Well, I've had my 2004 Tacoma Prerunner, 2WD (with TRD package) for about a month now. Here's my early impressions of it. This is the first truck I've owned in years after nothing but 4-door sedans, the last being a Mitsubishi Diamante.
Pros Somewhat comfortable ride with seats that are not too stiff like those on the Ford Ranger but not mushy either. Half way decent gas mileage. Overall, it's getting about 17 mpg. No rattles, squeaks or leaks yet. Nothing cosmetic or mechanical that I had to bring back to the dealer to fix. Amazing that I can't find a thing wrong with it.
Cons Engine or transmission howls especially at sustained 30 mph. Howls is the best word I could come up with to describe the sound. Very irritating. Air conditioner doesn't seem to keep the cab cool enough even with the fan set on high. Boring. With the bland interior and mediocre exterior styling, the Tacoma just does not do much for me. The ride is comfortable but on some stretches of the highway it has a tendency to lunge and bounce. I've never felt this before on the same stretches of highway in our sedans. Center arm rest is too small and too far back. No rear entry doors (XTRACAB). Now I know why Ford put them on the Ranger and later F150. They would be real convenient, not having to re-adjust the seat every time putting things in the back. No rear cargo light. I can't honestly say that I needed it yet but knowing that it's not there bugs me especially when other manufacturers include them. Bucket seats don't have any side supports. I find myself pushing me left knee against the door for support around turns. What is that little 2-hole platform thing in the back on the passenger side?
Well, that's it for now. Please feel free to add or subtract from the list to match your experiences.