Faults:

Small clunking when starting out.

General Comments:

Very reliable.

Versatile, its amazing what you can haul and pull with this truck. even with the short bed.

Faults:

The gasket around the windshield is coming up, but it was installed by the previous owner.

Alternator failed around 60000 miles, but only because too much mud got into it, and I fixed the problem when I took it apart.

Every time I work on it, I break bolts. I've broken 3 bolts on the belt tensioners, 3 on the skid plate, and more in various places.

Thermostat sensor went out after a really big bump.

General Comments:

I love this truck. I am really, really, really hard on it, but it just takes it and keeps going. Everything that has gone wrong was definitely my fault, and easily fixed. I am very impressed with the 2.7 liter engine mated to the 5 speed transmission. It has plenty of power for city driving, but could use some help for long inclines on the highway. The four wheel drive works flawlessly and I use it all the time. I can't say I've never gotten it stuck, but it took a HELL of a lot to get it stuck.

This is just one incredibly solid truck. Gas mileage is definitely not great, but what can you expect from a 4x4?

Faults:

Mildew seems to build up in the door internals; notice a mildew smell when rolling down windows.

General Comments:

This truck has a sure-footed feel about it. Negotiates rough terrain very well.

Ample acceleration with a sporty feel. Very easy to drive.

Seats are very comfortable all the way around. Controls are easy to reach and operate.

Faults:

There is a really weird little seal on the wheel flares that has come off on the front passenger's side. I have no idea why it's weather-sealed, since it's just a piece of plastic, and, because it's all black, you can't tell that it's missing. I was a little disappointed in that, as it came off at around 1500 miles, but I drive the truck pretty hard, and it's very exposed, so I guess it's OK.

General Comments:

I have the 4cyl SR5 4x4, and I _love_ this truck. It drives like a champ - everyone who has driven has remarked on how easy and how much like a car it drives. The steering is tight, the brakes are perfect, and the low-gear acceleration is enough to get me in and out of California traffic. I drove it from North Carolina, through Canada, and then down across the continental divide in late winter of 2002, and it was just a great, great trip. The seats are solid and not fatiguing. And it comes with THREE cup holders in the front and two more in the back. That may seem kind of silly, but it's just a great indicator of how much attention Toyota pays to the driver. It is very reasonable on gas, as well. Obviously, it doesn't turn on a dime, and it's no one's idea of a cornering monster, but people who drive 4X4 trucks have no business taking hot corners anyways. I am already looking forward to my next Tacoma 4X4.