Tacoma is not so reliable as folks think

[Dr. Zaius]

At least we dont have drum breaks.

I don't think the Tacoma is a terrible truck (aside from the engine/transmission pairing) but the fervor of their Fanbois is something to behold.

Watching them defend drum brakes as being superior to discs in any way other than lower cost is hilarious.

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[OFC Ranger]

I don't think the Tacoma is any less reliable than say our Rangers. I'd venture to say Jeeps are the same. Now the almost cult like following those brands receive is where the hilarity ensues.

Just remember this place has its own "With all the problems Rangers are having, should I buy one?" threads popping up from time to time.

People really need to understand that those with problem products are going to find a way to voice their problem. While not a direct comparison, keep in mind no one is joining a Samsung (or insert other company name) forum online to talk about how awesome their TV or Fridge is. They are joining and posting because something broke.

 

[Hounddog409]

I don't think the Tacoma is a terrible truck (aside from the engine/transmission pairing) but the fervor of their Fanbois is something to behold.

Watching them defend drum brakes as being superior to discs in any way other than lower cost is hilarious.

The best reply is a simple pic of the baja 500 race trucks with 4 dics.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

The best reply is a simple pic of the baja 500 race trucks with 4 dics.

Neither logic, nor facts, nor a proclamation from the Pope will convince the frothed TW White Knight Fanboi that Toyota made a decision on cost and not superior merit.

While there are fanbois on every enthusiast vehicle website, those are a special kind of Fan.

 

[JimG_AZ]

I don't think the Tacoma is a terrible truck (aside from the engine/transmission pairing) but the fervor of their Fanbois is something to behold.

Watching them defend drum brakes as being superior to discs in any way other than lower cost is hilarious.

I own a send gen Tacoma. It has the rear drum brakes and to be honest, I never even think about them. The brakes always work and the truck stops fine. Are you recommending that I swap the rear drums for disk brakes? If so, what improvement do you think I will see?

 

[Dr. Zaius]

I own a send gen Tacoma. It has the rear drum brakes and to be honest, I never even think about them. The brakes always work and the truck stops fine. Are you recommending that I swap the rear drums for disk brakes? If so, what improvement do you think I will see?

My Bronco has drum brakes in the rear and they are serviceable, but nowhere near as good as discs would be.

Heat dissipation, water dissipation, ease of maintenance, brake fade, all are better with a disc system.

Will there be a benefit to swap to disc? Yes.

Will it be worth the cost? Not likely. Now if I ever decide to do the solid axle swap n my Bronco I will use Super Duty axles and they are disc in the rear.

Not saying that drum brakes are bad as they've been used for decades on countless vehicles, but they are never used on the front of a vehicle anymore.

But to argue that drums are better than discs, as some do, is silly. Drum brakes are used to cut costs. No other benefit that I'm aware of.

I remember driving my dad's old CJ5 with drum brakes in the front. After you went through water you never knew which way you were going to go when you stepped on the brake pedal.

And as far as rear brakes: A monkey can be trained to swap out rear disc brake pads. If you've never done it before, prepare for some fun to change out rear drum shoes.

 

[Devil6]

I’ve owned Fords almost exclusively for the last 20 years so I have a better understanding on how their products are put together than I should. Before we start, I am happy with the products at the prices I’ve paid.

Ford cheapskates out. They paint buttons that should be molded in color. They use the cheapest materials, even if you can see it and, on touch points. The B&O audio system is a nice name but poor performing system.

They put the cheapest components on that they can that may last the warranty period but nothing more. Brakes, disks, bushings, etc. Yes, these things are consumables and all need to be replaced but not as early and as frequently as the Fords I’ve owned. I am becoming skilled on brake, steering, and suspension work.

Ford doesn’t invest in things that would make their product better if what they have is okay. The center stack/ climate controls were okay in 2012 but are unacceptable in 2019/ 20/ 21. How long did it take for the Mustang to get an IRS? Doesn’t the Mustang, in its entirety generate over $1 billion yearly for Ford?

Then there is the budget, stamped steel components that Ford throws at the undersides of most of its products

It goes on and on and personally, now that I understand these things, I can work with them but for a young buyer, maybe paying MSRP, it seems a bit unfair.

 

[JimG_AZ]

My Bronco has drum brakes in the rear and they are serviceable, but nowhere near as good as discs would be.

Heat dissipation, water dissipation, ease of maintenance, brake fade, all are better with a disc system.

Will there be a benefit to swap to disc? Yes.

Will it be worth the cost? Not likely. Now if I ever decide to do the solid axle swap n my Bronco I will use Super Duty axles and they are disc in the rear.

Not saying that drum brakes are bad as they've been used for decades on countless vehicles, but they are never used on the front of a vehicle anymore.

But to argue that drums are better than discs, as some do, is silly. Drum brakes are used to cut costs. No other benefit that I'm aware of.

I remember driving my dad's old CJ5 with drum brakes in the front. After you went through water you never knew which way you were going to go when you stepped on the brake pedal.

And as far as rear brakes: A monkey can be trained to swap out rear disc brake pads. If you've never done it before, prepare for some fun to change out rear drum shoes.

I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I personally do not know anybody who has made the switch on a Tacoma. I have read posts from people who claim to have done it and the overall consensus seems to be that it is not worth the money (like you said). Still though, the bottom line is that the Tacoma does not have a stopping problem. I have read many complaints on the G3 engine/trans combo and the seat height, etc, but none about the stopping distance.

 

[Devil6]

I agree with a lot of what you are saying. I personally do not know anybody who has made the switch on a Tacoma. I have read posts from people who claim to have done it and the overall consensus seems to be that it is not worth the money (like you said). Still though, the bottom line is that the Tacoma does not have a stopping problem. I have read many complaints on the G3 engine/trans combo and the seat height, etc, but none about the stopping distance.

In the 90s I had a Tacoma and it performed fine. I rarely carried over 600lbs or went to the mountains so drums were okay.
Today, towing over 5000 lbs or carrying over 1000 lbs (in or near the mountains) I wouldn’t want anything to do with drums.

Just my opinion.

 

[OrangeStreak]

Portions of this article have already been posted but here's the complete story by a source who feels that the 5g's have the edge over Tacoma's...
3 Big Reasons the Ford Ranger Is Better Than the Toyota Tacoma (motorbiscuit.com)

 

[MattS]

 

[Cmar]

All the Tacoma stuff reminds me of the Toyota Hilux fanboyz here in Australia.
The Toyota Hilux has this almost God like image and their owners are like a religious cult.
The only vehicle that has seriously challenged them in the last few years has been the Ranger.

Nissan and Mitsubishi utes are a long way down the tree after them.

It's true that in the past Hiluxes were pretty reliable and well made, but these days I don't think they're any better made that any other 4 door pickup they're just quite a lot more expensive for what you get. They project this image that they're "Unbreakable", jump on any Toyota forum and you'll find that they break just like any other vehicle. ( but don't dare comment on it or you'll be spammed and then banned for questioning the teachings of the church)

But the myth and mystique continue!

 

[dtech]

I don't think the Tacoma is a terrible truck (aside from the engine/transmission pairing) but the fervor of their Fanbois is something to behold.

Watching them defend drum brakes as being superior to discs in any way other than lower cost is hilarious.

a few braking distance specs - not debating the superiority of disc vs drum but to some it doesn't matter that much. car and driver I think though had the taco at 180 ft from 70 mph to 0. what would be more telling is repeated panic spots but the braking is primarily upfront anyways.

odel	2021 Ford Ranger Crew Cab	2021 Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab	2021 Chevrolet Colorado Crew Cab
Brake Front (in)	12.2	10.8	12.2
Brake Rear (in)	12.1	10	12.8
Curb Weight (lbs)	4232	3980	4025
60-0 MPH (ft.)	127	132	124

 

[Hounddog409]

I’ve owned Fords almost exclusively for the last 20 years so I have a better understanding on how their products are put together than I should. Before we start, I am happy with the products at the prices I’ve paid.

Ford cheapskates out. They paint buttons that should be molded in color. They use the cheapest materials, even if you can see it and, on touch points. The B&O audio system is a nice name but poor performing system.

They put the cheapest components on that they can that may last the warranty period but nothing more. Brakes, disks, bushings, etc. Yes, these things are consumables and all need to be replaced but not as early and as frequently as the Fords I’ve owned. I am becoming skilled on brake, steering, and suspension work.

Ford doesn’t invest in things that would make their product better if what they have is okay. The center stack/ climate controls were okay in 2012 but are unacceptable in 2019/ 20/ 21. How long did it take for the Mustang to get an IRS? Doesn’t the Mustang, in its entirety generate over $1 billion yearly for Ford?

Then there is the budget, stamped steel components that Ford throws at the undersides of most of its products

It goes on and on and personally, now that I understand these things, I can work with them but for a young buyer, maybe paying MSRP, it seems a bit unfair.

Um, my last vehicle was a 2014 F150.

It had 75000 miles on it when i traded it in. Still on OEM brakes. As with everything else for that matter except for fluids and tires.

I think you need to provide some proof of said cheep parts.

Not my experience at all.

My 2019 ramger has 36k on it. Brakes look to have at least another 36k on them.

 

[Peter949]

I disagree. My 2006 Tacoma was trouble free for 130k before I upgraded to the Ranger. I just picked the best mid size in my opinion when shopping in 2019.

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