2002 Toyota Tacoma: Overview
Archived Review
2002 Toyota Tacoma ▼
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- MSRP: $11,900 -$22,120
- Invoice: $11,008 -$20,018
Features & Specifications
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Pros
- Build quality
- Exterior finish
Cons
- Rear-seat comfort (extended cab)
- Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab)
- Ride (4WD models)
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota's compact pickup continues for 2002 in three body styles. Crew-cab Tacomas are badged Double Cabs and have four conventional side doors and a 3-place rear bench seat. Regular cabs and extended Xtracabs have two doors. Xtracabs have two forward-facing rear jump seats. A V6 and two 4-cyl engines are offered, all with manual or automatic transmission. Tacoma comes in rear-wheel drive or with 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but has low-range gearing. Options include ABS and a flare-fender StepSide cargo box. Specialty 2WD PreRunners have 4x4 styling cues.
COMPETITION
Among compact pickups two vehicles really stand out: The Dodge Dakota and the Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda Truck). Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine, full-time 4WD, and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.
This year we are limiting our Recommended choice to the Toyota Tacoma. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.
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Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Rating | Compact Pickup Truck Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration | 3 | 4.2 |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | 4.2 |
| Ride Quality | 3 | 3.6 |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | 3.4 |
| Quietness | 4 | 3.4 |
| Controls | 6 | 5.9 |
| Details | ||
| Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) | 3 | 4 |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | 1.5 |
| Cargo Room | 1 | 2.7 |
| Value within Class | 7 | 6.6 |
| Total Score: | 37 | 39.5 |
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