I don't care if it's got crank windows, AM/FM and cassette. I'd actually prefer a 5 speed manual. I just want run, drive, turn, stop and absolutely reliable.

It's just a small back-up truck for small jobs. But I also want it to run 65-70 mph down the highway.

Great question and I’ll be watching for replies. My son just bought a 2010 and loves it. He didnt really research it cause it just fell in his lap real cheap from a family member. I have an 88 which I love and it still does all you are asking. I feel all the “older” ones are likely good. Im curious if the ones in the last 10 to 15 years had some better or worse years.
I think the Tacoma “Prerunners” were not, or hardly ever,, 4wd so watch for that.

We had a ‘98 that was an access cab, five speed manual and locking hubs. It was an absolute tank and I wish I’d kept it, even though I don’t want or need three vehicles (we have 2014 and 2022 Tacomas, both six speeds, currently).

The ‘98 was my wife’s when we met. It was totaled twice and wrecked a third time. She kept getting it fixed and it had 230,000 on it with no major issues other than the repairs made from the wrecks. If you can find one, get it. Otherwise, anything from that era until about 2015 I think would reasonably priced and still a tank, like my 2014 has been so far. The third gens are still pretty great, especially the manual transmissions.

My first was an 85 model that came before they called them a Tacoma. It had the triangular, flip-out windows in the side windows that made it great to catch a cool breeze with no need for AC. I would replace it 13 years later with a 98 model and would later sell it for $1,500 over the initial asking price (despite the broken AC) and two years after buying my current 2010 model. With each new model came more plastic and less metal. The 2010 now has just over 218,000 miles on it.

I just sold a 1999 trd pro 5spd with the 3.4 v6. It was pushing 345,000 miles and running like a top. The first gens are truly indestructible and as reliable as they come. In the years I owned it, I replaced a thermostat, water pump, one window motor, and a carrier bearing (and had the driveshaft faced and balanced). Owner before me had done a clutch and a timing belt. Everything worked perfectly in that truck and it never let me down once. It was awesome in any offroad situation and in 2 feet of snow. If I bought another, I'd be looking at trucks from 1999-2004. I wish I hadn't been forced to sell mine but that's how life goes sometimes.

1994-present

My 2010 Tundra has about 250,000 miles on it. I wouldn’t hesitate to take it across the US. This is my second one. I got about 300,000 on the first one before I gave it to a nephew.

2015. Last year of gen 2. Tacoma forums of all generations agree on this year more than any other. I just bought one with 52, 000 miles in April.

Next best is the 2014

I had an ‘80, not even sure they called it anything other than “pickup” and I sure do miss that truck. Single cab, long bed that we bobbed and narrowed the front and rear, leaf springs off a Wagoneer, propane injected 22RE from a newer truck mated to a Powerglide with dual transfer cases behind it. One ton axles with 5:13 gears on 42’s sure made for some easy climbing out in Moab.

Also had a 2002 Tacoma Pre Runner for kicks and grins, it was unstoppable and got beat on pretty good

I had a 99’ with the 3.4 liter v-6 with the 5 speed.

Great truck, would cruise 70-75 mph no issues and got 18mpg with 33” mud terrains.

Neighbor had one, same year, configuration, etc. I drove it and was amazed at how tiny they are. Never noticed it back then.

I had a 99 4X4 3.4 for 23 years. I replaced the starter at about year 12 and that was the only issue. It had a manual transfer case and I had to lock in the hubs. This is me pulling out a stuck Chevy 4X4 in the same gravel bar and I didn’t even have to spin my tires.

I had a 2019 TRD Off-Road for a few years. Bullet proof, never left me stranded.

I had a 1992 5 speed that was a beast. Never any issues. Still have an 86 model at the ranch that just keeps on going 360K+ miles on it.

2024, iforce max Hybrid

Have had several. Latest was a 2020 and it was probably the best truck I’ve owned. Never skipped a beat just wouldn’t pull much in the way of a trailer. Otherwise I’d still have it.

2005ish

standard or auto

2wd or 4wd

4banger or 6cyl


They where all solid

I have a 98 for my ranch/hunting truck. I drive it everyday. It has 150,000 miles and the only issue I've had is the front end. I'm hard on front ends on the ranch.

We had a 98 4-Runner limited that I lifted 3" and ran 33s on it. It was the best vehicle we have ever owned in 30 some years of marriage. I swear I could climb the side of a building in 4 low...

i bought my 2001 Tacoma new and it is still my daily driver with 417,000 miles on it. Original 3.4L V6 engine and tranny...great truck.

When did they change from 4cl to 6cl?

Had a 2004 (IIRC) 4 runner sr5 that got rear ended by 10 ton truck. Got a 2006(?) same great truck. Gave it to daughter who then gave it to her kid later. Probably 250k mi before he rear-ended somebody and it was insurance totaled. That V6 ran great, just change oil/filter/tires. Newer boxy style was/is horrid. IMHO all the jap cars of that era were very good.

2015 TRD OR here. Bought it with 5k miles, now has 135k miles. I don't know what the best year was but this one's been great so far. I do want to trade it for a Tundra though as we had a Tundra years ago and they both get about the same MPG. We sold the tundra and thought downsizing to the taco would be appropriate buuuutttt, I still miss the Tundra.

The actual Tacoma was always offered with a V6 option. 95' was the first year of the true Tacoma, everything prior was just a Toyota Pickup.

I miss the Tacoma when it was a true compact truck instead of this midsize b.s all trucks are turning into now. a dang Ford Ranger is the same size as a 90's model F-150.

The V-6 had some grunt. They were great trucks. I had both the Tacoma and the Ranger and the Toyota was in a league of its own. Small, yes, but as a run-about or a mountain vehicle you couldn't beat them. I wouldn't mind having an good, clean 2nd Gen in an extended cab IF I lived somewhere I could justify its use.

Thought for a minute a few years ago about buying a Tacoma as a second vehicle. Buddy had one so we drove down to a ranch in Brooks county, which is about a 3 hour drive. To be honest, it was a rougher truck than my F-250 and offered none of the benefits of a smaller truck....they are rough, tighter on room and got worse fuel mileage.

Yea, my 88 was just a “pickup” and it was 4 cyl. I wondered when Tacomas first came out and if they were 6cyl.
I loved the Tacomas when they were smaller. I never understood why they made them bigger. They already had the Tundra if you wanted big so it seemed like the market would have been to stay small. Evidently they knew what they were talking about but it didnt suit me.
Still have it but only use when bigger lease truck is broke down or if real muddy.

I like the early 80s models myself.