Powerful all-new Tacoma the roomiest yet
This week we test-drive the 2005 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4. We’ll do our best to tell you all about the new Tacoma, but it won’t be easy — there are 18 varieties from which to choose.
Yes, from the tricked-out X-Runner to the double-cab long bed, Toyota has put together an impressive lineup. The all-new Tacoma is the roomiest ever and offers the stiffest chassis yet. Combine that with great power and looks, and Toyota has further solidified its reputation in the truck world.
The Double Cab 4x4 is at the upper end of the price range for the various Tacomas, with the most basic 4x2 models starting at about $13,000. That’s fine for those on a budget, but you get so much more by moving up the ladder.
The Double Cab comes with a 245-horsepower, four-liter DOHC V-6 engine with 24-valves and variable valve timing. (It really hauls!) With 55 more horsepower than its 3.4-liter predecessor, it’s got the snap to jump into the passing lane on the interstate, and the added torque to pull through tough spots off-road. Its fuel mileage numbers, however, are far from stellar at 17 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.
Other mechanical highlights include a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering and power-assisted front disc and rear drum brakes.
Of course, Toyota doesn’t play games when it comes to equipping its vehicles for off-road fun. The new Tacoma features the 4WDemand 4x4 system with electronically controlled two-speed transfer case; a coil-over shock, double A-arm front suspension; multi-leaf rear suspension with staggered outboard mounted shocks; and a front stabilizer bar.
Our tester’s performance was enhanced by the optional $950 Vehicle Stability Control option and traction control with automatic limited-slip differential and hill-start ascent control — all well worth the price if you plan on roughing up your shiny new Tacoma.
The 6-foot bed features an SMC composite inner liner with steel outer panels, rail caps and removable tailgate. The exterior has black features in the grille, bumpers, overfenders, handles and outside mirrors, helping create Tacoma’s tough look.
The Double Cab came standard with a long list of safety features, including four-wheel ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags and side-door impact beams. For an extra $650, you can get curtain airbags and driver and front passenger seat side airbags.
We nearly forgot to add how comfortable and aesthetically pleasing the Tacoma is inside. The graphite and black combination in our tester fit well with the truck’s classy/tough exterior image. The instrument panel is simple and easy to see, and the control switches are large and exactly where they should be.
Toyota also offers a $1,525 option package that includes remote keyless entry, fog lamps, cruise control, variable intermittent wipers, sliding rear window, sun visors with mirrors and extenders, and about a half-dozen other items. We have to ask, however, why aren’t some of these features standard on a vehicle with a base price nearing $25,000?
Other important numbers include a 140.9-inch wheelbase, 56.7-inch total bed width (41.5 inches between wheel wells), 73.5-inch bed length, 9.5-inch ground clearance, 4,100-pound curb weight, and a 6,500-pound maximum towing capacity.
We expected that if Toyota was going to redesign an already solid pickup truck, the result would be impressive. We were right, and give the new Tacoma a solid 9 on a scale of 1 to 10.
Likes: Off-road performance; power; looks.
Dislikes: It’s an off-road truck, but shouldn’t cruise control be standard?