2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2.7

Summary:

The absolute best small truck that money can buy

Faults:

No problems have been noticed to date (I don't really expect to find anything in the future, no matter how hard I look).

General Comments:

This is my 4th Toyota Tacoma (the 3rd 4x4). These are definitely the most reliable and rugged small trucks in the world.

I have driven them in snow, mud, and many, many miles on interstate highways in the southern region of the USA. I have yet to find a single area in which any other small truck is even comparable.

The steering and handling are tight and responsive. The suspension soaks up bumps and irregularities like a sponge. The length of suspension travel is outstanding, it will not bottom even when loaded.

The 2.7 liter 4 cylinder is strong as an ox when mated to the manual transmission. I would stay away from the automatic with the 4cyl if the truck has the large tire package installed. If you plan on using the 15 inch tires that come standard, it's fine to go with the auto.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2001

27th Jan 2002, 19:18

Just wondering why is it bad to get an automatic with a 4x4 and large tires.. is there some problem with that..?? thanks.

16th Sep 2002, 19:14

Steve, If you have a 4cyl;auto;& big tires, the automatic will take more power away from the 4cyl. than the 6cyl. And the big tires also needs more power than smaller tires. The best options is 4cyl. stick & big tires or 6cyl. auto.& big tires.

7th Oct 2002, 21:13

Hi- I bought a 99 tacoma with the 2.7 automatic. I understand what your saying about the larger tires. I would though like to put on a bit of a larger tire with new wheels. What would you recommend as the biggest tire or wheel I could use and still have the power I need?

26th Apr 2003, 15:20

Mine is a 2001 Tacoma ext. cab 4x4 SR5 2.7 4 cyl Automatic with 16" tires and I have no lose of power at all. The tires are LT 265/75/R16. I live in the middle of the mountains in WV and I'm up and down these mountains all day long with no problem at all. Love this truck! Mike.

2001 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4X4 V-6 TRD V-6

Summary:

See ya off road!

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

This truck is not a 'toy'.

This is a serious off-road, on-road, truck! 200,000 miles from an American truck? Try and find a Toyota truck with a rebuilt tranny and/or rebuilt engine. Not even with 200,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th September, 2001

26th Nov 2001, 03:45

Yup, you are correct about TRD package. It's great. One thing I do hate is the lack of thigh seat support on long driving trips. I will upgrade the seats.

Wes----Phx, AZ.

5th Sep 2002, 14:08

First off I have owned Toyota Trucks all my life. However I beg to differ with any comment about the Tacoma being a tough truck. Sure it's advertised as a tough truck and I purchased what I thought was a tough truck. Long story short my 2002 Toyota Tacoma V6 all the goodies blew a rod after one dip in 10 inches of water. Maybe this is just a problem with my truck, but the air intake is a straight shot with no turns, no dips, and no screen to slow down the water. Faulty engineering seems to be the cause of this problem. Overall I like the truck and would buy another if they fix that minor problem witch caused a major one.

-Smith.

28th Apr 2003, 17:53

I have a 2000 Tacoma TRD 4x4 which had the exact same problem. I went through a road puddle 6"+ after a rain on on an asphalt road and water splashed up into the intake and was sucked up to the engine, which caused a hydro lock and threw a rod through the block. I thought I was buying a 4 x 4, 'off-road', tough vehicle as well, but obviously there is a manufacturer's defect here.

Unhappy Camper.

18th Dec 2003, 07:00

The older ones were built better (1989-1995). I have run through at least 18" of water several times and never have had a problem. The truck is an 89 with 136000 on the odometer and I have never had one problem with it!!

John.

4th Feb 2004, 10:01

I own a 1997 Toyota Tacoma. I have ran the truck through water holes that would sink the head lights. I did stall the truck, but that has only happen one time. I had to pull the truck out and change the oil a few times I used a engine cleaner to remove any water. I have been across the country and back. I also have 116000 miles and still beaten trees and any thing else in the way. I think.

10th Jun 2009, 11:23

I am working on a Toyota that has 250,000 miles on it. The engine was rebuilt at 230,000 and the customer went through a puddle and threw a rod. I've pulled Chevy motors out of a lake, changed the fluids and drove them for 100,000. So, to make this Toy into a real truck, I will be putting a 350 in it. 325 hp/ 370 ft lb of torque.