2009 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Review

[duckydown6]

I just noticed these 4x4 Tacoma Sport packages perform very well in offroading. a lot better then the 4x2 offroad package.

[bmwmsport11]

@PatriotsMascotFan you could get a fake hood scope add on from any auto part store. If you want a functioning one you would have to get a new hood with one built-in. Congrats on your new Tacoma. I want one too

[PatriotsMascotFan]

@bmwmsport11 I didn't ask you. Is your name mpgomatic? :P Just kidding. Thanks for helping me out. You are very nice. I hope you get a 2012 Tacoma as well, someday. I love my 2012 tacoma. The color on his 2009 Tacoma didn't really appeal to me. I got a silver one instead. It's an sr5, no off road and sport. I'll be on highways a lot so I don't need an off road because it's not as smooth as the sr5. Got my bull bar, side step, and bar step. Now I want a hood scoop. I thought it was for sport only

[dms5805]

Tacomas are very good trucks! Way to go Tacoma :) I own a 2009, so I think I'm going to trade to the 2012 Tacoma, silver as well. Can't wait till Christmas :D I think this tacoma in the video is such a damn good looking truck, but that color isn't quite working out for me. But still, it's great :)

[HeraldandGerald]

I love my Taco:D I put some bigger tires on it, but other than that, it does incredibly well off-road for being stock. I plan to make it Baja race-ready soon though. Toyota is the way to go:)

[strumem90]

I am stuck between two trucks and I need to make up my mind quick lol...a 2009 Hummer H3T & a 2006 Tacoma DC TRD Sport Auto...BAH!~

[wokeupthismorning100]

@strumem90 Tacoma, better performance and in every other way. But the seatbelts might be squeaky sometimes, but no problem if you listening to music lol

[walkthrough1234]

TOYOTA ROCKS . bottom of the line !!

[Annihilator1111]

the 2005-present Toyota Tacoma is assembled in

Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico

San Antonio, Texas, USA

Hamura, Japan

[creamyfilling102]

hill start assist on a vehicle with an automatic transmission. i just don't understand that.

[jjman37]

Thanks MPG-O-MATIC for the solid review. I just bought a 2011 magnetic gray 6 speed manual 4x4 Double Cab TRD Sport Taco and i love it.

Anyone out there shopping between a Toyota and Nissan pick up ... While both are very good trucks, take the Toyota. It is better built and Toyota's legendary reliability is superior to the Nissan.

[mpgomatic]

@jjman37 Thanks for the kind words and congrats on the new Tacoma!

[FrankPacheco]

@mpgomatic thanks for the review... any idea on what the supercharger did to the mpg with the same type of driving habit? Thanks.

[PatriotsMascotFan]

@mpgomatic Hey, you got a nice looking truck there. Very sexy lol. I wanted to ask you a real important question, but it might not be able to work. I own a 2012 Tacoma, silver and double cab. I didn't think I needed a hood scoop on mine just because of it's good looks and stuff. So, I was wondering if hood scoop could be installed on the same hood top or do I need to go somewhere to get it replaced with a different hood top WITH a hood scoop??

Please respond! Thank you.

[oReleaseo]

just got an 09 tacoma trd, 4D, 4WD for 23.5k... what a deal!

[br121100]

@mpgomatic Hi there, I am trying to figure out what truck I would like to get. I am swaying back and fourth between Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner (or) Nissan Titan Crew Cab. Any suggestions?

[mpgomatic]

@br121100 Gotta drive 'em both! I haven't been in the Titan yet.

[br121100]

@mpgomatic Oh well please let me know when you have drove the Titan. :) Thanks!!

[br121100]

@mpgomatic Well I guess Tacoma is for me because I have compared the mpg mileage of them both and tacoma is better!! Another question: Did your test model have leather seats? If it did or did not it is still what I want!! :)

[walkthrough1234]

@br121100 my advice , choose the tacoma , :)

[TimQuerry]

The best i have gotten was 19.5 mpg inmy 2008 dbl cab v4 2wd all highway on 87 octane at 65 mph with the automatic

[TimQuerry]

The best i have gotten was 19.5 mpg inmy 2008 dbl cab v4 2wd all highway on 87 octane at 65 mph

[jjman37]

Hey Joshydawg, I must say that i am shocked. i have had Toyotas (Tercel, Previa & 4-Runner) and they were reliable and long lasting. I was shocked reading your experience with your 2009 Taco. Maybe yours was made on a "Friday" but i hope that it works out for you as this can happen to anyone. My 6 speed TRD Sport Taco is already signed for and due to arrive late April or early May. I will let you know my report ... Thanks for replying.

[300pzl]

Lol, big tough guy with a girly red ipod nano 2:28

[mpgomatic]

@300pzl Me a big tough guy? bwahahahaha The iPod was a gift from my kids.

[jjman37]

I am looking for the review of the 6 speed manual Tacoma 4x4. Anyone know if it exists? I just bought a 2011 Tacoma TRD Sport with the 6 speed, but i have to wait 2 months until it arrives. I cannot find the manual tranny review on Youtube. I tested the automatic and i prefer shifting my own gears.

[joshydawg]

@jjman37 i have a 2010 tacoma trd sport with the automatic transmission. It has been nothing but trouble for me. I only get about 16 mpg on the highway and about 13 in the city. my springs are messing up already and it goes out of align all the time. I would not waste my money on it if i was you. I had a tundra for 3 years and next year i will be getting another tundra. The Tacoma just basically holds up like a car would on a dirt road

[etoyotarockshsucks]

the analog cant keep up with the revs!

[TheBradCooley]

dude i got me a 06 v6 tacoma. this truck is the shit that eats shit off road or the 405 smooth all the way bro. i keep punchin my face though cuz it hasnt seen some maintenace yet i got canned so no money to pay X-(

[4freexboxlive]

cute dog

[91yotapick]

What about towing?

[lxXRazorXxl]

I LOVE MY TACOMA

[05front]

Does anyone know why the newer tacomas dropped in power output?

[PK612x]

Does the Tacoma have a USB drive?

[xph1l]

@PK612x nope...my dad took my looking for my first cat 2day and we looked at these. it doesn't hav a USB, but it has a auxillery port so u can still play ur ipod in the car's speakers.

[PK612x]

Does the Tacoma have a USB drive?

[mrfitness123]

These trucks are so expensive, its unreal.

[Foreignguy22]

@mrfitness123 It's true. :( but it's because these trucks last a very long time, so i guess toyota wants to make your purchase count! haha

[automobilfreak1000]

Nice one!!!

[VivaEnchilada]

hmmm... is there any tacoma that is exactly or VERY similar to that that gets more mpg? i like the style and features and EVERYTHING about it. but i do care about my mpg

[WRANGLER359]

that truck sounds soooo good until the throtle sticks.toyota trucks ONLY come in half tun models witch means a smaler pay load. toyota does not offer a diesel so a smaller towing compacity. SUPPORT THE AMERICAN AUTO WORKERS

[fratermus]

@WRANGLER359 I will when they starting building a compact pickup with a diesel.

[Matanumi]

@fratermus they already have. goole the toyota hilux

[orange105]

Just bought a 2010 4WD Double Cab V6 w/ TRD a few days ago. Love it. That is all I can say. I live in Western Nebraska and it is perfect for the plains and when we cross over into Wyoming.

[ben5017]

It would be nice to see a Plain Base crew cab 4wd with no power windows, door locks without the cheezy aluminum wheels.

Rather than empahize on the options, lets build a truck has less to break ...

[jo951000]

@cashmab

Yeah I know. But we already bought one. A Nissan frontier): I know it sucks.

[jo951000]

Freakin Tacomas are expensive!!! Even used! The cheapest I've found cost 17567$ with 70,000 miles!

[cashmab]

@jo951000 Yeah, but when you consider their lifespan (long) they hold value for a reason. I've seen reviews that compared Chevy Colorados with Tacomas and they cited how the Colorado was "more truck for the money". What they failed to mention is that the Tacoma will last 3 times as long as the Colorado. There are already reports out that second generation (2005+) Tacomas are hitting over 300K miles with hardly any maintenance required.

[ganster68]

yo no quepo en este carro esta muy chica la cabina

[TravisBIKES]

Great review!

[jrtorres1337]

I dont know about you guys, but i think the stock speakers in the double cab are pretty good. To me my truck sounds better than the JBL system in my sienna.

[Anc1952]

Love the truck.

[jeremyelliott1]

I just got an 09 double cab 4x4 without the trd package and it gets 20 mpg city driving.

[jo951000]

Frontier or Tacoma!!!??????

[Tacticalsteve460]

Older yotas are better

[David6801]

It is a good time to buy now because they are making changes for 2011 ! About time!!!

[birdman5002]

I had a 2003 TRD that I was going to run forever, unfortunately it was recently totaled out at 86,000 miles so I reluctantly purchased a 2010 TRD Off Road. The price is right right now. Used ones cost a mint. Awsome truck so far.

[Rastamut]

I love this truck. The best small trucks out there. I only have 1 suggestion for Toyota. Put a rear disc brakes PLEASE....., rear drum brakes??? Com on....I know there are companies out there that sells the upgrade for about 700 bucks plus install but it should come from the factory.

[sageizel]

The Sport has a limited-slip rear end and it performs great.

[MuayThaiMMAjunkie]

some other important differences... The Off-Road has A-TRAC, Hill Descent assist, Hill Start assist, the Sport has none of that. Off-Road edition are for REAL off-road people or have the extra $500 to spend. Sport edition is just for looks and for the occasional off-roader when there is snow or slipper conditions. It's easier to make an Off-Road look like a Sport. It's harder to make a Sport perform and as capable as an Off-Road edition. Spend wisely!

[Matanumi]

@MuayThaiMMAjunkie isn't the off road version lacking the 6' foot bed lenth?

geez. whats with all of the inconsistency with opitions?

[MuayThaiMMAjunkie]

That is the Sport edition. Not the Off-Road edition. Main difference is that the Sport has 17" rims with 265/65/17 tires, the non-functional hood scoop, color matched rear bumper and grill surround and no rear locking differential. The Off-Road has 16" rims with 265/70/16 tires, no hood scoop, chrome rear bumper and the locker for situations a stock Sport can't handle. BTW, the clearance is the same, but the hood scoop makes the Sport look higher.

[PindzMedia]

Nice Review

[BroCrewProductions]

all i hear is good about these trucks i want one sooo bad

[ifrasy]

i have a 2001 tacoma and these vids make me wish i had a newer one sooooo badly they're mad nice. but im happy with what i have

[DreadlockDrummer]

same here bro, same here

[DaAmericanHammer]

sweet

[renodude18]

This video made me rethink about the Tacoma, i love the color of that truck, i thought it was black at the beginning but its actually a dark green which is awesome, i think i might want one now!

[Tobias4Toyotas]

I am glad they brought this color back: Timberland Mica looks great on these with the tinted headlamps. I am glad they finally made a solid V6 with a timing chain instead of a belt - NICE.

[raiderz111]

lol. I LOVE the V6 toyota put in there. i have the 08 model. and its an amazing truck.

but, you said the audio isnt as good? i really doubt that lol, mine isnt the JBL system, and all my friends are quite happy with the power of the stock ones, for some songs, it sounds just as great as the system in my Mercedes. :)

[brew62]

He has a lemon sound system because passengers always ask if installed a sub in my 05 Tacoma...lol

[raiderz111]

LOL! yes! all my friends are always wondering where my subs are hahahah :D

they dont believe me when i tell them it is stock xD

[LordAbriel]

Mines a 6speed manual, and is driven on the highway for 60 miles per weekday for commuting at approx 70 MPH, and then a7 mile trip each way on back roads at about 40 MPH.. the weekends vary, but I've kept a milage log since the day I bought the truck new, and the best mileage I've EVER gotten was 17.5MPG, and sometimes it's been as low as 14MPG. Winter mix gasoline here is highly oxygenated, and tends to drop the mileage, but again, my overall mileage since new is just about 16MPG

[mpgomatic]

The surest way to get better mileage is to find out where you're losing all that gas. While the Tacoma does not have an instant fuel economy gauge, it's easy to plug an aftermarket unit like the ScanGaugeII or AutoMeter EcoMeter into the OBDII port.

Using an instant fuel economy gauge will take the guesswork out of finding the most efficient gear to use at all times and will help you learn how to lighten up your right foot and use inertia. It's a lot like riding a bicycle. :)

[buzzkillor]

@mpgomatic great metaphor. I always tell people, as long as its safe and not bothering others on the road, to drive like its a bicycle. Use the lay of the land to increase your efficiency. I live where there are no real highways and get 20mpg driving like a "man" city (4.0 6 sp access cab) I hear its dc is worse though. Remember, local gas mixes (ethanol) and altitude/temperature as well as terrain can add or remove 3-5 mpg and speed limit below 60 can save another few percent.

[buzzkillor]

@mpgomatic Good metaphor, I always tell people to drive like its a bicycle. Use the lay of the land to enhance efficiency. Shift when you should. The 6 speed advertises worse mileage but is more receptive to driving style. I do not have highways near me and get 20mpg in suburban driving with the 4.0 6 speed.

Also, remember, gas mixes (ethanol etc) differ by area and offer more or less energy and many other factors effect mileage. His numbers may be high, but doable in the right conditions.

[joeyisfunny]

Also, do you have extra weight in the truck?

[miikdelta]

@LordAbriel I bet your rear end in that truck is the one made for hauling heavy boats or trailers. There are rear end ratio options.

[LordAbriel]

Is this truck a 2X4 or 4X4 because I have a 2005 Dbl Cab Sport edition that is stock save for a set of Bridgestone Deuller Revo tires in stock size, but I have yet to see better than 17 MPG from my truck and I baby it all the time. It averages just about 16 MPG combined. It also always gets 93 octane. Did Toyota change the A/F curves for later years, because this is the only pet peeve I have about mine is the horrible gas milage.

[mpgomatic]

It's a 4x4. How much of your driving is city vs highway?

[grove005]

So is this truck really good? I'm really into it. And also planning to get one this coming week.....

[21sparrow7]

Best auto you will ever have. This engine can run 200,000 miles like nothing, and barely has trouble with another hundred thousand and then some.

Grandparents still have thier 82 4-runner, and 78 toyota 4x4. Very legit. All parts stock, cept those replaced in oil changes etc.

[wawheeler21]

@21sparrow7 4 runners were not made till 84 and toyotas first 4 wheel drive pickup came out in 79. So either you are wrong about the years or for some reason you are lying.

[bassman444]

I know there's a supercharger available for the Tacoma V6 but I've never seen a dealer installed one. That must be based on individual dealerships, because I'm pretty sure that's not offered by Toyota.

[Mjelsik]

According to TRD, officially there is a roots-type supercharger available to have installed in your 4.0 Tacoma. Most Toyota dealers can bolt it on and flash your ECU in 6 hours or less. However, from what my salesman told me is that they will not sell a brand new taco with the sc installed, you have to pay for it separate and return at a later date to have it installed. I'm picking up my new DC 4x4 6spd at the end of the month when it becomes available.

[brudus10]

the toyota tacoma xrunner is the only trim i know of that has the supercharger but there is a place in panama city,Fl that you can have them add a turbocharger or a supercharger but its not part of the dealership but is still funded by toyota

[Blackxhawk63]

the toyota dealers do sell a supercharger. its called the TRD supercharger and it cost $1,600 down here in phoenix

[nijroth]

I'm getting the dealer installed supercharger for my 09' Tacoma!

[mpgomatic]

Wicked cool!

[RJAY2000]

Good review. I can't decide between this truck, and a Nissan Frontier PRO4X. I'm leaning towards the Toyota based on their legendary reliability. What do you think?

[mpgomatic]

Thanks, RJay. I haven't had the opportunity to drive the Frontier yet. We'll get to it, eventually. How soon are you buying?

[RJAY2000]

Hi Dan, I won't be buying until around September or October. I like to find out every little thing about a vehicle before buying. I've narrowed it down to either the Tacoma or the Frontier. I'm more of an import guy, and this will actually be my first truck and a second vehicle and daily driver. Thanks!

[mpgomatic]

That gives me a little time. :) I'll see if I can fit a Frontier into the schedule ...

[bbenally88]

@RJAY2000 It would be Great to see a Frontier! I'm also debating on the Tacoma or Frontier, but won't make any purchasing until i'm out of school in 2012! I;m leaning more towards the Tacoma, but I Can't wait to see what the competition looks like then!

[Bimo165]

whoaa you finally put out the review for the tacoma....great work Dan....sweet review as usual

[mpgomatic]

Thx, Bimo!

[123tld]

how tall is the tacoma from bottom 2 top

[autofusion333]

I was surprised to find this vehicle selling for only $16000 after factory rebates at Toyota Vacaville in California... this sounded like a really great deal for a brand new truck with such great acceleration and what not..

What are the prices like elsewhere? This seems like a price I should jump on!

[BeTaFiShRkOoL]

ya made a mistake in the description, u said its a v8.

[mpgomatic]

Thanks for the catch!  Just fixed it. :)

[mpgomatic]

Thanks, Baja! The Frontier's on my to-do list along with most of the other pickups. It was interesting to drive the Tacoma back-to-back with the Tundra. I'm much more at home in a smaller truck, as I tend to run over things (like curbs) with large vehicles. :)

Hopefully, the manufacturers will recapture some of the original 70's mini-truck hi-MPG magic ...

The Tacoma's hood scoop reminded me of my old 66 GTO. Just a handful of bolts and some goodies and it's a functional cold air port.

[bajabusta]

I would never discount a small toyota truck for its overall prowess, but these trucks are no longer small, none of them are really. Another thing, this truck shouts

'OVERSTYLED' in MY opinion. Too many adde lines to the profille, fenders and what not, big goofy headlights w/ random shaps that are not cohesive w/ rest of the front. The tailights are Pep Boys looking at best. I vote Frontier. That is a well styled truck. great work Dan, always informative.

[quatlen]

I LIKE THE REVIEWS but that backround music is just awful its HIC music!

[mpgomatic]

Hey, thanks! :) I'm looking for a new background track. It's tough finding something that works for the widest range of folks, lemmetellya ...

[bg1379]

I really wish the manufacturers would give out their near-basic packages. Esp nowadays, these are what are being bought.

[gusherb94]

Awesome! I love the Tacoma!