Some of America’s best loved trucks are Japanese. Toyotas trucks are well known for their reliability and durability. Because the trucks are so dependable and retain their value, many people choose replacing Tacoma or Tundra motor with a used Toyota engine when the time comes.
Used Toyota Tacoma Engine Types and Availability
The Toyota Tacoma came to the US market as a compact pickup in 1995 to compete with the Ford Ranger and Chevy S10. Toyota focused on comfort and handling rather than commercial and off-road use in response to US consumer’s preference of using compact trucks as personal vehicles.
In 1995, Tacoma the buyer could choose between two inline 4 cylinder engines with 2.4 liter (2RZ-FE) or 2.7 liter (3RZ-FE) displacement, or the 3.4L V6 (5VZ-FE). The Tacoma sold well and attracted a loyal group of followers.
The Tacoma was transformed into a midsize pickup in 2004. The earlier 3 engines were replaced by a single choice of either an inline 4 cylinder or V6 motor. Horsepower increased slightly in the 2.7L 2TR-FE engine while the Tundra 1GR-FE engine boasted a 4.0L displacement and packed 236 ponies.
The lightweight, indestructible Tacoma caught the attention of the US military. The Special Forces use modified Tacomas in Iraq and Afghanistan as a non-standard tactical vehicle, most commonly as a gun truck. Tacoma was chosen due to its maneuverability and the ability to source parts. Since the truck is so popular with civilians and the military, it is often difficult to locate low-mileage used Toyota engines for Tacoma.
Used Toyota Tundra Engine Types and Availability
Toyota responded to US customer demands for a more powerful, full size pickup truck in 2004 with the Toyota Tundra. The truck was built to compete with the popular Chevy, Dodge, and Ford pickups. More Tundras were sold in the first year entering the US market than any other Toyota model.
The Tundra was so impressive that the truck took the Motor Trend Truck of the Year and Consumer Report’s Best Full Size truck honors in 2000. Toyota was well on its way to be as well-known for trucks as Detroit’s Big Three.
The Tundra gave buyers the choice between two V6 engines or a V8 – the 3.4L 5VX-FE, the 4.0L 1GR-FE which was also offered in Tacoma, and the 4.7L 2UX-FE V8. Tundra’s steadfast followers were clamoring for even more power by 2007, and Toyota responded. Dropping the 3.4L V6, Toyota gave buyers even more choices in V8 displacement and power by adding the 4.6L 1UR-FE and 5.7L 3UR-FE.
US owners of full size Toyota pickups tend to keep their trucks well maintained for long periods of time. Like Tacoma, used Toyota engines for Tundra can be hard to come by. Engine World has one of the largest inventories of used engines for Tundras and Tacomas. All motors have been tested and come with a 6 month limited warranty.
