Consumer Reports - 2015 Toyota Tacoma ride like being stung by wasps

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Consumer Reports takes a stab at truck reporting and disses the Tacoma while calling the Chevy Colorado “elite.”

In a recent evaluation of the 2015 Chevy Colorado, Consumer Reports said that before the new GM mid-size truck twins were born, “small-truck buyers were left to choose between the aged Nissan Frontier and the rough-and-tumble ride of the Toyota Tacoma—akin to choosing between poison ivy and wasps on a 10-mile hike.” This is an interesting take on the ride quality of the Tacoma. In our reporting on the Tacoma, we have not heard a lot of complaints about the truck’s ride.

Torque News has nothing but respect for Consumer Reports when it sticks to reporting consumer preferences revealed by its excellent surveys. The organization also does the best job in the industry of collecting quality data and reporting it in an unbiased way. However, when the group’s writers stray from that mission to offer test and evaluation reports, we are often left scratching our heads. We were flummoxed once when the group tested the Lexus IS250 on a track and then complained it wasn’t sporty enough. If one was to track an IS, wouldn’t the IS 350 F-Sport or the mighty ISF be the better evaluation vehicle?

Back to our point, we’d like to know if Tacoma owners have been suffering as if stung by wasps on a ten-mile hike while driving their Tacomas. It seems odd to us that Consumer Reports remembers the Tacoma as having a terrible ride rather than having the single highest resale value of any vehicle in the Americas. Or taking time to note that the Tacoma is outselling the “elite” Chevy Colorado by a factor of 2.5 to 1. What say you Tacoma owners? If you take the time to comment, please let us know which type Tacoma you own (TRD Pro, Baja, 4X4, RWD etc.)

Submitted by William Strong (not verified) on July 8, 2015 - 12:32PM

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2010 Toyota Tacoma base model 2.7 litre/5speed access cab 2wd .. the basic level of Tacoma that you could buy for this generation.

While this truck rode low to the ground with it's 15" wheels, and P-rated tires - and for any cargo carrying requirements the suspension is somewhat overwhelmed - lightly loaded, it offers a pliant and neutral handling ride. Because i do carry a load on occasion that goes over the 1/4 tonne loading capability of the truck - for peace of mind, the wheels, tires and suspension are presently being replaced at 70k kilometers in order to prolong longevity and improve versatility - and nowhere in that plan to upgrade, is featured complaints that the ride is like being stung by wasps for 16.04 kilometers. I have no issue whatsoever with the handling or ride characteristics of what was a basic, stripper truck that moved me down the road to do what i needed done, without complaint, without dangerous attributes, and without fail.

Driving since 1985 - 'truck' experiences include an '81 Nissan 720D (kingcab), '88 Ford F150 single cab, 1997 GMC Safari,

If this isn't advertiser-driven influence corrupting Consumer Reports -again-, then i don't know what is.

Submitted by Sean Hourigan (not verified) on July 8, 2015 - 12:41PM

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My Tacoma 2014 TRD sport dbl cab is amazing! It seems to me they may have strayed away from the truth on this one! The ride of my truck is great! Even better if there is alittle weight in it. Regardless it tides great. Oh and this is my 4th Tacoma. Chevy is getting better but have a ways to go!

Submitted by James (not verified) on July 8, 2015 - 2:23PM

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I've had my 2015 Tacoma Prerunner for abut a month. Love the ride. Traded a 2014 Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec for it, honestly think the Veloster had a rougher ride for the most part, not to mention the swerving required to avoid potholes for fear of ending a rim.

Wow! I feel you on the Veloster, I have a 2014 turbo I want to trade it in now for a Tacoma but I'm trying to wait on the 2016. Tacoma. Glad to hear from someone who traded in a Veloster turbo for a Toyota Tacoma.

Submitted by Bob Farrar (not verified) on July 8, 2015 - 7:38PM

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2010 TRD Sport 4 Door Long Bed
Even though I think CR is being a little harsh in their wording, I do agree the comfort level needs attention. My truck and my 2005 4Runner have/had the same driveline vibration on or around 70 MPH. I spent quite a bit of time and cash blaming tires for the issue. That is still the only gripe I have with either vehicle. I'm due for a new truck. I'm hoping the new Tacoma has Tundra comfort in a smaller size. I'm waiting for GM's Baby Diesel to come out. Customers that prefer smaller trucks are finally being catered to. :~))

Submitted by tim grimm (not verified) on July 9, 2015 - 7:52PM

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My 2007 (4 cylinder 4 wheel drive) Xtra cab Tacoma has been reliable and delivers a good driving experience. This is the first ride quality complaint I have seen. My passengers never complain. It has 90K miles. A thought here, the main CR guys are getting older (we all are) so perhaps they are getting softer and their comments are based on increased time spent in their recliners?

Submitted by Dave Suton (not verified) on July 16, 2015 - 12:09AM

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Highest resale value of any vehicle sold in America is the Jeep Wrangler. CR might be good for washing machines. I wouldn't take any of their auto choices. Recalled toyotas make they're list?

Submitted by Rick wengert (not verified) on July 19, 2015 - 11:00AM

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I've owned 2 4Runners, one Tundra and 2 Taco's. The best riding vehicles were the 1995 4Runner and 2001 Tundra. But riding on "wasps"? Hardly. Comfort has been fine with all except perhaps the 1988 4Runner. Ride Has been more than acceptable whether off road or after a few hours of highway driving. i noticed little difference between a 2015 and a new Colorado. Sane for Ram 1500 i was in a month ago.

Submitted by Joe (not verified) on July 28, 2015 - 3:31AM

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2012 Taco. The ride is fine. The problem is efficiency. Mileage is terrible, I could have gone full size and done better. Will definitely look at GM's trucks next time.

Submitted by brad (not verified) on July 30, 2015 - 11:55AM

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I've been driving a 2005 Tacoma TRD Sport Access Cab for 10 years (I bought it new). Currently has 160,000 miles. While it does not ride as comfortably as my wife's Lexus RX, it handles great. The ride is stiff liked you expect from Bilstein shocks. It is what it is. I only wish the cabin were a little wider. Most likely I will be buying a new 2016 when they arrive on the lot.

Submitted by Bill mee (not verified) on August 10, 2015 - 2:51AM

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Bought a 2000 taco to replace my 88. Was very pissed off that it rode worse than the 88 w 190,000km. Bought a fab tech coil over system and replaced sway bars end link rubbers w poly. Best 1,000 I ever spent. A 55mph on ramp death trap changed to an 85 mph mountain runner. No exaggeration. While I haven't driven another since. I can believe the reports if driving a stock low end model.

Submitted by Larry Selna (not verified) on August 12, 2015 - 7:30PM

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CR is right. When you don't update your truck for 20 yrs, it happens. Detect a little bias against the GM twins?

Submitted by Rick (not verified) on August 13, 2015 - 12:12PM

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No real bias here. Have just had better quality/repair history than with GM. New Colorado looks and feels like a winner. Will definitely consider it when i go to replace 2005 Taco. Don't need the full size, otherwise F150 would be in my sights. Think they will ressurect the Ranger someday?

Submitted by Rick (not verified) on August 13, 2015 - 12:12PM

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No real bias here. Have just had better quality/repair history than with GM. New Colorado looks and feels like a winner. Will definitely consider it when i go to replace 2005 Taco. Don't need the full size, otherwise F150 would be in my sights. Think they will ressurect the Ranger someday?

Submitted by Larry Selna (not verified) on August 27, 2015 - 5:48PM

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Well this is a truck after all. My 2009 Taco was crude but fairly reliable. Problem is, the vehicle hardly changed from 2009 model year. I would go with one of the GM twins. Toyota reliability not what it used to be. The frame rust fiasco on Tacomas is inexcusable in the modern age!

Submitted by Hank (not verified) on August 30, 2015 - 2:17PM

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Have a 2004 Tacoma TRD V-6 extended cab. 3rd Tacoma I've had and both had no power, poor mileage and hate the seats on long drives as the old tail goes numb. Have no problem with the ride since I expected it to be stiffer on the TRD's, so knew what I was getting when they were purchased and all three were reliable on/off road vs. a 2000 S10 Blazer I once owned. Seriously considering a GM/GMC Colorado/Canyon due to more horsepower, with better mileage than the Tacoma. Test drove a Colorado and the torque/horsepower was impressive compared to my Tacoma, as was seating comfort. Will have to see what the new models bring to the table for 2016, especially if the concept ZR2 comes out with something other than the diesel.

Submitted by Roger Mor (not verified) on January 16, 2016 - 11:15PM

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I bought with my 2006 with 18000 km... it is now 2016 it has 373,000 kms on it. I had the springs rust thru (recall).so that was a pain..... but get this.. I have put only 2200 bucks in repairs in 10 years! other than rebuilding the alternator at 368,000 a mechanic hasn't been under the hood other than oil changes since 2009! I changed the front ball joints, rebuilt alternator, changed driver side spring (will get re-embursed), AC clutch broke...and an idler pully. All the exhaust is original, all the steering is original...original tie rods even. Nothing in the interior has broken except the compass and temp gauge overhead... I change the oil every 12-13000 km and changed the rear diff fluid twice. I changed the front brakes twice and the drums once (I think) this is why drums are better than discs at the back...durability) with Toyota parts and have no problems.... the motor sounds like new, other than a dead battery of my doing, the truck has never not started, not once...my truck was a tank...I say was cause im getting my 2016 TRD offroad on Tuesday..... long live he Tacoma legacy!!!

Submitted by am (not verified) on March 14, 2016 - 6:35PM

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Bought a 2015 4x4 double cab long bed. The truck vibrates at highway speeds and overall feels cheap. Not to mention the loud howling windshield seals and intermittent fail to start on the first try which is just embarassing. 30k for this is unacceptable it seems Toyota is coasting on its previous quality years. Dealer has a definite issue with actually working on anything they just blow you off. I should of went with a frontier I drove one a while and regret not giving them another look. Gm reviews seem biased to me.

Submitted by Larry Selna (not verified) on March 15, 2016 - 9:33AM

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Some have found the Tacoma to be reliable, but not worth putting up with low seating position, rear drum brakes, poor mileage, weak 4cyl. Etc. Better options in the truck market.

Submitted by Steven (not verified) on May 14, 2018 - 10:19AM

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I own a 2018 Tacoma SR5 2.7 4x2 I have to really put the pedal to the floor to get it going the ride is horrible and so is the handling oh and noisy it rides more like a truck of the old days I am leasing and don't intend to keep it long, Toyota could and should done a better job especially for 28k .

I totally disagree… I have an access cab 2016 Ted ....drives like a car. And the snow handles twice as good as my old Tacoma and I have zero problems with it 135,000 km already still on the same brakes just bought new tires five months ago Love it

Submitted by Christopher Barnes (not verified) on February 11, 2019 - 1:54PM

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I have a 2015 Tacoma TRD Sport I bought used with 30,000 on it.I love the truck.It rides good,great handling,feels solid through and through.Never any trouble with it.Without a doubt the best vehicle I have ever owned and at 59 years old,i have owned many many vehicles.I will drive this truck till the day I can't drive anymore.

Submitted by Douglas Ehrhart (not verified) on June 16, 2019 - 1:30PM

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I have a 2018 taco SR5 king cab 2x4 6 cyl and have found the ride rough at higher speeds. Truck seems stiff and will bounce
around on small bumps.Low gear acceleration in stop and go traffic is a headache.I have to step hard to go and then hitting brakes quickly.
Im not able to dump this truck due to losing money on doing so.

Submitted by Michael Patric… (not verified) on July 28, 2019 - 11:59PM

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2013 Tacoma TRD 4x4 with 4.0 V6 here. I now have 74,000 miles on it. VERY rough ride, noisy, sluggish and slow for a large V6, and poor mileage. The truck is handsome in appearance, but I'm trying to figure out why this pickup is so popular. I have to push the RPMs very high to get any power from this engine, and it sounds like the engine is about to destroy itself.