An amazing event happened to me this year. 10 days into 2010 I did not father a child, get a new job, or win the lottery. The keys to a 2010 Toyota Tacoma were passed my way. Oh yes, pulled the trigger on what the dealership calls, ‘the taco’.

When I heard about the hub bub of recalls happening with the ’10 Tacoma models from Toyota I hadn’t noticed any problem with my accelerator. I found out quickly there wasn’t a recall on my truck which doesn’t surprise me. I was never worried, I’m not worried, and I never will be worried. I mean, these machines are tough. And one fun fact I picked up this last week;

“Tacomas hold their value more than any car on a lot.” – Anonymous Passerby

The Tacoma Skinny

I’m impressed with my truck overall. It has the TRD package, back-up camera, and even a wall outlet plug in the bed. The upholstery is made to resist dirt and water. I am bummed about a couple things though. Before you get all, “I can’t believe you drive a vehicle to work and blast emissions into our poor atmosphere” on me, I think this is a valid discussion to have as a auto-owner.

Tundra Vs. Tacoma

I drove a Tundra for about 6 months and the first thing I noticed when pulling the Tacoma out of the lot was a good solid small feel. Well obviously, I mean, Tundras are HUGE! What do you miss out with having a Tacoma and not the Tundra? Funny you ask, I feel some bullet points coming.

• Miss out on ‘the driving a suburban’ feel. (Which I don’t miss.)
• Don’t get the V8. (V8 is gross, I’d much rather have orange juice.)
• Don’t get to visit the gas pump as often. (Less Red Bull runs, this does make me a little sad.)
• Bed space is obviously smaller with the Tacoma. (No comment.)

For me, I tow a Yamaha Rhino around maybe once a month so towing power wasn’t an issue. The 4-door is definitely the way to go. I fit both kid car seats in the back, hook up the DVD player and can have a comfortable trip to Durango for the weekend. When you put a car seat in the back of a Tundra you quickly figure out a way to find other forms of transportation. The clearance is way too high if your loading and unloading frequently. Don’t rule out the Tacoma just because its smaller, still a lot of power without the extra metal.

Here Is What Bugs Me About The 2010 Tacoma

• The tailgate doesn’t slowly open. They have this feature on the Tundra and it really bothers me it didn’t carry over to the Tacoma.
• I consider my model to be somewhat high-end, did they forget to install the electric seat adjustment? Lame.
• No heated mirrors = makes my “Bugs Me List”

Why Do They Even Make A 2WD Model?

The constant storming that you have been hearing about on the news in NM is right where I live. I’ve been really happy with how quick the 4WD activates and deactivates when 10 inches of snow covers my streets over night. Toyota must have modified the weight distribution over the past couple of years because I don’t feel like I need to weigh down the bed with sand to drive on snowpack.

I may have answered my 2WD question. Tacomas make sick low-riders. Throw on some spinny rims, faded flames paint job, and tint those windows up 750 notches.

BOTTOM LINE

I love my truck. My first experience with Toyota was a ’95 4Runner and I cried the day I sold it. My reunion with Toyota these past couple months in the form of a Tacoma has been intoxicating.

BUY NOW….or LATER Can you really buy a vehicle online? I guess so, at Toyota.com/tacoma.