What year did Toyota Tacoma have Stepside?

The Toyota Tacoma never offered a true Stepside bed in any model year. Across all generations, Tacomas have used flat-sided, fleet-style beds rather than the stepped design associated with some GM pickups.

To understand why this matters, it helps to know what “Stepside” means in pickup design and how Toyota approached bed configurations for the Tacoma. The Stepside style features pronounced wheel arches inside the bed and a stepped silhouette on the inner bed walls, a layout popular in certain American pickups. Toyota’s midsize truck line has historically favored a simpler, flat-sided bed that prioritizes payload and manufacturing efficiency.

What Stepside means in pickup design

In pickup terminology, a Stepside bed (also called Step-side) refers to a bed with outer fenders that create a raised, stepped interior profile around the wheel wells. This design was more common on certain full-size trucks from other brands, notably GM’s trucks, and is less typical for midsize trucks like the Toyota Tacoma. The Tacoma’s design language has consistently used flat, squared-off bed sides across its generations.

Did the Tacoma ever offer Stepside by generation?

There was no official Stepside bed option for the Toyota Tacoma in any generation. Toyota offered the Tacoma with two cab configurations (Access Cab and Double Cab) and multiple bed lengths, but all beds maintained a flat-sided, fleet-style profile rather than a Stepside silhouette.

• First generation (1995–2004): Available with Access Cab or Xtracab/Double Cab; beds were flat-sided, and no Stepside option was offered.


• Second generation (2005–2015): Continued with multiple cab and bed length combinations, all featuring flat-sided beds—no factory Stepside configuration.


• Third generation (2016–present): Fresh design and updated features, but the bed profile remains flat-sided with no Stepside option from the factory.


• Market note: Stepside beds are a styling/layout choice tied to specific brands and models; the Tacoma line has not included a factory Stepside version in the U.S. market. Aftermarket cosmetic alterations can mimic a Stepside look, but they are not factory bed designs.

In summary, Toyota did not produce a Tacoma with a true Stepside bed in any year. Buyers seeking a Stepside aesthetic would need to pursue aftermarket styling or consider other brands that offered a Stepside configuration in their lineup.

Summary

Across all generations, the Toyota Tacoma has not featured a factory Stepside bed. The truck has consistently used flat-sided, fleet-style beds, with various cab configurations and bed lengths, but no official Stepside option. For those who want a Stepside appearance, aftermarket modifications are the typical route rather than a factory offering.

What year to stay away from Tacoma?

The Toyota Tacoma years to avoid include 2006, 2009, 2016, 2017, and 2019 due to issues like frame rust, transmission problems, and engine issues. Other problematic years include 2005, 2007, and 2012, which also have known issues.
 
This video explains the Toyota Tacoma models to avoid: 39sShifting LanesYouTube · Oct 6, 2021
Second Generation (2005–2015) 

• 2005–2010: Prone to significant frame rust due to poor drainage, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement. 
• 2006: Suffers from frame rust, and has transmission issues such as slipping and hard shifting. 
• 2007: Experienced a spike in complaints related to body, engine, and drivetrain issues. 
• 2009: Had numerous complaints about the radio, and also featured frame rust issues. 
• 2012: Saw an increase in engine stalling and hesitation, and issues with the electronic stability control system. 
• 2015: Had a spike in complaints about transmission failures and faulty drivetrain components. 

Third Generation (2016–Present) 

• 2016: The first model year of the third generation, it has the most complaints, including transmission problems (rough shifting, slipping), engine issues (stalling, oil consumption), and infotainment system glitches. 
• 2017: Continues with transmission problems, rough and noisy steering, and issues with interior material quality. 
• 2019: Reports of sluggish and clunky transmissions with jerking and vibrating, and safety recalls for fuel pump issues. 

Which Tacoma years are worth avoiding?

A: The years to avoid, specifically 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017, have reported significant issues such as body and paint problems, engine mishaps, faulty interior accessories, drivetrain and engine defects, and problematic transmissions.

How much is a 1995 Toyota Tacoma worth?

A 1995 Toyota Tacoma's value varies significantly, but a good condition, well-maintained truck can be worth anywhere from around $2,000 to over $10,000, depending on the trim, mileage, and condition. For example, a 1995 Tacoma Regular Cab in average condition has a resale value of approximately $3,768, while higher-spec XtraCab or 4WD models can be valued higher, especially if well-maintained. 
Factors affecting value

• Condition: A truck in "rough" condition is worth less than one that is "clean" or "outstanding". 
• Trim and Options: Higher trims like the SR5, 4WD, or Extended/XtraCab models are generally worth more than base models. 
• Mileage: Lower mileage will command a higher price. 
• Maintenance and Repairs: Records of recent maintenance or a new engine can increase the value significantly. 
• Market: Prices vary by location, and some areas may have higher demand for these older trucks. 

Examples of recent values

• Average Resale (Regular Cab): ~$3,768 
• Average Resale (XtraCab): ~$4,232 
• Average Private Party Value (Clean): ~$3,526 (for a 2WD Extended Cab) 
• Dealer Retail Value: ~$6,995 (for a V6 Xtra Cab with 210,612 miles) 
• High-end listings: Some 1995 Tacomas are listed for over $15,000. 

What year was the worst year for Toyota Tacoma?

The worst years for the Toyota Tacoma are generally considered to be 2005–2010, with particular issues including frame rust and paint problems, and 2016–2017 for new-generation teething issues like transmission and engine problems. Other model years like 2006, 2007, and 2009 also have specific complaints, such as clutch issues, high repair costs, and drivetrain problems. 
You can watch this video for a detailed overview of Toyota Tacoma years to avoid: 55sEveryman DriverYouTube · May 30, 2024
Key model years to avoid and their common problems:

• 2005–2010 (Second Generation):
  • Frame Rust: A major issue in this generation, especially for models with poor drainage, leading to a class-action lawsuit.
  • Paint Issues: Problems with paint peeling and "spider-webbing" on the hood and roof, particularly on 2005–2011 models.
  • Head Gasket Failure: A known weak point on 2005 and 2006 models.
  • Engine/Transmission: Some models experienced clutch issues, while the 2007 model was cited for high repair costs and potential problems with accelerator sensors.
• 2016–2017 (Early Third Generation):
  • Transmission: Frequent complaints about rough shifting and slipping in the automatic transmission.
  • Engine: Reports of noise, stalling, and excessive oil consumption.
  • Vibrations: Excessive vibrations were also reported by owners.
  • Rear Differential: Some 2016-2017 models had underfilled rear differentials, causing a howling noise. 

This video discusses common problems to look for when buying a used Toyota Tacoma: 1mYourCarAngelYouTube · Jul 13, 2024
Tips for buying a used Tacoma:

• Inspect for rust: Thoroughly check the frame, especially on second-generation models, and look for any signs of rust or previous repairs. 
• Consider later models: Third-generation models from 2018 onwards generally have fewer issues, as Toyota worked out the bugs from the first few years. 
• Get a pre-purchase inspection: It's highly recommended to have a mechanic inspect any used Tacoma you are considering, particularly for issues like frame rust, transmission problems, and engine condition.