3rd Sep 2013, 07:57
Amazing attitude comment! Please put your truck on a lift and inspect it before you get hurt or hurt us...
3rd Sep 2013, 08:40
The Explorer Sport Trac, at least in its first edition, was essentially a Ranger crew cab, so having a crew cab version of the Ranger would have not made any sense.
3rd Sep 2013, 16:29
The competition will be there next year when the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon are back on the market.
3rd Sep 2013, 18:09
The reviewer doesn't mention driving through "puddles and streams", so how do you know he did?
Trucks are just fine with some rust on the body, but a rusted out frame is a dangerous problem, and one that I doubt most people would just say "MEH" about.
4th Sep 2013, 06:58
Wow, and this truck is a 2006. We have never had to replace a domestic frame, not even on a 1953 Chevrolet 5 Window Truck!
4th Sep 2013, 13:10
How else would you explain the thing rusting out? Must have gotten some water on it at some point. Rust really isn't a big deal. I see older trucks around all the time that are covered in rust, and they're not breaking in half or something.
4th Sep 2013, 13:54
The re-designed Ranger, which is currently doing very well in international markets, is also scheduled to return next year.
4th Sep 2013, 15:36
At least Toyota stepped up and ordered a recall on this one.
The frame probably isn't as solid as bigger trucks, as this is still a mid size truck. For a full size truck I would buy a Chevy or Ford, but the Tacoma is the best mid size on the market right now.
5th Sep 2013, 08:05
Could you imagine the further negative publicity on 2006 models with rusted frames? I can't imagine not stepping up to replace them. This is a truck category. Trucks are expected to do more than cars on carrying loads and towing. One would automatically expect a more rugged chassis. I do not see lightening up key components for the sake of lowering costs. Safety and durability should come before MPG on today's vehicles. I don't mind paying more for fuel in a truck class.
5th Sep 2013, 10:05
As previously mentioned, Toyota corrected the frame issue, and on top of that, they offered either to replace the frames or to pay double the current value of the truck. No other truck manufacturer has offered the same sort of corrective measures, despite the fact that many domestic truck manufacturers have had their fair share of issues, some of which were never addressed or fixed.
5th Sep 2013, 13:50
I don't see the correlation between material quality of the frame and the size of the truck. Using inferior or cheap re-cycled steel, that is prone to easily rusting through, does not translate into paying a premium for quality to me.
I own a mid-size truck now, that serves my needs perfectly. If I decide to trade in for new in the next few years, I will likely buy the new model Ranger or Canyon. I have to drive through 5 months of winter every year, and wouldn't want to deal with frame issues with a Tacoma.
6th Sep 2013, 09:30
I have never had a domestic pick up where I had to address a frame problem. My issue is # 1 subjecting my family to this unacceptable situation, and # 2 perhaps creating a severe road hazard following this vehicle with my family in our vehicle. I don't want any deals or bargains; just safety. I also would hate to be carrying some antique furniture belonging to my family and having it lost on the highway. As usual, the import owner deflects all this by saying domestics have recalls. The Johnny down the street did this, so we can do likewise gets old.
6th Sep 2013, 10:12
Mentioning that a truck is made out of recycled steel as "inferior" is an oxymoron. ALL trucks these days are made out of recycled steel because steel happens to be the most recycled metal on earth.
My Dad has a Tacoma, lives in an area that also gets winter for half of the year, and has close to 300,000 miles on his, no problems so far.
7th Sep 2013, 09:23
It probably would be best to look at the quality of construction, such as a high quality frame or low quality steel utilized, by having a metallurgy grade test, actual thickness, proper heat treatment, actual quality of each weld vs recycled steel comments. It would be great to know why this exists on a modern 2006 vehicle.
7th Sep 2013, 10:33
I thought your father owns a Tundra that he drove 300000 miles towing a long travel trailer? Not too many households buy a small truck if they already have a full size.
7th Sep 2013, 23:01
Re-cycled steel is inferior when poor manufacturing practices are applied, and little to no testing and rejection criteria is used. This low grade type of steel would also be less expensive and easy to produce, or cheap.
The same re-cycled steel manufactured to higher standards, with more stringent processes, will have a higher carbon content, and be stronger than the low grade. It will also be far more rust resistant. I work in this industry, and know factually that re-cycled steel has various levels of quality.
13th Mar 2024, 06:21
That is true. It’s a controversial topic on here though. I’ve mentioned that salt on roads in cold climates makes rust on cars worse, and I get pushback especially on Mazda pages. “No, it was the design itself!”. Steel is steel. Why is it that Mazdas and Tacomas seem to use different steel than everyone else? A 4WD Tacoma absolutely may have been driving through shallow water off road. Likely actually.
2nd Sep 2013, 17:14
Yes, I am pretty certain there is a recall on the Tacoma frames of these years.
Cannot comment on the 2006 model, but a friend of mine has a 2011 Tacoma that rides beautifully, and is very nice and comfortable inside.
Have also driven a 2011 Ford Ranger, still a great truck, but the ride isn't as smooth, except when the bed is loaded. Also a shame they never made a crew cab model, which is one reason I like the Tacoma better.
Would definitely recommend a Tacoma from my friends satisfaction. If you cannot afford one, a Ford Ranger/Mazda B series is second best for sure, and still a great value. No one can really compete with these for small trucks right now in the North American market.