In brief: A 2002 Toyota Tacoma could come with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, depending on the engine and trim. The two engine options for that year were a 2.7-liter inline-four and a 3.4-liter V6, and each could be paired with either type of transmission in many configurations.
To understand why the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, it helps to know that Toyota offered two engines in the 2002 Tacoma and allowed both manual and automatic gearboxes across several trims. The precise pairing—manual or automatic—depended on the chosen engine, drivetrain (2WD vs 4WD), and the specific trim level. Below is a clearer breakdown of the two main transmission families you could find in a 2002 Tacoma.
Transmission options by engine and configuration
The following lists summarize the two primary transmission families offered for the 2002 Tacoma and how they related to the engine options.
Manual transmissions
- 5-speed manual transmission was available with both the 2.7L inline-four (3RZ-FE) and the 3.4L V6 (5VZ-FE) engines on a range of trims.
Manual transmissions were favored by drivers seeking more direct control and were commonly found on base and mid-range trims across 2WD and 4WD configurations.
Automatic transmissions
- 4-speed automatic transmission was paired with both engine options (2.7L I4 and 3.4L V6) and was common on many mid-to-upper trims, including 4WD models.
Automatic transmissions offered smoother shifts and easier daily driving, which made them popular for families, commuters, and those who towed light loads.
Summary
In short: A 2002 Toyota Tacoma could be equipped with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. The exact combination depended on the engine (2.7L I4 or 3.4L V6) and the truck’s trim and drivetrain. When evaluating a used 2002 Tacoma, verify the transmission type on the window sticker or VIN to confirm the original configuration.
Is 2002 a good year for Tacoma?
Among the 1722 owners who provided feedback on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab for Kelley Blue Book, consumer sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with 95% recommending the vehicle. As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and quality to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest.
What transmission does a 2002 Tacoma have?
The PreRunner (MY98–04) and Double Cab (01–04) models were available only with an automatic transmission for the first generation. The 3.4 L V6 was paired with the R150F manual transmission or the A340F (4WD) or A340E (2WD) Aisin automatic transmission; the A340F code is 30-40LE.
What are common problems with 2002 Tacoma?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Climate System. AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
- Exhaust.
- Drive System.
- Suspension/Steering.
- Paint/Trim.
- Brakes.
- Noises/Leaks.
- Engine Electrical.
What year did the Tacoma have a bad transmission?
The first-generation Toyota Tacoma is an excellent bet if you want a rock-solid pickup truck and aren't concerned with frills. We like it for its reliability and simplicity. That said, the 2002 and 2003 model years had automatic transmission complaints, so do your due diligence if one of those years catches your eye.