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The Toyota Tacoma arrived in 1995. At the time, the small truck market was jam-packed with similar models. The list included the Chevrolet S10, Dodge Dakota, Ford Ranger, and pickups from Isuzu and Nissan.
But most of those competitors quickly vanished from American dealerships. Meanwhile, momentum steadily increased over three Toyota Tacoma generations and two decades. Taco sales are on track to reach nearly 270,000 units this year.
One facet of Tacoma’s success was the model’s outstanding durability. As a result, the Toyota truck held its value better than any other vehicle under $35,000. That’s according to a study by iSeeCars.com, which analyzed 8.2 million vehicles sold in 2015.
Solid resale values make it easier to justify an investment in Tacoma upgrades—from suspension components to aftermarket TRD wheels. Adding a lift kit to put a Toyota Tacoma on 35s isn’t a mod for the meek, but it sure looks cool. Here are a few popular upgrade categories:
- Toyota Tacoma Lift Kits
- OEM and Aftermarket Toyota Tacoma Suspension Components
- Toyota Tacoma Bumpers
First Toyota Tacoma Generation (1995 – 2004)
The first-generation Tacoma initially had three cab configurations: Regular, Xtracab, and Double Cab.
The first-gen Taco quickly earned its street cred as the surfer’s pickup. Toyota wisely chose to design the first-gen Tacoma at the Calty Design Research facility in Newport Beach, Calif.
The first-generation Tacoma came with these powertrain options:
- 142-horsepower, 2.4-liter 2RZ I4 base engine (only available with two-wheel drive)
- 150 horsepower, 2.7-liter 3RZ I4 (with either 2wd or 4wd)
- 190 HP 3.4-liter 5VZ V6 (also with 2wd or 4wd)
A dealer-installed TRD supercharger raised the V-6’s output to 254 hp for power-hungry Taco pilots. And Toyota offered two transmissions: a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic.
The 1998 model year saw the Tacoma TRD Off-Road package’s debut. It featured the V-6 engine and a locking rear differential for the 4×4 Tacoma. The same setup was brought to the PreRunner—a rear-wheel-drive, off-road trim package for the Tacoma.
The first Toyota Tacoma generation had minor facelifts in 1998 and 2001. This is a 2001 variant.
The PreRunner utilized the TRD Off-Road’s beefy raised suspension and six-stud wheel pattern. Toyota also introduced a crew cab model in 1998. That was followed by a four-door crew cab with a shortened cargo bed for the 2001 model year. The factory-slammed S-Runner trim level also arrived in 2001.
Two decades later, the limited-production 4X2 Xtracab S-Runner a unique collectible. That’s thanks to a one-inch suspension drop, Tokico gas shocks, stiffer springs, sway bars, and tighter steering.
Second Toyota Tacoma Generation (2005 – 2015)
Toyota went bigger with the second-gen Tacoma. The truck added inches, pounds, and horsepower. In addition, two new engines replaced the originals:
- 159-horsepower 2TR 2.7-liter I4
- 236-horsepower 1GR 4.0-liter V-6
The transmission choices doubled, with four- and five-speed automatics and five- and six-speed manuals. Toyota offered an extensive menu of cab choices: regular, access, and double cabs. And a double cab long bed joined the lineup. (Toyota eliminated the Regular Cab in 2012.)
This modded second-generation Tacoma PreRunner is ready to tackle the trails.
Second generation Tacomas from 2005 to 2015 were available with TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road packages in 2WD and 4WD configurations. The TRD Sport featured Bilstein shocks and struts. But an electronic locking rear differential was not available. In addition, the Technology option package included hill descent assist for automatic trucks and hill start assist for manual trucks. Later model years added Toyota’s A-TRAC active traction control.
The Tacoma T/X Baja (2011-2014) and TRD Pro (2015) were limited-production models with upgraded suspension components, including Bilstein reservoir shocks and BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.
The X-Runner replaced the S-Runner, continuing with the V-6, adding a short-throw six-speed manual and a limited-slip differential. The suspension was upgraded as well. It featured lowered double-wishbones up front, Bilstein shock absorbers, different springs out back, and a braced frame. With a two-inch drop and an aggressive body kit, the Tacoma X-Runner has street presence.
Second-gen Tacoma sales took off after Chrysler abandoned the Dakota and Ford ended domestic Ranger production.
Third Toyota Tacoma Generation (2016 – present)
Design work for the third Toyota Tacoma generation returned to the Calty design shop. With a bold angular grille and projector headlights, the new fascia echoed the design used in the 4Runner and Tundra. It’s the most burly of all three generations.
- The truck retained the 159 2TR 2.7-liter I4 from the previous generation and swapped in a new 278 HP 2GR 3.5-liter V-6.
- Five- and six-speed manuals were offered, along with a six-speed automatic.
- Long- and short-beds were available with both the Access Cab and Double Cab.
2006 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
The third-gen Tacoma’s interior went slightly upscale. There are higher quality materials and a larger touchscreen infotainment system. In addition, Toyota offered leather upholstery for the first time.
The TRD Off-Road’s capabilities also took a giant leap. The new Terrain Select Mode allowed drivers to dial in for loose rock, mud, and sand surfaces, as well as a crawl mode. In addition, a new double-cab short bed, TRD Pro variant, arrived in 2017. The TRD Pro featured FOX internal bypass shocks, a TRD cat-back exhaust, and a TRD Skid plate.
Shop now for Tacoma TRD Wheels
What’s The Future for Tacoma?
Competing automakers are taking aim at Tacoma. New small pickup entrants include the Honda Ridgeline, Jeep Gladiator, Hyundai Santa Cruz, Ford Maverick, and relaunched Ranger. They all battle for a slice of the big market for small trucks. America, as it turns out, loves pickups, both large and small.
The Toyota Tacoma has led the pack for three generations, but others are catching up—with a crop of electric pickups garnering attention.
Meanwhile, there are millions of Tacomas on the road today, and aftermarket support is strong. So whether you’re restoring a first-gen truck or modding a late-year model, legendary longevity makes the Tacoma a pickup to enhance and enjoy for many years.
