The 2005 Toyota Tacoma: A New Standard for Compact Pick-Ups

Not much has changed in compact pick-up trucks in the past decade. Whether it's a Ford Ranger, Chevy S-10, or even a newcomer like the Nissan Frontier, odds are the only significant changes to the model came in trim level, cab size, or maybe adding power windows as a standard feature. Toyota's new Tacoma, however, has changed all that, and the resulting 2005 Tacoma sets a new standard in compact truck design other auto makers are sure to envy.

Like most compact trucks, the 2005 Tacoma comes in regular, Extended Cab (Toyota calls it the "Access Cab" model), and Crew Cab body styles. All are available in both two- and four-wheel drive. Options on the 2005 also include a long-bed version of the Crew Cab and the Access Cab X-Runner "street truck," which is priced like a heavy duty work truck though its styling seems better suited to city streets than to job sites. All the new Tacomas feature more engine power, more interior room, and more safety features than any previous model.

Both the regular and Access Cab Tacoma models are available with either four- or six-cylinder engines, while the Crew Cab models use a V6 exclusively. Lower-end Tacomas employ a new 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine, which produces 164 horsepower and 183 pound-feet of torque, while all of the Tacoma's V6 models incorporate a 4.0-liter producing 245 horsepower and 283 pound-feet of torque. With these numbers, the new Tacoma measures up to every six-cylinder truck in its class - offering a full 6,500 pounds of towing capacity. Transmission choices include either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic for the four-cylinder, while V6 buyers can choose a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic. For those looking for a truck for towing on job sites or off-roading, the new Tacoma also offers both "Hill-start Assist Control" and "Downhill Assist Control" on all models equipped with an automatic transmission.