Toyota Tacoma
| Toyota Tacoma | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Toyota NUMMI Hino |
| Production | 1995–present |
| Assembly | Tecate, Mexico Fremont, California Hamura, Japan |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact pickup truck (1995-2004) Mid-size pickup truck (2005-present) |
| Body style | 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.[citation needed]
First Generation (1995-2004)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1995-2004 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Layout | Toyota 4Runner |
| Related | Toyota Hilux Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Toyota 4Runner/Hilux Surf Toyota Tundra ]] Toyota T100 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.4 L I4 Template:Auto horsepower 2.7 L I4 Template:Auto horsepower 3.4 L V6 Template:Auto horsepower |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in |
| Curb weight | 2.4L (3155 lbs) 3.4L (3877 lbs) |
Toyota has been manufacturing pickups since 1935. The Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 1995. It originated from the world-wide classic, the Toyota 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 Template:Auto horsepower and Template:Auto ft.lbf of torque, the 2.7 L four cylinder rated at Template:Auto horsepower and Template:Auto ft.lbf of torque, and the 3.4 L six cylinder rated at Template:Auto horsepower and Template:Auto ft.lbf 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 (a Pre-Runner is basically a 4x4 lift kit, without the four wheel drive and transfer case). The 2.4 L gave a highly useful Template:Auto mpg (hwy), the 2.7 L gave Template:Auto mpg (hwy), and the 3.4 L delivered Template:Auto mpg (hwy).
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 grilles. Mechanical changes include 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 out-of-date Ford Ranger.
-
1998-2000 Toyota Tacoma extended cab -
2001-2004 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
Second Generation (2005-Present)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 2005-present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | Regular Cab, Extended Cab, Crew Cab |
| Layout | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado |
| Related | Toyota Hilux Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Toyota 4Runner/Hilux Surf Toyota Tundra Toyota FJ Cruiser |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.7 L (159 hp) 4.0 L (236 hp) |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 5-speed manual 6-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in |
| Length | Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in |
| Width | Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in |
| Height | Template:Auto in Template:Auto in Template:Auto in |
| Curb weight | 2.7 L (3550 lb) 4.0 L (3950 lb) |
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, Template:Auto inch 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 Template:Auto horsepower and Template:Auto ft.lbf. 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 Template:Auto lb. 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) It is highly possible that Toyota might sell around 200,000 Tacoma's in 2007.
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!"
