History of the Toyota Tacoma

History of the Toyota Tacoma

History of the Toyota Tacoma

Buy a Toyota Tacoma Today!

Are you ready for a history lesson? While all of us are likely done with school for now, that doesn't mean that we need to stop learning. One of the biggest perks about the automotive industry is the kind of history and legacy left behind by some of the most popular models on the market. At Pearson Toyota, we're excited to talk about the journey that the Toyota Tacoma has taken to get to the point that it is now with the 2024 Tacoma kicking things off for the fourth generation. We know that there's a lot to cover, but in order to fully understand how we've arrived to this important, it's important to wind back time and look at where the design began. Keep reading below for more on the history of the Toyota Tacoma.


First Generation

We have to start at the beginning, and for the Toyota Tacoma, that's 1995. The very first of these trucks came about in February of 1995, although back then it was mostly just known as Toyota Pickup. Toyota itself was doing everything it could to focus on handling, safety, payload, and overall ride quality. There were three different engines that could be chosen from, with the smallest being a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, and the largest being a 3.4-liter V6. We also have to mention that, yes, there were TRD versions that were available, too, in order to keep everyone circling back around for more. The final thing we want to mention for the first generation is the two main cosmetic shifts, which happened in 1998 and then again in 2001.

Second Generation

What's up next? We're giving a big welcome to the second generation of the Toyota Tacoma, which first arrived in 2004. This is when the Tacoma really became recognizable as the truck that you will know and love today. Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of this machine was the 18 different options you had to choose from, including multiple cab variations, two engines, four transmissions, and even two platform lengths to give you all of the choices you could potentially need. One of the most exciting things was the Toyota X-Runner special edition model, providing a stiffened frame, larger brakes, and a unique chassis to give it added strength. 


Third Generation

We aren't caught up just yet! The third generation for the Tacoma, which was the most recent generation before the 2024 model year ushered in something new, is one that we know many have come to know and love. This is when the Tacoma really proved itself as the best midsize truck on the market, offering multiple cab versions, and two engine options like the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder and the 3.5-liter V6. Technology was really given a bump, too, with options like acoustic glass, Toyota Safety Sense, a trailer tow package, and more of a focus on unique design elements.


Fourth Generation

The latest generation is being brought to you by the 2024 Toyota Tacoma. This is an all-new truck, and it is prepared to make its presence known with true off-roading talents and the kind of technology that you want out of your truck. You'll be getting features like a JBL audio system, a multi-terrain select system, and trim levels like the TRD and Trailhunter to really take off-roading to a new level. Another huge perk is the available hybrid engine that takes efficiency to an entirely different level than you have ever experienced before. Whether you want this truck for off-roading, or just for the great ride it provides, the fourth generation is ready to hold nothing back.


2024 Toyota Tacoma Inventory at Pearson Toyota

We know that there is a lot of information to take in here, but the most important piece to remember is that the Toyota Tacoma is the truck you need in your life. This is the kind of flexible machine that we know you will never regret. Thanks to the size, power, and capability available, the world is completely open for you to explore. All that's left is for you to stop by Pearson Toyota to see the kind of inventory that we have available.


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