Toyota Tacoma Is Best-Selling, Highest-Quality Pickup In Its Segment
The midsize Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling pickup truck in its segment, and is equipped with some of the most sophisticated dynamic control technology in its class.
The Tacoma offers four-cylinder and V6 engines, 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains, and the popular PreRunner models that combine the 4x2 drivetrain with the 4x4's raised riding stance and styling. Leading the Tacoma line in performance and style, the unique X-Runner model blends concept-truck design with sports car performance from a 236-horsepower V6 engine and a specially tuned chassis.
The Tacoma line offers 18 different model configurations based on three cab types: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and the four-door Double Cab. The Tacoma Regular Cab and Access Cab models feature a 73.5-inch-long bed. The Double Cab is available with a choice of a 60.3-inch bed or the 73.5-inch bed.
Freedom of ChoiceTacoma Regular Cab 4x2 models are built on a 109.4-inch wheelbase; PreRunner and 4x4 Regular Cab Tacomas are built on a 110-inch wheelbase; 4x2 Access Cab models ride on a 127.2-inch wheelbase, and Access Cab PreRunner and 4x4 wheelbase is 127.8-inches. The Tacoma Double Cab with the standard five-foot bed shares the 127.8-inch wheelbase, and the Double Cab long-bed models use a 140.9-inch wheelbase.
The Tacoma line offers a choice between two engines: a 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft. of torque and a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 that produces 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft. of torque. In both engines variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps provide strong low-end and mid-range torque. An Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence (ETCS-i) helps optimize performance and fuel economy.
The V6 engine can be teamed with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) The four-cylinder models offer a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)
With its big, bold headlights and grille, Tacoma projects a strong, rugged appearance. Flush rear surface glass and flush surface structures between the bumper sides and body give Tacoma a sophisticated, clean look. PreRunner and 4x4 models are distinguished by bold overfenders. Tacoma features an integrated trailer hitch and bumper design. Properly equipped, the V6-powered Tacoma models can tow up to 6,500 pounds. Double Cab models offer a first-in-class roof rack system with crossbars that deploy from the roof rails.
The Tacoma's composite inner bed is made from a sheet-molded compound (SMC) deck and walls that are 10 percent lighter than steel, yet tough and durable. The bed deck features two-tier loading and integrated deck rail utility that includes four standard adjustable tie-down cleats. The rails are compatible with Genuine Toyota Accessories, including cargo bed cross bars, a fork-mount bike rack, and diamond-plate storage boxes. An available 115V/400W powerpoint further extends the bed's utility.
Engine : 2.7 L., 4-cylinder
Power: 159 hp
Torque: 180 ft-lbs
Engine : 4.0 L., 6-cylinder
Power: 236 hp
Torque: 266 ft-lbs
Dual rear access doors on the Tacoma Access Cab models open to 80 degrees to give passengers easy ingress and egress. Interior storage has been maximized in Access Cab models with tumble-flat rear seats and underseat storage. Double Cab models feature additional storage behind the rear seatback. On all models with front bucket seats (except the sport seats), the front passenger seat folds flat and integrates into a tray table.
A performance truck factory-developed as a separate and dedicated model, the X-Runner showcases the Tacoma line's 236-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine in a specially lowered and tuned chassis. The X-Runner name is derived from its 'X-Brace' frame reinforcement that provides enhanced torsional rigidity.
Available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission and also equipped with a limited-slip rear differential, the X-Runner can accelerate from zero-to-60 MPH in less than seven seconds. Just as impressive, X-Runner can achieve lateral acceleration in excess of 0.9-g – comparable with many sports cars.
The X-Runner's Access Cab design incorporates full body kit, a hood scoop and integrated fog lamps. The color-keyed monochromatic exterior comes in three colors – Radiant Red, Black Sand and Speedway Blue.
The X-Runner suspension is lowered one inch versus the standard Tacoma and rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/45R18 Bridgestone Potenza performance tires. Exclusive X-Runner suspension incorporates firmer and shorter springs, specially tuned Bilstein gas shock absorbers positioned outboard of the frame rails for increased stability, a rear stabilizer bar with firmer bushings, and specially tuned steering response.
Safety First with Dynamic Control + Occupant Protection Tacoma offers some of the most sophisticated dynamic control technology in the segment. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA) are standard on all models, and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is available for all models. EBD optimizes brake pressure at each wheel independently for greater control under braking, especially when cornering. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking. If the driver has not pressed firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the ABS, the system supplements the applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.
The optional VSC system, which integrates traction control (TRAC), enhances traction on or off-road by helping to keep the vehicle going on its intended course. VSC detects front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempts to control either condition with throttle intervention and/or by braking individual wheels.
On some Tacoma models, the VSC and TRAC systems also includes Automatic Limited-slip Differential (Auto-LSD), which uses brake intervention in place of a mechanical-type LSD unit to help reduce tire slippage at the rear wheels. (The TRD Off-Road Package uses a locking rear differential, and the TRD Sport Package is equipped with a mechanical limited-slip rear differential.)
On automatic transmission models, the VSC and TRAC option includes Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). By independently controlling the brakes at each wheel as needed, HAC helps to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or slipping sideways during a transition from a stopped position to climbing a grade. When VSC is ordered along with the TRD Off-Road Package on 4x4 V6 automatic models, it includes HAC and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). DAC uses engine braking to regulate downhill speed and independently control the brakes at each of the four wheels to help improve directional stability. DAC also works in reverse and is automatically de-activated if the driver depresses the brake or accelerator pedals, presses the DAC button, or shifts into neutral.
All seating positions on every Tacoma model are equipped with three-point seatbelts, and all Tacoma models are equipped with the advanced dual-stage airbag system. A front passenger cutoff switch is standard on Access Cab models. Double Cab models offer optional front seat side airbags and roll-sensing side curtain airbags (including a cutoff switch).
Modern Comfort
The Tacoma interior provides durability and comfort with high-grade fabric and generous standard equipment. Sound absorption material in the headliner and behind the rear seats and insulating carpeting help to provide a quiet cabin. Exterior aerodynamic details help reduce wind noise.
A three-pod instrument gauge panel lends a sporty look in all models. The center console (standard on Access Cab and Double Cab models; available with bucket seats on Regular Cab models) flows into the instrument panel for a unified appearance. The console integrates three cupholders, two of which can accommodate extra-large containers.
All Tacoma models provide dual bottle holders in driver's- and passenger's-side doors. Audio controls are mounted high for easy access. Higher-grade models feature fabric-covered sun visors and an overhead console with map lights and compartments for sunglasses and a garage door opener.
High Performance Options and Accessories Toyota offers a variety of performance parts and option packages for the Tacoma. The TRD Off-Road Package provides a carefully tuned balance of off-road performance and on-road handling. Chassis modifications include a locking rear differential, progressive-rate front springs, specially tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, a 28-mm front stabilizer bar and 265/70R16 BF Goodrich Rugged Trail tires on 16-inch alloy wheels. Fog lamps and TRD graphics top off the package for a tough, sporty appearance.
The Rugged Trail Off-Road Package is new for the Tacoma's 2008 model year and is available only on V6 models with black, white or silver exterior paint colors. Similar to the TRD Off-Road Package it includes locking rear differential, progressive-rate front springs, specially tuned Bilstein shock absorbers, stabilizer bar and TRD graphics. The Rugged Trail Off-Road Package also features black 16-inch Baja wheels, black overfenders, skid plate, and all-weather guard floor mats.
The TRD Sport Package is road-focused and features its own specific suspension tuning, a limited-slip rear differential and lower-profile 265/65R17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels. This package also gives Tacoma a sporty street look with fog lamps, a hood scoop, TRD graphics and a color-keyed rear bumper, mirrors, grille surround and door handles.
Both TRD option packages include a 400W/115V powerpoint in the bed, sport seats with adjustable lumbar support and unique fabric, plus an overhead console with a compass and outside temperature display. Double Cabs with the long-bed and the TRD Sport Package also include an available electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror.
The available dealer-installed TRD Big Brake system was developed by Toyota Technical Center and TRD engineers. Engineered to provide effective braking performance under sustained heavy use, the Big Brake system dramatically improves pedal feel and substantially reduces brake fade from repeated high-speed stops. The system uses 13 x 1.25-inch semi-floating vented rotors with directional internal fins; forged aluminum four-piston fixed calipers; larger pads with high coefficient-of-friction material, and braided steel lines.
Compelling Value, Simplified Ordering The well-equipped 4x2 Regular Cab model includes as standard equipment anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA); a full-size spare tire; AM/FM CD 4-speaker sound system; tachometer; digital clock; two instrument panel powerpoints with a lighter; dome lamp, and rear mudguards.
The Access Cab and Double Cab models add more standard features, including bucket seats, a center console, and, in Double Cab models, upgraded seat fabric and power windows, mirrors and door locks. All option combinations are built on five packages. An Enhancement Package for the 4x2 Regular Cab adds air conditioning and styled steel wheels. The Convenience Package adds cruise control, remote keyless entry, and power windows, door locks and mirrors.
The SR5 Package bundles styling and comfort features, including color-keyed overfenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and chrome rear bumper, center console (in models where it is not standard), intermittent wipers and upgraded interior features and trim. In Access Cab and Double Cab models, the SR5 package also adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter lever.
Access Cab and Double Cab models offer upgraded audio systems, including an AM/FM/in-dash six-disc CD changer and six speakers. Double Cab models offer a JBL premium audio system with seven speakers, including an amplified subwoofer. Both audio upgrades feature steering wheel audio controls.
The eighth generation of Toyota compact pickups, which first launched in 1964, the Tacoma accounts for nearly 10 percent of Toyota sales in the Únited States. The Tacoma is assembled at the New Únited Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NÚMMI) production facility in Fremont, Calif. and Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California (TMMBC) production facility in Tijuana, Baja Calif., Mexico.
Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation for 60 months with no mileage limitation.
Source - ToyotaSince 1995, the Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck both manufactured and produced by the Toyota Motor Corporation. For 2005 the second generation Tacoma was named Motor Trend Magazine's Truck of the Year. The Tacoma received its name after the City of Tacoma, Washington, USA. The Tacoma name originated from the worldwide Hilux, and prior to this the Hilux was marketed in the US, under the name Toyota Pickup. Three engines were available for the Toyota Tacoma; the 2.4 L four cylinder which was rated at 142 hp and 160 lb/ft of torque, the 2.7 L four cylinder which was rated at 150 hp and 177lb/ft of torque and finally the 3.4 L V6 rated at 190 hp and 22 lb/ft of torque. The 2.4L offered the highest MPG at 29, the 2.7L gave 26 miles per US gallon, and the 3.4L gave only 22 miles per US gallon.
5-stud wheel lug patterns were found on Two-wheel drive Tacoma's, while the 2.4 L and 3.4 L engines were available depending on options. Both automatic and manual transmissions were available. Four-wheel drive Tacoma's came with six-stud wheel lug patterns, which had been used early on pre-Tacoma trucks. The frame of the Tacoma is fully boxed until promptly transitioning into a c-frame section after the front leaf spring mount bracket. The automatic transmission was an A340F while the 3.4 V's manual transmission was an R150F. Single cab Tacoma's came with the option of a manual transmission with the 3.4 V6 engine from 1995 until 1997. Following 1998 the single cabs only received a 2.7 or a 2.4 4-cyl from factory. Also in this year TRD packages began.
Pre-runner models also began in this year and they shared the same front and rear suspensions parts and geometry, styling, frame and engine options as 4X4 Tacoma's of this year range. These models also had the options of the TRD Off-Road package which received a rear differential locker if it was a V6 model. The main downside was there wasn't an option of a 5-speed transmission.
The Toyota Tacoma sold quite well in the first few years of production, appealing to many young buyers. During the first generation the Tacoma underwent two cosmetic facelifts, the first in 1998 and the second in 2001. The revisions involved new headlights and new grilles. Mechanically the changes included a switch to distributor-less ignitions in 1997 and in 1998 longer rear leaf springs. Also in 1998 a passenger-side airbag was added to the Tacoma, while the driver's side air bag was 'depowered'. Following the 2000 model year all 4X4 models came with Toyota's Automatic Differential Disconnect system.
In 2001 the main revision for the Tacoma was a new crew cab (four door) model being added to the lineup. The crew cab came with four doors, while the Tacoma extended cab continued to open with two doors. A 6 foot bed came with the extended cab while the crew cab came with a 5 foot 5-inch bed. Unfortunately many customers were not happy with small crew cab beds, but there wasn't much of a market for larger truck beds with competitors. Toyota rolled out their new S-Runner trim package in 2001 which came with a 3.4 liter V6 engine, 16-inch alloy wheels and a 5 speed manual transmission with Tokico gas shocks. Only 200 units were produced from 2001 until 2004. The Toyota Tacoma went up 16.5 percent in sales from its earlier years and it continued to only rise in popularity. The Tacoma was ahead of the Nissan Frontier and the Dodge Dakota in 2004, only 2.2 percent behind in sales to the Ford Ranger.
The second generation of the Tacoma was unveiled at the 2004 Chicago Auto show. This generation was assembled in Tijuana, Mexico and Fremont, California, while the plastic/composite beds were all constructed in Mexico. This continued until August of 2009 when Toyota announced that it would relocate Tacoma production from Fremont to San Antonio, Texas, therefore consolidating with it's Toyota Tundra production line and having all American made Toyota pickups manufactured at one facility.
This new Tacoma was a bigger, meatier, more powerful Tacoma for 2005 available in eighteen various configurations that included three cab configurations, four transmissions, two engines, and two different bed lengths. The 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 replaced the original 3.4-liter V. The new Tacoma V6 had many enhancements that included a new 6500 pound tow rating and a payload capacity of 1650 pounds. It produced 236 horsepower and 266 foot-pounds of torque. The brand new smaller 2.7-liter 2TR-FE 4-cylinder alternative in cheaper models was rated at 159 hp and 180 lb/ft of torque.
An X-Runner trim was also introduced this year which replaced the slow selling S-Runner trim from the earlier generation. This model features the 1GR-FE was mated to a six speed manual transmission, 18 in alloy wheels which were lowered two inches from the factory and included an X-Brace suspension package. Also included on the X-Runner trim was a Down-Hill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) on models that were outfitted with the optional Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Off-Road package. HAC prevents the car from rolling backwards on hills while DAC automatically applies braking during downhill descents. Optional features included limited-slip differential or a rear locking differential. All Tacoma's were manufactured with a composite inner bed that included a deck rail system with four tie-down cleats, storage boxes, hook-pins, and a power outlet. The tie-down cleats were rated to hold up to 220lbs.
The 2006 Tacoma rolled out with a bit more flair than the previous year. This year featured some options standard. For 2007 the Tacoma added 2 all-new interior colors. Not much changed aesthetically for the 2008 model year. For 2008 Toyota announced a 15 year, unlimited mileage corrosion warrant for 1995-2000 models because of insufficient rust-proofing and frame corrosion issues that affected a small amount of Tacoma's. Toyota offered to either repair the frame or buy back the truck for 1.5 times its KBB retail value.
Safety features were implemented for 2009 and the Tacoma no longer offered a mechanical limited slip different instead of an open differential which uses individual wheel braking to simulate a mechanical LSD or 'Auto-LSD'. Off-road TRD models continue to arrive equipped with a locking rear differential. For this year a slightly improved grill was added on some models, along with LED taillamps. The X-Runner, TRD Sport and TRD Offroad models included smoked headlamp trim. Now standard were auxiliary audio input. Four new exterior colors were added to the Tacoma and the Access/Double Cab trucks received two new ceiling mounted speakers and available backup monitor.
Following GM's bankruptcy, GM abandoned the NUMMI venture. Toyota killed all Corolla and Tacoma production. For 2010 all Tacoma production was relocated to Toyota's Texas plant in San Antonio. The Tacoma was build alongside the Tundra, and by doing this, Toyota now has all of its NA truck production in one plant. In 2012 the Tacoma is expected to be redesigned and re-engineered, two years following the release of the new 4Runner.
The Tacoma arrived standard with brake assist, anti-lock brakes, and electronic brakeforce distribution. A rollover sensor was added in 2008 which deployed the side curtain airbags in the event of a rollover in Tacoma's equipped with the optional side airbags. Starting in 2009, all Tacoma's featured Toyota's Star Safety System which added traction control and Vehicle Stability Control. Also standard were front row side torso airbags and side curtain airbags for both rows, along with active head restraints. With active head restraints, in 2009 the Tacoma was given the IIHS's Top Safety Pick award. The Tacoma Access Cab received standard power windows and door locks along with redesigned rear seats for passenger comfort and convenience. Higher trim levels offered optional Bluetooth enabled Premium JBL 6-CD audio systems with integrated XL satellite radio.
A limited production trim, the Toyota X-Runner was only available in three colors each year and only four colors today. The X-Runner was available in Speedway Blue, Black San Pearl and Radiant Red from 2005 until 2008.The Radiant Red was discontinued in 2009 and replaced with Barcelona Red Metallic. The main difference between the X-Runner and other packages were the updates to the suspension, a 3.15 Final Drive ratio and ground effects. To stiffen up the back end, the Toyota added a rear mounted X-Brace. The chassis was also stiffened more by adding two additional support braces to the frame. One could purchase an optional big brake kit by TRD available on the X-Runner which consisted of a 332 mm slotted rotor and 4 piston caliper. This big brake kit was designed by StopTech.
The 2010 Tacoma appealed to drivers who needed a mid-size car or compact pickup loaded with latest media amenities and top of the line safety features in addition to fuel efficiency and hauling capabilities. The outside remained basically unchanged from the previous year. The '10 trucks came in three cab styles; the Tacoma Regular Cab, Double Cab with four side doors and extended Access Cab with hinged rear doors. The 2010 Tacoma was equipped with the most advanced DynamicControl technology and Electronic Throttle Control System with intelligence. The Tacoma is a popular seller in the mid-size pickup truck category.
By Jessica Donaldson
