I'm definately not a fan of the newest Taco. I really don't consider it much more than a domestic truck with a few better parts, like the engine.

The older Tacos leave much to be desired in terms of it's frame, suspension, steering design, and a number of inferior non-Japanese spec parts, but they are still good, reliable pick ups, especially when compared to the competition. As reliable as the older Toyota trucks? Maybe not. As durable and heavy duty? Definately not. The older trucks are based on a 1 ton chassis, whereas the Taco is not.

But, having driven an '01 Taco on a few long trips, I have to say they are great daily drivers and awesome highway rigs. Plenty of power, good handling and steering response and pretty darn comfortable for a truck. I would much rather take a Taco on a long trip, than my rig. And they have been proven to last many hundreds of thousands of miles like the older trucks. As for wheelers, I think for a stock truck where modifications were to be kept to a minimum and off roading was moderate, they are good trucks, especially with the rear locker.

The problem with the Tacos is they suck as a platform for a serious non-show truck build up. You can't easily SAS them, the IFS and steering is not easy or cheap to beef up and the frame design is a complete piece of garbage. They are also geared much to high, in my opinion, which loses out on some of the advantages of the more powerful engines. Most older Tacos have 3.91s or 4.10 gears, even with 31s, which is just stupid. The newer models are geared even higher, but they do as least have more power. They do, however, have an available locker and at least use to employ Americans to assemble them, which counts for a lot.

The bottom line is that I rate the 1995-2004 Taco as a superior daily driver, weekend dirt roader, and even a decent expedition rig, moderate off roader, but an inferior platform for a serious off roader and an inferior platform for carrying serious loads.

I just can't say much positive about the new Taco, but to be fair, I've never driven one. I'm only judging from seeing them in person and the specs. IMO, its really nothing more than a Tundra with a different engine and a slightly better front suspension. The frames are nearly indentical and it's almost the same size. I'm sure they are great highway drivers, if you want a truck that big, but I just can't them doing any good off road and I wouldn't trust that frame for anything. But I could be wrong.

Now, with all those negative points said, one of my favorite rigs just happens to be a Taco. They can be reasonably built for expedition use and I REALLY like this one.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/ewvehicles/tacoma/index.html

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> to all ^ that, Brian. I'll be less disapointed to own a late 90's taco then a brand new one, you're right. For DD'ing they're not too bad. I've driven a buddie's '00 v6 sr5 off-road and it was really fun.

For DD'ing it wouldn't be bad and I'll do it, I'd just still rather have a Hilux/Pickup <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/drunk.gif" alt="" /> I'll come around I s'pose

One of my favorite rigs also happens to be a taco. It's the white one that they did a write up about in 4WD Toyota Owners mag, i think in like the 2nd or 3rd issue. It was set up for expedition too. pretty nice truck

To get somewhat back on the headlight topic, I bought 200mm Cibie headlamps, 4Crawler's wiring harness, Osram silverstar 55/60 +50 bulbs, and put those in my dad's Tacoma over the weekend. Holy heck, talk about AWESOME lights! I've never seen halogen lamps so white and bright, the beam pattern is flawless, and it lights up the side of the road like no other conventional headlamp - those Cibies make my IPF headlamps look crummy in comparison! I'd highly recommend the Cibies, if they fit your budget! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />