Year by year changes to the Tacoma?

I'd be interested in seeing the year-by-year changes to the Tacoma to see the "evolution" of the truck and the features, improvements, options, etc., that were offered and introduced by Toyota of the 1st Gen models. For example, I'm told that ABS was introduced in 2004, etc., etc.

Does anyone know of a source that might offer this detailed information?

Ed

 

Yes, the info can be found in the sticky thread: "1st gen tacoma buyers guide"
Hope this helps,
Charlie

 

I think TomTom has ABS on his 2003, it may been an option and became standard in 2004.

 

I have ABS on my 2003.

 

I think the OP is interested in all changes, not just ABS. There were minor changes each year. Some new features were optional initially, and later became standard, such as ABS.

I have some of these changes in a file somewhere, that I compiled for my own purposes. I'll locate it and try to post it here, if that what the OP is looking for.

 

Good information and links here:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/156943-1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.html

 

Here is a partial list that I have for 1st gen. No guarantees on accuracy:

1997
no more distributer for 3RZ (mid-year change)
TRD supercharger was introduced as an option

1998
grill change, longer rear leaf springs
passenger air bag now standard , longer frame horns

2000
better, more efficient torque converter
Compact, fine-atomization, 12-hole type fuel injectors
alternator output raised to 80a
LEV (low emission vehicle) changes to intake, IAC
Air-fuel ratio sensor (to reduce emissions)
coil-on-plug (for Calif. 3RZ )
4-port intake manifold for 3RZ (another mid-year change)

2001
no more manual hubs
electric style ADD actuator (not vacuum)
new grill design, white-faced gauges
full chrome bumper
TRD now came with 16" wheels and 265/70R16 tires
coil-on-plug (for all) ?

2003
electronic throttle on 5VZ (except for Sport grade model)
cruise control ECU is therefore integrated into the engine ECM
adopted an ultra thin-wall, ceramic type front TWC
SR5 – includes A/C, tilt s/w, tach
e-brake cable moves UNDER the leaves
ABS now standard in all models
ATF type changed from DII to Type IV
New child restraint system on DC models



Maybe owners of the different years can jump in with corrections
on this list. Then I'll edit this post.

Thanx to :
vern650
bluepearlshark99
jasonlee

 

my '97 3rz has coil packs, no distributor. The 8 port intake manifold was changed to 4 ports somewheres around 2000 on the 3rz I believe.

 

tan4x4 - You're correct; I'm looking for all of the changes for all of the years. The ABS option I was referring to was just an example of many.



Ed

 

Yes 2003 was the first year that the e-brake cable is under the leaves. I'm glad I don't have to deal with that crap when installing my lift.

From FSM: New Features (5VZ-FE ENGINE) "The same link type ETCS-i (Electronic Throttle Control System-intelligent) that is used on the ’03 Toyota Tundra with the 5VZ-FE engine has been adopted on the models other than Sport grade model."

New Cat:
"In place of the metallic type front TWC that was used on the ’02 model, the ’03 model has adopted an ultra thin-wall, ceramic type front TWC to improve exhaust gas reduction performance and comply with the LEV and SFTP emission regulations."

Auto Trans:
"The automatic transmission fluid of 3RZ-FE and 5VZ-FE engine model has been changed from the D-II type ATF to the T-IV type ATF."

ABS:
"The ABS brake control system, which was optional equipment on the ’02 model, is now standard equipment on all models."

Child Restraint System:
Standard on 2003 double cab models - basically simple clips that you can attach your child seat to instead of wrangling the seat belt.

Cruise:
This is why the guy that didn't have Cruise on his truck and just added the switch to get the functionality... "Cruise control ECU is integrated in the ECM"