The present invention is a swing and fold down tailgate mechanism which includes an inner panel, a first handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with a first latch and a second latch, a second handle supported by the inner panel operably associated with the first handle and a third latch. The present invention also includes a hinge member operably associated with the first handle and the second handle for providing hinged support of the tailgate such that the tailgate pivots in a drop down direction and alternatively in a swing open direction. When the first handle is actuated, the first and second latch will release and the second handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot using the third latch and hinge. When the second handle is actuated, the second and latch will release and the first handle will be deactivated, allowing the tailgate to pivot about the first latch and hinge.