2005-2008 Toyota Tacoma: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2005-2008 Toyota Tacoma and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Rear-seat room/comfort (ext. cab)
- Fuel economy
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota's compact pickup came in three cab styles: regular cab, extended Access Cab with rear-hinged rear doors, and the Double Cab with four conventional side doors. Regular cabs had bucket seats or a three-passenger bench. The others seated five via front bucket seats and a three-place rear bench. Regular cabs and Access Cabs used 6-ft-long cargo beds, Double Cabs 5- and 6-ft beds; all had a dent-resistant plastic liner. Tacoma offered two engines. The 159-hp 4-cyl teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. The 236-hp V6 teamed with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. Both were available with rear-wheel drive or with 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but has low-range gearing. ABS was standard for all Tacomas. An antiskid system was optional, as was a limited-slip rear differential. Available for off-roading were a locking rear differential and hill ascent and descent control. Available for Double Cabs were front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Among special models, the 2WD PreRunner had a raised suspension and other 4WD styling cues. The sporty X-Runner was an Access Cab with V6, 6-speed manual transmission, aero lower body trim, low-riding sport suspension, and 18-inch wheels.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | PreRunner Double Cab with V6 and automatic transmission Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2005-2008 Toyota Tacoma. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2005-2008 Toyota Tacoma.
Year to Year Changes
2006 Toyota Tacoma:
No changes for 2006.
2007 Toyota Tacoma:
Toyota's compact pickup got some interior alterations for 2007. All '07 Tacomas got larger front seats, redesigned audio units, and bright dashboard trim.
2008 Toyota Tacoma:
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma is largely unchanged.
Our road test for the 2005-2008 Toyota Tacoma includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2005-2008 Toyota Tacoma and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2005-2008 Toyota Tacoma is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Toyota says a 4WD Tacoma V6 with automatic transmission does 0-60 mph in about 7.5 sec, and the X-Runner in less than 7 sec. Both claims sound reasonable, as the V6 feels strong at all speeds. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and downshifts quickly for more passing power. The manual transmission has smooth clutch, shifter action. Fuel economy is decent, given the power. Consumer Guide's extended-use automatic-transmission 4WD Double Cab averaged 16.6 mpg during its stay. Consumer Guide was not given an opportunity to measure fuel economy with 4-cylinder or manual-transmission models. Tacoma rides well, though the optional TRD Off-Road suspension feels stiff. So does X-Runner, with its sport suspension and low-profile tires. The X-Runner has nearly sports-car moves, with little body lean in fast corners and strong brakes. PreRunner and 4x4 models exhibit more body lean and less braking prowess, but are on par with most class rivals. Tacoma is generally quiet, with modest wind noise, but the available off-road tires whine annoyingly at highway speeds. The V6 engine emits a refined growl under acceleration, but cruises quietly. Climate and audio controls are clearly marked. All controls work with smooth precision. Hard-plastic trim dominates the interior. Up front, there's fine head and legroom. All models tested had the available sport seats, which are comfortable and have prominent bolsters for good support in fast corners. Shorter drivers may wish for seat-height adjustment, which isn't offered. Extended cab models have little legroom, even with front seats well forward. The seat has a low cushion and bolt-upright seatback, making it uncomfortable even for those who fit. Crew cab seatbacks rest at a more comfortable angle, though legroom is only adequate in those models. The cargo beds have four handy adjustable tie-down hooks along top rail and an optional 115-volt outlet.
Value for the Money
Tacoma's performance, accommodations, off-road prowess, and utility are competitive with most rivals. The crew cab's available curtain side airbags are an important safety plus.
Tacoma's performance, accommodations, off-road prowess, and utility are competitive with most rivals. The crew cab's available curtain side airbags are an important safety plus.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | PreRunner Double Cab with V6 and automatic transmission Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 6 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 7 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 8 | |
| Total Score: | 52 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Tacoma includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Tacoma .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Check-engine light:
The check engine light may come on due to a leak in the EVAP system requiring replacement of the fuel pump assembly plus installation of a fuel tank protection cover (excluding D-Cab short bed). (2005)
Cold-starting problems:
Engine may not start in freezing weather due to fuel pump failure requiring replacement of the pump assembly. (2005)
Doors:
The original tailgate may bend under heavy loads and an improved, reinforced tailgate is available. (2005-07)
Oil leak:
Oil may leak from the timing cover seal on the 2.7L, four-cylinder engine. (2005-06)
Suspension noise:
Knocking noises from the rear of the vehicle are corrected by installing spring silencers between the spring leaves. (2005)
Suspension noise:
Knocking noises under the front or rear of the cab are corrected by installation of revised cab mounting cushions. (2005)
Transmission problems:
The manual transmission may be difficult to get into gear or grind between gears due to carpet pad being too thick and new padding and a redesigned pedal assembly have been released. (2005-06)
Vehicle shake:
The optional skid plate causes vehicle vibrations above 65 mph and a revised, reinforced skid plate is available. (2005)
Water leak:
Water leaks are most likely due to inadequate sealer on the front cowl seams at the top and/or the bottom. (2005)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $600 |
| Alternator | $380 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $4,430 |
| Brakes | $340 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $890 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,860 |
| Exhaust System | $650 |
| Radiator | $735 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $450 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Tacoma details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 2008 | |||
| Tacoma 4-cyl. | $13,000-19,000 | $11,800-17,300 | $7,500-11,000 |
| Tacoma V6 | $18,500-23,000 | $17,000-21,200 | $11,800-14,700 |
| 2007 | |||
| Tacoma 4-cyl. | $11,300-16,500 | $10,200-14,900 | $6,200-9,100 |
| Tacoma V6 | $16,700-21,500 | $15,200-19,600 | $10,700-13,800 |
| 2006 | |||
| Tacoma 4-cyl. | $9,800-15,200 | $8,800-13,700 | $5,100-7,900 |
| Tacoma V6 | $15,000-19,800 | $13,700-18,000 | $9,500-12,500 |
| 2005 | |||
| Tacoma 4-cyl. | $8,700-13,800 | $7,800-12,400 | $4,500-7,200 |
| Tacoma V6 | $13,500-16,500 | $12,300-15,000 | $8,000-9,700 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Tacoma include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | crew cab | crew cab long bed | ext. cab | reg. cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 127.8 | 140.9 | 127.2 | 109.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 208.1 | 221.3 | 208.1 | 190.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 74.6 | 74.6 | 72.2 | 72.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 70.1 | 70.1 | 65.7 | 65.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3810 | 4100 | 3425 | 3140 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1540 | 1485 | 1615 | 1685 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.0 | 21.0 | 21.0 | 21.0 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 40.1 | 40.1 | 39.9 | 40.0 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.5 | 35.2 | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.6 | 32.6 | 28.2 | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Tacomas are powered by either a 159-horsepower 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, or a 236-horsepower 4.0-liter V6. Manual and automatic transmissions are available.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 4.0 / 241 | 236 | 266 | 6-speed manual: 16/21 5-speed automatic: 18/22 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 16.6 |
| dohc I4 | 2.7 / 163 | 159 | 180 | 5-speed manual: 21/27 4-speed automatic: 20/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Tacoma include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2006 Toyota Tacoma |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2005-2008 Toyota Tacoma directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2005 Toyota Tacoma:
A faulty airbag inflator could fail to trigger bag deployment in impact, potentially resulting in additional injury in case of impact. Dealers replaced faulty airbag assemblies as necessary.
2006 Toyota Tacoma:
Faulty tire mounting could result in tire failure and loss of vehicle control. Dealers replaced damaged tires as necessary.
2007 Tacoma 4WD:
A section of the rear propeller shaft may have been improperly cast. The front side of the rear propeller shaft could separate at the joint and come into contact with the road surface which could result in a loss of vehicle control. Dealers will replace the rear propeller shaft with a new one.
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