Overview

What's New
The 2007 Tacoma gets a revised instrument panel, larger front seats, and new stereo head units. Access Cab (extended cab) models in Sport trim get a "walk-in memory" feature, and the optional electronic stability control system can now be disabled.

Overview
Rugged compact pickups have been an integral part of Toyota's lineup for decades. The latest version, the Tacoma, is available in a variety of models from stripped-down bench-seat work truck to the high-performance X-Runner. The Tacoma is available in three cab choices: Regular Cab, Access Cab, and Double Cab, the latter offering a choice of long (73.5-inch) or short (60.3-inch) beds. The Tacoma is available as a 4x2, 4x4, or PreRunner, which combines the high ground clearance of a 4x4 with a 4x2 drivetrain.

Toyota offers the Tacoma with both four- and six-cylinder engines. A 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 hp and 180 lb.-ft. of torque is available in 4x2 models (with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmissions) as well as PreRunners and 4x4s without a Double Cab (manual transmission only). A 4.0-liter V-6 (236 hp, 266 lb.-ft. of torque) is available in PreRunner and 4x4 Access Cabs (with 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions) and Double Cabs (automatic only, except the 4x4 short bed). Toyota also offers the X-Runner exclusively in 4x2 Access Cab format with a manual transmission. With a specially lowered and stiffened suspension, X-braced frame and sporty body kit, Toyota claims this "muscle truck" can run 0-60 mph in less than 7 seconds and pull a sports-car-like 0.9g on the skidpad.

The Tacoma has a payload capacity ranging from 910 pounds (X-Runner) to 1,685 pounds (PreRunner Regular Cab), with towing capacities that range from 3,500 pounds to 6,000 pounds (Access Cab V-6 and Double Cab V-6 with the optional towing package). On the safety front, all Tacomas have anti-lock brakes; front-seat side air bags and two-row side curtain air bags are optional on Double Cab Tacomas. Electronic stability control is optional on all Tacomas, and 4x4 V-6 models so equipped feature Downhill Assist Control, which regulates downhill speed on slippery surfaces.

The Competition
The Toyota Tacoma competes in the Midsize Pickup segment, which consists of 11 models. Buyers in this segment look for reliability, quality, and performance, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study.^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Toyota Tacoma (178,351 units sold), Chevrolet Colorado (93,876), and Ford Ranger (92,420). The Toyota Tacoma's 178,351 sales in 2006 represent an increase of 5.6 percent compared to the previous year. Other models offered in the Midsize Pickup segment include the Nissan Frontier, Dodge Dakota, Ford Explorer Sport Trac, Honda Ridgeline, and GMC Canyon.