Toyota Tacomas are well-regarded in the mid-size pickup segment, as evidenced by their traditionally strong resale values. For 2008, all three of the typical pickup body styles are offered: regular cab, Access Cab (extended cab), and Double Cab (crew cab). The 2.7L four-cylinder versions are available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The regular cabs are only available with the four-cylinder. The 4.0L V6 is available with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. All body types are available with a six-foot composite bed, and the Double Cabs also offer a shorter five-foot bed. Model offerings range from the workaday four-cylinder two-wheel-drive regular cab, starting at less than $15,000, all the way up to the V6 four-wheel-drive Double Cab that can be optioned north of $32,000. Within that range, there's something for nearly everyone with an interest in this size pickup.
With the 2005 redesign, the Tacoma got substantially larger, moving firmly into mid-sized territory. For a truck of this size, an impressive 6,500 pounds can be towed behind a properly configured and equipped V6 drivetrain.
Toyota has created model and option choices that allow buyers to project an on-road or off-road personality, to taste. The PreRunner versions add such goodies as raised ride height, a front skid plate, and mud and snow tires to create a four-wheel-drive look on lower-cost two-wheel drive trucks. PreRunner versions of all body types are available. The X-Runner goes in a completely different direction, adding a limited-slip differential, a more rigid and lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires, a hood scoop, and other styling and performance enhancements as befit a street performance machine. The X-Runner is availably only in a two-wheel-drive V6 Access Cab version with a six-speed manual transmission.
The main option packages carry these themes further. The SR5 package adds many of the usual cosmetic and comfort improvements, including chrome exterior accents, upgraded seat fabric, a leather steering wheel, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and more. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) packages are available in both Off-Road and Sport versions. The Off-Road package takes the SR5 package and adds sport seats, off-road suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and progressive-rate front springs, 16-inch aluminum wheels, a locking rear differential, and skid plates. The Sport package is similar, but substitutes a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a limited-slip differential. Both TRD packages add a 115V/400W power outlet in the bed and fog lamps.
Standard on all models are anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. A composite bed with a built-in rail system and adjustable tie-downs is a unique feature. Stability control is available on all models, and can be disengaged as desired.
Toyota Build Quality
Configurable For On- Or Off-road Performance
Composite Cargo Bed.
The Toyota Tacoma was redesigned for the 2005 model year and has experienced few changes since. For 2008, the Tacoma shows up with a base price increase of $100.
Competition is tight in the mid-size pickup segment, and Toyota's 2008 Tacoma responds by offering impressive versatility, including the ability to configure a pickup with either on-road or off-road capability in mind. PreRunner versions add a 4x4 look and ride height to a 4x2 drivetrain, and the X-Runners pair a sport-tuned chassis with the 236-horsepower V6 engine. Additionally, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Off-Road and Sport packages are available on most V6 models to upgrade either trail or pavement performance.
