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2005 Toyota Tacoma

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Summary

The Toyota Tacoma may be the best pickup in its class. The Toyota Tacoma was completely just last year, but nearly every truck in this class has been recently redesigned.

Full 2005 Review

The latest generation of mid-size trucks features roomier cabs, improved ride quality and increased stability. The boast more power and increased refinement. Mid-size pickups offer better maneuverability than full-size trucks, while providing serious hauling and towing utility. Tacoma steps to the front of this class with its comfortable cab, refined ride, responsive handling, proven off-road capability, and quality construction. Properly equipped V6 models are rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds. Perhaps most important, Tacoma enjoys Toyota's reputation for quality, durability and reliability.

A wide choice of models is available, ranging from a $14,000 work truck to a $30,000 4x4 Double Cab. The former is among the few regular-cab pickups available today as the market has moved to extended-cab and crew cab styles.

Trims and Styling 2005

Regular Cab, Access Cab (extended cab) and Double Cab (crew cab) body styles are available. All come with six-foot beds; Double Cab is available with a six-foot bed or a five-foot bed.

The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine comes with a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. The 4.0-liter V6 is paired with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic. With either engine you can order two-wheel drive (2WD) or part-time four-wheel drive (4WD).

The base Tacoma 2WD Regular Cab comes standard with anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, a full-size spare tire, AM/FM/CD four-speaker sound system, tachometer, coolant temperature gauge, digital clock, two powerpoints, fuel warning light, dome lamp and rear mudguards. Access Cab and Double Cab models come with more standard features, including bucket seats and a center console. Double Cabs get upgraded seat fabric and power windows, mirrors and door locks. Access and Double Cab models also get upgraded audio systems, including an AM/FM radio with an in-dash six-CD changer and six speakers; Double Cabs also offer a JBL premium audio system with seven speakers, including an amplified subwoofer. Both audio upgrades feature steering wheel audio controls.

Options revolve around five packages: An Enhancement Package for the 2WD Regular Cab adds air conditioning and styled steel wheels. The Convenience Package for the 2WD Regular Cab adds cruise control; remote keyless entry; and power windows, door locks and mirrors. The SR5 Package bundles styling and comfort features, including color-keyed overfenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and chrome rear bumper, center console, intermittent wipers and upgraded interior features and trim. In Access Cab and Double Cab models, the SR5 package also adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.

The Toyota Tacoma is an attractive truck, though not as stylish as those from Nissan, Dodge and other manufacturers. Big headlights and a bold grille highlight the front of the Tacoma. PreRunner and 4x4 models are distinguished by bold overfenders.

The length of the Tacoma varies by body style: Regular Cabs are the shortest, measuring 190.4 inches overall on a 109.4-inch wheelbase. Access Cab and Double Cab short-bed models have a 127.2-inch wheelbase and 208.1-inch overall length. Double Cab long-bed models are quite long at 221.3 inches overall on a 140.9-inch wheelbase. All models have six-foot beds except the Double Cab short-bed, which has a five-foot bed.

Regular Cab models pack lots of cargo space in a relatively small package, good for maneuverability in the big city. Access Cabs feature large dual rear auxiliary doors, not good for people but very good for gear. Double Cabs have long, conventionally hinged rear doors that open 80 degrees for ease of entry or loading gear. Double Cabs offer the comfort of a sport-utility; the long-bed Double Cabs can carry more stuff but are unwieldy in tight places.

Tacoma comes with a composite inner bed, lighter than steel yet tougher and more durable.

Interior Features

All of the latest-generation of mid-size pickups have decent interiors, but the quality of Toyota's interior materials seems just a little better. We found the bucket seats on the upper level models comfortable, with good bolstering, though some thought the seat bottom could be longer and have more thigh support. The manually adjustable seats include lumbar adjustment but no adjustment for seat height or the angle of the seat bottom. The power seats available on the Nissan Frontier have these features. Overall, though the Tacoma provides the driver with a good driving position.

Models with automatics come with a foot-operated parking brake.

The rear seats in the Tacoma Double Cab are particularly comfortable for the class, offering good legroom and shoulder room and decent headroom. The rear-seat area in the Double Cab is good for carrying cargo. The seatbacks are hard, and form a sturdy cargo floor. The Access Cab has rear seats, but they're pretty hopeless for humans.

First Drive 2005

The Toyota Tacoma drives well and cruises nicely, it offers plenty of power from the V6, good handling and feels relatively refined. Off-road models offer better capability over rugged terrain than previous-generation models as well as improved ride comfort.

The 4.0-liter V6 works well with the five-speed automatic transmission. The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine does offer better fuel economy than the V6 and can run on less-expensive Regular gas. The four-cylinder does offer. EPA estimates are 21/27 mpg for 2WD with five-speed manual, 20/27 for 2WD with four-speed automatic. Toyota recommends 87 octane for the four-cylinder. The Tacoma feels big on the road when compared with older compact pickups and, in fact, it is relatively large. It's wider and longer than previous-generation models. The Tacoma Double Cab long bed requires 44 feet to complete a circle, while a Double Cab short bed needs closer to 40 feet. For this reason, we recommend the short bed unless you really need the long bed, in which case we'd recommend the long bed. A base Tacoma Regular Cab boasts a turning circle of less than 37 feet.

On pavement, the 4WD and TRD models seemed smooth and refined. A 4WD TRD model is smooth and highly capable off road. The TRD suspension is excellent on rough, rugged terrain. The Tacoma TRD easily handled an off-road course that featured steep ascents and descents, moguls and a log step. In short, we'd feel comfortable tackling just about any terrain in a Toyota Tacoma. Toyota Tacoma is among the best of the latest generation of midsize pickups.