In 1995, the Toyota Tacoma replaced the “Toyota Pickup,” which was what the Toyota Hilux was called in the United States. Great name, right? We’d love to understand why Toyota eschewed the Hilux name in America to roll with “Pickup,” but that’s a story for another time, we guess.

Compared with the Hilux/Pickup, the Tacoma was really built to offer better ride quality, handling, comfort, and safety, placing a little less emphasis on ruggedness and payload capacity. Even still, the Tacoma was considered by many a poor choice as an everyday passenger vehicle because it had an off-road-oriented suspension and tires. In short, it drove like a truck. We’re good with it. 

The 2001 Tacoma received the last facelift before the 2nd generation Tacoma was revealed in 2005. The facelift marked a return to a shape that was much more like the 1995-1997 Tacoma, with rounded fenders and more squared-off headlights. It was powered by the 5VZ-FE motor, a 3.4 L (3,378 cc) DOHC engine with multi-port fuel injection, which made 190 hp and generated 220 ft lb of torque at just 3600 rpm. It featured an oil cooler integrated in the radiator, a wasted spark ignition system with three coils and belt-driven camshafts.

Toyota sold 161,983 2021 Tacomas in total in the United States. It’s hard to say how many are still around, but the durability of these vehicles was second to none, so we’re guessing the number’s pretty big. Still, each and every one is precious. Cherish them.