2005 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma?
The popular Toyota Tacoma is getting a complete makeover for 2005, growing larger in every dimension to offer more passenger room, cargo space and towing capacity than ever before. Regular, extended (Access Cab), and crew cab (Double Cab) models are available, with a choice of long or short bed lengths, and powered by either the rear or all four wheels. PreRunner models continue to offer the appearance and ride height of a 4WD truck with the drivetrain of a 2WD model, and a new X-Runner sport truck is claimed to achieve .90g of cornering grip on a skidpad. All 2005 Toyota Tacomas are equipped with antilock brakes with brake assist, and nearly any Tacoma can be outfitted with an optional stability control system. Side-curtain airbags are available on Double Cab models for extra occupant protection. A 164-horsepower, 2.7-liter inline four-cylinder engine is standard and a 245-horse, 4.0-liter V6 is available, with a choice between a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmissions. Maximum towing capacity for the Tacoma V6 is 6,500 pounds, and every Tacoma gets a composite inner bed that is lighter and more durable than steel. There's even an optional 115-volt outlet for the bed wall to power electrical accessories. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) offers Off-Road and Sport packages this year, and 4WD V6 Tacomas with the TRD Off-Road package and an automatic transmission include a new Downhill Assist Control (DAC) system to limit speed in steep descents.

Advantages of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma:

• Reputation for durability
• Strong V6 engine
• Comfortable seats
• Interior materials fit for a Lexus
• Quiet and refined cabin
• Excellent off-road capability

Objections to the 2005 Toyota Tacoma:

• Poor outward visibility
• Low seating positions
• Tacoma is hard to maneuver in tight parking lots

Editor's Advice:
Compact pickups are no longer compact. The Chevrolet Colorado, Dodge Dakota, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier and now the 2005 Toyota Tacoma have all moved solidly into the mid-sized truck market pioneered by Dodge. Never has a buyer in this market had it so good, or such a tough decision to make.