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Ford Ranger AND Toyota Tacoma AND others - READ ONLY
138 messages, Last post on Aug 22, 2003 at 1:10 PM
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What is this discussion about? Ford Ranger, Toyota Tacoma, GMC Sonoma, Truck
#52 of 138 Rollover Test by rlafaver
Jul 16, 2003 (11:53 am)
The NHTSA results discussed here are for the fourth group tested for 2003 and was for the Tacoma 4x4, not the 4x2 non-Pre. In earlier test groups the Ranger and Mazda 4x4's got the same rating of 2. The Frontier and S10 4x4's got a rating of 3. But surprise, the Ford F150 4x4 got a 2. These vehicles boast ground clearance and are not made for high-speed turns, so there's probably no reason to feel slighted. For instance, the S-10 4x4 has less ground clearance than a Tacoma 4x4, so the S-10 is probably better handling in turns, and the Tacoma is better to jump stumps. I guess it's just a matter of what you want from the truck.
#53 of 138 Well Im sure by saddaddy
Jul 16, 2003 (1:25 pm)
if they had tested a S-10 ZR2 with ground clearance similar to that of the Ranger/Tacoma it would have gotten a 2 as well, if not worse. Same with the Frontier -- its really short.#54 of 138 rlafaver by sc0rpi0
Jul 16, 2003 (1:49 pm)
My question is this: did the other tests also make the news with headlines of "XXX recieves worst rollover rating", which is what happened here in TX.#55 of 138 sc0rpi0 by rlafaver
Jul 16, 2003 (2:19 pm)
I'm not sure about the publicity. The only place I heard about the Tacoma is here, and my first reaction was to check it out at the government website. But you know the "news" media scrutinizes this stuff for shock value. Who would be shocked by a bad rating on Fords and Chevys. Those companies are routinely trashed, often unjustly, so they are not a great target. (Although I have to admit they made a lot of advertising money when the Ford Explorer story was hot.)I wouldn't let it bother me too much. If Toyota misses a few sales, perhaps they will develop a bit of humility, and that would be a good thing.
#56 of 138 New/Used Vehicle Recommendation(s) by maxless
Jul 16, 2003 (2:57 pm)
I have read Town Hall with interest for quite some time. It appears to be a good move based on the fact I was informed I will be losing my company car that I have had for the past +8 years. Currently it is a 2000 Nissan Maxima so it hurts even worse. The dilemma - what to get for a new vehicle. At least I still have a job. I live in Minnesota and own a 16' aluminum fishing boat (1000 lbs.)and just built a house so plenty of upcoming home/yard projects. Married with two children under the age of 4. Would a Tacoma DC be a good choice for all around vehicle and if so, do I really need the 4WD? I grew up driving a '70 Chevy 2WD and with a little sand in the back end, never once had problems with snow. I like the DC Prerunner due to cost. However, worried about pulling out the boat on steep boat ramps. What about a used 4x4? Sorry for the long message.#57 of 138 maxless by rlafaver
Jul 17, 2003 (6:07 am)
I don't think you must have a 4x4, but you at least want limited slip differential. In the south you cannot find that on a Tacoma without the TRD package. I don't know about Minnesota.If you liked your Nissan, why don't you have a look at Frontier. The price is better, and I have learned the hard way that there is nothing special about a Toyota.
Another consideration. Bigger trucks do better on the snow, and the rebates are huge right now. A Silverado extended cab is cheaper than a double cab Tacoma, and it has more passenger space, more comfortable seats, more cargo capacity, more towing capacity. . . just more. To top it off, the big Chevy gets better mileage. Of course, you will spend more for upkeep on larger trucks.
Just about any vehicle you buy these days can be disappointing, so maybe the one thing you can control is how much you pay for how much you get. With Toyota, you pay more and get less, but many people feel that the Toy gives them peace of mind, and that is worth something too. It hasn't worked out that way for me, but I am a one time Toyota owner and had no experience at the time when they built thier reputation.
If you just gotta have a Toyota, your mind is already made up. However, you can find a lot of good alternatives out there.
#58 of 138 Just lifted it some more by sc0rpi0
Jul 21, 2003 (12:27 pm)
I've spent 6 hours wrenching with another TTORA member, and lifted the Taco some more. I'm now running OME 882s with a Downey 2.5" AAL. CVs didn't look all that bad after 882s, but we put a diff drop on it just for the heck of it. Riding high and looking good!#59 of 138 scorp, we need pics! by midnight_stang
Jul 22, 2003 (6:00 am)
rlafaver, they are putting limited slips on Tacomas now? I thought they just offered a locker with the TRD?#60 of 138 stang by sc0rpi0
Jul 22, 2003 (7:01 am)
There have not been LSDs in Tacomas.....up to 2002, if anyone mentioned an LSD, it was a misprint. I highly doubt Toyota would change something this major in 2003.I'm going to the Takeover (annual TTORA event) up in Gilmer, TX, this weekend, so I'll have some pix.
#61 of 138 midnight by rlafaver
Jul 22, 2003 (1:01 pm)
I guess I eroneously call them all "limited slip", but you are right about the TRD, it is a LOCK. I think the driver has to push a button for that, and I think it disengages automatically at 10mph, or something like that.When I bought mine I looked at every available 2wd non-Pre in the area and could not find anything. LSD is pretty common on the S-10 V6 2wd, and it might be common on Pre-Runners, even here. I did not check on those because the only one I ever drove did some damage to my knee when I got in without considering the height of the bloody thing. No way would I give cash money for one.
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