Toyota Tacoma Review | 1995-2004 | 1st Gen

[@bradshutler9356]

My Taco is a 95 that I bought used in 2003 with 81k miles for $8,500. This is the best truck I have ever owned and fills my needs with no disappointments or mechanical issues. It now has 186k and over the years have put a lot of time and money into upgrades, not because it needed anything replaced other than service wear items such as belts, hoses etc. but because I knew it was a solid platform to build on. It has an Old Man Emu 3" lift, stainless braided brake hoses, front diff drop, (5) 33" BFG KO2 tires on Method Standard 15" wheels, yes I prefer the taller side walls, Borla exhaust, APO rock sliders, RCI skid plates, ARB front winch bumper with Warn M8000 winch with Master Pull synthetic rope, custom roof rack that fits over a shell, auxiliary lights and tow package, 180 amp alternator, dual Optima yellow top batteries and rear Smittybuilt 9500 portable winch set up, K&N cold air intake. Just this winter, Nitro 4.88 gears with ARB air lockers and compressor, all new steering linkage, White Line LCA bushings, SPC UCA's, poly steering rack and sway bar bushings, new wheel bearings and axles front and rear, new silicone radiator hoses, timing belt and tensioners, water pump, thermostat, cam and crank seals, Marlin Crawler short throw shifter. 2 weeks ago I was offered $22K for my Taco and turned it down without any hesitation. I could not even begin to replace this labor of love, time devotion, creativity for that and actually felt insulted because it's not about money. This the last truck I will ever own as I am quite sure it will out live me. At 68 and if I live to be 90 I am certain my Taco will still be kick'in and I get a kick every time a youngster thinks to himself, LOOK AT THAT OLD DUDE DRIVING THAT AWESOME CLASSIC TACO. I am an avid 4 wheeler of 42 years and have built up some very capable rigs in my time, but I have to say maybe because of my age, I like this the one the best and still sleep quite comfortably in the bed when camping and exploring the beauty of the West.

[@torresmobilecarwashandauto201]

I own a 2001 Tacoma v6 first owner has 243,000 still runs like a champ

[@natebanana5692]

I saw one for sale that ran perfectly and had 564,000 mile on it going for 1,800 bucks

[@torresmobilecarwashandauto201]

wolf bananas u should of bought it

[@eazytoribio2695]

So the 4 cylinder engine are not as good? Plus it’s an automatic.

[@torresmobilecarwashandauto201]

@@eazytoribio2695 I have the v6 3.4L

[@lincolnhatley2767]

Mine has 318000 on the 5vz

[@Jason-ce8zb]

I just bought a toyota tacoma with 517k miles and it runs awesome. It is my favorite truck period.

[@cedricmendoza1305]

what year is it ? and how many miles now

[@daddydoodoo9089]

2001 tacoma extracab with 2.4l ..225k trouble free miles. Air still blows cold and everything else works. Unbelievable service and value.

[@bigriver3278]

To my regret I traded in my '03 when I purchased my '17....hind sight I should've put $5K into it and kept it around to play with. It had about 250K miles and was a manual, needed differential work and all new suspension, but that's the fun part! I loved that truck and how small it was compared to the 3rd gens and much preferred the 4WD controls, but hated that damn E brake. The 3rd gens are the size of an old full-size truck in the 70s....often times bigger than I like in the woods. I remember how much a part of the truck I felt when off road in the '03 and two years later am just getting used to my 3rd gen in off-road or dicey conditions....it's so much bigger and taller with less visibility. Thanks for the vid!

[@waynes.2983]

I kept my first gen when I got my 2nd gen but totally agree about the rest. I rebuilt my entire suspension and steering system on my first gen right after buying my new one.

[@bradshutler9356]

My only complaint on the 1st gen Taco's : The damn E brake lever under the dash.

[@VICSKIM949]

I'm the second owner of a 2002 that I got with 91,000 Carfax confirmed miles and it's absolutely flawless. Garens I could sell it it WA state for 16,000 right now.

[@Mc88Flyy]

@Broken Ankle Sports 🏀 it’s crazy how that even is possible, I’m looking at a 04 extended cab for $4600 w160k miles, not sure if it’s sold yet, hopefully not that’s a steal

[@jaymoar3561]

@@Mc88Flyy check for rust, if it’s that cheap they are usually rusted out.

[@mreoski]

Thank you so much for this video!! I bought my black 2002 Taco in November of 2001 (at Superstition Springs Toyota in east Mesa, AZ) - after a road trip up to Northern AZ and seeing a bright red one on display while I was at a stop light. I couldn’t stop thinking of that truck after first seeing it, and bought mine a month after first seeing the display. It has been an amazing truck for so many years to-date. It’s my daily driver and I am just as in love with it today as I ever was. It has been an amazing investment, reliable, sporty, fun and utilitarian. I’ve made some minor upgrades to it, and get complements from strangers all of the time. I’ve had multiple random offers on it and although I appreciate them, there is no way I’d ever sell it. In fact, my 12 year old daughter loves it, named it Trooper, and asked that I promise to give it to her when she starts driving!! This truck has been with me longer than any other vehicle or woman I had ever dated!! She truly is my baby.

[@cedricmendoza1305]

how many miles on it now? anything wrong with

[@mreoski]

@@cedricmendoza1305: 230k miles.

[@cedricmendoza1305]

@@mreoski any problems?

[@mreoski]

@@cedricmendoza1305 : None to speak of. I’ve most recently upgraded to installed Bilstien 5100 Series shocks/struts. Beefy BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A tires and a front bully bar with built in LED lights. And added a Toyota brand Truck Box with boilerplate Lid. The maintenance has largely been Mechanical, with the obvious stuff like spark plug replacement, oil/fluid changes, tune ups, fuel-injection cleans, headlight bulb upgrades, large screen stereo upgrade. Stuff like that. No rust issues. BTW, original factory clutch and pressure plate still kicking ass inside the manual transmission!!

[@cedricmendoza1305]

@@mreoski nice! i’m doin a little tune up on mine since i got it with 171k! only real problem it has is the valve cover leak… but i heard its not that serious.. i know it needs to get fixed tho. but it doesn’t make it a bad truck you know? also did u ever have to replace ball joints or water pump? and i was thinking abt getting new shocks wonder if ill feel the difference

[@jonnorris4204]

I have a 2003 Tacoma SR5-TRD, 5-Speel manual with 138K miles. Have had for 2 years and love the truck. Test drove the Gen 2 and Gen 3 before buying it and found the smaller size of the Gen 1 favorable. I also found both the Gen 2 and Gen 3 to be as gutless in the acceleration department as my Gen 1. But, not buying truck to race. Checked frame for rust before buying and being a Nevada truck its entire life (carfaxed), there was zero rust. Do your homework and buy a gen 1 Tacoma!!! Especially if you want a stick shift!

[@PaulWall78]

i. did. and LOVE IT.. 5 speed classic '04

[@MichaelSmith-ms3jw]

I've had my 2001 since I drove it off the lot as a "Certified Used Car" with 6300 miles on it. I paid 21K for a 4D 4WD. It's still worth 21k. It has never had a single issue, other than the windshield washer bottle cracked. 117K miles now, still runs and looks like new. Best vehicle I have ever owned. I've driven it to buy new cars, but never considered trading it in, much to the disappointment of the sales staff.

[@RoyAcosta]

Awesome! I have my 2004 DC Taco used (with 24k miles on it) to now driving it to 139k miles on it. It would have more mileage but a 99 GT Mustang/Corolla usage lessened the mileage on my TACO. If I didn't have these two other vehicles the Taco would have about 270k on it. Note I have had folks @ HD/Lowes ask me if I'd sell it on many occasions :)

[@gsdlvr123]

GREAT overview...I love your channel and am a long time subscriber!! My son just bought (a couple of days ago) one with 235K miles...the miles scared my wife and I but it was owned by a very close friend - who bought the truck new and meticulously maintained it (garaged), in fact he changes his oil every 2500 miles, it has zero rust (we are in the south) and the interior looks nearly new (like the one in this video) and the paint is still shiny! The truck is a gold color with tan interior - 2002 TRD Off Road (with rear locker) 4 X 4 Xtra Cab, long bed, V6 manual/standard transmission...quality suspension lift, new 33" Duratrac tires, new Timing belt/water pump and clutch...it has a nice Warn winch/bumper set up also...my son paid $3500...even with the mileage I believe my friend really took care of my son by selling him a great little truck for a sweet deal!! I own a 2019 TRD Off Road Tacoma and while I love it I must say the 2002 is a blast to drive!!

[@DrivenCompanion]

Very nice! Sounds like a great deal for $3500 too. The new Tacoma's are nice but I agree there is something fun about the smaller size and simplicity about the 1st Gens.

[@HawaiiJetboat]

Gen 1's are the best looking. They look tall, proportional and majestic. I was disappointed the next Gens looked squashed, swollen and Durango-ish. My PreRunner is an 01, V6, 2 WD with 310K miles on it and the best vehicle investment I ever made. I was so happy when I saw it on the lot at the Dealer in December 2000 took it for a test drive right to my house and made sure that my Honda CR250 fit in the back with the gate down. Took it back to the dealer and tried to negotiate a deal...they werent having it, buy it or someone else will. Needless to say I bought it.

[@jrvelasco30]

I bought a 2004 TRD off road 4×4 with 87,000 miles on it and just love the truck really fun to drive .

[@angelv9264]

For how much?

[@angelv9264]

For how much?

[@angelv9264]

For how much?

[@secretagentjesus4406]

'98 Prerunner, best looking exterior and interior. Great video, yes, absolute classic, bought used in Oxnard, CA January 2000. Just hit 150,000 miles. Till death do us part.

[@rudysvideoclip]

Got my 1999 Tacoma with 240000 miles and love it!!

[@FriedChorizo]

Picking up mine Saturday with 220

[@TfyallLookingAt]

Mine has 255k Iloveitsomuch

[@iainthavenomats9004]

ive got a 2001 with 304k still running strong

[@KnightWolf84]

Your information is a bit off at the beginning of the video. 1995-1997 had the recessed headlights made of glass, 1998-2000 had flush mounted lights, then 2001-2004 they changed the look of the front end like the Tacoma shown in your video.

[@gavinrunner5279]

Idk abt everyone else’s Tacoma’s but my 02 PreRunner TRD off road goes 0-60 in 7.5. That thing flies for being 20 years old and only 190 horsies

[@TfyallLookingAt]

Yep,Thats all the gen 1 needs is 190 horses because its only a 3,000 pound truck lol. I have one as well

[@JS-im6uu]

Looks exactly like my black 2003 PreRunner DoubleCab with the camper shell. Got 264,000 miles on my and still run excellent!

[@jaypreddy8185]

I agree, first generation is going to be a classic if it isn’t already

[@southwestxnorthwest]

The paint on this truck is immaculate

[@dylanbarger9044]

I just bought a 2001 Tacoma TRD Xtracab 1 owner 159k it looks and smells brand new inside! The frame was treated by toyota at some point and there is alot of surface rust I plan on addressing. The leaf spring mounts in the rear are fairly rusty I plan on replacing soon

[@tupaei01]

That looks like a 2002 Hilux in Nordic markets but more refined. Love it! Thank you sir.

[@nicholasspecialmusic]

I just got a 1999 SR5 3.4 4wd auto w/ TRD off road (rear locker), 315k mi, valve cover gaskets will eventually need to be replaced but for now tightening the bolts has stopped the oil burning. 19.9 mpg and should rise from there with the long overdue maintenance I'm doing to it. I had a 1999 just like it with a manual back in 2011, and I kick myself for selling it in 2014. So this is my way of reliving that! Excited for the future

[@stevet8121]

I'm the original owner of my 2003 4X4 Tacoma with 107,000 miles. I'd buy a new one if I could figure out why I should.

[@greym6436]

Really dig the early gen Tacomas, Tundras & T100s. My 02' Tundra 4wd has 230k miles. Great vid!!

[@jameslomenzo1139]

I have a 2000 Tacoma TRD extended cab 3.4, 4wd, six speed automatic garage kelt with 220,000 still going strong.

[@tronaboron2064]

Miss those long bed trucks, not a big fan of all the new trucks of all makes with short beds. A two seater with that little extra cab is all I need. Having that longer bed is great for camping.

[@DrivenCompanion]

You can still get an Access Cab Tacoma with a long-bed

[@tronaboron2064]

Great looking rig! One of these days I will upgrade to an early year Tacoma. Still driving a 88 SR5 4×4 ....very basic truck!

[@hattrick-df4bo]

Just picked up an 04, love it!!

[@9Belee]

Almost 15 grand for a 17 year old trucks. Goes to show a Tacoma will hold its value.

[@williammawk1720]

I just bought an 2004 w/115000 mi. It is like new with several top notch upgrades but I had to pay $15,000

[@GsXtC21]

Friend of mine just bought an 04 doublecab, 4x4 TRD with 74k miles for $15.5k

[@kevinkidneyy]

Yeah but fools will pay $15000 for a old truck . Even though this a good truck

[@tsundokus]

It's stupidly crazy how well they have kept there price this small tacomas. We'll deserve but as time goes on they get more expensive

[@hunter-dr3zf]

I have a 04 with 300000 miles of fun

[@stellarguymk]

I bought an 04 double cab with a camper shell, with 199k for $6k last year and I love it so much! I have to get the roof painted and rust free, and I want some new tires/rims but otherwise it's my favorite thing I own.

[@cedricmendoza1305]

how many miles now? and any problems with it ?

[@gcam12000]

I have a 2000 Prerunner 5vz-fe v-6 with 218000 miles on it and raced a 3rd gen not much of a difference it ...I’m keeping mine 4ever btw

[@kennethlindahl9206]

2001 Taco TRD SR5 xtra cab Stepside. My dad bought it in 2019. in 2023 He wanted a Subaru Outback, so he took his 07 Solara in and pictures of the truck from all angles. They gave him 1200 on the Solara and said 1000 max on the Taco. I said I would pay him more than that for it. He gave them the Solara and drove his 2017 Suebee home. When We got home he asked what I thought about 1000 for that truck. I said I thought he was ripping himself off, he said K what about 1500 I said I better shut up and take it before I can't afford it. This is the 11 toyota truck I have owned, from 78 thru the 80s and now this one. I can take a 22R apart and put it back together in my sleep (and I think I did once LOL). This is the tightest most comfortable truck I have owned.

[@off-roadguys6663]

Best truck ever.

[@MikeAndNary]

When you lift those first gens, do you have to make any drive shaft modifications?

[@tikitavi7120]

Fine little truck, one of the best.

[@patgray5402]

Is this thing noisier and bumpier going down the highway than a modern wrangler/gladiator?

[@420DamienDarkblade]

I just bought a 2003 base model 2 door 2wd RWD automatic, it has 136,300 miles on it, paid $7000 for it , drove it from Charleston SC to Spartanburg SC and back and the front right bearing sheared and had to replace the spindle assembly and speed sensor. $1700 at the dealership so far. Only had it a week. So my question is, should I keep it or just sell it and keep my 1999 Honda CR-V with 210,000 miles on it?

[@nathankoroush7918]

1 owner 2003 4 door 145,000 miles, garage kept baby.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Thats a valuable truck!

[@taemac10]

Damm what a clean engine!!

[@taraleckie5438]

I've driven all kinds of vehicle. Nothing comes close to the reliability and dependability of these trucks. I have an 04 with 200,000. Would not trade it for any new truck.

[@marcturk4410]

It's at that mileage balljoint change other than that drive it

[@huntronracing8038]

it would accelerate faster, and get better mileage if it didn't have huge tires

[@barrymorton4268]

Thanks for doing this video

[@johnnyd8605]

Just picked up a base model 4 cylinder 2004 w 119km.... some modifications incoming 🙂

[@TfyallLookingAt]

Why didn’t you get the V6?

[@johnnyd8605]

@@TfyallLookingAt it was a smoking local deal, one senior owner, low kms. Couldn't help it

[@hattrick-df4bo]

Sweet ride!

[@taemac10]

I like the outside styling but the inside looks so old... True retro look to the 80s.

[@zonloe3268]

I think these look better than the 2nd generation

[@xan_carman4216]

I really want one of these to replace my Scion tC. Only thing I’m worried about it I do a lot of long distance road trips and idk how bad the milage would be

[@ThanhLe-wx8fw]

My dad literally just bought a tacoma then some idiot last night decided to steal the rims

[@jyoung2393]

3in lift.... body lift? Do you know what brand? What's the suspension set up?

[@ScoobyDewbieDoo]

I want this truck so bad

[@allisadean9643]

great truck!

[@thomasgallagher8591]

2003/2004 is the most upgraded model,and comes with many upgrades,like intakes off land cruiser ect , vs 2001/2002.well if your have the V6 SR5 trd package,

[@sammyp3793]

Is there any tacomas 1st generation that has travel through Odessa trail in California?

[@Amalekkkkk]

Who remembers the show “BAY WATCH” They used Tacoma in them 😱

[@Freskoeh]

Best Tacoma

[@bluesteel8586]

What town is that? It’s beautiful up there!

[@DrivenCompanion]

Bend, OR

[@darellbeaver1521]

I got mine for 5,500 back in 2016 it's a 2001 4×4 4dr in red/w 191,000 on it all I have ever done to it is regular oil changes !!!

[@waynes.2983]

You got a great deal. That would go for at least $10,000 or more anywhere on the west coast.

[@pennsyltuckyden9823]

That truck is in amazing condition, you might like to check out a 2015 Taco i review on my channel as well, thanks.

[@jonschlegel2961]

Looking at a 2000 3.4L V6 4WD manual with 174K miles for $5800. They’re selling with P0171 showing on the CEL. Should I be worried or is that a steal?

[@cedricmendoza1305]

ever get it ? got mine recently 2003 with 171k miles for 7,500

[@jonschlegel2961]

@@cedricmendoza1305 na actually I passed up cause o didn’t want another manual I ended up getting a 2006 4runner V8 4x4. I still want a Tacoma real bad and after I’m done with nursing school in December I will probably get a 2013-2015 2nd gen double cab long bed How do you like yours so far?

[@cedricmendoza1305]

@@jonschlegel2961 i love it. i’ve been doin maintenance even tho it runs great . gunna try and get it to 500k miles

[@jonschlegel2961]

@@cedricmendoza1305 those trucks are freaking sweet man. You got a great deal. I spent years doing maintenance on mine before I started modding and she runs like a top at 232K Where you located to find that deal?

[@cedricmendoza1305]

@@jonschlegel2961 i got it in juneau alaska the guy drove it up here from california. NO RUST at all. once i fix the valve cover leak it’ll be in perfectly good shape. the valve cover oil leak isn’t bad at all though so not stressed the only flaw is the clear coat on it but that’s something i’ll fix down the line .

[@jaymoar3561]

That 02 is selling for over 14k!? That’s crazy

[@GsXtC21]

And it probably had 200k + miles

[@nathankoroush7918]

If it had 4 doors and the TRD, package, it could get almost 20k

[@sgtspooktaylor9552]

Are these truck decent on gas? Ive got a 95 F150 im about to sell and buy a 2002 Tacoma

[@DrivenCompanion]

You'll do a little better than a 95 F150 but they aren't too impressive by modern day standards. You'll get around 15 mpg city and 18 hwy plus or minus depending on engine and powertrain

[@sgtspooktaylor9552]

@@DrivenCompanion i mean mine gets like 9 in the city

[@DouglasMills-xu7se]

I have a 2002 4 cylinder automatic and live in East Tennessee and average about 20 mpg.@@sgtspooktaylor9552

[@waynes.2983]

The drivers side seat is supposed to slide forward too. Or at least mine does.

[@cryoine7194]

that clock isnt an lcd screen clock its a 7 segment led display

[@rob8670]

Maybe this guy switched out axle lengths on his Taco, but I don't understand how dudes put lifts like this on their Tacomas without swapping them. If you don't, you burn through CV joints repeatedly.

[@donaldbiden5718]

Just got one 3rz 2wd base model 135k for 4k

[@vmac805zero7]

15k wtf that’s crazy these 4w drive models are pricy

[@N6EAJ]

Combine 4WD with a double cab and the prices go really high.

[@cowboyswag2448]

Hi Mike, how many pounds can this model tow?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Max tow capacity is 5000lbs for the first gen but with a lift, larger tires and the canopy this one would be quite a bit less.

[@HotSizzleTV_]

I want one of these bad, at a good price.. would love a trd model. Can anyone help me Find one gen 1 or gen 2 I’m ok with there is no way I would pay 14k for a 2002 lol I want one for 3-4g and I’m ok

[@stevanrose7439]

To bad that Toyota didn’t put a radio in their vehicles that would last. They will work today and not tomorrow leaving you scratching your head. Saying what did I do.

[@notoffroading]

Your other video on the gen 1 Tacoma says “don’t buy an old Tacoma” this video argues that. Make up your mind lol

[@DrivenCompanion]

If you listen to the whole video that’s not quite what I’m saying 😀 On the contrary I actually love the 1st gen Tacoma but they have such high resale value that It makes them overpriced. This Tacoma sold for about $15k with over 100k miles. If you can afford it I think a 3rd gen with low miles is a better value in comparison.

[@notoffroading]

Mike C my 2003 Tacoma trd off limited prerunner was about 12,800. I see what you mean. I would sell mine to get a 4x4 but I don’t think people would pay much for a prerunner

[@DrivenCompanion]

Not as much but still hold their value pretty well even so

[@mastluob2554]

Pronounced “Lin EE Age”

[@user-tw8ov]

$14,995 he-he

[@tacoman864]

My 1997 4x4 5 speed has 336k

[@David-qw2iv]

I have have a 2003 Trd off road package with 100k miles crew-cab black for sale if anyone is interested. Has a rear locker with brand new frame. Service records from 2003-2020

[@DrivenCompanion]

Where are you located?

[@David-qw2iv]

@@DrivenCompanion Los Ángeles

[@DrivenCompanion]

If you were closer I'd be interested. Gotta think it will sell fast - thats a highly desirable setup!

[@David-qw2iv]

@@DrivenCompanion thank you, I haven’t put it up for sale yet, what’s the price range I should put it up for

[@andrewlove3686]

I have same truck except extended cab. What did you end up getting for it?

[@Senor100]

But it has the throw up transmission

[@alexanderveras2501]

Quiero una para trabajar

[@peterdaniel66]

lol. Uncomfortable AF. Small interior poor ergonomics and weak on power

[@bighossjohnson625]

The seats are not comfy!

[@burningknuckle26]

Mine is

[@davidstancu2963]

15k? LOL

[@DrivenCompanion]

Sold in about two days

[@davidstancu2963]

@@DrivenCompanion these trucks are criminally overpriced. You're paying for the resale value up front.

[@nathankoroush7918]

@@davidstancu2963 That is the going price, if you cant afford it get yourself something else.

[@GsXtC21]

@David Stancu their worth whatever someone is willing to pay and people are paying for these trucks Alot of people complain about price/resale wish they could have one of these 1st gens but hate what the market has done to the value

[@davidstancu2963]

@@nathankoroush7918 you can buy an almost new frontier for around 15k, decent mile full size or you can get something almost 20 years old w a Corolla interior because its "reliable". They are not worth it period.

[@LSnium]

Ugly rims and bad paint job on the fenders and grille.