2008 Toyota Tacoma

Most of the truck buzz at Toyota in recent times has been tied to Tundra. The company rattled the Big Three's cage, rolling out a full line of full-size trucks, to go head to head in the marketplace.


Meanwhile, flying beneath the radar was Toyota's former top truck, Tacoma. Introduced in 1995, the midsize pickup has proven its value to the company in two ways. The first is the simplest: Tacoma has become the top selling truck in its segment. The second reason is less obvious but no less important. Tacoma provided a template for Toyota to follow in the development of Tundra. Tacoma secured its market share by offering the kind of soup-to-nuts variety that American pickup buyers have come to expect—and demand. When Tundra followed in 2007, it largely followed the same game plan.

Power & Performance

For 2008, Tacoma is available with two engines, two drivetrains, three cab sizes, and five wheelbases. Engine choices include a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 4.0-liter V-6. The former is rated at 159 horsepower (@ 5,200 rpm) and 180 lb.-ft. of torque (@ 3,800 rpm). EPA estimates fuel economy at 20/25 city/highway with manual transmission models; 19/25 with the automatic. The bigger motor makes 236 horsepower (@ 5,200 rpm) and 266 lb.-ft. of torque (@ 3,800 rpm). EPA says you can expect 15-16 mpg in the city (depending on transmission choice) and 18-20 over the highway. Our test truck was fitted with the V6/5-speed automatic combination. It's a smooth pairing: the six comes off the line briskly and has plenty of power to pass. The transmission keeps you dialed into the power supply and shifts quietly. If towing is in your plans, you'll want to check the V6 Towing Package on the option sheet. Your $650 buys a Class 4 hitch, transmission and supplemental oil coolers, heavy-duty battery and alternator and a 7-pin connector with converter. So equipped, Tacoma will haul up to 6,500 lbs.


Anti-lock Brakes with Electronic Brake-force distribution and Brake Assist are standard equipment on all models; Vehicle Stability Control is optional. VSC includes traction control and on some models, a limited-slip differential as well. On Tacomas with automatic transmission, the VSC package includes a Hill-start assist, to guard against rollback. Tacomas equipped with four-wheel drive, V6, VSC and the Off-Road Package also are fitted with Downhill Assist Control, to keep a steady pace on descents.

Features & Options

Tacoma is offered in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations. Pick the latter and switching between 4x2 and 4x4 high and low ranges is as simple as twisting a dashboard dial. Regular, stretched (Access) and full, four door (Double) cabs are available. The Regular cab 4x2 rolls on a 109.5-inch (110 inches in 4x4s) wheelbase and packs a six-foot bed (73.5 inches). Ditto on the bed size for Access models; Toyota's cab-and-a-half's are on a 127.2-inch wheelbase (4x2) or 127.8-inch (4x4). The Double Cabs can be had two ways. The short box model (60.3-inch bed) shares the 127.8-inch platform, while long box versions (73.5 inches) roll on a 140.9-inch wheelbase.