Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Motor Corporation started manufacturing the Toyota Tacoma in the year 1995. The second generation Toyota Tacoma has won the Truck of the Year award in the year 2005.

First Generation (1995–2004)

In the first generation, Toyota Tacoma was offered with choice of three engines – 2.4 Liter engine with four cylinders that generated 142 hp and 160 lb-ft of torque, the 2.7 Liter 4- cylinder that could deliver 150 hp and torque of 177 lb-ft, and finally 3.4 Liter V6 engine capable of generating 190 hp and a torque of 220 lb-ft.

The 2.4 liter engine had a high EPA of 29 mpg on highways, and 2.7L engine achieved 26 mpg on highways, and 3.4 Liter engine delivered 22 mpg on highways.

The Toyota Tacoma had enhanced 2-wheel drive with 5-stud wheel lug patterns. One could find both manual and automatic transmission options in this vehicle. You can find the six-stud wheel lug patterns in the vehicle equipped with 4-wheel drive. The 2001 crew cab has a four door option added.

Second Generation (2005-Present)

Toyota introduced a powerful and bigger Tacoma version for the second generation, in an auto show held in Chicago, during the year 2004. The new Toyota Tacoma was launched in a whooping eighteen different patterns that included three cabs configurations, two engines, 4 transmissions and couple of bed lengths. The 4.0L- V6 engine replaced the original 3.4L-V6 engine, and the new V6 engine was capable of generating 236 horsepower and torque levels of 266 foot-pounds.


After that, Toyota also started introducing the X-Runner trim that replaced the S-Runner trim of the previous version. The X-Runner has a 6-speed manual transmission with alloy wheels of 18 inches. The Toyota includes hillside and down hill assist control with the models incorporated with TRD packages. The auto brakes were activated at the downhill decents and hillside assist control prevented the roll-back conditions.

The 2006 Toyota Tacoma model wasn’t considerably different from the previous versions; it just had some optional features, while additional interior trims were added to the 2007 model.

Structural Integrity and Safety

The Tacoma is manufactured with sufficient safety and standard features like anti-lock braking system, and e-brake force distribution.

In 2008 Toyota Tacoma, one could find an additional roll over sensor that helped in positioning the optional side airbags and side curtain airbags. At the time of 2009 Tacoma launch, improved traction control and stability control were added to the vehicle.

X-Runner Specific

Toyota has launched the Toyota X-Runner as a limited version; it was made available in four colors. From the period of 2005-2008, the Toyota X-Runner was accessible in Radiant Red, Black Sand Pearl, and Speedway Blue.

In 2009 model, the Radiant Red was terminated and Red Metallic variant was restored. The major differences between the other models and Toyota X-Runner were additional ground effects and suspension. The vehicle chassis had been stiffened with additional braces to the casing, in the new Toyota X-Runner, making it different from the regular automotives.