When to change gears 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4 cyl automatic transmission
Just bought this truck and wondering when to use the other gears besides Drive, R etc.
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2004 Toyota Tacoma Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Toyota Tacoma saw very few changes for 2004. The few new additions included the availability of Vehicle Stability Control and the Active TRAC control system in certain trims.
The 2004 Toyota Tacoma came in a wide variety of trims, including the Regular Cab 4WD, Xtracab 4WD, Xtracab V6 4WD, Double Cab V6 4WD, Regular Cab 2WD, PreRunner Regular Cab 2WD, Xtracab 2WD, PreRunner Xtracab 2WD, S-Runner Xtracab V6 2WD, PreRunner, Double Cab 2WD, PreRunner Xtracab V6 2WD, and the PreRunner Double Cab V6 2WD. The new Double Cab models offered four doors instead of two and extra room in the extended cab. The S Runner was the sporty model, offering a sport-tuned suspension. Fuel economy was about 17/20 mpg.
Drivers like the Tacoma because it's compact and good-looking, but still behaves like a truck. They also say it is very reliable and the 4WD performs well off-road and in the snow. Some complaints include a bumpy ride and a too-small bed.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2004 Toyota Tacoma
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Jim M
Mar 20, 2024
Ive owned one of these trucks for 20 years now 250000 miles and still running like new.... Just do your scheduled maintenance and youll have no problemsMar 20, 2024
by Gary S
Jun 08, 2023
I had a Toyota Tacoma before and had good luck with it and it suited my uses very well.Jun 08, 2023
by Hilton E
Mar 16, 2023
Beautiful, classic, perfect shape. Deal was easy to do. Mar 16, 2023
User rating:
by Jim M
Mar 20, 2024
Ive owned one of these trucks for 20 years now 250000 miles and still running like new.... Just do your scheduled maintenance and youll have no problemsMar 20, 2024
by Gary S
Jun 08, 2023
I had a Toyota Tacoma before and had good luck with it and it suited my uses very well.Jun 08, 2023
by Hilton E
Mar 16, 2023
Beautiful, classic, perfect shape. Deal was easy to do. Mar 16, 2023
by Anonymous
Feb 04, 2023
Vehicle features are awesome even at 19 years old. Great value, good mpg for a small pickup. Longevity. Feb 04, 2023
by Anonymous
Jun 14, 2022
Great value for the money! Toyota Tacoma Strong! Yes sir!Jun 14, 2022
by EMMY G
May 20, 2022
An adjustable height adjustment for the drivers seat. Great truck, indeed!May 20, 2022
by Hector B
May 12, 2022
Toyota Tacoma it’s a great vehicle. You got it Love it. May 12, 2022
by Joae R
Mar 30, 2022
Toyota Tacoma are a economic car for everything,very nice pic up truck Mar 30, 2022
by Anthony P
Oct 24, 2021
Most dependable small truck ever built and reliable fun to driveOct 24, 2021
by Marie-Claire D
Jun 28, 2021
I just like the model of this truck. Good size Jun 28, 2021
by Charles B
May 21, 2021
I absolutely love the Toyota Tacoma trucks. As anything Toyota makes is bound to last. May 21, 2021
by Joseph D
Apr 03, 2021
This truck has more options and was so well cared for that its hard to believe its 17 years old. What a find!!Apr 03, 2021
by Bruce S
Mar 31, 2021
I dont remember all of the features but I love Toyota Tacomas. I would really like to find a diamond in the rough, AT, 4X4 Toyota Tacoma; preferably a later model. I cant afford a newer one.Mar 31, 2021
by minka c
Nov 21, 2020
Looks great, will buy it in a heartbeat
Thanks.nice day.Nov 21, 2020
by Alvin F
Oct 14, 2020
yes, four doors, nissan frontier, it definitely a nice truck.Oct 14, 2020
by Wesley D
Feb 13, 2015
This is an outstanding line of vehicles, I imagine if I ever sell this truck I'll probably buy another Tacoma. I've added a transmission fluid radiator and Ride Rite air bags on the rear axle for towing. I've also added a cold air intake and after market exhaust/muffler. This vehicle has an aftermarket infinity head unit, upgraded speakers and added a sub-woofer. I love this truck and I've instructed my wife to have me buried in it!Feb 13, 2015
by Anonymous
Jan 29, 2015
Great truck that could do most anything. Never stuck in snow or sand. Good mileage for any 4wd v6 truck. Low cost maintenance. No issues after 200,000 miles! Would be nice to have a manual option. Go out and get one!Jan 29, 2015
by Anonymous
Feb 02, 2014
I would recommend this truck for someone that likes to have the cargo space of a small truck - but doesn't tow or haul. It is a great run around town vehicle with 4WD, but I would not recommend long distant travel in it.Feb 02, 2014
by Joseph C
Oct 23, 2013
I sold my 2005 Nissan Frontier 4X4 and regretted it ever since. Funny thing, before I bought my Frontier, I sold a 1993 Toyota and bought a new 2001 Tacoma that I wasn't very fond of after buying it. In 2005 I bought my Frontier and by 2012, with 105K miles on it, I was looking for something with better MPG so sold the Frontier and looked for my next truck -- an older Frontier maybe ? Maybe an older Tacoma ? I figured I would "know it" when I saw it and I looked for several months at a lot of different trucks before I found this one.
ALL of the trucks I have EVER owned have been manual transmissions but, this one is an automatic so that my wife can also drive it. We don't drive it often or very long distances ( only putting about 1000 mile on it in the last three months ) but, it's a nice looking truck, plenty of power and I know that I won't have to worry about it getting us where ever we need to go.Oct 23, 2013
by Michael L
Apr 12, 2012
It is a 4 cylinder, so it is terrible slow. The only great thing about this truck is fuel
economy and reliability. I get 24 mpg mixed driving and i have never had anything
go wrong with it. Since it is a toyota, it is incredibly reliable. Apr 12, 2012
by Bob K
Feb 15, 2011
gas mileage aint great. Typical pre scandal toyota very well engineeered and easy to service by myself which saves from being ripped off at dealer. Hye there is an honest mechanic out there in Middletown! His name is Neal Belden.Feb 15, 2011
by Allen M
Dec 15, 2010
i have a k&n intake
magnaflow exhaust
bgf 32" tires
powerrade throttle body spacer
going to be turning it into a prerunner once i get enough money to do so next thing im geting is a trd supercharger then im getting the toatal chaos kitDec 15, 2010
by Billy R
Nov 18, 2010
its a great everyday drive. its four door option is perfect for hauling buddies or extra cargo. the spray in bed-liner provides a sturdy durable bed that will carry anything from matresses and other moving necessities to what the truck was origionally bought for - a motorcycle! Nov 18, 2010
by Cameron F
Aug 03, 2010
Has strut spacer up front with ProComp 16" black allow wheels wrapped in Toyo Open country All-Terrain 265/75-16 tires. I switched out the backlight of the gauge cluster from orange to White. Has Alpine iPod-ready stereo wired to 1600watt amp that is custom installed behind back seat that connects to a 12' Kicker CVT sub behind driver seat.Aug 03, 2010
by Brandon F
Aug 03, 2010
The build quality sucked. Which is why I sold it after the local dealership denied services. Found out later that I could have gone through Toyota of America as the dealership had had a lot of complaints at that time.
All of the bells and whistles were included in this package. Locking rear axle, 4wd, optional passenger airbag for babies or off-roading and many other things I don't remember any longer. Now these features are sold separately. A 2004 or older sr5 tacoma is definitely the model to go with.
The mileage was poor however. At 10mpg, I sold it. The vehicle had a lot of torque and would easily squeel the tires at starts. Very fun to drive.
The wheel base is a bit long and made taking sharp corners a bit difficult.Aug 03, 2010
by Jesse D
Jul 09, 2009
Gets 22mpg, strong V6 engine, 4wd with offroad package. Sound sounds great! comfort is good, quality is great. Put 110,000 miles on the truck and have only needed to change the battery. No complaints here other than the fact that the TRD offroad package makes the truck ride a little rough.Jul 09, 2009
by Matt B
May 26, 2009
it is awesome off roadin in this truck bone stock. It is
incredible what stock toyota parts will go through. Its
an awesome year too. The last year of the model is
usually the best and toyota hit it right this time.May 26, 2009
by Ray S
Mar 06, 2009
Performs above average and has a nice flow-master
system.
Build quality is amazing. This is a well built truck.
Appearance is awesome. good combination of lift,
tires, and rims.
Cost is about that of an average car. About 16 avrg.
mpg.
This car is fun to drive and take on easy trails.
I would recommend this truck as a good buy, and it
holds its value.Mar 06, 2009
by Emily F
May 15, 2008
I love my truck, I am working on upgrading everything in it, just for my own pleasure. Other then selfish replacements, the stock condition of it is greatMay 15, 2008
by Kristy P
Apr 25, 2008
Great truck! Handles awesomely, good on gas for a truck, quiet, very reliable!Apr 25, 2008
by Lacey H
Feb 20, 2008
It's slow to accelerate, but once it does, you can feel the power. It's a bit noisy and the cab is a little on the small side, despite being 4 door. You also have to get used to handling with the truck bed. It's a smaller truck, but can handle large loads.Feb 20, 2008
by Ricky P
Jan 07, 2008
For a small truck, it does everything you need it to. With the V6, you plenty of power with fuel economy at about average. Sound system is impressive for a stock system (although I added 2, 12" subs). Breaks are a little touchy. Overall a very good investment for a small pick-up.Jan 07, 2008
by Anonymous
Oct 03, 2007
A. the trailing edge of the flimsy hood vibrates wildly at certain engine speeds making a hideous rattling sound.Apparently, the geniuses at toyota can't seem to find the right size rubber support to cushion the hood.I fixed it though.
B. I go through front brake pads ( the right front wears much faster that the left) every 22,000 miles. According to the dealer there is nothing wrong. According to independent service shops, all toyota trucks have front calipers that are exceptionally prone to sticking and wearing the pads prematurely.The calipers have to be cleaned and lubricated every 6000 miles or so to prevent them from sticking.
C. good luck getting anything covered under the toyota warranty.
Oct 03, 2007
by Anonymous
May 25, 2007
I test drove 2 different Toyota Tacomas about 3 months ago in my quest to find a truck to replace my failing car. I had already tried the Chevy Colorado, Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger. I planned on being impressed by the Toyota nameplate. What a disappointment! I couldn't believe how "sluggish" the V6 Tacoma was as it climbed the meeger incline to get on the freeway. It was noisey and smaller than expected in the cockpit. Sorry to say, I ended up buying a Nissan Frontier and have not looked back since.May 25, 2007
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My 2004 Toyota Tacoma Rear Axle Assembly 4x4 differential lock 4.10 ratio (6 cylinder). Can I install a used rear axel assembly with out the lock mechanism?
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2004 Toyota Tacoma?Compare this car
2004 Toyota Tacoma Pricing
Original MSRP
$13,000 to $23,240Price range
$12,478 to $13,059Average price on CG
$13,050YoY price change
$12,478 to $13,050Trims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.58
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Paint: special factory paint
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Paint: special factory paint
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.58
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.15
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 3.91
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: split-bench
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: chrome
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent