Folks,

I was at a Toyota stealership considering downsizing to a Taco from a T100 (actually, upsizing when you look at decade of improvements). I then found that I'd like to add a Trac Rack truck rack and box. Guess what? They won't make one for the taco (2005) as Toyota changed the bed and sides and they can't accomodate a rail rack system!
Yes, Toyota does offer their own "rail system" but its internal and plastic. Not anything like the contractor-grade system from Trac Rac or close to Nissan's. WTF? Even Trac Rac customer support (nice folks btw) said they get calls from unhappy 05' Tacoma owners that can't use their product because Toyota never thought of 3rd party support.

So then I went and looked at the Nissan Frontier...man...what is with Toyota? The Frontier has more hp/tq, locking tailgate, bed features and $3K less for same equipment.

Comments? Its a shame as the new Taco is bigger and nicer looking than previous...too bad Toyota doesn't ask the forums what a truck should have...I mean no disrespect, I just don't understand how Toyota, which really gained popularity from the hi-Lux in the 70s-80s (fuel crisis?) for great running, great mileage lil truck to this. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Give it some time, these other companies have to put some R&D into new products for the new model Yoda. But I hear ya, the Frontier is pretty bitchin too, and quite a bit cheaper. All the companies are now jumping on the "midsize truck" bandwagon and the frontier and tacoma are both good dependable trucks, but I'm just a hard core Taco man myself and I think I like that new composite bed. Also keep in mind that the new Yoda's powertrain has been around for a few years and has had most of the kinks worked out of it by now. Give it some time, and they'll have a butt-load of aftermarket products for the Tacoma. At least, that's just my uneducated opinion about the matter.

They were thinking weight reduction for mileage gains, plus rust resistance. Not that many customers use the system you want to use.

Not that many customers want a solid axle either, so I feel your pain.

On the other hand, own that Nissan for a few years and a few hundred thousand miles and get back to us on reliability and issues. They've had a few lately.

Is'nt this new tacoma basically a replacement for the current tundra ? since the new tundra is going to be bigger. I like the new taco, but I don't have $28,000 , my 99' SR5 was under
$23,000 with supercharger. Also is this new taco wider, I 4x4
on jeep trails , which in some cases i've had to fold my mirrors to fit through tree's , Will this new taco just get scratched to hell going down forest service roads?

I personally LOVE the bed! No Rust ever. If it cracks or breaks you can buy a new one and slip it in Instead of buying a whole new bed or what ever.

It seems "tough" enough for me anyways. Im not a contractor or anyting, But for the average buyer I think it will last the test of time.

Yeah, I don't doubt Nissan will have some issues. I mean, my '04 maxima has been ok but the build quality is kinda sub great. Still...

As far as racks, I don't need the ladder rack ASAP, but was considering one for a Canoe and bikes. Trac Rack is #1 for tool box and rack (and ouch, priced thus so).

I bet the new Tundra (2007) is going the same route as if it looks anyting like the prototype, there is no place to add a rack.

I think toyota went down hill on this 05 tacoma. People bought the tacoma because it was a compact pickup. Not anymore its not, its as big as are friend the Tundra. Whats with the TRD "sport"? Whats that about?

"They were thinking weight reduction for mileage gains."

An EVEN LIGHTER rear-end?? HEY! -- endless excitement in the rain and snow! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
Brilliant.

hahahaha <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

I dont care who you are. That's funny!!!