ORC REVIEW  | Beefed up but still considered a compact truck for the off-road fanatic |
One of the more stylish midsize trucks in its class, the Toyota Tacoma tailors to the trendy, outdoorsy crowd hauling sport equipment or to the modest homeowner needing a smaller workhorse for light duty chores. The Tacoma is considered the eighth generation of Toyota compact pickup trucks first launched in 1964. The once-slim Tacoma was beefed out in 2005, causing consumers to scratch heads at this new definition of a compact truck. The 2006 model received minor improvements, including safety features such as a standard Tire-Pressure-Monitoring System (TPMS) and an advanced dual-stage airbag system under the front bench seat. For 2007, the Tacoma continues with minor upgrades, including new seats, a two-tone instrument panel, revised audio head units, and new chrome trim around the gauge panel. Drivers will also be able to manually disengage the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) safety feature.
Take a Cab  | It's surprising how much storage space the Tacoma Access Cab has |
The midsize Toyota Tacoma offers 18 different model configurations primarily focused on three cab types: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and the four-door Double Cab. Remember this rule of thumb when shopping the Tacoma: The bigger the cab, the better the features. Regular cabs have a 73.5-inch-long bed and come stock with just the basics, such as a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, twin auxiliary power outlets, and a four-speaker CD stereo. Access Cabs also come with a 73.5-inch-long bed but with small, rearward-opening doors that extend 80 degrees. Standard on this cab are an overhead console, air-conditioning, and a six-speaker sound system. The Double Cab fits five passengers and is available with the 60.3-inch-long bed or 73.5-inch-long bed. Add to this cab size a keyless entry, power windows and locks, and upgraded seat fabric. There are also Pre-Runner and X-Runner versions. Introduced in 2005, the lowered X-Runner has sport car performance and a specially designed chassis with an X-brace, along with an in-dash CD changer and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. It has a slick, muscle-car look with a full body kit, a hood scoop, integrated fog lamps and 18-inch alloy wheels. The Pre-Runner offers a two-wheel drivetrain but with four-wheel-drive suspension and the same raised styling. There are seven optional packages in all to personalize and improve the performance of your Tacoma. This includes the popular TRD Offroad Package, which is available on all V6 models but not the Double Cab with a long bed. Such off-road enhancing kits typically include a limited-slip rear differential, sport seats, fog lamps, tow hooks, chrome grille, and color-keyed bumpers. A big focus on the marketing of this vehicle is about the large amount of storage space such a compact truck offers. Interior storage in the Access Cab models can be found under the tumble-flat rear seats and underseat storage. Double Cab models feature storage behind the rear seatback. A cargo bed comes standard on all models with adjustable tie-down anchors. The Right V6 Stuff
 | The 4.0-liter V6 has a variable valve-timing feature (VVT-i) for better torque |
The Tacoma features two engines: the standard 159-horsepower 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder with 180 lb-ft of torque at 3,800 rpm, and the 236-horsepower 4.0-liter DOHC V6 with 266 lb-ft at 4,000 rpm. Both engines feature variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) to help provide substantial low-end and mid-range torque. An Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) also helps optimize performance and fuel economy. The V6 engine buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic transmission. The Tacoma's maximum tow rating with the V6 is 6,500 lbs. The four-cylinder transmission has a choice between five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. More Than Meets the Eye
 | The Tacoma Access Cab Pre-Runner is a stylish off-road vehicle |
Personally, I’ve always loved the look of a Toyota Tacoma. It has a stylish, clean appearance and is tough without screaming ‘big rig.’ The build looks more substantial than competitors in its class. Fuel economy with the four-cylinder 2.7-liter engine is a plus: The Tacoma Regular, Pre-Runner and Access Cab 4x4 can get 23-mgp city and 28-mpg highway driving. It has an agreeable general base retail price, ranging from $18,025 for the Regular Cab 4x4 to $25,915 for the Double Cab Long Bed V6 4x4. The Tacoma is not without its lows, and the big one has to do with consumers not liking the positioning of the driver seat, which is reported too close to the floor. I also have to admit in spite of being charmed by looks and killer off-road ability with braking and wide wheelbase dimensions, the ride inside a Tacoma feels stiff on hard turns and a bit bouncy. Owners on a few 4x4 forums I visited sited issues with the 2007 transmission module. Also, the V6 gas averaging is much less than the four-cylinder – try approximately 18-mpg city and 21-mpg highway driving. This guy is also playing second fiddle to his bigger brother, the Tundra. When it comes to choosing a compact truck, the Tacoma can seduce you based on looks alone. But there is more than meets the eye – it’s a very reliable truck. The bottom line is if there is consumer demand, and the Tacoma meets that by accounting for 10 percent of all Toyota sales in the United States. Considering the long line up of Toyota cars and trucks, I’d say it’s well admired, both inside and out. Photos Courtesy of Toyota Motor Corp | 
