Toyota Tacoma 2006

Check out our Used Toyota Tacoma Inventory!!!

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 Review 2006

Toyota, Nissan, and Dodge redesigned their smaller pickups from the ground up, keeping little the same but their nameplates; Chevrolet and GMC launched all-new trucks with new names. The latest generation of mid-size trucks features roomier cabs, improved ride quality and increased stability. The boast more power and increased refinement. All are available in the increasingly popular crew cab configuration, and their larger size makes this a more compelling choice. The newest crew cab models are practical alternatives to a sedan, something that wasn't really true of the previous generation. 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.

Tacoma was redesigned and launched as an all-new model for 2005 and there are no significant changes for 2006 

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 2006

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. New for '06 are a standard tire-pressure monitor and service reminder indicator. 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.

First Drive 2006 

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 engine uses dual overhead camshafts and variable valve technology (called VVT-i) to optimize power and torque over a broad range of rpm. In action, it feels refined and delivers responsive performance. The Society of Automotive Engineers, or SAE, has changed the way power is rated, so on paper it looks like the Tacoma's power has been reduced, but in fact the engine hasn't changed for 2006 and offers just as much power as 2005. The Toyota V6 is more powerful than the five-cylinder engine in the Chevy Colorado or the base V6 in the Dodge Dakota, but less powerful than the Nissan Frontier.

The 4.0-liter V6 works well with the five-speed automatic transmission. And that's our first choice for this truck: the V6 and automatic. The 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine does offer better fuel economy than the V6 and can run on less-expensive Regular gas. For 2006, the four-cylinder is rated at 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which about average for the class. 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 steady in sweeping turns and suffers from surprisingly little body roll, or lean, in hard corners. 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. It handles well on rough dirt trails, something we learned while charging up a ski run at Alyeska. 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. The Tacoma doesn't seem to generate as much head toss as earlier 4WD compact pickups, an important consideration when driving long distances over rugged terrain because we don't want to arrive in the backcountry fatigued from driving.

2006 First Conclusions

Toyota Tacoma is among the best of the latest generation of midsize pickups. Edmunds.com praises the roomy interior and style. The Tacoma features a comfortable cab trimmed with quality materials. "The new Tacoma is exceptionally competitive and, more than ever, is among the best pickup truck buys." adds MsnAutos  The 4WD models offer crisp handling, a nicely balanced ride quality, and excellent off-road capability. The TRD models are terrific trucks for rugged terrain. The new X-Runner drives and performs like a sports car.