Toyota Tacoma Overview

Toyota has introduced an all-new Tacoma for 2005. It's new from the ground up and it's a winner. The 2005 Toyota Tacoma improves on all the attributes its loyal owners have cherished in past models, while increasing interior roominess and refinement.

Nearly the entire class of compact pickups is new. Nissan, Dodge, Chevrolet and GMC all have new models, redesigned from the ground up. (Only the aging Ford Ranger remains from the old school, competing almost entirely on price.) This newest generation of trucks is no longer compact, and many manufacturers now consider them midsize.

Their increased size brings roomier cabs, improved ride quality and increased stability. But manufacturers have gone well beyond that. More power and increased refinement are now part of the picture as well. All of them are available in the increasingly popular crew cab configuration, and their larger size makes this a more compelling choice; the newest crew cab models are practical alternatives to a sedan, something that wasn't really true with the previous generation of compact pickups. These trucks still offer more maneuverability than a full-size pickup, while providing serious hauling and towing utility.

With so many good trucks available, this is a fine time to be shopping for a compact pickup. And the Tacoma may be the best of them, with its comfortable cab, excellent handling, and rugged off-road capability. The Tacoma also enjoys Toyota's reputation for quality, durability and reliability. Properly equipped V6 models are rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds.

The 2005 Toyota Tacoma comes in a wide range of models and body styles, ranging from a $14,000 work truck to a 4x4 Double Cab that tops $30,000. The TRD PreRunner models may make you feel like Ivan "Ironman" Stewart getting ready to win another Baja 500, while the sporty X-Runner may make you feel like Rod Millen preparing to blast up the Pike's Peak Hillclimb.