Toyota makes the mid-size Tacoma and the full-size Tundra. The latter truck is roughly equivalent to the Ford F-150, Silverado and RAM 1500. Technically, Toyota entered the full-size market with the T100 back in 1993. However, despite the full-size eight-foot bed, the T100 kept the engine and suspension of the compact Toyota pickup of the time. This made it much smaller than the American full-size trucks of the time and unable to compete on the same level. Toyota discontinued it in 1998.
The Tundra has been in production since the 2000 model year. Right away, Toyota took a different course from the T100. Even though it offered a base V6 that was shared by the compact Tacoma, a V8 engine was made available. The V8 option was a first for Toyota, and it enabled the Tundra to compete somewhat with the American trucks. The current generation of Tundra comes in the usual formations of a regular cab, double cab and crew cab. The current generation of Tundra also has a standard 5.7-liter V8 engine.
The Toyota Tacoma has been in production in some form since 1968. The earliest generations of Toyota’s compact pickup were simply called the Toyota Pickup in the United States. These were extremely durable, rugged and reliable trucks that were among the most popular models in the U.S. market. In 1995, the pickup finally got a name, and Toyota began selling it under the Tacoma moniker. In its current generation, the Tacoma offers both a four-cylinder engine and a V6. The standard cab arrangements are available as well.
Like Ford trucks, Toyota trucks hold their value very well in the used market. They are known for going 200,000 miles and beyond.
These four truck model lineups dominate much of the U.S. truck market, in both used and new segments. Chances are, if you’re looking for a pickup, you’ll end up with a Chevy, RAM, Ford or Toyota.
