2nd Feb 2011, 14:07

My $500 van shakes on idle. I'm OK with that, but would not want my brand new truck shaking on idle, that's for sure.

2nd Feb 2011, 19:55

I was also being tempted to consider a 4-cylinder Tacoma, until this review reminded me that a guy at work bought one, a 2002. It also had such terrible engine vibration at idle, that the stick shift would slap me in the knee, and the thing had no power going up hills -- floored and winding out in 3rd to maintain 55 mph on the interstate. Come on, other companies make smooth running 4-cylinders, but something that has the shakes that badly does not inspire my confidence. I would hate to be so forcefully reminded that I was driving a rattletrap every day.

3rd Feb 2011, 14:26

The 4 cylinder engines Toyota puts in their Tacomas are some of the best 4 bangers out there. Me and my Dad both have 4 banger Tacomas. Mine has close to 245,000 miles, and it still has close to factory spec compression. Absolutely flawless engine. As for the OP, you might want to take it in and have them adjust the idle a bit. That's a very simple process, that would probably take 5 minutes.

4th Feb 2011, 18:13

I really would not recommend any Toyota built since 2003. The quality of all Toyotas has been on a steady decline since then. Of course now that Ford no longer makes the bullet-proof Ranger and GM is dropping the Canyon and Colorado, there really aren't any small trucks sold in the U.S. besides the unreliable Tacoma. I'd opt for a Dodge Dakota. It's not small, but it's a much better truck for the money than the Tacoma.

18th Aug 2011, 04:04

Yep, Toyota started going to hell around 2000. So did Nissan, immediately after Carlos Ghosn took the helm.

Look at the 1998 Nissan Maxima reviews VS the 2001 model.

I do not know what happened to Toyota, but I wouldn't consider any of their cars.

And you should know better than to get a 4 cylinder motor with an automatic. Automatic transmissions eat tons of power, and a 4 cyl. doesn't have a ton in the first place.

18th Jul 2012, 09:42

For some reason you chose a pick up. It costs money to buy and insure it as well. My suggestion is to buy a GM Silverado work truck with a 6 cyl automatic AC, and an 8 foot full size bed. Also order it with street tires. They ride and handle great. Carry loads better. They have more room and get very good mileage.

On the highway it is very easy to go over the speed limit, even with a 6. I recommend A/C and power steering brakes. Forget carpet and power windows. They are affordable this way.

We have one in our family that we have had since 2004, and are keeping it. It's a nicer alternative, and it's a full size and 8 ft bed. Most people do not need 4WD rough off road tires and elevated 4WD. The street tires get nice MPG, and are quiet and rides smoother.

Good luck.

18th Jul 2012, 20:00

We have a Tacoma in our fleet of delivery trucks that has over 680,000 miles on its original 4-cylinder engine and 5-speed manual transmission. It's on its 3rd clutch. The engine has never been touched, just change the oil every 5000 miles and a tune-up every 60,000, and it keeps right on going!

Toyota replaced the frame a few years back under the recall. We figured they would just give us a discount on a new truck (considering it already had 467,000 miles on it at the time), but they replaced the frame anyway, so we decided to just keep it.

21st Jul 2012, 15:24

I totally agree with everything 04:04 says except the part about avoiding the 4-cylinder. The difference in power between the 4-cylinder Ford Ranger and the 3.0 V-6 is hardly noticeable. I've owned both. I'd never buy a Toyota either (can't afford the repairs), but their 4's are not all that puny.