relatively plain exteriors; upgrade models have chrome bumpers and grilles.
Toyota makes three engines and two transmissions available in the Tacoma. The base
2.4-liter 4-cyl. is wisely restricted to regular cab/2wd use only. The larger
2.7-liter 4-cyl. is only slightly more powerful, but is also smoother and strong
enough to deal with--and mandatory for--4wd models.
But the best choice is the 3.4-liter V6 which, like the more powerful of the two
4-cyl. engines, is also used in the larger T100 pickup. Anyone who intends to use a
Tacoma for serious off-road driving, pulling a trailer (up to 5000 lbs.), or extended
on-pavement trips will find this to be the most refined and quietest Tacoma
powerplant.
It is equally well suited to either the standard 5-speed manual transmission or
optional 4-speed automatic. And it also puts the Tacoma on a more competitive power
footing with its U.S. rivals--Ford Ranger, Dodge Dakota, Chevy S-Series and GMC Sonoma.
Our test truck was an Xtracab model with 4wd, V6 engine and the oversize
tires--everything you need to go off-road and/or look cool on the boulevard. Next Page