2006 Toyota Tacoma: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Toyota's compact pickup offers three cab styles: regular cab, extended Access Cab with rear-hinged rear doors, and the Double Cab with four conventional side doors. Regular cabs have bucket seats or a three-passenger bench. The others seat five via front bucket seats and a three-place rear bench.

Regular cabs and Access Cabs use 6-ft-long cargo beds, Double Cabs 5- and 6-ft beds; all have a dent-resistant plastic liner. Tacoma offers two engines. The 159-hp 4-cyl teams with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. The 236-hp V6 teams with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. Both are 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 is standard for all Tacomas. An antiskid system is optional, as is a limited-slip rear differential. Available for off-roading are locking rear differential and hill ascent and descent control. Available for Double Cabs are front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Among special models, the 2WD PreRunner has a raised suspension and other 4WD styling cues. The sporty X-Runner is an Access Cab with V6, 6-speed manual transmission, aero lower body trim, low-riding sport suspension, and 18-inch wheels.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Pickups offer a true-truck design in a relatively modest package. They are best suited for personal or light-duty use rather than commercial use, heavy hauling, or towing.

Our Best Buy is Toyota Tacoma. Our Recommended picks include Dodge Dakota and Honda Ridgeline.

New or significantly redesigned models include Isuzu i-280/i-350 and Mitsubishi Raider.