Tacoma Mini Truck

In the past I owned Toyota 2WD manual transmission Mini Trucks (1978 model, 1988 model). I like the 1st Generation look that is similar in design. I do not like the Tacoma "box" design and larger truck that is prevalent from 2005 to present. Anyone know if Toyota will ever bring back the classic mini (smaller) truck design?

I want to buy a 1st Generation (probably 2000 to 2004) if Toyota does not bring back the mini truck.

 

I doubt they have any intention of adding a smaller truck to their lineup. Best bet would be to get a 1st gen.

 

I kind of doubt they will bring it back. Not sure if there is a market in the US for that.

 

I’d be surprised if they brought it back because most all trucks/SUVs are getting bigger. Ford brought the Ranger back but it’s clearly not the same size Ranger.

 

In the unlikely event Toyota brought a smaller "truck" to market, it almost certainly wouldn't be a body-on-frame vehicle like the Gen 1 Tacoma, or the earlier pickups. It'd be a car-based unibody of some sort IF they did it.

You'd be best to look for a good Gen 1 Tacoma if that's what you like.

 

Maybe, someday, if this happens and goes well.

www.motortrend.com/news/2022-2023-ford-courier-compact-pickup-truck-details/

 

I think CAFE standards and crash ratings together killed the minitruck. Doubt they will make a return.

CAFE set an MPG requirement based on vehicle footprint (area between center point of each tire). Regular cab Taco/pickup is 43sq ft by my calculation, extended cab is 50sqft. It's easier to make a bigger vehicle than improve MPGs to the level required. I suspect that's why the regular cab Taco was discontinued.



https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_average_fuel_economy

 

I was not aware of any standards that restrict the mini truck look and feel that I enjoyed with the Toyota 1st Generation (and older), Chevy Luvs, Ford Courier and Datsun pickup designs. Also would consider the Ford Courier remake (with manual transmission) but it does not look like the legacy Courier truck.

Probably need to start research on the 1st Generation 2WD, manual transmission, low miles and no rust truck if available.

 

It has to do with gas prices. The public perceives gas as cheap now. If gas went up to say $8 a gallon, and stay there then you would see small trucks built. The big gas guzzleing V8 SUVs would be cheap. Personally, I wish they would bring it back. Love my 04!