Hey spoog. I am lucky enough to live in Northern New England. The fishing, hunting and snowmobiling are all great. The only drawback is the long winters. I am exaggerating of course about there being no paved roads. But there are definitely a lot of logging roads. You could drive all day off road and go from VT to NH to ME and to Canada. And you do have to travel 15 or more off road miles just to get to some camps and to some great hunting/fishing spots. It is great.
On another note regarding Toyota reliability, I am aware of a local construction company that for many years had all Toyota pick ups as their company vehicles. A local Ford dealership convinced this construction company to replace some of their aging fleet with Ford Rangers. I heard it first hand from a company employee that they had many more problems with the Rangers and has in fact changed back to once again using strictly using Tacomas/Tundras as their company vehicles. In fact, some of the older Tacomas out lasted some of the newer Rangers. I thought you might enjoy that interesting story. Anyhow, keep on mudding.............Steelman.
Its been over a year since I was looking at seats, and I no longer have the links to the sites where I found them.
Use a search engine and scrounge around on the web. Recaro is one of the more popular after-market seat manufacturers, and all the seats that I have come across offered installation kits (rails) for Toyota trucks.
If that doesn't work go to your local magazine store and look through their car/truck magazines, especially those focused on customizing or modifying (vehicles). You should be able to find some URLs.
Hmm... Vince 8, Cspounser and others never chimed in on fourwheeler making the Tacoma TRD "pickup of the year 2001", and naming the Tacoma TRD the "ultimate offroader" over the Hummer, Jeep and landrover.
Interesting.
Yeeeeeehaaaaaaw! (sung to "take it easy" by the eagles)
where you claimed personally knowing Tacoma's 8 to 10 years old with 250,000 miles.
Tacoma was introduced as a 1995.5 model, making the oldest ones 6 years old. They also had a crappy engine that blew head gaskests somewhere between 0-100,000 miles that usually lunched the engine.
Care to comment?
BTW my Ranger does real well on 10,000-11,000 ft 4X4 passes. Not sure what causes the powere problem you talk about in, where, Michigan?
I should have been more clear on my post regarding older Toyotas with many miles. I was relating more to Toyota reliability in general than just Tacoma reliability. As such, I have a friend who just bought a used 4 runner with over 200,000 miles on it. I think it is a model year 1986 or 1987. He loves it and it runs like a top. As for Tacoma longevity, I was particularly thinking of one of my logging buddies who has a V6 Tacoma from the mid nineties (possibly model year 1996?) with about 257,000 miles on it. It is still running great and he takes it into the woods daily. I will have to admit,however, that it does have a wooden bed. Again, I think that problem will be cured in the newer models with the one piece bed (apparently the older ones were two piece beds?). I am also aware of several other Tacomas (age?) that have well over 100,000 miles and have never given their owners any engine problems (just change the oil and go). That was the final reason I chose a Tacoma over a Ranger on my recent purchase. Many of my Ranger owning friends are not happy with their vehicles and I didn't want to be another victim of the belief that if it has the name "Ford" than it has to be good. Many people have learned that lesson the hard way.
As far as the Ranger that I drove goes, it is a V6 automatic. And, the engine output sucks. It feels like a small 4 cyl. and has no sack whatsoever. It is not what one would expect for a V6. Perhaps Ford Ranger engineers should go back to the drawing board on that one. Take care................Steelman.
I'm in the market for a '98 or '99 Ranger or Tacoma. I've never owned a Ford or a Toyota, so I'm fairly impartial.
The first thing I did was drive 'em. I'll be honest here. I liked them both. I think the Ford was a little smoother on the road than the Tacoma.
The next thing I did was read reviews. Neither rig really gets a bad review, although the Fords definitely crash test better.
Then I did what all of you people flaming each other about what the best truck is should do. I walked into 5 different independent auto mechanic garages and asked the experts! I simply asked, what compact pickup would you personally buy, and why? The results....
The first name out of ALL of their mouths (8 people total) was...Toyota. They ALL said that they see by the fewest major problems with the Tacoma compared to everything else. A few of them noted that they see Rangers quite often for major problems. As a side note, most of them said definitely stay away from the Dodges!
That's all I need to know. End of discussion group.
The people who know these trucks best would buy a Tacoma over a Ranger in a heartbeat. My mind is made up, thank you.
Whatever you do, don't listen to what is generally garbage going on in this room.
One thing you might want to note is that there's been approximately 6 Rangers built to every 1 Tacoma (by my own estimation).
To all the naysayers, here's how I come up with my figures. They're just estimates based on avg sales figures over the life of the model line. If you've got the real numbers, please feel free to post.
You must have driven the 3.0L V-6 ranger. There's no way you could drive the SOHC 4.0 and walk away thinking it didn't have a sack. (especially if you're used to driving a tacoma)
In February I traded in my 1997 Ranger XLT 4x4, X-cab 4.0, V6 for a loaded Tacoma TRD 4x4. The sales person from the dealership contacted me and explained that the Ranger had recently been sold and the new owner wished to speak to me about the truck. I had no problem with this and agreed to talk to the individual. The new owner called me and asked if the Ranger was a "lemon" because he had taken a 700 mile trip out of town and had encountered several problems. Apparently the two front wheel bearings and the fuel pump went bad before even reaching his destination. He was a little upset that he had been left stranded in the middle of nowhere. He commented to me that he thought the Rangers were supposed to be reliable trucks, "not this one". I personally had never taken the truck on such a long trip but I'm glad I never did. I guess I was lucky to get rid of the truck when I did.
Did you have all the required maintenance done on your '97 Ranger according to the owners manual? Could it be that the new owner's problems were due to a lack of attention on your part?
Toyota voluntarily took back my new '95 Tacoma (after 4 months and 3500 miles) and gave me a T100 in exchange because the Tacoma was so problem-ridden. Of course, I had to threaten to take them to arbitration. The most frustrating part was that they had no fixes for the problems. Band-aids and excuses were the best they offered.
All this just goes to show that lemons exist EVERYWHERE. Just hope that you don't wind up with one.
need to browse all the internet Ranger rooms. There are tons of happy Ranger owners out here with 100, 200 and even 300K miles on them. This stigma of only Toyota's last over 100K is a joke! Once again, I have almost 40K absolutle trouble free miles on my SECOND Ranger. Why is it when a Ford person posts high miles its just pushed aside? CP, nice photos. According to the Toyota group Rangers can't offroad! I am seeing more new Rangers on the road. I ran into a guy with a nice silver 2001 stepside 4x4 4dr SOHC 4.0 kingcab today. This guy must have had some cash. It had a chrome brush guard, chrome nerf bars, 31"BFG's, Rancho's, rock guard, spray in liner. This truck was a looker and stomper.. His next plan was to supercharge the SOHC 4.0! Can you imagine the HP/Torque he will get out of that SOHC 4.0? He uses his to tow his boat and jet skiis and does some trailing. He did admit though he would not take it into places that would dent or scratch it...:-)
Great post. I also find it interesting how "the gang" is so shocked by the recent Fourwheeler Pickup 2001 comments and choosing the Tacoma over the Hummer, Land Rover, and Jeep in an offroading contest. Absolutely amazing! Bravo Toyota, for mastering and engineering such a fine performance machine. Thanks for building a vehicle that *lasts*.
Again, anyone who reads this forum should at least glimpse a copy of the May Fourwheeler where the Tacoma "beats out the rest". Also included is a beautiful, lengthy article on the ARCTIC LandCruisers. Great Photos!
Be sure to also check out the photos of the Tacoma on the dunes. Stunning.
For the 2001 pickup o the year resutls, check fourwheeler.com
" The Tacaom TRD could simply go places the other trucks couldn't" -Fourhweeler.com
" The Tacoma 'opened up a can of whoop-[non-permissible content removed]' on the rest of the competition"
Fourhweeler.com
" The Tacoma handled the dry washes better than the Hummer"
Fourhweeler
" Buy the Tacoma if you actually use your truck as a truck"
Fourwheeler
" the ranger rattled like a rattlesnake offroad"
Edmunds.com long term review.
" If shopping for a used Ranger, take it for a very,very long test drive"
"Unfortunately, for my country, the "best", in terms of transmission reliability goes to the Toyota pickup, fourrunner, and minivan (Although the Cienna has not been out long, it is based on the Camry, which has proven to be quite a reliable drivetrain). Again, the Toyotas seem to go, often in excess of 150,000 miles, without automatic transmission failure. In addition, when considering a sport utility vehicle, the Honda Passport can be a wise choice.
If I had to choose an American minitruck, or sport utility, or minivan, I would choose GM. The S10/S15 trucks and blazers, and the Astro Van, come with the 4L60E transmission, which is not designed for towing, but is adequate for what these trucks are designed for. These transmissions can be expected to last to around the 100k mile mark, if not used severely.
Ford's AeroStar Van, Ranger pickup, and Bronco II, hold up reasonably well, with many of their transmissions failing at, or around the 80,000 mile mark.
Chrysler's minivan line uses the same transmission as the Chrysler cars... My mother always taught me that "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all...", so I will not say anything about these vehicles. The "mid-sized" Dodge Dakota comes with the 500, or 518 transmission, which has more than it's share of problems, with failures often seen, in our shop, at, or around 60,000 miles.
Summary It is my opinion that, in terms of automatic transmission reliability, the Toyota minitruck and fourrunner line is the way to go, with the Honda Passport also being a good choice. Again, as in the "car section", I would avoid the more obscure vehicles, like Izusu, Mazda, Nissan, etc. because, although they seem to have a better reliability record than the U.S. made minitrucks, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, they suffer from a low resale value, as compared to the Toyotas, and Hondas. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 3: Full-sized trucks, vans
In terms of sport utility vehicles, I believe, hands down, that the Toyota Landcruiser (and it's Lexus equivelant) would be my first choice; these vehicles seem to consistantly last over 150,000 miles before requiring transmission service. The Chevy Tahoe/Suburban is reasonable, in terms of transmission reliability, offering around 100k of trouble-free miles.
As full-sized trucks, and vans, are concerned, the GM truck line seems to be, by far, more reliable, in the automatic transmission department. The 1/2 ton trucks are equipped with the 4L60E, which is not really designed for towing, but, then again, either is a 1/2 ton truck; expect these transmissions to offer around 100k of trouble free miles, unless you use your truck for towing. The 3/4 ton GM trucks use the 4L80E, which seems to be, by far, more reliable, for towing, than the 4L60E; I would not be afraid to tow with a 4L80E transmission. Although the Toyota T100 is considered "full-sized", you may want to sit in it, before assuming it is "full-sized"; if you can put up with the size, and the lack of "real towing capacity", the T100 is quite reliable, and would be my first choice for a mid-sized delivery truck.
If you plan on buying a Ford, or a Chrysler full-sized truck, van, or full-sized sport utility, get to know a good transmission technician....The Fords have been having more than their fair share of problems with their 4R70W transmission (electronic version of the AOD, which did not hold up well, either), with many torque converter shudder problems being reported as early as 20,000 miles, but more typically, at 40,000-50,000 miles. The same service bulletin applies, as mentioned in the "cars" section above. The E40D transmission, although being better, in many ways, than the 4R70W, also has it's share of problems, and although Ford has improved the E40D tremendously, I do not believe it is perfected, with many, many, many E40D's, failing at, or around the 75,000 mile mark. The Chrysler full-sized trucks, and vans happen to be the most overrated trucks on the market, again, in my opinion. The 518/618 transmission has been a real money-maker for transmission shops, with many, many, of these transmissions failing more than once, through the life of the manufacture's warrantee. It is not, at all, uncommon for us to see many 1997 Chrysler trucks, with very low mileage, in a given month, all getting rebuilt transmissions. Between you and me, I would not want to pay $30,000+ dollars for a truck, knowing that I would be battling transmission problems, for the lifetime of the vehicle. Transmission failures vary, with Chrysler full-sized trucks (We have one now, that failed at 4200 miles.... Not 42,000, mind you....), but typically, we see transmission failure around 40,000-60,000 miles.
Summary Again, if I needed a full-sized sport utitlity vehicle, I would choose the LandCruiser/Lexus, over the Chevy Blazer, Tahoe, or Suburban, although they can be reasonably reliable too. I would choose a GM full-sized truck, before a Ford or a Chrysler, and would choose a 3/4 ton GM truck if I were planning on towing, at all. I believe that the engineers may have a good sense of humor when they set "towing capacities" on their 1/2 ton trucks, and would not consider towing any trailer over 1000 lbs. with any 1/2 ton GM truck, because I do not believe that the 4L60E is designed for it; this is not a heat problem, but rather a "hard part" problem when the 4L60E fails, so I do not believe that a cooler will help in this case. If you are set on buying a Ford, or Chrysler full-sized truck, I suggest buying a used one, because with all of the transmission problems they have had, you should be able to find plenty of people willing to give you a "good deal" on a relatively new truck, because of the problems they have already experienced. "
Anyone else noticing a pattern here? Best offroading, best built ect ect ect.
1995, 2.3L, 5 Speed, Supercab. 108,000 Miles, no problems. Oil Change every 3000 miles. Timing Belt around 80,000. Plugs at 60,000. Air Filter every 30,000. I'm thinking about changing Trans fluid soon, and maybe the oil in the rear end. Oh, I did have to replace the drivers side mirror at 107,000, but that's a long story and was my fault, not the trucks...
You really should be changing your fluids. Bit too long if they are original.
If you have a limited slip, remember to put in friction modifier, you can get it at Ford.
Also, consider synthetics. View the owners manual carefully to assure you get the right fluids. Sometimes ATF is used where you would not expect it's use.
In regard to the wheel bearing problem in a previous post, some thoughts. Cannot find any indication of that problem in the Ranger, at least in general. Not an issue as far as Consumer Reports. If a curb has been smacked, as was the case with my sons 94 Toy, the bearings can be damaged. Generally, keep them greased and they are good for life.
I just turned over 39K on my 99. As the previous pictures attest, it makes it to high altitude 4 wheeling areas with no problems. Engine is running very smooth but recall that I have been running Mobil 1 since around the 15K oil change. Last tank gave me 18mpg on regular for aruond town driving, get around 20-21mpg on the road. I am considering an axle truss, they are cheap and can come with a differential skid plate. The truss will combat the twisting of the differential and take the strain off the carrier bearings. As I stated, the replacement brake parts were, in my opinion, a bit expensive. But it was very easy for even a novice mechanic to replace the pads and rotor. Just remember to disable the ABS by unhooking the battery(you Toyota owners do not have to worry about ABS, I understand it is a rare option on the Tacoma while standard on the Ranger). Still very satisfied with the vehicle.
and I do answer his questions, even though he has not answered too many of mine.
Given the vehicles tested in that FourWheeler report, Ii think the Tacoma is the most practical choice. You glossing over the fact that FourWheeler chose a Nissan as FourWheeler of the year? Don't you find it strange that Four Wheeler seems to find a Tacoma in almost every test it does?
Remember the rules of FourWheeler itself for picking the vehicles that test for their awards. They pick vehicles that have has significant modifications and run them head to head. They do not test every vehicle. What were the "... significant..." midifications to the Tacoma that it would be selected for the test? Same engine, same tranny, same differential, same locker. The ONLY difference, other than the ugly grille, was the addition of the crewcab setup, basically cosmetic. So why did they choose it? I think they, the mag, really LIKE the vehicle and try to promote it at any time it can. And do not get me wrong, it is a very good vehicle, but the unusual number of apperaraces in FourWheeler is suspect.
What you PROVED in your comments spoog, is that you do not even read the magizine FourWheeler, until someone points out to you a Tacoma article. It has been 2 months, at least since the Tacoma crew cab got the award and, if you check back on the posts, someone eles pointed out to you the test against the Hummer and other vehicles.
I drive a Military Spec Hummer when I go my Army Reserve Weekends. They are pretty amazing off road, try as I might I can't get the thing stuck. Truthfully, the only one I've ever seen stuck was when one of our Lieutenants drove one into a ditch. If you have any military experience at all you won't be surprised that it was a Lieutenant! As far as driving one of them every day? No thanks! The heater sucks, it leaks, noisy, no interior room, and on and on. Let me tell you, a weekend of driving that beast and my Ranger feels like a Miata and my Miata feels like a Go-Cart!!!!
I haven't read the latest fourwheeler article so excuse my potential ignorance. But... If the Tacoma is the pickup of the year, then why was it being compared against the hummer, land rover, and jeep. (SUV's) Also, I just saw a commercial for the Jeep Grand Cherokee where they state it's the "4x4 of the Year," according to some peterson's magazine. What gives? Explain it to me please.
Well i will have to agree with you 100% on the hummer being a anoying vehicle for everyday driving,i drove a brand new one (owned by a WWF wrestler)and was not impressed at all,no room except for driver,crappy gauges,horrible stereo,no acceleration,oh and the hood hinges were folling off!(i tightend them up for him)....i guess it's a statis thing to own one but i guess when you have the money to blow it's no big deal.
Strolled into work today. I had to get a project done by April 2nd. Anyway, I noticed a new Tacoma prerrunner TRD V6 in the lot. I asked around and it ended up being a production persons. I began quizing him on what he knew about it. He had no idea that his rearend is open, he had no idea where it stood in crash tests, he had no idea that his locker was only good in 4low!!. Granted it was a nice looking truck, but it once again proves to me that a very large majority who buy the TRD sticker don't even know what they have! Got to give credit however to Toyota for its marketing. Wonder what kind of lawsuits they are going to have when those people who don't understand lockers start to engage them for city driving conditions and they take corners too fast... OUCH.. By the way he paid 19K! for this 2WD truck! OK Toyota boys. Please explain to me how a locker on a 2WD truck is going to help? Light rearend.. can only engage in 4low.. Alot of wasted money in my book....
eagle-I haven't read the whole article yet and I'm not sure why you've included me in your comment as I haven't promoted the article at all. I'll admit that I definitely prefer the Tacoma off-road, and I think that it's cool that it was picked as the best all around off-road vehicle, but as you've shown it's only one magazine's opinion and others may not agree.
Vince- I had hope for you but now you're back to the same erroneous rambling. Even more, now we know why you don't like the Tacoma's locker. It's because you don't understand what it does and how it's used.
FYI - I'm aware of how crucial it is to have your vehicle serviced routinely. That Ranger never went more than 100 miles past its scheduled maintenance. And I never mistreated the truck in any way or form. In fact I had the truck four years and it only had 45,000 miles on it.
Thats where the 20001 pickup of the year contest is. IT is a Tacoma TRD verse a full size Chevy, full size GM, Chevy s10 and nissan pickup.
There is ANOTHER great article in the may issue of fourwheeler that has the hummer, tacoma, jeep, and land rover going head to head.
The tacoma won that.
I strongly suggest that anyone interested in this forum should check out the MAY issue of Fourwheeler that has the fantastic pictures ot he arctic landcruiser expedition and the "ultimate 4x4" contest with the hummer, range rover, and jeep.
interesting that you would make statements about denial.
I said, or at least I implied, that given the 3 choices, Hummer etc, I would certainly choose the Tacoma, give the choices. Do not really think the others are good every day vehicles. But, I would not be betting your Tacoma pink slip on an all out 4X4 run against a Hummer.
In regard to Ranger bearings, as I stated, no indication of any review suggesting a problem in that area with the 1997 year. Have a friend that owns a 97 STX and he loves it. Never had a problem in his words. He is just miffed that he paid $22K in 97 for his while I paid a bit over $17K off the lot, with 2.9% finance charges for mine. Now Mine is not equipped like an STX and I had to add a few things, bringing the total costs up to a bit over $18K to get closer to his in options, but hey, $4K is a substantial savings given my vehicle is 2 years newer and goes the same places.
rmacias: The new owner asked the dealer to talk to your regarding your old truck? Well guess that could happen, but that sounds odd. Only time I got contacted on a previous vehicle is when someone found some of my old paperwork that I had given to the private person that bought it from me.
Perhaps the bearings had a defect from the factory, or the grease seals were leaking, hard to say.
In regard to my comments on carrier bearings, I have been given recommendations that ANYONE who off-roads a great deal should consider the truss at least. Regardless of vehicle the bending and twisting motions of off-roading take thier toll on the bearings. Even some of the nice pictures spoog posted in the past show trusses on Tacomas. It is a smart idea regardless and the cost is about $100.
let me compare my Ranger to the expenses I had on my 1981 2wd Toyota. This is within 40,000 miles for each vehicle.
Ranger: Wiper switch on warrenty. Door interlock on warrenty. Replaced 3rd gear based on my comment of 2 missed shifts while under fast acceleration, on warrenty.
Toyota: Injectors replaced at 1,000 mi. on warrenty. Injectors replaced at 2,000 mi. on warrenty. Injection pump replaces at 2,000 mi. on warrenty. Newly designed injectors for high altitude replaced at 5,000 miles along with another injection pump on warrenty. In all cases above the vehicle fouled the injectors and blew white smoke. Replaced rear axle's at 23,000 mi. due to being bent. Took out the rear brake drums and shoes with them. Vehicle would never hold a decent load. From 30,000 miles on took it in to dealer complaining about hesitation, lack of power etc. Never fixed to satisfaction. At 38,000 mi., out of warrenty now, was told by Toyota that 2 glow plugs were broken and the debris were bouncing around in the cylinder. Engine rebuild, not covered By Toyota even though I pointed out the visits under warrenty when I complained about the issue. At 39,000 mi. the transmission broke. Sold vehicle at a loss.
Now, anyone wonder why I do not really care for Toyota vehicles and/or the service and customer care they provide?
sorry, I only included you because I thought you might have read the article. -and because I didn't think spoog would respond, but he did so never mind
I asked this question earlier and didn't get a response, so I'll try again: Are the 4wd systems used on the tacoma and ranger part-time, or full-time?? thanks.
In order to be full time, you need a center differential. That is how the all wheel drive vehicles can be in 4X4 without tearing up differentials and ruining tires.
Taco and Ranger have a Transfer case, no center differential. I THINK the Explorer all wheel drive has the Center differential.
That is why when comparisons are done here, Ranger to Explorer, I laugh. There are some things simular, and Explorer is based on Ranger, but there are a great deal of differences in suspension and 4X4 system.
I'm not completely sure on the explorer either. I have an Explorer, but not the all wheel drive V-8 version. It has what Ford calls "control-Trac 4wd." It has 4hi and 4lo settings, which are part-time 4wd. -but it also has an "auto" setting which you can use on drive pavement and adjusts to slippage. I don't think it has a center differential though, so I'm not sure how the adjustment is done.
about low gear... So, this guy now has a 2WD truck or should I say 1WD! LOL!>... How does this locker benefit a 2wd truck? Lockers are not immune to getting stuck. What happens when the 2 tires that are positioned in the lightest part of the truck get stuck? Whoa, that locker sure comes in handy then.. I completly understand a locker on a 4wd system but on a 2wd? The locker is not meant to go over 10mph and is not good for desert running at speeds in excess of 30-40MPH and some turns involved also. I still haven't got an answer from the Toyota gang as to what happens when you take a sharp corner with your locker engaged.... Allknowing, I really did a job on you didn't I? Is it when you found out your rear end is really a 1WD truck? or was it the crash test data that sent you over the edge?
Not too sure about control track on an Explorer. Must be some mechanical device that allows for 4WD on flat surfaces vs like my P/U.
Just know All Wheel Drives have, as I understand it, the center differental.
With the Ranger and Tacoma, and others, if your not on uneven areas, you will feel a binding in 4WD. That is due to having a transfer case and no center differential, as I understand it.
Ranger is a chain driven transfer case and I think the Tacoma is gear driven. I think both are in 4WD hi all the time, hence the shift on the fly ability of both. You have to stop to select 4WD low on both vehicles.
yeh you really did a job on me. I grow more in awe every day at the ignorant things you post, while at the same time, thinking that you are influencing somebody. May I suggest that you attend a basic auto class or, at the very least, read a few good books and learn a bit about trucks and cars before you make these stupid posts. Then again, if your goal is to appear stupid, you're doing a great job.
You know vince, I don't enjoy talking to you like this but you need to know that you're making yourself look really ignorant. Step back and think about what you're doing.
If I have to put up with vince's repeat posts then you can put up with my comments. As far as spoog, yes he does that too but the main difference is that his repeat comment is from a magazine and has a little bit of substance while vince rarely posts anything accurate.
I finally got my truck. Some of you may remember me from some months ago. My last post was at the end of last November and I was waiting for my 2001 Ranger XLT 4X4 super-cab to be delivered. I had changed jobs and had to give my F-150 back as well as my computer so I have been out of touch as far as this post goes. The dealer quoted me an 8 week delivery which meant that I would be without vehicle for 6 weeks... or so I thought! As it turned out the truck took 18 weeks to be delivered, yes that was 18. Ten weeks longer than the already long 8 weeks quoted. I was without vehicle for 16 weeks and being a snow boarder and living in Canada I missed out on the best winter in memory for the sport. The hold-up was the Back-Pak option which along with the four doors was one of the main reasons that I chose the Ranger over the Taco (which had a two week delivery quoted). The back-pak is very nice however and I am glad I got it but both Ford and the dealership just kept stringing me along as far as the delay was concerned. To the point where they gave me the option of cancelling the order, the option or just waiting it out for an undetermined time period. All I was told was that it "should be soon". I contacted the official Ford customer complaint line a couple of times to lodge formal complaints but the follow up so far has been on existent. Also... part of the deal I made with the dealer included rubber floor mats thrown in. They forgot about them so I waited an additional 2 weeks for front and rear rubber Ranger floor mats to show up. Guess what showed up? Two sets of rear (one rubber one carpet) mats for an F-150! And the factory mud flaps ended up being both left side mats for the back. To get these two pieces of plastic matching ("Ranger" facing rearward on both sides) I have to file an "Incompletely manufactured vehicle claim". I am not impressed with both Ford and the dealer as you may have guessed. However, the truck itself is very nice and I am having a blast with it. I got out snow boarding once with it and got hammered by a big snow storm. It was the first time I had used a four wheel drive vehicle and while other cars etc were stranded I was able to waltz down the road as if it were summer. Nice truck. Lots of balls too. The mileage seems to suck so far though.
Your mpg will suck for maybe 5K. Mine was 14-16 at first, 99 with the older 4.0. It settled in at 18-19 city, 21-22 hwy.
If I were you, I would be expecting something from the dealer or Ford regarding the mats. Think you have to suck it up on the time. Last car I ordered was a 90 Chrysler LeBaron. Ordered it in Jan, the $1,000 rebate was good til Mar 1. Got the car on Mar 14th. Sniff, sniff, no bucks. Ordered and Intrepid also, no real problems but it took it's sweet time getting here too.
I look around and get the closest lot deal that meets my needs. Learned the hard way on having to wait.
Comments
On another note regarding Toyota reliability, I am aware of a local construction company that for many years had all Toyota pick ups as their company vehicles. A local Ford dealership convinced this construction company to replace some of their aging fleet with Ford Rangers. I heard it first hand from a company employee that they had many more problems with the Rangers and has in fact changed back to once again using strictly using Tacomas/Tundras as their company vehicles. In fact, some of the older Tacomas out lasted some of the newer Rangers. I thought you might enjoy that interesting story. Anyhow, keep on mudding.............Steelman.
Don't tell me you're a Cat guy!!! (j/k)
Use a search engine and scrounge around on the web. Recaro is one of the more popular after-market seat manufacturers, and all the seats that I have come across offered installation kits (rails) for Toyota trucks.
If that doesn't work go to your local magazine store and look through their car/truck magazines, especially those focused on customizing or modifying (vehicles). You should be able to find some URLs.
Interesting.
Yeeeeeehaaaaaaw!
(sung to "take it easy" by the eagles)
Take it iiiiiiiiiin
take it iiiiiinnnnn
take that ranger to the dealer once again
Tacoma was introduced as a 1995.5 model, making the oldest ones 6 years old. They also had a crappy engine that blew head gaskests somewhere between 0-100,000 miles that usually lunched the engine.
Care to comment?
BTW my Ranger does real well on 10,000-11,000 ft 4X4 passes. Not sure what causes the powere problem you talk about in, where, Michigan?
Maybe it is the gas. . .
All easily solvable.
As far as the Ranger that I drove goes, it is a V6 automatic. And, the engine output sucks. It feels like a small 4 cyl. and has no sack whatsoever. It is not what one would expect for a V6. Perhaps Ford Ranger engineers should go back to the drawing board on that one. Take care................Steelman.
The first thing I did was drive 'em. I'll be honest here. I liked them both. I think the Ford was a little smoother on the road than the Tacoma.
The next thing I did was read reviews. Neither rig really gets a bad review, although the Fords definitely crash test better.
Then I did what all of you people flaming each other about what the best truck is should do. I walked into 5 different independent auto mechanic garages and asked the experts! I simply asked, what compact pickup would you personally buy, and why? The results....
The first name out of ALL of their mouths (8 people total) was...Toyota. They ALL said that they see by the fewest major problems with the Tacoma compared to everything else. A few of them noted that they see Rangers quite often for major problems. As a side note, most of them said definitely stay away from the Dodges!
That's all I need to know. End of discussion group.
The people who know these trucks best would buy a Tacoma over a Ranger in a heartbeat. My mind is made up, thank you.
One thing you might want to note is that there's been approximately 6 Rangers built to every 1 Tacoma (by my own estimation).
To all the naysayers, here's how I come up with my figures. They're just estimates based on avg sales figures over the life of the model line. If you've got the real numbers, please feel free to post.
Ranger - 18yrs @~300,000 units = 5,400,000
Tacoma - 7yrs @~125,000 units = 875,000
Using my oversimplified logic, I'd expect to see 6 Rangers in the repair shop for every 1 Tacoma if they were equal in build quality.
In any case, enjoy what you drive. Make sure that you buy what YOU want and feel comfortable with. That truck is truly the "best" truck.
http://member.aol.com/Cpousnr/cc1.jpg
At 10,700 ft. . .
http://members.aol.com/Cpousnr/medano2.jpg
At maybe 9.600 ft...while driving...
http://www.members.aol.com/Cpousnr/music2.jpg
On top at around 9,200 ft...where is yours?
http://members.aol.com/Cpousnr/music4.jpg
BTW - Not one problem with my Tacoma so far.
Toyota voluntarily took back my new '95 Tacoma (after 4 months and 3500 miles) and gave me a T100 in exchange because the Tacoma was so problem-ridden. Of course, I had to threaten to take them to arbitration. The most frustrating part was that they had no fixes for the problems. Band-aids and excuses were the best they offered.
All this just goes to show that lemons exist EVERYWHERE. Just hope that you don't wind up with one.
Once again, I have almost 40K absolutle trouble free miles on my SECOND Ranger. Why is it when a Ford person posts high miles its just pushed aside?
CP, nice photos. According to the Toyota group Rangers can't offroad!
I am seeing more new Rangers on the road. I ran into a guy with a nice silver 2001 stepside 4x4 4dr SOHC 4.0 kingcab today. This guy must have had some cash. It had a chrome brush guard, chrome nerf bars, 31"BFG's, Rancho's, rock guard, spray in liner. This truck was a looker and stomper.. His next plan was to supercharge the SOHC 4.0! Can you imagine the HP/Torque he will get out of that SOHC 4.0? He uses his to tow his boat and jet skiis and does some trailing. He did admit though he would not take it into places that would dent or scratch it...:-)
Again, anyone who reads this forum should at least glimpse a copy of the May Fourwheeler where the Tacoma "beats out the rest". Also included is a beautiful, lengthy article on the ARCTIC LandCruisers. Great Photos!
Be sure to also check out the photos of the Tacoma on the dunes. Stunning.
For the 2001 pickup o the year resutls, check fourwheeler.com
" The Tacaom TRD could simply go places the other trucks couldn't"
-Fourhweeler.com
" The Tacoma 'opened up a can of whoop-[non-permissible content removed]' on the rest of the competition"
Fourhweeler.com
" The Tacoma handled the dry washes better than the Hummer"
Fourhweeler
" Buy the Tacoma if you actually use your truck as a truck"
Fourwheeler
" the ranger rattled like a rattlesnake offroad"
Edmunds.com long term review.
" If shopping for a used Ranger, take it for a very,very long test drive"
-Edmunds.com long term review
If I had to choose an American minitruck, or sport utility, or minivan, I would choose GM. The S10/S15 trucks and blazers, and the Astro Van, come with the 4L60E transmission, which is not designed for towing, but is adequate for what these trucks are designed for. These transmissions can be expected to last to around the 100k mile mark, if not used severely.
Ford's AeroStar Van, Ranger pickup, and Bronco II, hold up reasonably well, with many of their transmissions failing at, or around the 80,000 mile mark.
Chrysler's minivan line uses the same transmission as the Chrysler cars... My mother always taught me that "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all...", so I will not say anything about these vehicles. The "mid-sized" Dodge Dakota comes with the 500, or 518 transmission, which has more than it's share of problems, with failures often seen, in our shop, at, or around 60,000 miles.
Summary
It is my opinion that, in terms of automatic transmission reliability, the Toyota minitruck and fourrunner line is the way to go, with the Honda Passport also being a good choice. Again, as in the "car section", I would avoid the more obscure vehicles, like Izusu, Mazda, Nissan, etc. because, although they seem to have a better reliability record than the U.S. made minitrucks, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, they suffer from a low resale value, as compared to the Toyotas, and Hondas.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section 3: Full-sized trucks, vans
In terms of sport utility vehicles, I believe, hands down, that the Toyota Landcruiser (and it's Lexus equivelant) would be my first choice; these vehicles seem to consistantly last over 150,000 miles before requiring transmission service. The Chevy Tahoe/Suburban is reasonable, in terms of transmission reliability, offering around 100k of trouble-free miles.
As full-sized trucks, and vans, are concerned, the GM truck line seems to be, by far, more reliable, in the automatic transmission department. The 1/2 ton trucks are equipped with the 4L60E, which is not really designed for towing, but, then again, either is a 1/2 ton truck; expect these transmissions to offer around 100k of trouble free miles, unless you use your truck for towing. The 3/4 ton GM trucks use the 4L80E, which seems to be, by far, more reliable, for towing, than the 4L60E; I would not be afraid to tow with a 4L80E transmission. Although the Toyota T100 is considered "full-sized", you may want to sit in it, before assuming it is "full-sized"; if you can put up with the size, and the lack of "real towing capacity", the T100 is quite reliable, and would be my first choice for a mid-sized delivery truck.
If you plan on buying a Ford, or a Chrysler full-sized truck, van, or full-sized sport utility, get to know a good transmission technician....The Fords have been having more than their fair share of problems with their 4R70W transmission (electronic version of the AOD, which did not hold up well, either), with many torque converter shudder problems being reported as early as 20,000 miles, but more typically, at 40,000-50,000 miles. The same service bulletin applies, as mentioned in the "cars" section above. The E40D transmission, although being better, in many ways, than the 4R70W, also has it's share of problems, and although Ford has improved the E40D tremendously, I do not believe it is perfected, with many, many, many E40D's, failing at, or around the 75,000 mile mark. The Chrysler full-sized trucks, and vans happen to be the most overrated trucks on the market, again, in my opinion. The 518/618 transmission has been a real money-maker for transmission shops, with many, many, of these transmissions failing more than once, through the life of the manufacture's warrantee. It is not, at all, uncommon for us to see many 1997 Chrysler trucks, with very low mileage, in a given month, all getting rebuilt transmissions. Between you and me, I would not want to pay $30,000+ dollars for a truck, knowing that I would be battling transmission problems, for the lifetime of the vehicle. Transmission failures vary, with Chrysler full-sized trucks (We have one now, that failed at 4200 miles.... Not 42,000, mind you....), but typically, we see transmission failure around 40,000-60,000 miles.
Summary
Again, if I needed a full-sized sport utitlity vehicle, I would choose the LandCruiser/Lexus, over the Chevy Blazer, Tahoe, or Suburban, although they can be reasonably reliable too. I would choose a GM full-sized truck, before a Ford or a Chrysler, and would choose a 3/4 ton GM truck if I were planning on towing, at all. I believe that the engineers may have a good sense of humor when they set "towing capacities" on their 1/2 ton trucks, and would not consider towing any trailer over 1000 lbs. with any 1/2 ton GM truck, because I do not believe that the 4L60E is designed for it; this is not a heat problem, but rather a "hard part" problem when the 4L60E fails, so I do not believe that a cooler will help in this case. If you are set on buying a Ford, or Chrysler full-sized truck, I suggest buying a used one, because with all of the transmission problems they have had, you should be able to find plenty of people willing to give you a "good deal" on a relatively new truck, because of the problems they have already experienced. "
Anyone else noticing a pattern here? Best offroading, best built ect ect ect.
If you have a limited slip, remember to put in friction modifier, you can get it at Ford.
Also, consider synthetics. View the owners manual carefully to assure you get the right fluids. Sometimes ATF is used where you would not expect it's use.
In regard to the wheel bearing problem in a previous post, some thoughts.
Cannot find any indication of that problem in the Ranger, at least in general. Not an issue as far as Consumer Reports. If a curb has been smacked, as was the case with my sons 94 Toy, the bearings can be damaged. Generally, keep them greased and they are good for life.
I just turned over 39K on my 99. As the previous pictures attest, it makes it to high altitude 4 wheeling areas with no problems. Engine is running very smooth but recall that I have been running Mobil 1 since around the 15K oil change. Last tank gave me 18mpg on regular for aruond town driving, get around 20-21mpg on the road.
I am considering an axle truss, they are cheap and can come with a differential skid plate. The truss will combat the twisting of the differential and take the strain off the carrier bearings.
As I stated, the replacement brake parts were, in my opinion, a bit expensive. But it was very easy for even a novice mechanic to replace the pads and rotor. Just remember to disable the ABS by unhooking the battery(you Toyota owners do not have to worry about ABS, I understand it is a rare option on the Tacoma while standard on the Ranger).
Still very satisfied with the vehicle.
Given the vehicles tested in that FourWheeler report, Ii think the Tacoma is the most practical choice.
You glossing over the fact that FourWheeler chose a Nissan as FourWheeler of the year?
Don't you find it strange that Four Wheeler seems to find a Tacoma in almost every test it does?
Remember the rules of FourWheeler itself for picking the vehicles that test for their awards. They pick vehicles that have has significant modifications and run them head to head. They do not test every vehicle.
What were the "... significant..." midifications to the Tacoma that it would be selected for the test? Same engine, same tranny, same differential, same locker. The ONLY difference, other than the ugly grille, was the addition of the crewcab setup, basically cosmetic. So why did they choose it? I think they, the mag, really LIKE the vehicle and try to promote it at any time it can. And do not get me wrong, it is a very good vehicle, but the unusual number of apperaraces in FourWheeler is suspect.
What you PROVED in your comments spoog, is that you do not even read the magizine FourWheeler, until someone points out to you a Tacoma article. It has been 2 months, at least since the Tacoma crew cab got the award and, if you check back on the posts, someone eles pointed out to you the test against the Hummer and other vehicles.
They picked the Tacoma TRD over a HUMMER and a LAND ROVER. That is saying a heck of alot.
Have you picked u pthe issue yet? Great photos of landcruisers in the arctic and of the "ultimate 4x4 challenge", proudly won by the tacoma TRD.
MAY issue
Also, I just saw a commercial for the Jeep Grand Cherokee where they state it's the "4x4 of the Year," according to some peterson's magazine. What gives? Explain it to me please.
Anyway, I noticed a new Tacoma prerrunner TRD V6 in the lot. I asked around and it ended up being a production persons. I began quizing him on what he knew about it. He had no idea that his rearend is open, he had no idea where it stood in crash tests, he had no idea that his locker was only good in 4low!!. Granted it was a nice looking truck, but it once again proves to me that a very large majority who buy the TRD sticker don't even know what they have! Got to give credit however to Toyota for its marketing. Wonder what kind of lawsuits they are going to have when those people who don't understand lockers start to engage them for city driving conditions and they take corners too fast... OUCH.. By the way he paid 19K! for this 2WD truck!
OK Toyota boys. Please explain to me how a locker on a 2WD truck is going to help? Light rearend.. can only engage in 4low.. Alot of wasted money in my book....
Vince- I had hope for you but now you're back to the same erroneous rambling. Even more, now we know why you don't like the Tacoma's locker. It's because you don't understand what it does and how it's used.
www.fourwheeler.com
Thats where the 20001 pickup of the year contest is. IT is a Tacoma TRD verse a full size Chevy, full size GM, Chevy s10 and nissan pickup.
There is ANOTHER great article in the may issue of fourwheeler that has the hummer, tacoma, jeep, and land rover going head to head.
The tacoma won that.
I strongly suggest that anyone interested in this forum should check out the MAY issue of Fourwheeler that has the fantastic pictures ot he arctic landcruiser expedition and the "ultimate 4x4" contest with the hummer, range rover, and jeep.
Good job Toyota!
I said, or at least I implied, that given the 3 choices, Hummer etc, I would certainly choose the Tacoma, give the choices. Do not really think the others are good every day vehicles. But, I would not be betting your Tacoma pink slip on an all out 4X4 run against a Hummer.
In regard to Ranger bearings, as I stated, no indication of any review suggesting a problem in that area with the 1997 year. Have a friend that owns a 97 STX and he loves it. Never had a problem in his words. He is just miffed that he paid $22K in 97 for his while I paid a bit over $17K off the lot, with 2.9% finance charges for mine. Now Mine is not equipped like an STX and I had to add a few things, bringing the total costs up to a bit over $18K to get closer to his in options, but hey, $4K is a substantial savings given my vehicle is 2 years newer and goes the same places.
rmacias:
The new owner asked the dealer to talk to your regarding your old truck? Well guess that could happen, but that sounds odd. Only time I got contacted on a previous vehicle is when someone found some of my old paperwork that I had given to the private person that bought it from me.
Perhaps the bearings had a defect from the factory, or the grease seals were leaking, hard to say.
In regard to my comments on carrier bearings, I have been given recommendations that ANYONE who off-roads a great deal should consider the truss at least. Regardless of vehicle the bending and twisting motions of off-roading take thier toll on the bearings. Even some of the nice pictures spoog posted in the past show trusses on Tacomas. It is a smart idea regardless and the cost is about $100.
Ranger:
Wiper switch on warrenty.
Door interlock on warrenty.
Replaced 3rd gear based on my comment of 2 missed shifts while under fast acceleration, on warrenty.
Toyota:
Injectors replaced at 1,000 mi. on warrenty.
Injectors replaced at 2,000 mi. on warrenty.
Injection pump replaces at 2,000 mi. on warrenty.
Newly designed injectors for high altitude replaced at 5,000 miles along with another injection pump on warrenty.
In all cases above the vehicle fouled the injectors and blew white smoke.
Replaced rear axle's at 23,000 mi. due to being bent. Took out the rear brake drums and shoes with them. Vehicle would never hold a decent load.
From 30,000 miles on took it in to dealer complaining about hesitation, lack of power etc. Never fixed to satisfaction.
At 38,000 mi., out of warrenty now, was told by Toyota that 2 glow plugs were broken and the debris were bouncing around in the cylinder. Engine rebuild, not covered By Toyota even though I pointed out the visits under warrenty when I complained about the issue.
At 39,000 mi. the transmission broke. Sold vehicle at a loss.
Now, anyone wonder why I do not really care for Toyota vehicles and/or the service and customer care they provide?
Are the 4wd systems used on the tacoma and ranger part-time, or full-time?? thanks.
Taco and Ranger have a Transfer case, no center differential. I THINK the Explorer all wheel drive has the Center differential.
That is why when comparisons are done here, Ranger to Explorer, I laugh. There are some things simular, and Explorer is based on Ranger, but there are a great deal of differences in suspension and 4X4 system.
So, this guy now has a 2WD truck or should I say 1WD! LOL!>... How does this locker benefit a 2wd truck? Lockers are not immune to getting stuck. What happens when the 2 tires that are positioned in the lightest part of the truck get stuck? Whoa, that locker sure comes in handy then.. I completly understand a locker on a 4wd system but on a 2wd? The locker is not meant to go over 10mph and is not good for desert running at speeds in excess of 30-40MPH and some turns involved also. I still haven't got an answer from the Toyota gang as to what happens when you take a sharp corner with your locker engaged....
Allknowing, I really did a job on you didn't I? Is it when you found out your rear end is really a 1WD truck? or was it the crash test data that sent you over the edge?
Just know All Wheel Drives have, as I understand it, the center differental.
With the Ranger and Tacoma, and others, if your not on uneven areas, you will feel a binding in 4WD. That is due to having a transfer case and no center differential, as I understand it.
Ranger is a chain driven transfer case and I think the Tacoma is gear driven. I think both are in 4WD hi all the time, hence the shift on the fly ability of both. You have to stop to select 4WD low on both vehicles.
You know vince, I don't enjoy talking to you like this but you need to know that you're making yourself look really ignorant. Step back and think about what you're doing.
Allknowing, get a life already!!!
Or at least comment on how spoog's posts are quoting the same magazine articles ad nauseum. Or is it 'cause they are pro-Toy that they're Ok???
http://carpoint.msn.com/Advice/default.asp?contentid=9783&type=6
The site is very informational on 4 wheel drive systems.
If I were you, I would be expecting something from the dealer or Ford regarding the mats.
Think you have to suck it up on the time. Last car I ordered was a 90 Chrysler LeBaron. Ordered it in Jan, the $1,000 rebate was good til Mar 1. Got the car on Mar 14th. Sniff, sniff, no bucks. Ordered and Intrepid also, no real problems but it took it's sweet time getting here too.
I look around and get the closest lot deal that meets my needs. Learned the hard way on having to wait.
I have a friend who has old Mustangs. He always swore by Detroit Lockers for the rear end.
I don't think a Mustang is a 4X4 in anyone's book.
What gives?