2005 Toyota Tacoma

Toyota's Tacoma has turned a corner. Back when it was introduced in 1995, this tough little truck endeared itself to a wide range of pickup enthusiasts, resulting in it having one of the highest resale values on the market. Tampering with success, Toyota wisely noted the general trend of the truck market, where bigger means better. So the new Tacoma is much beefier and more brawny. Instead of a compact pickup, the new Tacoma is a midsize truck that almost looks like a full-size rig.

That change in size is no illusion or trick of styling. Compared with the previous design, the Tacoma is nearly half a foot longer, four inches wider and roughly two inches taller, depending on the model (Regular, Access and Double Cab). Most interior dimensions have increased as well, notably the crew-cab models where the back seats are now comfortable enough for adult passengers.


For 2005, the Access Cab gains rear-hinged rear doors; the Double Cab retains four conventional side doors. Both have front bucket seats and a 3-place rear bench seat for 5-passenger capacity. Regular cabs come with front bucket seats or a 3-passenger bench.


One thing that hasn't changed, though, is the versatility of the lineup, with 18 model configurations across four cab-bed combinations. The wheelbase lengths range from 109.4 to 140.9 inches, and cargo beds extend from 60.3 to 73.5 inches, with various combinations of those lengths available. All of these variations come in either in 2- or 4-wheel drive.

Moreover, if you like the look of a 4x4, but prefer two-wheel drive, the Tacoma also continues with the very popular PreRunner models. They have the lifted suspension of the four-wheel-drive trucks sans the actual four-wheel-drive running gear.