Not sure about Toyotas in 2026 since things are so very different now with so many computerized parts, but when I bought my 2002 Tundra they made things right. That was the version right after the T100 when the car company had to change the name due to be sued by Ford over the argument that people would mistake it for an F150. I guess Ford thought people were really stupid in terms of their potential customers and couldn't read the alphabet. Anyhoo, whatever they did at that time was done right in terms of quality. My truck has lasted well over 25 years.
It has issues, but they are mechanical from wear and tear after a lot of long service. And they are not chronic. Today's was an eventual failure of the starter engine, original since I bought the truck as the first owner. Not a bad performace compared to a lot of starters in other cars. Things wear, and maintenance is critical, but the trucks from that early 2000 period really last. Just about every general contractor I see is driving the same model, even if its beat up, if not a Dodge RAM. Fords, nonexistent. Chevy S10s, rare sighting. Time is the brutal judge here.
my toyo's gonna be 35 years old soon.
My 1988 2 litre Hilux ute recently had starter motor problem but was easily fixed once I saw the problem was the actuator relay needed some packing. 2 cent coin fix.
It has required some major rust repairs but have been offered 3x the 2k I paid for it in the early 2000s.
Now the hilux is mostly retired to joy rides on back country dirt roads and its replacement, the 'new' 2002 Hiace van does most of the work. It can do almost everything the hilux does and is a lot more comfortable to drive and sleep in.
I love the periodic windscreen wipers which the 88 hilux always lacked. Pure luxury on a drizzly day to have the wipers pause and restart automatically!
Added bonus - Both run on LPG so I am burning locally sourced gas and not funding the Big Oil wars. LPG price has not risen since the Iran war began- still paying NZD$1.45/litre while petrol has gone up to over $3/l.
Toyota are great...reliable with what you need a no frills you don't.
Like you though I am not sure the newer ones are still the same utilitarian quality and simplicity as the early 2000s models.