REVIEW - The Truth About the 1st Gen Tundra vs Tacoma Debate

In this review the problems and advantages of owning a 1st Gen Tundra vs a 1st Gen Tacoma is evaluated. Both make great platforms for building out and modifying The 1st Gen Tundra is a renowned pickup, as is the 1st Gen Tacoma. Both pickups look similar and are popular among Toyota enthusiasts and overlanders. These are common trucks for off-roading, truck camping, or overlanding with. I evaluate which truck is more fun to drive, has the better bed, and which truck has the nicer interior. The truth about the 1st Gen Tundra and 1st Gen Tundra may be surprising! Let me know what you think in the comments!
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[@devinmortier5269]

Biggest complaint “it’s smaller”… no sh!t Mr Holmes

[@thisguy2659]

“Doesn’t feel as roomy, can’t store as much” well that’s what happens when you compare compact vs full size lol. They have their place in the market that’s why people choose it over the full size. The thing the Tundra did right vs Tacoma is pretty much leep the same size bed for the DC. I love that fact. I’ve had both DC and the (01) Tacoma’s bed was small. Very useful still but nothing like having a 6ft bed.

[@208Tyler]

Ya- it’s a “No duh” point that I make, but I’m surprised how much more popular the first Gen Tacoma seems to be given that fact. Absolutely. The Tundra DC is a superb setup. Even deeper bed than the AC and only an inch shorter!

[@thisguy2659]

@@208Tyler honestly it’s on personal preference. If a trail rig for moderate to hard 4wd trails the Taco all the way. Overlanding Tundra. I bought my DC back in July and chose it because I have a family of 4, and actually need the larger bed. If I was in my early 20s at my parents or apartment life, then Tacoma would be my preference. I had a DC taco back in 2003 and no issues with it at that point in my life. Even used it a few times to move myself and friends. That V6 is pretty damn good engine too. The TFL guys did a drag race out of the 3 generations and it was the fastest truck.

[@208Tyler]

Well said. I'm not sure how well this cam across in the video, but my main complaint with the Tacoma is the price in the used market. It brings a premium that no other truck that size seems to bring. In my area I get the feeling that the Tacoma's are overpriced. For example, the tundra in this video was 8k with 194k miles (stock). The Tacoma was 12k w/ 150k miles and the rear diff lock (body lift/33's + Shell). What do you think of the math on that price, I'm curious?

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

Glad I still have my 88 with a single cab long bed.. all the room I need without having an oversized rig in my garage!

[@dgw6448]

I currently drive both 1st Gen Taco & Tundra. The small size of the taco is one of it's features. Wish you could get something this size today. A Corolla that can go anywhere

[@SGU.TF-141]

Tacoma is more capable off road as it is small and more nimble. Plus the locking diff makes a huge difference. For the Tundra it meant to tow more and carry more. Both trucks are great and like any tools just got to use to right one for the job. 😊

[@208Tyler]

The tacoma is about a foot shorter and ten inches narrower. Is it really that big of a difference? Locking diff is a great option, but rare overall.

[@Nessal83]

@@208Tyler It does make a pretty big difference. Won't make a difference on paved roads but substantially if you rock crawl.

[@208Tyler]

@@Nessal83 I agree - I mention this in the video. If you're building a crawler and you have a preference for a shorter wheelbase then there you go, get a Tacoma. Better beakover angle too

[@kennethlindahl9206]

As a old guy with no kids at home, I don't have to haul my kids and their friends and their junk around anymore! I have always had a older toyota truck ( pre-taco) wanna talk about cramped. The middle passenger had to shift for me. Now I own a 2001 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 TRD SR5 Xtra cab four bannger. 😎 I don't feel crowded at all. I looked at Tundras but I leaned more toward the Chevy or GMC half ton Z71 with a V6. The Tacoma I have now was a deal I could not refuse and does everything I need. From towing a trailer with a couple of dirt bikes to hauling the kayaks to the lake. As for the short bed, I must be use to it from all those years driving the (pre taco) Toy trucks because it doesn't bother me one bit.

[@RUSTY4.7]

I almost bought a first gen tacoma instead of my tundra but I decided to check out some tundras as well and fell in love. I also looked at a few T100s. I personally prefer the T100s over the Tacomas but I love them all.

[@208Tyler]

The T100s are cool! I feel like they have almost no aftermarket support though, that would be tough to deal with. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@RUSTY4.7]

@@208Tyler Yeah thats true! Of course man I love your content!

[@BC08]

A 1995-1997 T100 Xtracab 4x4 to this day is a damn good looking truck

[@scottymac5174]

@@208Tyler they were geared wrong.

[@BlakeElliott]

Tundra over the Tacoma any day.

[@Annexily]

Great video! I feel like Toyota could've done the Tacoma's backseat doors like how they did the FJ Cruiser's back half doors, with the handle inside the door but it is what it is. Would choose the 1st gen Tundra over the Tacoma all day, every day. Only thing I'd get a Early 2000s Tacoma for is just to say i've owned one to be honest.

[@208Tyler]

Ya - I get that at the time, this is what Toyota created, and it makes sense. But given what people use their trucks for now, I feel like the Tacoma is too much of a compromise. Underpowered, small, and can only fit two people. Newer Mavericks, Tacomas, and Frontiers almost exclusively utilize a 4-door setup.

[@sandovalpaul]

I own both a 2002 tacoma limited 4x4 double cab with rear lockers and a 2006 Toyota Tundra SR5 double cab 4c4… I got the best of both worlds ..I’ll never sell them lol

[@208Tyler]

Man! That is the best of both worlds!

[@sandovalpaul]

@@208Tyler thank you brother I love the video keep up the hard work!!!!!!

[@77ford20]

A lot of these issues, like the lack of storage space, really cramped cab space, low engine power, etc, was sort of solved with the 2nd gen. Some pople weren’t happy that the Tacoma grew from a compact to a “midsized” truck, however it extinguished a lot of the complaints that people had with the 1st gen Tacomas. I own a 2nd gen Tacoma and am pretty happy with it. There’s some stuff that I don’t like, however that list is quite short. I like both the older Tacomas and Tundras though. All solid vehicles.

[@lukedesrosiers3860]

i love my first gen tundra but i love the idea of the gas mileage on a taco. I do a ton of driving between idaho and colorado and the mpg is always around 16 at best. It does have a nice little lift and some thicker a/t tires. Definitely worth it for me to have the tundra. in my case I'm a bit taller and the tacomas are just too cramped for my comfort. Cant complain about the reliability of either!! Great vid!

[@208Tyler]

A manual 4cyl taco would be a blast to cruise around in and get some better MPG! But I agree, it’s hard for me to imagine switching into an overall smaller truck. Thanks for watching!

[@bradlykrall7285]

You’re not missing much, I have an ‘04 taco and get barely 17 highway

[@NeversinkJimmy]

The 1st gen 2.7 Tacomas have very little power and yet very poor fuel efficiency. Not many owners can report 16MPG from their old Tacos, to be honest.

[@brianbarcinas3088]

Thank you for making this video. I have a 2000 Tundra AC like yours, but it’s the 3.4L 4x4. The tundra is a heavier truck so the power is lacking SIGNIFICANTLY. I still love it though as it’s been in the family ever since my ad bought it back in the day and it’s still my daily ride with 205,000 miles. The spacing is so much better and it really baffles me how people don’t appreciate these trucks. I respect Tacoma’s, but Tundras are just the superior Toyota truck. For me, the T-100 is the perfect balance of both and it’s my next project truck I’m in the market for.

[@208Tyler]

Well said. The bummer with the T100 though is that you don’t get a rear door that opens. It’s basically a swollen tacoma. Really interesting and kind of unique truck, but a lot of the same drawbacks as the tacoma

[@musicman123ization]

I got an 06 and I think the power is great! I just sold my 19 4Runner bc I hated how underpowered it was

[@BC08]

@@208Tyler T100 was built by Hino in Japan. Classic quality Toyota

[@theUltimateLord]

Got an 04 sequoia. Love it. About to buy an 06 DC tundra. 1st gens 4 life

[@208Tyler]

Both great vehicles!

[@paulwhitaker6844]

Blessed to say I have both. 97 Tacoma and a 2000 tundra. Both have there place. Tacoma saves gas and tundra can haul a lot

[@markjansen24]

I agree, I have a 2002 sequoia 4x4 and a 2004 Tacoma 4x4, the sequoia is way more versatile, but I still prefer the manual 5 speed Tacoma, have not been able to get it stuck anywhere it's just so light it "floats"

[@GrizzlyPath]

My favorite is the T100! But the 1st gen Tundra is a close second 😉

[@208Tyler]

Not the T100 haha. They're an oddball and honestly a really eclectic vehicle. Would be fun to own one someday, but it's a weird pack of compromises

[@tucanoguy4719]

My friends, dad bought one back in the day Brand new, drove it for a week and then took it in and had a V-8 put in it. I now have one and I don’t have a problem with power at all. It’s not a race car.

[@manuelbrenes9406]

I had one for twenty years. It never game me any issues!!!

[@208Tyler]

I’m not sure which one you had, but I believe it! Both are some of the most durable and reliable trucks you can get!

[@oliverhillman1223]

I say let the Tacoma get all the attention, then people wont be after the Tundras as much 😂, I had a 95 4Runner with a spartan rear locker and it was fun, but I wouldn’t trade anything for my Tundra now.

[@208Tyler]

Haha ya, the tundra is forever forgotten compared to the Tacoma! Well said

[@jeffarcand6536]

When you go over bumps in your truck do the back doors rattle? Mine will rattle from time to time but was curious if other have the same issue and if there is a fix other than possibly new door seals?

[@208Tyler]

Interestingly enough, I have not encountered that at all! My truck has about 215k miles and I don’t have that issue. Maybe a loose door latch?

[@user-wl1vs9pi6n]

I have the same problem on mine now. If you have fixed it, would you mind saying what the issue was?

[@nathanr25]

Hey man, there's the in-between pickup if you want to review that too and compare it. The T100 with the 3.4l

[@208Tyler]

Ya! Cool pickup, but kind of an awful in between haha. It’s mostly just a Taco with a bench row in the rear

[@77dongle]

Tacoma is a great urban vehicle, full size trucks better for longer hauling

[@alexferreira6081]

Hey what front steel bumper do you have on the tundra? Where did you purchase it?

[@208Tyler]

Coastal Off-road! I ordered it from their website, I have a video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aGLClnttZdySmKc

[@alexferreira6081]

Thank you sir 👍

[@jasonsalomons4007]

I paid $500 less for my 06 Tundra DC in 09 to the same Tacoma DC both with 80k! I have a midrise cap with wood bedframe and trailer queen mattress/Full-size double.

[@208Tyler]

Ya, the tundras are a great value. Sounds like an awesome truck!

[@hughjanus8450]

Got a pre-owned first 03 tundra with 146,000 miles on it. Have had it for 9 months and there have been issues. First of all, the previous owner put a leveler kit on it. We have had to get the sway bar, rack and pinion, front struts replaced, and there is a faulty gas cap leak. We brought it into Toyota to get the sway bar and rack pinion replaced, then the day later this squeak occurred on the front drivers side wheel well, which turned out to be the struts. Bought the truck for 10k and prolly will cost 4-5k to fix the issues. We got and extended warranty thinking it will cover it cause the company said it covered suspension parts, but they didn’t do anything Edit: got an aftermarket stereo and is rlly fun to drive

[@208Tyler]

Man that’s a bummer! It sounds like the previous owner didn’t take good care of it. 4-5k sounds high, especially compared to my area. Struts are a $4-500 ordeal, sway bar isn’t hard at all to do but the rack and pinion could be $1k after labor.

[@Kaywonlee]

👍👍 what do you think about sequoia ?

[@208Tyler]

I love the sequoia! Same drivetrain as the tundra, but you get a 3rd row instead of a pickup. Great family vehicle!

[@scottymac5174]

I can understand the first gen Tacomas. I had a 1986 Nissan Hardbody 4X4. 275,000 miles before being wrecked. Before that, a 1978 Luv (Isuszu) 4X4.

[@jerrydc818]

I’m with you on the 1st gen Tundra. 1st gen (even 2nd gen Tacoma) too small. 2nd gen Tundra, too big. 1st gen Tundra, just right for me. Even has a small block v8. More room. Cheaper than taco and full size Tundra. Awesome truck.reliability, top notch just general maintenance. 320k mi. Runs great. Oem parts only lbj, Toyota coolant, ATF, MOBIL 1 oil. Slight lift. Bilstein, winch bumper. Topper w/windoors. Just needs rear locker tb perfect. Priced right. Thx for posting

[@zingo_man]

I'm looking at the numbers right now and the V8 Tundra buys you approximately: +350 lbs more weight, +60 more HP, -4 less MPG, +8% bigger size.

[@frankielopez3303]

wait when the the stater goes out on the 4.7 vs the 3.4 lol

[@208Tyler]

And no option for factory diff lock. Touché. But, it’s a small price to pay for the extra HP/Torque and the other upsides of the truck!

[@mattvang3439]

It’s not even that bad. Plus then you can do knock sensors and intake manifold gaskets.

[@sam-ww1wk]

That 1st gen Tundra did hit a sweet spot.

[@jjj4xaa197]

Shhhhhh. Stop telling people. 😅

[@nematix]

You say 1st gen Tacoma vs 1st gen Tundra beds are the same length but isn't the Taco marketed as a 6ft vs the Tundra 6.5ft? I'm debating between the two and the main reason I'm leaning towards a Tundra is that I'm 6'4" and want to be able to sleep fully stretched out in the bed.

[@208Tyler]

The tundra bed is 75”, so, 6’ 3”. I don’t know/care what it’s marketed as, that’s the length.

[@nematix]

K good to know, I haven't tried laying in one yet

[@ExpeditionTundraBeast]

Agreed. But I am biased.

[@208Tyler]

I'm biased too haha! But I considered getting a Tacoma before I thought of getting a Tundra!

[@1youwatch]

Everything he complains about, is everything I love about my single cab Tacoma.

[@208Tyler]

Different needs for different people, but I think you might like a single cab tundra a little better, unless you need the short bed.

[@culio544]

I don't like the tacoma because its small but if i lived in a big compact city i might buy one

[@fortvne9268]

"Change compartment" i'm pretty sure that's an ashtray

[@abcdefbcdefg8352]

lol change compartment is an ashtray

[@208Tyler]

Haha. If I misidentified that, that's understandable. The need for and the likelihood of needing an ashtray is less significant now than when the vehicle was being produced.

[@abcdefbcdefg8352]

@@208Tyler i was laughing at how its been repurposed for so long that most people born this decade will only know it as a change holder. i just find it funny, lol

[@208Tyler]

@@abcdefbcdefg8352 Ya! You're completely right haha.

[@scottymac5174]

The First Gen Tundra is the template for the 2nd/3rd gen Tacos.

[@208Tyler]

Im not seeing it. The 2nd Gen tacoma comes from the 1st Gen Taco, as well as sharing Baco sally everything with the 4th Gen 4runner

[@NeversinkJimmy]

You seem shocked that the Tundra is larger than the Tacoma. The 1st Gen Tacoma was classed as a Compact Pickup. The 1st Gen Tundra was classed as a Full Size Pickup.

[@208Tyler]

I am not shocked. I do find it odd that the Tacoma ended up being more popular

[@tv4184]

It’s not a coin tray lol

[@gringoreno]

Having own both tundra is best hands down still have 06 excab 4 4 TRD and 06 sequoia 4x4 TRD. An out tow mytaco and 29mpg k and n air3imch exhaust flowmaster exhaust islf you are a poser Tacoma is the vehicle for you

[@SmokinZen]

It’s simple really the Tacoma is way sexier and better looking the Tundra nice but it’s pretty much a Jan but this is a compact truck vs full size not an equal comparison sadly a Tacoma bashing video

[@208Tyler]

You can get both of these with the same engine (3.4 V6), so I think it’s worth talking about. And Aloooooot of people will make this comparison or confuse the two trucks.

[@SnookerML]

The published specs on weight make a HUGE difference. Comparing the 3.4L V6 4x4 in both (Xtra cab vs Access cab), the Taco weighs 3540 and the Tundra weighs 4435 !! That's 900# more or 25% more, so I imagine the power and mileage differences show this. Wheelbase only 6" longer in this comparison so not that much. So you say: well get the Tundra 4.7L V8 - ok, then the hp/weight ratio is pretty much identical between Taco and Tundra. For one person I'm getting a Taco 1st gen V6 for my son. (also, I've had a 2004 4Runner Sport I bought new - amazingly short wheelbase 18" less than the Tundra, this is a huge deal offroad). @@208Tyler

[@vapecatt]

Tacomas should have stayed compact

[@JohanAguilar-kk9sp]

Fr the new big ones feel put of.place

[@tomasg5761]

Tundra looks ugly

[@208Tyler]

Wait til you see the Tacoma

[@JohanAguilar-kk9sp]

Saw the 85 tacoma on back to the future and ever since fell in love and when i hear pld school truck i always think bout Marty Mcflys taco. ​@208Tyler

[@giq8747]

Kinda sound like a brat.. older vehicles were smaller in comparison to today's models.. this was the case with almost every car and truck from 20+ years ago.

[@208Tyler]

It’s a comparison of two vehicles from the same model year 😂😂

[@Jmoney-db4rp]

If you dont like the Tacoma sale it and 🤫

[@208Tyler]

I don’t own it, I borrowed it for the review