Toyota Tacoma Returns

Introduced for the 2005 model year, the present generation of Toyota Tacoma trucks has only a few numbers of new features from the time it was first introduced. They will now be replaced for 2007. This year, Toyota has fine tuned the Tacoma's design and continues to offer the truck with several new technologies.

Available with optional Toyota truck accessories, the 2007 Toyota Tacoma has larger seats and a new two-tone instrument panel. Also seen are the redesigned audio head units and chrome trimmed around the instrument cluster.

There is now a manual disengage on the Vehicle Stability Control in trucks configured with that system.

Three Tacoma cab styles include: the Regular Cab; the Access Cab, which others call it an Extended Cab; and the Double Cab, which others call it a Crew Cab.

Both the Regular and Access Cab Tacoma have a 73.5 inches bed. The Double Cab is available with the same length bed or buyers may choose a shorter, 60.3 inches version.

The first two mentioned Cabs are available in 4x2 and 4x4 configurations, with 4-cylinder and V6 engines.

Other Tacoma styles include the Pre-Runner Tacoma and the 2007 Tacoma X-Runner. The first one has a 4x2 drive train, but with the raised styling of a 4x4. The X-Runner Tacoma, on the other hand, is a sportier version of the Access Cab, with a V6 engine and 4x2 configurations.

Double Cab Tacoma trucks all have V6 engines and are available as 4x4s or in the 4x2 Pre-Runner configurations.

There are two engines available for the 2007 Toyota Tacoma. One is the 2.7-liter 4-cylinder that produces 159hp and 180 lb-ft. torque. Options are a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The other one is the 4.0-liter V6 that produces 236hp and 266 lb-ft. torque. Options are a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic.

As to the wheelbase, the Regular Cab 4x2 gets 109.4 inches; the Pre-Runner and the 4x4 Regular Cab get 110 inches; the Access Cab 4x2 trucks gets 127.2 inches; the Access Cab 4x4 and Pre-Runners get 127.8 inches; the Double Cab with standard bed gets 127.8 inches; and the Double Cab long beds get 140.9 inches.

Regarding towing and cargo, V6 Tacoma trucks can tow up to 6,500 pounds. Also available is a factory roof rack system on Double Cab Tacoma trucks. The composite inner bed is still available. The bed offers two-tier loading, with integrated deck rails and tie downs. The 2007 Tacoma has small storage compartments in bed walls. A 115v/400W power unit is also available.

Standard for all 2007 Tacoma trucks are safety features that include Standard anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA), the dual-stage airbag system, and the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC).

However, there is still an Optional Vehicle Stability Control (OVSC) system. This detects wheel slide during cornering and steps in to help control it with throttle intervention and brake controls at individual wheels.

Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) on trucks with an automatic transmission that helps keep the vehicle from rolling backwards when it starts on a grade is also part of the 2007 Tacoma safety features. Front passenger airbag cutoff switch is standard on Access Cab Tacoma trucks. Optional front seat side airbags and roll-sensing side curtain airbags with new cutoff switch are available on Double Cab trucks.

The Tacoma SR5 Package include color-keyed over fenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and chrome rear bumper, center console in models where it is not standard, intermittent wipers and upgraded trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter lever in Access and Double Cabs, and upgraded audio systems in Access and Double Cab Tacoma trucks.