2002 Toyota Tacoma: Road Test
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2002 Toyota Tacoma ▼
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- MSRP: $11,900 -$22,120
- Invoice: $11,008 -$20,018
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Our road test for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Toyota Tacoma from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma help you decide if a 2002 Toyota Tacoma is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Tacoma's 4-cyl engines are acceptable for light-duty work, but the V6 is the best choice for any model. Test 2WD automatic V6 PreRunner Double Cab did 0-60 mph in a respectable 9.7 sec. Tacoma matches domestic rivals in payload, but towing limits are at least 1000 lb lower.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4.2 |
Test V6 Xtracabs averaged 16.1 mpg with 4WD and manual transmission and 19.4 with 2WD and automatic. Test 4WD Double Cab averaged 17.3 mpg, test 2WD V6 Double Cab PreRunner 15.1. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 3.6 |
PreRunners and 4x4s can get bouncy with their stiff damping and big tires, but are no-less-comfortable than most rivals. Regular 2WD models have a pleasant, almost carlike ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3.4 |
Slightly numb steering afflicts all Tacomas, but the 2WD models are fairly agile small pickups. The high-riding 4x4s and PreRunners suffer the expected extra body lean in turns. Test Double Cab with ABS made short, undramatic simulated panic stops, but brake-pedal action was dull, unduly heavy.
QUIETNESS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 3.4 |
Compact-pickup average overall, but road roar and highway wind rush is marked on high-riding big-tire models. V6 suffers a boomy resonance at 4000-5000 rpm; the 4-cyl engines are hoarse and coarse at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.9 |
Design seems dated compared with rivals, and pullout cupholder can block climate controls. But layout is basically handy and logical. Materials and assembly are OK, though recent test Double Cab had annoying squeaks at the base of the windshield.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Good space in all models, though low seats not ideal for long-distance comfort. Tacoma's regular cab is somewhat tighter than Ford Ranger's or Dodge Dakota's. Steep step-in on 4x4s and PreRunners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1.5 |
XtraCab's small jump seats are best left to kids, and lack of rear doors dates this design. Double Cab's hard bench is bolt-upright, too narrow for three adults, and has little leg room with front seats pushed more than halfway back. Small doors mean tight Double Cab entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.7 |
Little behind regular-cab seat. Longer cabs have good storage space, but folding up the rear seats exposes upholstered undersides; hard plastic would be less susceptible to ripping.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Tacoma's is among the oldest designs in its class, and prices soar fast with just a few options. However, Tacoma remains the best-selling import-brand compact pickup and a Recommended choice largely because of its toughness, Toyota reliability, and high resale value.
Total Score
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 41 | 46 | 42 | 39.5 |
Total Score: 42
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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