2004 Toyota Tacoma: Road Test
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2004 Toyota Tacoma ▼
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- MSRP: $12,460 -$22,700
- Invoice: $11,524 -$20,544
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Our road test for the 2004 Toyota Tacoma includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Toyota Tacoma from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Toyota Tacoma, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Toyota Tacoma help you decide if a 2004 Toyota Tacoma is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.6 |
Tacoma's 4-cyl engines are acceptable for light-duty work, but the V6 is the best choice for any model. Test 2WD V6/automatic PreRunner Double Cab did a respectable 9.7 sec 0-60 mph. Tacoma matches domestic rivals in payload, but towing limits are at least 1000 lb lower. 4WD Tacomas are a favorite of serious off-roaders. However, the base 4WD system requires the vehicle be backed up a few feet to fully disengage 4WD; that's not necessary with the "selector switch" option available on V6 Xtracabs and Double Cabs.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
In our tests, V6 Xtracabs averaged 16.1 mpg with 4WD and manual transmission, 19.4 with 2WD and automatic. A 4WD Double Cab averaged 17.3 mpg, a 2WD V6 Double Cab PreRunner 15.1. All engines use regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
PreRunners and 4WD Tacomas can get bouncy with their stiff suspension and big tires, but are no less comfortable than most rivals. Regular 2WD versions have a pleasant, almost carlike ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Slightly numb steering afflicts all models. Regular-cab 2WDs are fairly agile small pickups. High-riding 4WDs and PreRunners suffer expected extra body lean in turns. Test PreRunners made short, undramatic simulated panic stops, but with dull, heavy brake-pedal action.
QUIETNESS
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Class-average overall, but road roar, highway wind rush marked on high-riding big-tire models. V6 suffers boomy resonance at 4000-5000 rpm; 4-cyl engines are hoarse and coarse at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 |
Design dated compared to some rivals, and pullout cupholder can block climate controls, but layout 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)
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
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)
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1.9 |
Xtracab's small jump seats are best left to kids, and lack of rear doors a competitive minus. Double Cab has hard, bolt-upright bench and little leg room with front seats pushed more than halfway back. And its small doors mean tight entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.1 |
Little behind regular-cab seat. Longer cabs have good storage space, but folding up the rear seats exposes upholstered undersides; hard plastic would show less wear and tear.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Tacoma's design is among the oldest in its class, and prices soar fast with just a few options. But this is still a good choice largely because of its toughness, Toyota reliability, and high resale value.
Total Score
| 2WD Base reg. cab, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 auto | 4WD Xtracab, V6 man. | 4WD Double Cab | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 40 | 39 | 40 | 40.2 |
Total Score: 39
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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