Tacoma has long been a top-rated compact pickup at Consumer Guide. Toyota redesigned it for 2005, giving it more power, more room, and important safety features. We were eager to see what effect these changes had on America's best-selling import-brand pickup.
Our '05 extended-use tester was a very well-equipped 4WD 4-door crew cab with the 245-hp V6 and automatic transmission. This V6 has 55 hp more than the engine it replaces and furnishes plenty of smooth power, aided by the quick-shifting transmission. Our test truck included curtain side airbags, one of those important new safety features. The option costs just $500, but is available only on the Double Cab.
The Double Cab's rear seat is at least moderately comfortable for adults, a plus in a compact pickup. And we liked how the rear seats fold to provide a flat, hard-surface load floor. There's adult-space aplenty in front, but few of our testers were able to get comfortable in the driver seat, which is set low to the floor and isn't available with a height adjustment. Adding to the discomfort was the rough ride of the TRD Off-Road Package. It's a rugged setup that helps Tacoma maintain its sterling off-road reputation, but it's also try-before-you-buy firm.
Even so, Tacoma remains the most refined compact pickup on the market. Power, safety features, and cabin room keep it atop the class and again make it a Consumer Guide Best Buy.
Editors' Comments
Kirk Bell: In a class where some trucks are too big and some are too small, Tacoma is just right. The back seat is adult friendly, but the Tacoma isn't a full-size pickup in midsize clothing, like the Dakota. The V6 is plenty powerful, and the interior materials are appropriate for the price. I'd avoid our long-term-tester's $3000 TRD package: It exacerbates a common flaw of most pickups, making the ride even choppier. As an added plus, you can't beat Tacoma's resale values.
John Biel: With about five grand in options-including a $3700 Off-Road Package-this test vehicle crosses the $30,000 barrier. Most of those options make it a more capable truck, however, which is to the good. How is it, by the way, that this vehicle comes with a fully lined and accessorized cargo bed, and a "luxury truck" like the Lincoln Mark LT comes with nothing more than an entry-level painted metal bed?
Chuck Giametta: We loaded the bed with 700 pounds or so of damp wood chips, and the Tacoma barely seemed to notice. Credit the strong engine and a tough suspension that can stand up to real work, and to real off-roading.
| 2005 Toyota Tacoma |  |
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| Bodystyle: | Crew cab long bed |
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| Model: | Base 4WD Double Cab |
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| Engine: | 245-hp 4.0-liter V6 |
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| Transmission: | 5-speed manual |
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| Total Miles: | 6680 |
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| CG Observed Fuel Economy: | 16.6 mpg |
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| Problems During Test: |
None |
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| Base Price: | $24,750 |
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| Price as Tested: | $30,424 |
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| Major Options: | 6-disc CD changer, curtain side airbags, TRD Off-Road Package, daytime running lights, carpeted floormats, bed mat |
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