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rts551
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Baja plant to increase Toyota production
http://www.autonews.com/article/20141204/OEM04/141209892/toy...
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chuckie
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They wear out that fast?
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David K
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No, everyone wants a Tacoma built in Baja, for driving in Baja! Passed truck loads of them heading north on I-5 a lot!
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DianaT
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Has anyone compared or looked at the 2015 Chevy Colorado which may or may not create some competition for the Tacoma?
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rts551
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When we ought our new truck last year, we looked at the various options. Don't know about the GM cars, but Ford and RAM full size trucks are equal
or better to the gas mileage of the Tacoma and you get a roomier truck. Looking at quality and convenience, the RAM was up there with the best of
them and many times rated tops. Toyota is going to have to address modernization to include mileage in my estimation.
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David K
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That is the goal of GM... but it doesn't take owning one to know it will not hold up, have the resale value, or perform as well as a Toyota Tacoma.
The only negative on the Tacoma end I would have to say is the V-6 fuel mileage (15-20 if 4WD). It's a great engine, but some full size trucks get
even better mileage than the mid-size Tacoma. The I-4 gets 25+ mpg, however.
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David K
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From the Internet...
http://www.torquenews.com/1083/toyotas-simple-two-step-plan-...
The Tacoma does need updating, but the path to continued success by the Tacoma is not as hard as it might seem.
The 2015 Chevrolet Colorado could be the best thing that ever happened to the Toyota Tacoma. Visit any Tacoma forum or blog and you will see that
although the pickup has a tremendously loyal following, those fans know that it can be better. Chevy is not pulling punches with the Colorado. It
intends to be the top-selling vehicle in the mid-size pickup market, and the Colorado has the potential to steal away market share from the
long-in-the-tooth Tacoma.
Some suspect the Tacoma will emerge in 2015 as a Colorado-beater. We think not. The 2015 model year is now, not later. If Toyota was planning to meet
the Colorado’s challenge head on from the first moment it arrived, we would have already seen the new Tacoma at shows, and we would have learned some
details. For example, the Lexus NX 200t is going to be a 2015 model and we already know pretty much every detail on that vehicle. No, Toyota is going
to sit back at least one year and see what the Colorado actually brings, then Toyota is going to adjust its game (and product) and come back with a
solid update capable to sustaining its 140,000 trucks per year sales pace.
Tacoma Update Step One – Engines
If there is one area that is already a problem for the 2014 Tacoma versus the 2015 Colorado it is engines. In our previous story we explained that the
base engine may be fine for some, but by comparison to what the Colorado will offer, it is way too weak as an affordable truck. We still think the
main parry by Toyota will be to place the new 2.0 liter twin-scroll turbocharged engine in the Tacoma. In the upcoming Lexus NX 200t the new turbo
will produce 235 horsepower and about 260 ft-lbs of torque. After the Tacoma’s next redesign, this will be the engine most frequently selected by
individual buyers. It matches the output of the current V6 almost exactly. Toyota may retain the inexpensive base 2.7 liter four cylinder engine, but
it will be for commercial 2wd delivery vehicles and for fleet sales.
We cannot rule out a new V6 engine for the Tacoma, but given the 2.0 turbo’s ability to carry 70% of the truck’s sales, with the base 2.7 handling
maybe 20% of the production slated for fleets and bare-bones value trucks, the current 3.5 liter V6 now used only by Lexus may make an appearance.
This engine is more expensive than necessary for the Tacoma, and its torque is nothing special, but that isn’t the point. Toyota needs a V6 with a
high horsepower number to offer “homeowner buyers” that plan to drive the Tacoma as if it were a car most of the time, but occasionally need the bed
and basic towing ability a few times per year. The 3.5 liter, direct and fuel injected V6, with over 300 horsepower is already in widespread
production. Why re-invent the wheel?
Toyota Tacoma plan – Step 2 Features
Look closely at the Colorado’s marketing and we see three themes. First, fuel economy. Toyota will have no problem matching Chevy there. The current
Tacoma is already lighter than the Colorado and the new turbo will improve the overall fuel economy numbers for the Tacoma family. No new carbon fiber
or aluminum alloy panels needed to catch up. Second, Chevy is talking about making the Colorado a full size pickup in the minds of buyers crazy enough
to think that. Toyota will ignore this angle because its larger Tundra is already selling amazingly well. Conversely, the full size Chevy Silverado
has been shrinking in sales. Third, Chevy is making the Colorado seem modern and fun. Modern “confotainment” options and lots of fun outdoor gear are
a big part of the Colorado marketing blitz.
Toyota will add more sophistication to the Tacoma inside. This pickup truck will need to have optional navigation, entertainment, and connectivity the
equal of anything in the Toyota line, including some Lexus models. Again, we stress optional. With little difficulty Toyota can also offer new and
improved kayak, tenting, motorcycle, ATV, snowmobile and other outdoors-related gear for Tacoma buyers to see in photos and then either buy or not
buy. Much of this type of stuff is simply “wish-book” marketing.
Those hoping to see a completely new platform for the Tacoma in 2015, or even anytime soon may be disappointed. Toyota’s goal is not to keep Colorado
from succeeding. It can’t. Rather, this author believes the mid-size pickup market will expand overall, and regardless of the sales of the Colorado,
Toyota will update its truck and continue to make its Tacoma a high-volume, profitable, and much-loved pickup truck. Fans of Toyota Tacoma should
cheer the arrival of the Colorado.
- See more at: http://www.torquenews.com/1083/toyotas-simple-two-step-plan-...
[Edited on 12-4-2014 by David K]
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55steve
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I believe Diana is speaking about the not yet released 2015 Colorado/GMC Canyon.
It would be great to have some competition in the segment since the only real choice at the moment is the Tacoma.
The specs appear excellent but it would have to be a quantum leap better than their earlier offerings to be competitive IMO.
http://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-small-truck.html
Car & Driver review and 'Taco' comparison here:
http://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/colorado
Disclaimer: I am extremely happy with my Ford Sport Trac and don't really have a horse in this race...I will be buying a new truck in the next 5
years though!
[Edited on 12-4-2014 by 55steve]
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DianaT
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Quote: Originally posted by David K  | | That is the goal of GM... but it doesn't take owning one to know it will not hold up, have the resale value, or perform as well as a Toyota Tacoma.
........ |
Since the Colorado for 2015 is a totally different truck than the older discontinued Colorado, are you sure? Can you provide some information? Some
back up to your statement?
So far, the test drives we have read are quite positive. Would be curious to read some negative reviews????
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David K
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| Quote: Originally posted by 55steve | I believe Diana is speaking about the not yet released 2015 Colorado/GMC Canyon.
It would be great to have some competition in the segment since the only real choice at the moment is the Tacoma.
The specs appear excellent but it would have to be a quantum leap better than their earlier offerings to be competitive IMO.
http://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-small-truck.html
[Edited on 12-4-2014 by 55steve] |
It is on the streets now...
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DianaT
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| Quote: Originally posted by 55steve | I believe Diana is speaking about the not yet released 2015 Colorado/GMC Canyon.
It would be great to have some competition in the segment since the only real choice at the moment is the Tacoma.
The specs appear excellent but it would have to be a quantum leap better than their earlier offerings to be competitive IMO.
http://www.chevrolet.com/colorado-small-truck.html
[Edited on 12-4-2014 by 55steve] |
We are not in a super hurry, but don't want to wait until 2016. Father time is catching up. :-) A Toyota dealer in Carson City told us to expect a
totally redone Tacoma for 2016, so we really don't want to buy a 2015 Tacoma.
Just researching and the reviews do say the 2015 Colorado is nothing like the old ones. We have also looked at full size trucks ---- so appreciate
input with some facts behind opinions.
[Edited on 12-4-2014 by DianaT]
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David K
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| Quote: Originally posted by DianaT | | Quote: Originally posted by David K | | That is the goal of GM... but it doesn't take owning one to know it will not hold up, have the resale value, or perform as well as a Toyota Tacoma.
........ |
Since the Colorado for 2015 is a totally different truck than the older discontinued Colorado, are you sure? Can you provide some information? Some
back up to your statement?
So far, the test drives we have read are quite positive. Would be curious to read some negative reviews???? |
It is made by GM, that's all I need to know... Let's not get into why non-American brand autos are superior in quality, no matter where they are
made... instead, let TIME tell. I hope it is a GREAT truck! That will only help keep Tacoma prices lower, for future owners.
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David K
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Here's what Motor Trend did... compared 2015 Tacoma, Colorado, and Frontier (that's the Nissan truck): http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/trucks/1412_2015_chevrol...
Lot's of side by side photos too!
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rts551
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http://www.autoblog.com/2014/12/03/chevy-colorado-motor-tren...
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55steve
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The last GM vehicle I bought was a new 2500 in 1990 - I was so disappointed with it that I swore I would never buy another GM product.
We'll see how this offering from them pans out after a couple years of real world use and I MAY change my opinion of them.
I seldom do what the masses do, that's why as much as I like the Tacoma, I'll most likely steer clear down the road - I won't say never though!
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DianaT
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| Quote: Originally posted by 55steve | The last GM vehicle I bought was a new 2500 in 1990 - I was so disappointed with it that I swore I would never buy another GM product.
We'll see how this offering from them pans out after a couple years of real world use and I MAY change my opinion of them.
I seldom do what the mburros do, that's why as much as I like the Tacoma, I'll most likely steer clear down the road - I won't say never though!
|
For years we have stayed away from domestic autos --- but not sure now.
We sure don't want to buy the last generation of a model Our Subaru is the best car we have ever owned --- nothing like it on the snow and ice, and
it is here to stay. But country living needs a truck.
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Mexitron
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| Quote: Originally posted by David K | | Quote: Originally posted by DianaT | | Quote: Originally posted by David K | | That is the goal of GM... but it doesn't take owning one to know it will not hold up, have the resale value, or perform as well as a Toyota Tacoma.
........ |
Since the Colorado for 2015 is a totally different truck than the older discontinued Colorado, are you sure? Can you provide some information? Some
back up to your statement?
So far, the test drives we have read are quite positive. Would be curious to read some negative reviews???? |
It is made by GM, that's all I need to know... Let's not get into why non-American brand autos are superior in quality, no matter where they are
made... instead, let TIME tell. I hope it is a GREAT truck! That will only help keep Tacoma prices lower, for future owners. |
I had a terrible experience with my last Tacoma (2009). Might have just been a lemon, my other Toyotas were stellar. Thank goodness we bought the
extended warrany. My 2000 Silverado had 205,000 miles on it with the only major work in 15 years being the transfer case going out last year. Traded
them both in and got a 2015 Silverado 2500---payload is 1000 lbs more than the last Chevy, drives beautifully, and not too much lower than the
Tacoma's gas mileage which has a crappy payload capacity. So, back to one truck for work and Baja!
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DianaT
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Interesting and I am sure Ford is NOT happy. 
All the links are interesting --- thanks for all of them.
[Edited on 12-4-2014 by DianaT]
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David K
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The Subaru AWD system is very good, it will pull the car up a slippery slope with just one tire having traction. If they only had a low range (like
when they had 4WD), then it would be ideal! I think them going to AWD from 4WD without a low range is why I looked at Ford and Toyota for my next 4WD.
I had owned three Subaru 4WD wagons before.
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chuckie
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The truck in the picture was a concept truck, NOT available yet
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