Toyota Tacoma Engine Question

aways · 02-18-2011, 02:20 PM

I recently purchased a new 2011 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 double-cab pickup with the V6 engine (I can't take my Carrera off-roading in the desert...:-). Anyway, I'm hoping that some of you may have some familiarity with this truck and can help answer a couple questions regarding the engine. First off, the thing sounds pretty loud when accelerating... not a bad sound, just like a loud singer sewing machine. Is this normal for Tacomas? The 5-speed auto transmission is geared so low that the thing shifts about 3 times by the time I hit 25 MPH, which seems weird, and it sounds like it's rev-ing at 3K+ when it's only at 2K. Finally, I get the stated gas mileage (16 City, and 20 Hwy), but this seems pretty pathetic for a V6 in a mid-sized truck. Apparently a full-sized F150 or Tundra, for example, gets essentially the same mileage with a V8, so that's a bit disappointing. Why is the V6 Toyota engine so inefficient? We also have a 2003 Toyota SIenna with a V6 that get much better mileage (and weighs the same as the truck). Is it aerodynamics?

kaisen · 02-19-2011, 06:13 AM

The V6 in the Tacoma (FJ, 4Runner) is not a newer design. It's a tried and true truck motor, not as refined but pretty darn tough and torquey at lower rpms. The gearing of both the transmission and differentials are set up for getting a load moving and off roading, not smooth freeway acceleration. Your Sienna is much more aerodynamic, but it also doesn't have the friction of a transfer case, driveshaft, heavier duty ring and pinions, or large tires. And it isn't spinning a second set of drivetrain components for four wheel drive. All of that friction robs power and fuel economy.

So the question is, why didn't you buy a full sized truck? I'm sure you know the answers, and you didn't buy a Double Cab Tacoma for the fuel economy or even price. You bought it because you liked it. So accept it for what it is, and enjoy it!

pete3799 · pete3799's Garage

I have a 2003 double cab and have not had any complaints so far (120,xxx miles)
No noisy acceleration and it shifts fine.
Shifting three times in 25 MPH sounds like it's in low range.

flatbutt · 02-19-2011, 07:07 AM

I've got the little Taco (4 cyl). 1st and 2nd are relatively low and my mileage is around 25 mpg. Not at all loud.

Tim Hancock · 02-19-2011, 07:28 AM

My auto trans Tundra is also very loud when accelerating... Once it settles down into top gear at highway speeds it is very quiet. My guess has always been that it is simply due to how Toyota chose the auto trans gear ratios.

regency · regency's Garage

I'm kicking around the same questions........Just sold my 05 Tacoma extended cab 4cyl, 4speed auto with 163K miles. The only non maintenance issue was a bad air bag switch in the steering wheel at about 145K miles ($545.00). Want to replace it with a 2011 Tacoma extended cab Pre-runner 4cyl A/T. This combo is hard to find and is pretty much a special order truck.

Now, my old Tacoma averaged about 19-21mpg. Most people I talk to say the same truck with the V6 gets 17- 20mpg. I'm not sure which way I'll go, still kicking it around.

Steve

73 911T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

vash · vash's Garage

i can help. i have a V6 2006 model.

the tranny is too smart. it tries to anticpate everything. it will shift much more than you are used to. especially going downhill..it will "heel and toe" with the best of them. believe me, you will get used to the tranny. i dont even notice.

i have 55k miles. if i do a roadtrip and average 65mph, reving the motor just below 2k..i will see 22.8 mpg. not bad.

the motor is loud. i agree. notice the ticking motor yet?

onewhippedpuppy · 02-19-2011, 09:38 AM

My 4Runner V6 had the same sound, ticking sewing machine at idle and somewhat loud under acceleration. On the upside it was fairly smooth and absolutely bulletproof. MPG is what it is, surely you checked the sticker? I lust for a Hilux diesel that they sell elsewhere, 28 MPG and better towing in a crew cab 4x4 truck.

rvanderpyl · rvanderpyl's Garage

Mine is the same, I figure it is just because they built everything a bit heavier duty, and used lower gearing in order to get the towing capacity the thing has

aways · 11:46 AM

My initial post came across as a bit more negative that I intended it to be. Overall I like the truck a lot. The 5-speed tranny with it's frequent shifts just takes a lot of getting used to (for me anyway). I agree that the truck is pretty smooth and quiet once you're up to cruising speed. I was, of course, aware of the gas mileage rating prior to purchase, but it still surprised me that it was essentially no better than a V8. I have also noticed that the freeway mileage is VERY sensitive to speed. I get ~21 MPG at 65 MPH, but more like 18-19 MPG at 75 MPH (windows up). It's my first truck, and I guess aerodynamics are more important than I thought when it comes to mileage.

aways · 02-19-2011, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vash

i can help. i have a V6 2006 model.

the tranny is too smart. it tries to anticpate everything. it will shift much more than you are used to. especially going downhill..it will "heel and toe" with the best of them. believe me, you will get used to the tranny. i dont even notice.

i have 55k miles. if i do a roadtrip and average 65mph, reving the motor just below 2k..i will see 22.8 mpg. not bad.

the motor is loud. i agree. notice the ticking motor yet?

Not sure about the "ticking" motor, but I do hear one loud click (coming from behind the dash, I think) when I first start to drive after starting the car. Anybody know what that is? It just happens once, and right after the first time I start to drive forward.

vash · vash's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by aways

Not sure about the "ticking" motor, but I do hear one loud click (coming from behind the dash, I think) when I first start to drive after starting the car. Anybody know what that is? It just happens once, and right after the first time I start to drive forward.

hahhahah...mine does that. mine sounds like a quiet "hum" when i first pull out..only once only forward.

it is that ABS cluster thing, passenger side, up against the firewall..priming itself. i've heard it is a click..but most people hear the "hum". perfectly normal

wait until you first change the spark plugs. the drivers side of the motor has NGK spark plugs, the other side will have Denso..no explanation found.

aminter0 · aminter0's Garage

I have an 08 double cab, with roughly 90k miles.

The trans is a fickle beast, but tows what I need it to tow.

The "hum" or click is from the ABS, priming itself- like Vash said.

Have you gotten the A/C surge at stops yet? Feels like someone is rear ending you ever so softly... another unexplainable