2010 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma Remains Sales Leader in its Pickup Segment

Through 45 years of compact pickup truck heritage, Toyota has continued its sales dominance in this competitive §egmènt wîth the Tacoma. Starting wîth the Stout in 1964, followed by the Hilux in 1969, Toyota Compact Pickup in 1976, and for the last 15 years the Tacoma, Toyota's compact pickups have been a leader in the evolution of the compact pickup §egmènt.

The Toyota truck started out as basic and functional and through the years became more powerful, wîth added roominess and refinement. Throughout, it was always rugged and reliable. It has defined, and redefined the meaning of a phrase that has become synonymous wîth the Toyota brand, quality, durability and reliability.

Now in its eighth generation, Toyota has sold more than five and one-half million compact pickups in the Ú.S. Presently, Tacoma commands a nearly 40 percent market share in its §egmènt, outselling its closest competitor by more than 2:1.

After receiving extensive interior and exterior revisions in 2009, the 2010 model year Tacoma carries over unchanged.

Performance

The 2010 Tacoma line offers two engines: a 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder that produces 159 horsepower wîth 180 lb-ft. of torque and a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 that produces 236 horsepower wîth 266 lb-ft. of torque. In both engines variable valve timing wîth intelligence (VVT-i) provides strong low-end and mid-range torque. An Electronic Throttle Control System wîth intelligence (ETCS-i) helps optimize performance and fuel economy. The V6 engine can be teamed wîth either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com) Four-cylinder 4x4 models come equipped wîth a five-speed manual transmission and four-cylinder 4x2 models offer a choice between a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

The Tacoma X-Runner performance truck features the 4.0-liter V6 engine in a specially lowered and tuned chassis. Available exclusively wîth a six-speed manual transmission, 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 wîth many performance cars. The X-Runner's Access Cab design incorporates a full body kit, a hood scoop and integrated fog lamps. The color-keyed monochromatic exterior comes in three colors – Barcelona Red, Black Sand Pearl and Speedway Blue.

When equipped wîth a V6 Tow Package both Access and Double Cab models boast a maximum tow capacity of 6,500 pounds. Considering the Double Cab V6 PreRunner also earned an EPA mpg city/highway rating of 17/21, the combination of power, capability, and fuel economy has made Tacoma a market leader.

Capability, Handling and Ride

Tacoma offers some of the most sophisticated dynamic control technology in the §egmènt. Standard on all Tacoma models is the Toyota Star Safety System™, which includes the anti-lock braking system (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC). An Automatic Limited-slip Differential (Auto-LSD), which uses brake intervention to help reduce tire slippage at the rear wheels, is standard on all Tacoma models (with the exception of models equipped wîth TRD Off-road packages, which are equipped wîth a separate locking rear differential).

The VSC system, which integrates TRAC, enhances traction on or off-road by helping to keep the vehicle on its intended course. VSC detects front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempts to control either condition wîth throttle intervention and/or by braking individual wheels. Auto-LSD employs the sensors and hardware to provide the limited-slip effect on the rear wheels.

EBD optimizes brake pressure at each wheel independently for greater control under braking, especially when cornering. BA 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 applied braking power until pedal pressure is released.

Tacoma automatic transmission models come equipped wîth Hill-start Assist Control (HAC). By independently controlling the brakes at each wheel as needed, HAC prevents the vehicle from rolling backward or slipping sideways during a transition from a stopped position to climbing a grade. The TRD Off-Road Package on 4x4 V6 automatic models includes HAC and Downhill Assist Control (DAC). DAC uses engine braking to regulate downhill speed and independently control the brakes at each wheel to help improve directional control. DAC automatically de-activates if the driver depresses the brake or accelerator pedals, presses the DAC button, or shifts into neutral.

To serve the specific needs of the off-road enthusiast, TRD Off-Road Packages feature a locking rear differential that can be activated from an electronic switch mounted in the cab. This on-demand feature allows the power to be evenly distributed to both rear wheels to increase overall traction. An electronic rear differential is available on 4x4 models and the 4x2 PreRunner.

Safety


All seating positions on every Tacoma model are equipped wîth three-point seatbelts, and an advanced dual-stage airbag system. A front passenger cutoff switch is standard on Access Cab models. Each model is equipped wîth standard front seat-mounted side airbags and roll-sensing side curtain airbags (including a cutoff switch). All Access and Double Cab models feature standard active headrests on the driver and front passenger seats. The active headrests move up and forward almost instantly in the event of certain rear-end collisions to help reduce the distance between the occupant's head and the headrest.

Comfort and Convenience


The well-equipped 4x2 Regular Cab model includes a standard full-size spare tire; AM/FM CD four-speaker sound system; tachometer; digital clock; two instrument panel powerpoints wîth a lighter; dome lamp; and rear mudguards. Air conditioning is offered as a standalone option on Regular Cab models.

The Access Cab and Double Cab models add more standard features, including power windows and door locks, bucket seats and a center console. In Double Cab models, power mirrors and driver seat adjustable lumbar support are also standard. For both Access and Double Cab models the option combinations are built on five core packages.

The Convenience Package, for Access Cab models only, adds cruise control, remote keyless entry, power mirrors, sliding rear window wîth privacy glass and §teering-wheel mounted audio controls. The SR5 Package for both Access and Double Cab models, bundles styling and comfort features, including color-keyed overfenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and chrome rear bumper, intermittent wipers and upgraded interior features and trim, including a leather-wrapped §teering wheel and automatic transmission shift lever.

For Double Cab models, an optional Premium JBL audio six-CD system is Bluetooth® compatible and has an integrated satellite radio system, which includes a three-month trial subscription to XM® Satellite Radio.

Access Cab and Double Cab models offer upgraded audio systems wîth an AM/FM/in-dash six-disc CD changer, which are satellite radio ready and includes pre-wiring and antenna. Optional on Access Cab models is a system that features two audio speakers integrated into the ceiling and a 7.9-inch 65-watt subwoofer integrated between the rear jump seats, bringing the speaker count to seven. Double Cab models offer the JBL premium audio system wîth seven speakers, including an amplified subwoofer. Both audio upgrades feature §teering wheel audio controls.

Options

The 2010 Tacoma line offers 18 different model configurations based on three cab types: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and the four-door Double Cab.

With its big, bold headlights and grille, Tacoma projects a strong, rugged appearance. Flush rear surface glass and surface structures between the bumper sides and body give Tacoma a sophisticated, clean look. PreRunner and 4x4 models are distinguished by bold overfenders. PreRunner models combine the 4x2 drivetrain wîth the 4x4's raised riding stance and styling. Double Cab models offer a roof rack system wîth crossbars that deploy from the roof rails.

The Tacoma Regular Cab and Access Cab models feature a 73.5-inch-long bed. The Double Cab is available wîth a choice of a 60.3-inch bed or the 73.5-inch bed. 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 wîth 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.

Tacoma 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 (including PreRunner and 4x4) ride on a 127.4-inch wheelbase. The Tacoma Double Cab wîth the standard five-foot bed shares the 127.4-inch wheelbase, and the Double Cab long-bed models use a 140.6-inch wheelbase.

The rear doors on Access Cab models open to 80 degrees to give passengers easy ingress and egress.

Interior Design

The Tacoma interior provides durability and comfort wîth high-grade fabric and generous standard equipment. Sound absorption material in the headliner and behind the rear seats along wîth 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) 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 wîth map lights, as well as compartments for sunglasses and a garage door opener.

Interior storage is maximized in Access Cab models wîth fold up rear seats and underseat storage. Double Cab models feature 60/40 split rear seats wîth adjustable headrests and under-seat storage.

Manufacturing

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.

Source - Toyota

Since 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