Everything You Need to Know About the First Generation Toyota Tacoma

Legendary Toyota Reliability

Arguably the leading factory a consumer considers when selecting their next chassis is reliability; after all, who wants a truck, let alone a trail rig, that can’t make it from point A to point B? Luckily, the Tacoma is often heralded as one of the most reliable pickups on the market, as are most Toyota vehicles. 

Toyota engineered the Tacoma to last, and it shows! All three power plants are known for their robust reliability; change the oil, the spark plugs, and the timing belt, and you can anticipate 300,000-plus miles from each engine!

The transmissions and drivetrains are no different; with proper maintenance, expect a first-gen Tacoma to cover hundreds of thousands of miles on the road

Numerous Cab and Bed Configurations

The first-generation Toyota Tacoma also brought a sense of customization previously unseen in the mid-size pickup market. Two bed sizes and three cab configurations ensured a pickup that could meet most Americans’ needs, not to mention the various powertrain and drive configurations! And with cab and bed sizes, you could easily wrangle in your Toyota Tacoma’s length to fit in a standard home garage or compact parking space.

Whether you use your Tacoma as a work truck, a hunting rig, or a grocery getter, there’s a first-gen for you!

Manual Transmissions

Especially in mid-size pickup applications, most consumers love the mechanical nature of a manual transmission. Typically, manual transmissions are more reliable, less expensive to repair or replace (try pricing out a clutch compared to a rebuilt automatic), lighter, and all-around more enjoyable to drive!

Analog and Simple Design

While Toyota engineered the Tacoma as a more comfortable and luxurious alternative to the Hilux, anyone that's ever stepped foot into a first-generation Tacoma knows just how simple and analog the interiors are…and that’s a good thing! While amenities and electronics are convenient, most electronics in older vehicles are severely outdated and slow, if they even function at all! As the old saying goes: the less technology, the fewer things to go wrong!

Extensive Aftermarket and Community Support

The Tacoma is a widely beloved pickup and, therefore, it’s accrued quite the fanbase! As with any highly-acclaimed chassis, this popularity results in massive online communities and a significant aftermarket presence, even for the nearly three-decade-old pickup. 

If you’re having any issues, there are numerous forums and websites to guide your diagnosis. If you’re looking for Tacoma parts, there are countless manufacturers with replacement components in stock. And if you’re looking to modify your Tacoma, you’ll find retailer after retailer focusing on your particular chassis! 

So as it turns out, the question isn’t, “Should you buy a first-generation Tacoma?” but rather, “Why haven’t you?”

As always, for all of your top Tacoma parts and accessories, like lift kits, wheels and tires, and lighting, check out our extensive inventory on RealTruck!