CanadianDriver's New Car Buyer's Guide 2006:
Toyota Tacoma
Freshly redesigned in 2005, the Toyota Tacoma moves into 2006 with no changes.
Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Toyota
The Tacoma is available in two body styles, an Access Cab with rear-hinged secondary access doors, and the Double Cab, with fully independent rear doors. (A regular-cab model for the U.S. market is unavailable in Canada.) Both are available in two- or four-wheel-drive.
The Access Cab 4x2 is powered by an inline four-cylinder and includes a five-speed manual (a four-speed automatic is optional), CD player with six speakers, front bucket seats, rear folding jump seats, telescopic wheel, 15-inch steel wheels, dual manual remote mirrors, fixed intermittent wipers, and removable tailgate. An optional package including air conditioning, power windows and locks, cruise control, variable-intermittent wipers and a leather-wrapped wheel can be added.
The Prerunner Double Cab 4x2 carries a 4.0-litre V6 and comes exclusively with a five-speed automatic. It has the same features as the Access Cab, plus air conditioning, 16-inch steel wheels, a 60/40 folding rear bench seat, power locks, power windows, fender flares and power mirrors. A Sport package including a limited slip differential, Bilstein shocks, aluminum alloy wheels, sport seats, sliding rear window, variable intermittent wipers and cruise control can be added.
The Access Cab 4x4 comes with the 4.0-litre V6 and a six-speed manual transmission that can be optioned up to a five-speed automatic. Features include air conditioning, CD player with six speakers, front bucket seats, rear folding jump seats, 16-inch steel wheels, dual manual remote mirrors, fixed intermittent wipers and removable tailgate.
The Double Cab 4x4 is powered by the V6 and comes either with a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. Both models include air conditioning with rear seat heater ducts, CD player with six speakers, 60/40 split rear bench seat, power locks and windows and power mirrors. Towing packages can be added to all 4x4 models.
All models come with a cargo box made with a new composite material that’s lighter and more durable, and resistant to deformation, impact damage and rust than a conventional box. Styling by big-truck manufacturer Hino, a division of Toyota, gives it a muscular, in-your-face appearance that hides the fact that this a smooth-riding truck with intelligently-placed controls, a high level of refinement and a solid, built-to-last feeling to it.
Resources: