>>Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma
Manufacturer	Toyota NUMMI Hino
Production	1995–present
Assembly	Tecate, Mexico Fremont, California Hamura, Japan
Class	Compact pickup truck (1995-2004) Mid-size pickup truck (2005-present)
Body style(s)	2-door truck 4-door truck
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel drive/Four-wheel drive

The Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck manufactured by the Toyota Motor Company since 1995. It is essentially the Toyota Hilux modified and rebadged for North America. The second-generation Tacoma was Motor Trend Magazine's Truck of the Year for 2005. Currently, it is America's best selling mid-size or compact-size pickup.

First Generation (1995-2004)

First generation
Production	1995-2004
Engine(s)	2.4 L I4 142 horsepower (106 kW) 2.7 L I4 150 horsepower (112 kW) 3.4 L V6 190 horsepower (142 kW)
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	103.3 in (2624 mm) 121.9 in (3096 mm)
Curb weight	(3155 lbs) (3877 lbs)
Fuel capacity	57.2 litres (15.1 US gal/12.6 imp gal) 70 litres (18.5 US gal/15.4 imp gal)
Related	Toyota Hilux Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Toyota 4Runner/Hilux Surf Toyota Tundra Toyota T100

The Tacoma name was introduced in 1995, originating from the world-wide Hilux. The Hilux was sold in the United States until 1995 (simply as a "Toyota pickup").

There were a total of three engines available for the Toyota Tacoma: the 2.4 L four cylinder rated at 142 horsepower (106 kW) and 160 ft·lbf (217 N·m) of torque, the 2.7 L four cylinder rated at 150 horsepower (112 kW) and 177 ft·lbf (240 N·m) of torque, and the 3.4 L six cylinder rated at 190 horsepower (142 kW) and 220 ft·lbf (298 N·m) of torque. The 2.4 L engine was only available in the 2wd model, and the 2.7 L was only available in the 4x4 and Pre-Runner models. The 2.4 L gave a highly useful 29 mpg (U.S.) (8 L/100 km) (hwy), the 2.7 L gave 26 mpg (U.S.) (9 L/100 km) (hwy), and the 3.4 L delivered 22 mpg (U.S.) (11 L/100 km) (hwy).

Two-wheel drive Tacomas had 5-stud wheel lug patterns. The 2.4 L and 3.4 L engines were available in this vehicle depending on options. Automatic and manual transmissions were available.

Four-wheel drive Tacomas had six-stud wheel lug patterns, which had been used on the prior pickups (pre-Tacoma trucks). The truck's frame is fully boxed until immediately after the front leaf spring mount bracket where is transitions into a c-frame section. The 3.4 V6's manual transmission was an R150F while the automatic transmission was an A340F (Asian code is 30-40LE). From 95-97 Single cab Tacoma's had the option of a manual transmission with the 3.4 V6 engine. From 98 on, the single cabs only got a 2.7 4-cyl from factory. TRD packages started in 98 (if the V6 engine was selected, you got a differential locker in the rear).

Prerunner models started in 98. They share the same front and rear suspension parts and geometry, frame, styling and engine options as the 4x4 Tacomas of this year range. Prerunner Tacomas also had the option of the TRD Off-Road package which (like the 4x4) got a rear differential locker if it was a V6 model (among other suspension variations). One downside is there was not option of a 5-speed transmission. The V6 Tacoma automatic transmissions were an A340E. Because of the similarities in the Prerunner and 4x4 models, some people have used stock 4x4 Tacoma parts on their Prerunner model to convert it to 4x4.

In its first couple years of production the Tacoma sold very well, attracting many young buyers. The first generation Tacoma underwent a total of two cosmetic facelifts: the first in 1998, and the second in 2001. The facelifts mainly entailed new headlights and grills. Mechanical changes included a switch to distibutorless ignitions (coil-on-plug) in 1997 and in 1998 longer rear leaf springs. All 4x4 models came with Toyota's Automatic Differential Disconnect (ADD) system after the 2000 model year.

The only extra feature in 2001 was a new crew cab (four door) model added to the lineup. This new crew cab model marked a new era in Toyota's history. The crew cab featured four doors, while the extended cabs still opened with two doors. The extended cab featured a 6-foot (2 m) bed while the crew cab featured a 5 foot 5 inch bed. Many customers were upset with small crew cab beds, but most competitors shared this shortcoming.

In 2001, along with the front facelift, Toyota had also unveiled an S-Runner trim package which included the 3.4 liter V6 engine. It came with 16 inch alloy wheels, and a 5 speed manual transmission with Tokico Gas shocks. There were only 200 produced each month from 2001-2004. By 2003 the Tacoma had gained 16.5 percent sales from its previous years. The Tacoma's popularity only increased in the next few years. By 2004 it was ahead of the Nissan Frontier, and Dodge Dakota, but still 2.2 percent behind in sales to the Ford Ranger.

1998-2000 Toyota Tacoma extended cab

2001-2004 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

Second Generation (2005-Present)

Second generation
Production	2005-present
Engine(s)	2.7 L (159 hp) 4.0 L (236 hp)
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual
Curb weight	(3550 lb) (3950 lb)
Fuel capacity	79.9 litres (21.1 US gal/17.6 imp gal)
Related	Toyota Hilux Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Toyota 4Runner/Hilux Surf Toyota Tundra Toyota FJ Cruiser

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner extended cab

At the 2004 Chicago Auto Show, Toyota unveiled a bigger and more powerful Tacoma. This new Tacoma was available in eighteen different configurations, that included three cab configurations, four transmissions, two engines, and two bed lengths. Toyota also introduced an X-Runner trim, which replaces the slow selling S-Runner trim from the previous generation. The X-Runner features a 4.0 liter V6 with a six speed manual transmission, 18 in (457.2 mm)ch alloy wheels, and lowered suspension. The Tacoma's all new 4.0 liter V6 took the place of the original 3.4 liter V6. The new 4.0 liter V6 had many enhancements, such as a new 6500 pound tow rating, and a payload capacity of 1650 pounds. The 4.0 liter produces 236 horsepower and 266 foot-pounds of torque. The smaller, 4 cylinder alternative to the 4.0 in less expensive models is the rated at 159 horsepower (119 kW) and 180 ft·lbf (244 N·m). of torque. At 2.7 liters, it is much different than its predecessor 3RZ-FE, in that it has VVT-i and different build material. Toyota also included a Down-Hill Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-Side Assist Control (HAC), with models that were equipped with the optional Toyota Racing Development (TRD) packages. A locking rear differential, limited-slip differential were also some optional features. Every Tacoma was manufactured with a composite inner bed that includes a deck rail system with four tie down cleats, hook-pins, storage boxes, and a power outlet (models with TRD packages). The tie down cleats are rated to hold up to 220 lb (100 kg). The 2006 model Tacoma was a bit different from the 2005 model. The 2006 model made some options standard. Minor changes have been made to the 2007 models such as new engine which runs on regular gasoline and delivers better fuel economy than the previous models, and the seating system was updated. Toyota also added 2 new interior colors for 2007 model year. 2008 models are carry on's from 2007. The second generation Tacomas are assembled in Fremont, California while the beds are built in Mexico.

AfterMarket

The 2RZ-FE and 3RZ-FE both have a supercharger available through TRD (Toyota Racing Development). The supercharger is manufactured by Alpine Developments. This kit is rated at an increase of 50% horsepower at 8 psi of boost. The most commonly seen is the TRD supercharger available for the 5VZ-FE V6, which is manufactured by Magnuson Products. This particular supercharger is rated to increase horsepower from 190 to 251.

U.S Sales

Tacoma sales in the U.S. have risen steadily in the past few years. By 2004 (calendar year) it lagged the perennial segment leader, the Ford Ranger, by just 2.2%; a year later it was leading by nearly 40% and in 2006, it had extended that lead to an impressive 93%. Toyota sells around 190,000 Tacomas annually. In 2005 Toyota Motor Corporation sold 189,987 Tacomas, better than any other compact pickup in its class. Tacoma sales make about 10 percent of Toyota Motor Corporations annual sales. From March 2006 to March 2007 Tacoma sales have steadily risen. In March of 2006 Toyota sold 9,185 (2x4) Tacoma's, in March 2007 Toyota sold 10,851 (2x4) Tacomas. Over the summer of 2007 Toyota broke records selling over 60,000 Tacomas in a 3 month period. Consumer reports show an increase in sales (up 7.6 percent from August 2006).

Monthly U.S. sales

Jun 2008	May 2008	Apr 2008	Mar 2008	Feb 2008	Jan 2008	Dec 2007	Nov 2007	Oct 2007	Sep 2007	Aug 2007	Jul 2007
								20,155	21,445	19,992	22,987
Jun 2007	May 2007	Apr 2007	Mar 2007	Feb 2007	Jan 2007	Dec 2006	Nov 2006	Oct 2006	Sep 2006	Aug 2006	Jul 2006
20,881	21,929	21,567	20,036	17,236	17,766	17,007	16,554	20,889	19,542	17,887	16,776
Jun 2006	May 2006	Apr 2006	Mar 2006	Feb 2006	Jan 2006	Dec 2005	Nov 2005	Oct 2005	Sep 2005	Aug 2005	Jul 2005
17,542	18,765	19,443	20,442	17,766	15,443	15,566	15,772	16,207	17,887	18,889	17,109

Toyota Racing Development

Since 1996 Toyota added a new Toyota Racing Development (TRD) off road package. The package includes off road tires, 16 inch alloy wheels, TRD shocks, a locking rear differential, and the TRD graphics. In 2003 Toyota introduced a TRD sport package on the Toyota Tundra full-size pickup. This package was not available until 2005 for the Tacoma. This package includes street performance tires, 17 inch alloy wheels, shocks, race inspired hood, and TRD sport graphics. It is also about 200 dollars more expensive than the original TRD off road package.

Trivia

• The name Tacoma comes from a Native American word that refers to Mount Rainier, which is near Tacoma, Washington. Before 1995 it was called the Toyota Hilux outside the U.S. Toyota Truck or Truck in the U.S. market.

• The Tacoma is assembled in Fremont, California, while the beds are made in Mexico. The Tacoma also shares its assembly plant with Saturn Corporation and Pontiac.

• The Tacoma was The Motor Trend truck of the year for 2005.

• The Tacoma has been Intellichoice's Mid-size Truck of The Year for the past five years.

• Toyota recent attempted to reach out to young buyers with a World of Warcraft based ad. Widely circulated in YouTube, the player exclaims he will equip his "Four Wheels of Fury!", and then kills a dragon with it while exclaiming that "I am the Law-Giver!"