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Toyota Tacoma Review
Many reviewers seem to agree that the Toyota Tacoma is the best mid-sized pickup truck on the market. That seems to mean a lot because although the Tacoma was significantly redesigned in 2005, so were most of its closest competitors. Significant changes in the class include an overall larger size and the availability of the increasing popular crew cab. The Tacoma stands in front with a comfortable cab, refined ride, responsive handling, proven off-road capability, and Toyota’s reputation quality.
See also the main fact sheets for the 2006 Toyota Tacoma.
High Points
- Great new design
- The larger size
- The ride is more comfortable and the handling is good
- The new composite inner bed that non-rusting and non-denting
Low Points
- The manual transmission is clunky
- The performance of the X-Runner version lacks handling
Performance and Handling
The Toyota Tacoma drives well in on-road and off-road conditions. It offers solid power from the V6 engine, good handling and feels relatively refined. Off-road models offer better capability than previous-generation models as well as improved ride comfort.
The 4.0-liter V6 engine uses variable valve technology (called VVT-i) to optimize power and torque. It has more power than the five-cylinder engine in the Chevy Colorado or the base V6 in the Dodge Dakota, but is less powerful than the Nissan Frontier. The automatic version is very smooth and responsive, and although the manual version shifts easily, it gearing ratio is low thus making it a little awkward.
The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine is rated at 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which about average for the class.
In general the Tacoma feels steady in turns and suffers from surprisingly little body roll in hard corners. On pavement, the 4WD and TRD models seem smooth and refined, and off-road capabilities are excellent with a refined suspension.
The Tacoma's brakes are smooth and easy to modulate and can bring it to quick halt without drama. The rear brakes are drums, however, less desirable than the rear disc brakes that come on some of the other pickups in this class.
Gas Mileage
EPA estimates [1].
- 2WD 4 cyl. automatic: 21/26
- 2WD 4 cyl. manual: 20/27
- 2WD 6 cyl. automatic: 18/22
- 2WD 6 cyl. manual: 16/21
- 4WD 4 cyl. manual: 19/23
- 4WD 6 cyl. automatic: 17/21
- 4WD 6 cyl. manual: 16/20
Safety
Reliability and Maintenance
Interior and Comforts
Exterior
Styles and Options
Main Competitors
Main competitors in the compact truck market include:
- Chevrolet Colorado
- Ford Ranger
- GMC Canyon
- Mazda B2300
- Dodge Dakota
- Nissan Frontier
External Links
WikiCars Contributor Favorites
Community Sites
