tests, these vehicles are genereally the worst trail vehicles in their class. Ford just doesn't offer the "tough truck" features that Toyota does, such as the great suspension, clutch start cancel switch, locker, higher ground clearance, higher engine intake, better approach and departure angles, better wheel travel, better braking, standard skid plates and fuel tank plates(cspounser had to go aftermarket), standard tow hooks, standard 4 corner tie down loops in the bed, ect.
For the Ranger, you HAVE to get a 90 dollar upgrade just so you can haul 1500 pounds. If you dont, you will be limited to 1100 pounds max payload like Cspounser and Vince.
Good gearing in the rear end is also rare in the ranger. If you dont get the 4.10 rear end, you are stuck with a very weak geared vehicle suitable mainly for paved road use and flat gravel roads. A 22 crawl ratio on most Ford autos is really poor.
As for towing, you also need to get the OPTIONAL tow package to be able to tow 5000 pounds. If not, you are limited to around 3,000 pounds.
For hauling, I would definately go with the Tacoma. It is rated as a 3/4 ton pickup truck, the Ranger is rated a 1/2 ton.
The Ranger is a good value, and comfy for errands and runs to Home Depot and such.
THe Tacoma is a better performer and work truck. With its higher standard payload and towing, not to mention all its tough truck features others just dont offer. The spring rate is really great on the Taco. Its reliability is excellent,( as proven by HNSTA and the latest consumer reports) . The Tacoma is a performance, sport, work machine. It has beaten the Ranger in every single performance category in 4wheeler.com and Petersons offroad.
If your looking for value in your transportation, get the Ranger.
If your looking for something that is a performer, and that will take years of abuse, grab the Tacoma.
in all of this heated debate over ford vs. toyota, i've STILL not received an answer to a question i posted awhile back.
its been stated that "the trd locker can only be engaged in 4-low." "...its only good to 5 mph." thats not what i'm debating, at all.
THIS IS THE QUESTION I'M WONDERING ABOUT.....
How do you engage the trd locker in the Toyota Pre-Runner? The Pre-Runner is a 2-WHEEL-DRIVE!! THERE IS NO 4-LOW ON THIS TRUCK. However, the locker is part of the TRD package, which is offered on the 2-WHEEL-DRIVE Pre-Runner!!!
I've posted this question on various toyota boards here, without an answer yet! So, tell me Toyota guru's, whats the deal?!? Does anyone even have a clue?
Obviously, you can't use the locker in 4WD low if you don't have a low gear range to shift into. Stop the truck, push the button and get yourself unstuck. Push the button again to disengage and drive away with a smug grin on your face.
The PreRunner V6 is a great option for those who will rarely every need a 4WD but are concerned about emergency situations. And don't ask me why they don't put this on the 4 cylinder PreRunners because I don't know.
You know, that's the first INTELLIGENT response i've gotten in a long time!
I've tried to keep up with this board for awhile now, & still can't believe some of the assanine debates that come up! However, when i asked this question, nobody wanted to respond. (imagine that)
Anyway...how do you like your truck? I've looked at a pre-runner, but would rather have a 5-spd. After assessing my truck needs, however, a 4wd is going to be the truck for me. I'm a firm believer in the "I'd rather have it and not need it, as to need it and not have it!" mindset.
I got the numbers from the Four Wheeler article. The Ranger/Mazda use the same manual tranny so I just took the ratios for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear of both the Tacoma and Mazda manual, the stated xfer case low ratio and considered a 4.10 rear in both. Then filled in the equation tranny gear ratio X xfer gear ratio X differential ratio = crawl ratio. What is shows is that in all but 1st gear, the Ranger/Mazda has a small advantage in crawl ratio over the Tacoma, about the same small advantage the Tacoma has over the Ranger/Mazda in 1st gear. My general point is that if you are in 2nd or 3rd four wheeling, a situation I have been in a few times, the final gear ratio advantage is slightly in the Ranger/Mazda favor.
daniel40 You would be satisfied either way you go on a truck. You want a faster accelerator, than nod goes to the Tacoma. But do not just throw the Ranger out of contention because of engine hp. With a vehicle that has 65% of its weight in the front, the Tacoma would have a greater tendency to smoke the tires with its higher hp. The Ford 4.0 was built as a truck engine, lower rpm torque curve and works quite fine for its intended purpose. I am satisfied it will haul a great dela just fine. I loaded up a full 200 gal of H2O this past weekend, that is 1660lb, me and my wife as passangers, I am 260-270lb so I was hauling close to a ton in my 1260lb rated truck and it was working just fine. Seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY consider the crash rating. We just had an 80 car pileup on I70 last week, triggered in part by, and this is from witnesses, a Toyota SUV/p/u hauling a**, on black ice, in fog, in snow trying to do 70mph(stupid idea) and going airborne over other vehicles. Serious injury to the driver, let alone the car it came down on. In a 30mph side impact crash, the odds are you walk away from the Ranger, you die in the Tacoma.
I am just about ready to turn over 22K since Jan and the Ranger is running fine, goes anywhere a Tacoma goes. I added the same size tires but better than the Tacomas, 31X10.5X15 BF Goodrich TA KO's and am perfectly satisfied with the vehicle. Kinda wish I had gotten the 4.10 rear but do not want the extra baggage of the 16 inch tires.
Glad I was able to answer to your satisfaction. I started posting in this section but have been bored with most of the comments here. I spend more time in the Tundra discussions.
I don't own a Tacoma, I sell them. I do own a Tundra. I would agree that the 4x4 is a better bet if you think you may ever need it. If you want a 4 cylinder, now is a great time to but since we have $1000 rebates plus a $500 factory to dealer incentives on the '99s. In VA, we have been out of the V6 for quite some time but still have a great selection of 4 bangers.
Here in Arkansas, v-6's and 4-cyl's are fairly plentiful. I've found a 2k ext cab 4x4 w. 4-cyl.,5-spd., 31" tire pkg, and alloy wheels i'm itching to look at. sticker is $21,800(i think) Could probably get a fair deal on it; I'm just leary about the 4-cyl. I've driven the 6, & really like it. I don't pull that big a trailer, so trailer towing isn't that big a concern. Mainly, out on the highway power is what i'm quesitoning. I guess i'll just have to drive it & see.
anyway, thanks again for the help. I also posted the same question in another topic; (Are You Happy With Tacoma) It amazes me the responses some of these "TRUCK GUYS" post. You'd think you'd shot their best dog, stole their wife, drank their beer, & burned their house!
I read in a tacoma site that the side impact test everybody is talking about was done on a regular 2wd tacoma. Not that they should not do better in the test, but the regular 2wd tacoma is definetly the lowest of the 2wd compacts (door height). The deadly injury was to the pelvis, correct? I don't want to go back but I think thats where it was. Me owning a TRD 4wd, I think I would be much safer in the majority of crashes to the side then a regular 2wd tacoma because the ride height is so differnt. The truck frame is much higher on the 4wd, especially with 31" tires, so the impacts will occur lower on the door and more into the truck frame. Not to make excuses to 2wd models, but one look at a 2wd(Non-Prerunner)next to a 4wd will tell they should score quite differently in a side impact test. This may also explain why the 4runner scored much better then the tacoma, in fact it has to be because from the front doors forward they are near identical. If anybody wants to research this feel free, I am just repeating what I read somewhere else, but can't remember the exact source
Well i checked nhtsa.. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/ncap.cfm ..and the truck was a 1999 Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab, no mention of 4wd, and no picture either, and with a weight of 2910 lbs I am certain it was not a 4wd model. So while I won't make excuses for the 2wd tacoma, I think in all fairness, we can agree that a 4wd tacoma should perform exactly like a 4runner... http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/798.html .....this link has a picture and you can see the ride height allows for a 5 star rating, pictures don't lie. So if you want to talk safety about 2wd you are right, but for a 4wd, look at this sight, look at the picture, and i think you will drop the issue when talking about 4wd with 31's as not being safe on side impact, and if you disagree with me, then you are a truely biased person who can't (or won't) see the facts. My truck is as safe as yours.....
First, I agree with you. The test Tacoma was the bottom of the line, for lack of better words. however, the subject of this site is: Toyota TACOMA vs Ford RANGER - III (Topic #1276) so therefore, the topic of crash testing IS germaine to this site, regardless of the configuration of a vehicle.
God KNOWS I have heard statistics regarding the Ranger that can ONLY come from stats of a bottom of the line Ranger, applied to MY 4X4 XLT Supercab which just so happens to have 31inch BF Goodrich tires and stands within 1/2inch of clearing anything the best Tacoma/4Runner can clear.
is a bottom of the line Ranger, non extended cab, in other words a $9K unit, that is not THAT far off from the size/height of the bottom of the line, Tacoma Extended Cab, maybe 1/4-1/2 inch higher(HMMM where have I heard about a half inch difference making a vehicle Sooooo superior to another), except there is a bit more strength in an extended cab vs a regular cab. The vehicle they tested is the kind of vehicle NAPA or other dilivery services may buy for their fleet. A "Cheap POS"
And that Ranger got 5 stars side impact. Here are what the stars mean: 5 Star = 10% or less chance of serious injury
4 Star = 11% to 20% chance of serious injury 3 Star = 21% to 35% chance of serious injury 2 Star = 36% to 45% chance of serious injury 1 Star = 46% or greater chance of serious injury .
I do agree and would love to see a Tacoma 4X tested. However, since you brought up SUV's:
Check the 1996 and 1997 Crash test ratings, http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/ just select the yr and you will see that the Tacoma did poorly as compared to the Ranger in those years. Go back another year, to 95 and the basic Toyota P/U did poorly against the Ranger
It is simple, the Ranger IS a safer vehicle.
Period.
Why is it so difficult for a Tacoma owner to recognize INDEPENDENT assessments that do not favor the Tacoma?!? Especially when it involves SAFETY, like your life?
46% or greater chance of serious injury or 10% or LESS chance of serious injury
Which would you choose if you LIFE depended on it?
It all depends what you want a truck to do, and I own a V8 Tundra but I like the 4 cylinder Tacoma. There is one catch to that engine. It needs to be run hard. If you shift below 3000 RPM, it is a dog. If you run it up between 3000 and 4500 RPM, it will run very well.
It also gets better mileage (better than the window sticker claims), easier to take care of and costs less. It wont pull as much and you will loose a drag race but it has been a very dependable engine.
Invoice on a '99 TRD (off road package) 4 cylinder with 4 wheel demand, SR5 package, tilt, cruise, buckets, clock etc is $20473. In the Central Atlantic Region, we have a $500 incentive and a $1000 rebate. If we sell $200 over net (which we will on a '99), you walk away for $19173 and I think the truck is worth every penny.
I don't have any V6s to look up but the way they equip them will run the price well up.
Comments made about "American Products" were pretty lame. The Tacoma is built by "Employed Americans" in Fremont CA, where taxes are also paid to the state and town. What's wrong with that again? Do you not own a TV for the same reason? How about the PC your using to post?
If the Tacoma interior is "Cheap Plastic" why does the Ranger's squeak so much. Hint Hint Edmunds test Ranger....
Comments made about "American Products" were pretty lame. The Tacoma is built by "Employed Americans" in Fremont CA, where taxes are also paid to the state and town. What's wrong with that again? Do you not own a TV for the same reason? How about the PC your using to post?
If the Tacoma interior is "Cheap Plastic" why does the Ranger's squeak so much. Hint Hint Edmunds test Ranger....
Well, according to Cspounsers and Vinces holy Consumer reports, the Tundra is chosen as the BEST full size pick up. lol. They recommend the Tundra, and do NOT reccomend the Dodge, Chevy or Ford full sizes. Funny, and thats in its first year.
How about them apples Vince(im not saying consumer reports knows what they are talking about here). Your beloved Consumer reports picking the Tundra over the other full size pickups. OUCH.
Also Sredman.... A full size pickup is judged on wether one outfitted with an eight foot bed can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the bed, NOT on cabin size.
According to many reviewers, the Tundra out accelrates, tows, brakes handles the other full size pickups.
Im not a huge fan of it though. I think 33k for a full size pick up is absurd. And im talking about ALL The full size makers. Chevy, Toyota ect.
I was reading some other articles about compact pickups. I really like the Tacoma right now. In no doubt in my mind it is a better o.r.v. I think it is even better than a Jeep. I will buy a o.r.v. (off-road vechicle) within the next two years not because they are trendy but because I like to go offroading (imagine that). I like the Rangers looks but not it's performance. I know Chevy is coming out with some inline -6's, (this is good because they are powerfull) but I don't like Chevy's so HOPEFULLY ford will come out with an inline 6 or a DOHC in their ranger. If they do this and bump up H.P. to around 190+ then I will buy one if not oh-well my dollar's will go to Toyota
Comments
I also ride Harley-Davidson for the same reason. Lighten up people!!!
JLOCO
Option for option the Tacoma will cost you more. Insurance is higher also. I used to live in Daly City! I know all about the hills in S.F. . I would get the 4.0 with the 5spd automatic. All I can say is test drive and compare.
I own a 4.0 4x4 XLT 5spd stepside S/C. Its going on about years old and runs great, not one problem. I live in Oregon now and my truck gets used as a truck and has never let me down. Get a Ranger you won't be disappointed. Take the extra 3K and take a nice vacation.
I just find it hard to believe a TRD V6 for 21.6K. What kind of options? Pwr windows? CD? Alarm? remote entry? pwr mirrors? A/C?.
This is still 2K more than my loaded Ranger. So much for price drops on the Tacoma.
CP, how was your trip?
Locker is still a marketing gimmick, enjoy your stickers, LOL.
v6, ac, 5sp, cruise, power windows/locks, tow hitch, CD and tape(will replace soon though). Really was exactly the configuration I wanted. It seems like most people in here are form West Coast or Western States, from my experiences out there recently and and siblings and friends in CO, AZ, CA, OR, WA all say EVERYTHING is more expensive then in Southeast. I sure know gas is, when I left here last Spring low grade .99 when I got to west coast same grade 1.70 and more. Maybe locker is overkill but included alloy wheels, 31"s, Bilsteins, and higher rate springs are nice. I personally couldn't care less about sticker.
My Ford and Chevy driving friends love the truck, variety makes life more interesting. My friend is hardcore Chevy, family is into building special events vehicles for Winston Cup. He also owns a Harley Dealership and about to open a second and is competes in All Harley Drag Racing Association. I dont think he would ever drive anything but Chevy and Harley but can appreciate diversity enough to say "hey man, nice truck" even though it is not his personal choice.
Interior design, comfort, handling blow the Tacomaaway. "
lol...my how we forget. The Tacoma beats the Ranger in every single performance catefegory, and that includes HANDLING. Check out 4wheeler
and Petersons June offroad issue. Check the road holding indexes, and the other handling issues.
Also read how 4wheeler gushes about the handling of the Tacoma. In fact, 4 wheeler gushes about the offroad handling of the Taco so much, you would think they were talking about their mothers........" The tacomas supsension and handling was good on the highway, but it REALLY shined offroad.
Vince, the very fine tuned racing suspension on the TRD makes it a ten times better handler than the small torsion bar, highway tuned ranger suspension.
The tacoma performance shocks, steering, springs, ect all lead to superior performance. Just as k 4wheeler and Petersons( oh..you didnt know? Petersons off road magazine ALSO picked the tacoma in a compact shoot out over the ranger..interesting...!).
Two solid performance related magazines picking the tacoma in every performance category...icluding HANDLING.
Vince, to even COMPETE with the Tacos handling, you will need several serious upgrages to your suspension , springs and shocks. Sorry there little fella....they dont call it Toyota Racing Develoment for nothing.
Do you have an opinion on Line-X, I am scheduled to get "sprayed" next Wed.
My only point is that, in each case there is only a 1-4% advantage either way. This just supports the position that the vehicles are, in general, very equal in performance. It is a percentage that will not be noticed in a 4 wheel drive situation, be it 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear.
I am sorry I have no real good pics of the liner. I looked at Ameriguard and Rino liners but the place that did Ameraguard was only 4 miles away from work.
http://kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.rp?kbb&&11&99fordranger
"Final Word
The new Ranger may be the best compact pickup truck on the market. Its driving qualities leave the other trucks in the dust... offers plenty of power and hauling capacity .... Handling is superb ...making this truck a good companion for everyday driving.
Mazda is selling mechanically identical models... the Ford looks tough, the Mazda looks sporty.
Mazda B-Series trucks offer a compelling alternative to the Toyota Tacoma, with the Mazda delivering more truck per dollar."
be it 1st, 2nd or 3rd gear."
According to 4wheeler and PEtersons offroad magazines, the crawl ratio and gearing made a HUGE difference, as the Tacoma was "their every testers choice for hill climbs and steep ascents"(their words). Sorry Cspounser, but you blew it once again. YOu cant just pop in another vehicles numbers for the Ranger!!!! lol!!!!!
IF you would have read the EXCELLENT 4wheelers technical data page, you would have seen the different rear ends for the vehicles.
Also, lets not forget.....its the combined performance of the gears that determines the FINAL crawl ratio, and the tacoma comes out in tops on that. So, once again, you try to mince words and confuse people. It see seems these cheap tactic are all you have left.
All you can do is quote from family car magazines that rave about the Rangers ability to park in a grocery store lot and how coveneient it is to have four doors for the plant pots from HOme Depot.
Whoa...hold on Cspounser..you cant just use the MAzdas numbers either. It has a different rear end than the Rangers. Also. the mazda in that tests beat the Ranger offroad.
Oh...and you want to get into the quality issue again?????? Ok...Ill start posting the NHSTA stats again for total safety recalls, technical repair bulletin recalls, and defect investigations!
99 Ranger defect investigatios --- 122
99 Tacoma defect investigations---20
THeres one for starters.............
to all others... spoog doesnt like havein his MAIN sorce of Knowledge being proved biased. and also apparently eddited by a 16 year old kid
He keeps refering to an article we all have picked apart and proven to be bias, unreliable, have way too many contradictions. He is a kid with a pipe dream of owning a Tacoma TRD with a supercharger.
The Ranger is known for its handling, comfort and interior. The interior seat comfort is the best of all compact trucks right along with the ergonomics. I have already given many sites/reviews that agree.
Back to the open axle on the Tacoma. Had my neighbor to a little test with his 4-runner. It has been raining here like crazy. I asked him to stomp on the gas from a standstill with his 4-runner in 2wd. One tire spun quite aggressively for quite sometime before the tire caught traction and the vehicle was able to move. I did the same with my Ranger and there was a huge difference in traction. He is a devoted Toyota fan and was surprised at just how well the Ranger grabbed the pavement. Limited slips do matter, they are superior to an open axle. Toyota only offers open axles! So much for superiority.
The Ranger/Mazda are the best all around compact trucks on the market today. Option for option they are less expensive. Interior is more comfortable and better quality. Interior space is larger along with the optional 4th door. A limited slip can be had on ANY model with ANY engine. A 3.0/4.0 can be had in ANY model. The 4.0 can be had with a 4spd/5spd auto or 5spd manual. The 3.0 with a 5spd or 4spd auto. The Ranger can be had so many more configurations and setups, Toyota can't match that! This is just one of the reasons the Ranger continues to be the NUMBER ONE compact truck in America!
4x4's!!! hahahahahahah. Good one. WHo knows what all the land cruiser, range rovers and jeep cj7's would have done wihout limited slip!!!! lol!!!!! lol!!!!!lol!!!!!! Oh man this is too
much. I also like how you state that the range ris of higher quality, yet you have no actual data to back that up.
I...on the other hand...DO. :
94-99 Ranger --- 569 Defect investigations
94-99 Tacoma --- 60
Dont believe me? Take a look for yourself:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/
(the OFFICIAL site for recalls, and defect data.
there is no heresay here. There are no worthless reviews of one guy saying how he likes the feel of the interior and the parking ability.)
SO Vince, instead of spouting off about things, make sure you know the facts. Do you even know what defects are? Well, they are the basic component of quality. Defects can be loose dash knobs, rattling windows, windows that dont roll all the way down, dashboard rattles, ect. And the Rangers number of defects severly outnumbers the Tacomas. Quality? Need further proof, and not heresay and opinionated fluff from some shopper?
Well, then take a gander at the safety recalls.
Take a gander at the Technical service recall repair bulletins. Man, this is way to easy.
It is CLEARLY proven that the Tacoma is a higher quality vehicle than the Ranger. PROVEN.
No ifs ands or buts about it. Lots more defects, lots more safety recalls, and lots more repair bulletins. L-O-T-S. Its almost funny in fact.
Vince Writes
"The interior seat comfort is the best ofall compact trucks right along with the
ergonomics."
ahahahaha purely objective, PURELY objective. YOU cant prove that the Rangers seats are more comfortbale!! lol!!! Everyone has their own views on comfort. WHAT CANT be argued is ACTUAL data and defect investiagtions PROVING faulty parts exist. Do you now understand the difference between fact and opinion? Do you realize that yet?
Vince does it yet again:
"Limited slips do matter, they are
superior to an open axle. Toyota only offers open
axles! So much for superiority. "
ahahaha LOL!!!!! Tell me Vince, what have all the legendary offroaders done without limited slip???? lol!!!! The cj'7s, rangerovers, landcruisers that are the choice vehicles for safaris and arctic expeditions? lol!!!!!!
Oh man this is too rich!! lol!!!!!!!!!!
Limited slip is for passenger cars. PASSENGER CARS and 2 wheel drive trucks. Limited slip on 4x4 has proven to be unreliable.
Thanks Vince, thanks for the laugh!
"to all others... spoog doesnt like havein his MAIN ^^^^^^^
sorce of Knowledge being proved biased. and also
^^^^^ ^ ^
apparently eddited by a 16 year old kid
^^^^^^^^
lol!!! Oh man, this site has just been to much fun today!! Ok everyone, notice how Sredman slams my "editing", obvioulsy pointing out my spelling and grammar errors. Now please refer to my little arrows ( ^^^) under certain words in his response.
LOL!!! Hey Sredman, next time you try and scold someone on their grammatical errors, try not to mispell in the very sentence you are using to scold someone!!!!! lol!!!!!! 5 times....5 times in two sentences. MAn, this is too rich.
HAppy THanksgiving all!!!!!
next time you feel like discussing differential calculus why dont you give me a call..
we all have our callind and trust me mine Is NOT writing... i know my limitation how bout you .. or are you Jusdt a perfect as your TRD??
"does anybody know the sales totals for '94-99 forFord rangers and tacomas"
That is irrelevent Sredman. It s not like each Ranger is handrcafted individually by seperate contractors. The Tacoma comes from two factories, and so does the Ranger. The factory as a whole is responsible for defects, regardless of how many units sold.
Tacomas and Ranger come from two factories a piece. It is the FACTORY where vehicles get their defects, not some random happen-stance on the road. Defects just dont randomly happen
despite the source factory.
here are my assumptions:
1. the design is flaw free... no problem that affects ALL production vehicles..
2. that they are assembled in a assembly line method...individually handcrafeted vehicles would not reflect the car company but the individual craftman..
3. the post on the NHTSA site are individual isolated investigation..
4. reliability of a Kind of vehicle(ie. ford Ranger) is determined by how many of the produced vehicles have problems.
Now.. each investigation is initiated by a complaint.. Now lets say the odds of a kind of vehicle getting a complaint = X complaints per vehicle produced.. and Y = total vehicles produced so the formula goes :
TOTAL complaints = X * Y..
So therefor if you increase Y (vehicles produced) the total complaints will go up.. like wise if X (complaints per vehicle produced) goes up so does the total complaints..
I do conceed that the toyota is a more RELIABLE vehicle, i never doubted that... BUT the ranger is NO WHERE CLOSE to as bad as you make it sound..
Enjoy the TRD sticker on your overpriced compact truck! Do you know what an open axle is? Why is their a 5mph disclaimer by Toyota that Tacoma owners seem to brush under the carpet with that locker? The locker is not active all the time and the axle is open the majority of time you drive the truck. What good is it? At least the limited slip on the Rangers is used in towing, hauling and everyday traction whether on the street or offroad the limited slip is always there. Don't get mad at me you found out too late you paid too much for a compact truck.
Yes, I know what an open axle is. I have one on my 4Runner. I have never had tire slippage problems in day-to-day driving (I know you and your neighbor did the experiment, but I don't mash my gas pedal in any situation, let alone wet streets, so your results don't apply to me). If my tires slip on snow or ice, I simply put my truck in 4WD and the problem is solved.
Yes, the TRD locker is for extreme situations (up to 5 mph) only. AS ARE ALL TRUE LOCKERS. True hard core offroaders like real lockers, not limited slips. Is your Ranger good offroad? I don't doubt that it is and that it will go anywhere you are willing to take it. But I would also bet you that the open diff in my truck will take me anywhere you can go. Don't say nobody will pay 23k for a truck and then take it to rough places, either. My uncle has a '95 Land Cruiser (hint: it cost a lot more than 23k) and takes it places I wouldn't even consider taking my 4Runner.
Yes, TRD Tacomas are more expensive than Rangers, but they hold their resale value better (we have already covered this one, too). So although it does cost more out of the chute, you will get more back out when it comes time for a new one.
P.s. - I thought you forgot to say "Enjoy your sticker", but then I looked again and I found it. You had me scared for a minute.
I don't work very hard so I get to play on the
internet alot. Everyday I search about the
same thing, I guess I am getting a little obsessed
with this whole Ford vs. Toyota deal. I will
be buying a compact truck withing the next year
and a half. I have researched both of these
trucks day in day out very extensively and I
have come to some conclusions. They both have
there pros and cons. What I especially like
Ranger: American Nameplate (good and bad)
explanation- it is good to support your country
and buy american products, it is bad when the
company knows this and that is one of the biggest
reasons it is America's #1 selling pickup.
Interior seems to have a sharper layout then
Tacomas.
Tacoma: Offroad qualities- has more power then
Ranger. Better suspension (as far as offroad)
Bigger tires available (bigger then Rangers)
higher ground clearance.
Both: Look very good from the exterior, far better than any other compact truck.
Conclusion: I have basically narrowed it down to
these two trucks because I had a Chevy and the
interior is Cheap, don't like the style either.
Dodge=gas guzzler. Nissan=buttpirate
It basically boils down to what you want. If
you are going to do some very serious offroading
I would go with the Tacoma. If I had to sit in
traffic on the way to work I still might go with
the Tacoma because of the quiet engine but the
Ford has a comfy interior. If I was going to
haul, I would pick the Ranger. Both of the trucks
are around the same price so it isn't too much
of a concern, Ford does have some nice rebates
though and more configurations. Earlier today
I wanted a Ford. But right now I am not feeling
so patriotic, I think Ford owes us a little more
(not to say there trucks are crappy...but) because
it is time they stop giving buyers a run-a-round
and start building trucks that can outperform
any trucks with a V-6 because we still want good
gas mileage. Bottom Line- Ford needs a high output engine. I like Toyota engines, they are
known to last and pack a punch. Is Ford too civilized?
". Is Ford toocivilized?"
I think that may be true. THeir vehicles features and setup are more geared for street driving. This same design philosophy also applies to the Explorer and the Expedition. In performnace tests, these vehicles are genereally the worst trail vehicles in their class.
Ford just doesn't offer the "tough truck" features that Toyota does, such as the great suspension, clutch start cancel switch, locker,
higher ground clearance, higher engine intake, better approach and departure angles, better wheel travel, better braking, standard skid plates and fuel tank plates(cspounser had to go aftermarket), standard tow hooks, standard 4 corner tie down loops in the bed, ect.
For the Ranger, you HAVE to get a 90 dollar upgrade just so you can haul 1500 pounds. If you dont, you will be limited to 1100 pounds max payload like Cspounser and Vince.
Good gearing in the rear end is also rare in the ranger. If you dont get the 4.10 rear end, you are stuck with a very weak geared vehicle suitable mainly for paved road use and flat gravel roads. A 22 crawl ratio on most Ford autos is really poor.
As for towing, you also need to get the OPTIONAL tow package to be able to tow 5000 pounds. If not, you are limited to around 3,000 pounds.
For hauling, I would definately go with the Tacoma. It is rated as a 3/4 ton pickup truck, the Ranger is rated a 1/2 ton.
The Ranger is a good value, and comfy for errands and runs to Home Depot and such.
THe Tacoma is a better performer and work truck.
With its higher standard payload and towing, not to mention all its tough truck features others just dont offer. The spring rate is really great on the Taco. Its reliability is excellent,( as proven by HNSTA and the latest consumer reports)
. The Tacoma is a performance, sport, work machine. It has beaten the Ranger in every single performance category in 4wheeler.com and Petersons offroad.
If your looking for value in your transportation, get the Ranger.
If your looking for something that is a performer, and that will take years of abuse, grab the Tacoma.
Hope this helps.
If you need links, let me know!
its been stated that "the trd locker can only be engaged in 4-low." "...its only good to 5 mph." thats not what i'm debating, at all.
THIS IS THE QUESTION I'M WONDERING ABOUT.....
How do you engage the trd locker in the Toyota Pre-Runner? The Pre-Runner is a 2-WHEEL-DRIVE!! THERE IS NO 4-LOW ON THIS TRUCK. However, the locker is part of the TRD package, which is offered on the 2-WHEEL-DRIVE Pre-Runner!!!
I've posted this question on various toyota boards here, without an answer yet! So, tell me Toyota guru's, whats the deal?!? Does anyone even have a clue?
RESPONSES WELCOMED!!
keith24
The PreRunner V6 is a great option for those who will rarely every need a 4WD but are concerned about emergency situations. And don't ask me why they don't put this on the 4 cylinder PreRunners because I don't know.
I've tried to keep up with this board for awhile now, & still can't believe some of the assanine debates that come up! However, when i asked this question, nobody wanted to respond. (imagine that)
Anyway...how do you like your truck? I've looked at a pre-runner, but would rather have a 5-spd. After assessing my truck needs, however, a 4wd is going to be the truck for me. I'm a firm believer in the "I'd rather have it and not need it, as to need it and not have it!" mindset.
keith24
Let me try to answer your question.
I got the numbers from the Four Wheeler article. The Ranger/Mazda use the same manual tranny so I just took the ratios for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear of both the Tacoma and Mazda manual, the stated xfer case low ratio and considered a 4.10 rear in both. Then filled in the equation
tranny gear ratio X xfer gear ratio X differential ratio = crawl ratio.
What is shows is that in all but 1st gear, the Ranger/Mazda has a small advantage in crawl ratio over the Tacoma, about the same small advantage the Tacoma has over the Ranger/Mazda in 1st gear. My general point is that if you are in 2nd or 3rd four wheeling, a situation I have been in a few times, the final gear ratio advantage is slightly in the Ranger/Mazda favor.
daniel40
You would be satisfied either way you go on a truck. You want a faster accelerator, than nod goes to the Tacoma. But do not just throw the Ranger out of contention because of engine hp. With a vehicle that has 65% of its weight in the front, the Tacoma would have a greater tendency to smoke the tires with its higher hp. The Ford 4.0 was built as a truck engine, lower rpm torque curve and works quite fine for its intended purpose. I am satisfied it will haul a great dela just fine. I loaded up a full 200 gal of H2O this past weekend, that is 1660lb, me and my wife as passangers, I am 260-270lb so I was hauling close to a ton in my 1260lb rated truck and it was working just fine.
Seriously, and I mean SERIOUSLY consider the crash rating. We just had an 80 car pileup on I70 last week, triggered in part by, and this is from witnesses, a Toyota SUV/p/u hauling a**, on black ice, in fog, in snow trying to do 70mph(stupid idea) and going airborne over other vehicles. Serious injury to the driver, let alone the car it came down on.
In a 30mph side impact crash, the odds are you walk away from the Ranger, you die in the Tacoma.
I am just about ready to turn over 22K since Jan and the Ranger is running fine, goes anywhere a Tacoma goes. I added the same size tires but better than the Tacomas, 31X10.5X15 BF Goodrich TA KO's and am perfectly satisfied with the vehicle. Kinda wish I had gotten the 4.10 rear but do not want the extra baggage of the 16 inch tires.
I don't own a Tacoma, I sell them. I do own a Tundra. I would agree that the 4x4 is a better bet if you think you may ever need it. If you want a 4 cylinder, now is a great time to but since we have $1000 rebates plus a $500 factory to dealer incentives on the '99s. In VA, we have been out of the V6 for quite some time but still have a great selection of 4 bangers.
anyway, thanks again for the help. I also posted the same question in another topic; (Are You Happy With Tacoma) It amazes me the responses some of these "TRUCK GUYS" post. You'd think you'd shot their best dog, stole their wife, drank their beer, & burned their house!
keith24
..and the truck was a 1999 Toyota Tacoma Extended Cab, no mention of 4wd, and no picture either, and with a weight of 2910 lbs I am certain it was not a 4wd model. So while I won't make excuses for the 2wd tacoma, I think in all fairness, we can agree that a 4wd tacoma should perform exactly like a 4runner...
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/798.html
.....this link has a picture and you can see the ride height allows for a 5 star rating, pictures don't lie. So if you want to talk safety about 2wd you are right, but for a 4wd, look at this sight, look at the picture, and i think you will drop the issue when talking about 4wd with 31's as not being safe on side impact, and if you disagree with me, then you are a truely biased person who can't (or won't) see the facts. My truck is as safe as yours.....
Toyota TACOMA vs Ford RANGER - III (Topic #1276)
so therefore, the topic of crash testing IS germaine to this site, regardless of the configuration of a vehicle.
God KNOWS I have heard statistics regarding the Ranger that can ONLY come from stats of a bottom of the line Ranger, applied to MY 4X4 XLT Supercab which just so happens to have 31inch BF Goodrich tires and stands within 1/2inch of clearing anything the best Tacoma/4Runner can clear.
But THIS, my friend,
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/990.html
is a bottom of the line Ranger, non extended cab, in other words a $9K unit, that is not THAT far off from the size/height of the bottom of the line, Tacoma Extended Cab, maybe 1/4-1/2 inch higher(HMMM where have I heard about a half inch difference making a vehicle Sooooo superior to another), except there is a bit more strength in an extended cab vs a regular cab. The vehicle they tested is the kind of vehicle NAPA or other dilivery services may buy for their fleet. A "Cheap POS"
And that Ranger got 5 stars side impact. Here are what the stars mean:
5 Star = 10% or less chance of serious injury
4 Star = 11% to 20% chance of serious injury
3 Star = 21% to 35% chance of serious injury
2 Star = 36% to 45% chance of serious injury
1 Star = 46% or greater chance of serious injury .
I do agree and would love to see a Tacoma 4X tested. However, since you brought up SUV's:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/cars/986.html
The Explorer, like the bottom of the line Ranger, which is the closest SUV to a Ranger, ALREADY has 5 stars so I dont REALLY need to go there.
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/ncap/ just select the yr
and you will see that the Tacoma did poorly as compared to the Ranger in those years. Go back another year, to 95 and the basic Toyota P/U did poorly against the Ranger
It is simple, the Ranger IS a safer vehicle.
Period.
Why is it so difficult for a Tacoma owner to recognize INDEPENDENT assessments that do not favor the Tacoma?!? Especially when it involves SAFETY, like your life?
46% or greater chance of serious injury
or
10% or LESS chance of serious injury
Which would you choose if you LIFE depended on it?
It also gets better mileage (better than the window sticker claims), easier to take care of and costs less. It wont pull as much and you will loose a drag race but it has been a very dependable engine.
Invoice on a '99 TRD (off road package) 4 cylinder with 4 wheel demand, SR5 package, tilt, cruise, buckets, clock etc is $20473. In the Central Atlantic Region, we have a $500 incentive and a $1000 rebate. If we sell $200 over net (which we will on a '99), you walk away for $19173 and I think the truck is worth every penny.
I don't have any V6s to look up but the way they equip them will run the price well up.
You forgot the carb and the ignition on the Harley. They're Japanese too!!
I'm talking about American Companies that build and market American products.
By the way, someday when you grow up, you'll realize that H-D is the only REAL motorcycle.
LOCO
If the Tacoma interior is "Cheap Plastic" why does the Ranger's squeak so much. Hint Hint Edmunds test Ranger....
-wsn
If the Tacoma interior is "Cheap Plastic" why does the Ranger's squeak so much. Hint Hint Edmunds test Ranger....
-wsn
How about them apples Vince(im not saying consumer reports knows what they are talking about here). Your beloved Consumer reports
picking the Tundra over the other full size pickups. OUCH.
Also Sredman.... A full size pickup is judged on wether one outfitted with an eight foot bed can fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in the bed, NOT on cabin size.
According to many reviewers, the Tundra out accelrates, tows, brakes handles the other full size pickups.
Im not a huge fan of it though. I think 33k for a full size pick up is absurd. And im talking about ALL The full size makers. Chevy, Toyota ect.
pickups. I really like the Tacoma right now.
In no doubt in my mind it is a better o.r.v.
I think it is even better than a Jeep. I will
buy a o.r.v. (off-road vechicle) within the next
two years not because they are trendy but because
I like to go offroading (imagine that). I like
the Rangers looks but not it's performance. I
know Chevy is coming out with some inline -6's,
(this is good because they are powerfull) but I
don't like Chevy's so HOPEFULLY ford will come
out with an inline 6 or a DOHC in their ranger.
If they do this and bump up H.P. to around 190+
then I will buy one if not oh-well my dollar's
will go to Toyota