Toyota Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma
Manufacturer:	Toyota
Production period:	1995 – today
Previous model:	Toyota Hilux
Successor:	none

Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD (2001-2004)

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck that Toyota has manufactured since 1995. The second generation Tacoma was named Truck of the Year by Motor Trend magazine in 2005 . The car was named after the US city of Tacoma (Washington) .

1st generation (1995-2004)

1st generation
Toyota Tacoma (1995-1997)
Production period:	1995-2004
Designs:	Pick up
Engines:	Petrol engines : 2.4-3.4 liters (106-142 kW)
Length:	4440-5159 mm
Width:	1689-1786 mm
Height:	1549-1720 mm
Wheelbase:	2624-3096 mm

A model with the name Tacoma was first introduced in 1995 and was derived from the Hilux offered worldwide . The Hilux was simply sold as a Toyota Truck in the US until 1995 . The curb weight is given as 1429–1756 kg.

There were a total of three engines for the Tacoma: the 2.4-liter R4 with 142 bhp (106 kW) output and 217 Nm torque, the 2.7-liter R4 with 150 bhp (112 kW) output and 240 Nm torque and the 3.4-l V6 with 190 bhp (142 kW) output and 298 Nm torque. The 2.4-l R4 consumed 8.25 l / 100 km outside the city, the 2.7-l R4 9.2 l / 100 km outside the city and the 3.4 l V6 outside 10.9 l / 100 km .

Rear-wheel drive Tacoma had wheels with five mounting holes. There was a 2.4-liter R4 and a 3.4-liter V6 engine, depending on the equipment line selected, as well as manual or automatic transmission.

All-wheel drive Tacoma had wheels with six mounting holes, as they were used on earlier pickup models. The longitudinal members of the frame are designed as a rectangular tube behind the front leaf springs, in front of them as a U-profile. The manual gearbox of the 3.4 l V6 is called R150F, the automatic is an A340F (Aisin code: 30-40LE). The Tacoma with a simple flatbed, manufactured from 1995 to 1997, had a manual gearbox, also in conjunction with a 3.4-liter V6, on request. From 1998 this version was only available with a four-cylinder engine. The versions from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) were available from 1998. In the case of the V6 engine, the cars were equipped with a limited-slip differential at the rear.

Toyota Tacoma Flatbed Truck (2001)

The Prerunner models were also delivered from 1998. They share the same front and rear suspension, chassis geometry, frame, design and engines as the Tacoma 4x4 of this model year. The Prerunner was optionally equipped with the TRD off-road package, which also included a limited-slip differential at the rear (and some other changes to the chassis, such as the Tacoma 4x4) if the car had the V6 installed. One disadvantage was that there was no five-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmissions of the Tacoma V6 were called the A340E. Because of the similarity between Prerunner and 4x4, you can convert a Prerunner with purchased parts into a 4x4, but this is not recommended by the Internet community.

Toyota Tacoma with extended cab (1998-2000)

In the early years of production, the Tacoma sold quite well and attracted young buyers in particular. The first generation underwent a total of two facelifts , the first in 1998 and the second in 2001. The changes were mainly limited to new radiator grills and headlights. The mechanical changes were a contactless ignition from 1997 and 1998 longer leaf springs at the rear. All four-wheel drive models after 2000 had an automatic differential freewheel (ADD).

The only change in the 2001 model year was a new, four-door, double-cabin model . The wagons with an extended driver's cab had a 2 m long bed, with a double cab the bed was only 1.7 m long. Many customers were bothered by the short bunk, but the Tacoma shared this disadvantage with most of its competitors.

Toyota Tacoma TRD with extended cab (2001-2004)

In 2001 Toyota also brought out a new S-Runner equipment package along with the facelift on the vehicle front. This included the V6 engine, 16-inch aluminum wheels, a manual five-speed gearbox and Tokico gas pressure shock absorbers. From 2001 to 2004 200 pieces were produced per month. In 2003 the Tacoma was able to trump the sales figures of the previous year by 16.5%. The Tacoma continued to gain popularity over the next few years. In 2004, it outperformed the Nissan Frontier and Dodge Dakota , but was still 2.2% behind the Ford Ranger .

In 2008 Toyota canceled a 15-year guarantee against rust perforation (without km limit) for the 1995–2000 models, as it had been found that a small number of Tacoma frames rusted due to improper rust protection. Toyota promised either to repair the frames or to buy back the cars for 1.5 times the KBB price ( Kelley Blue Block - Largest American rating agency for used cars).

2nd generation (2004–2015)

2nd generation
Toyota Tacoma (2009)
Production period:	2004-2015
Designs:	Pick up
Engines:	Petrol engines : 2.7-4.0 liters (119-176 kW)
Length:	4836-5621 mm
Width:	1834-1895 mm
Height:	1656-1834 mm
Wheelbase:	2794-3579 mm

At the 2004 Chicago Auto Show , Toyota showed a bigger and more powerful Tacoma. This car was available in 18 different configurations, which contained three cab variants, four transmission variants, two engine variants and two flat bed lengths. A 4.0 liter V6 engine, type Toyota 1GR-FE, took the place of the old 3.4 liter. The new V6 models offered many improvements, for example a trailer load of 2950 kg and a payload of 750 kg. The new engine developed 236 hp (176 kW) and had a torque of 361 Nm. The small, completely new 2.7-liter R4 engine was specified with an output of 159 hp (119 kW) and a torque of 244 Nm. The curb weight is 1429–1756 kg.

Toyota also introduced the X-Runner equipment , which replaced the poorly selling S-Runner equipment of the predecessor. The X-Runner was delivered with the V6 engine in connection with a manual six-speed gearbox, 18 ″ aluminum wheels, a body lowered by 50 mm and an X-Brace chassis package. Toyota also added a Hill Descent Assistant (DAC) and Hill Start Assistant (HAC) for models equipped with the TRD package. Fully or partially lockable differentials were also available on request. All Tacoma had four fastening rails, lashing hooks, loading boxes and - if a TRD package was ordered - a socket on the platform. The mounting rails held loads of up to 100 kg.

The 2006 model differed slightly from the 2005 model. Some of the equipment details that were previously only available on request were now supplied as standard. There were two new interior colors for the 2007 model; No changes were introduced in 2008. The 2009 model had more safety details and the partially mechanically lockable differential was no longer available. Only the TRD models still had a fully lockable differential. The second generation Tacoma are built in Tijuana, Baja California and Freemont, California . The plastic platforms are all built in Mexico .

In Canada , the 2009 model year Tacoma got a new 6-disc CD changer, new pitman arms and a new stability program (VSC).

Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD (2005-2008)

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner with extended cab (2005-2008)

Toyota Tacoma with extended cab (2009)

Security and structural rigidity

The Tacoma comes standard with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake assist (BAS) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD). In the 2008 model year, a rollover sensor was added that triggers the side airbags - if any - if they roll over. Since model year 2009, all Toyota Tacoma Star Safety System with stability control (VSC) and have traction control (traction control, TRAC). Side airbags at the front and curtain airbags for the two rear rows of seats are supplied as standard, as are active headrests.

The smaller pickups, like the Tacoma, generally do not achieve as good results in crash tests as the larger pickups. In a test by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) with the Tacoma and its competitors, the Tacoma equipped with side airbags was able to achieve the top grade “good” in the side impact test. The Tacoma was also rated “good” in a frontal impact. And in 2009 the Tacoma with its active headrests even won the IIHS Top Safety Pick .

NHTSA crash test ratings (2006):

Frontal impact driver:	5 Stars
Frontal collision passenger:	5 Stars
Side impact driver:	5 Stars
Side impact rear seat passengers:	5 Stars
Rollover:	4 stars

Optional equipment of the X-Runner

Toyota Tacoma X-Runner

The Toyota X-Runner is a limited special model. It is available in three exterior colors per year, a total of four exterior colors. From 2005 to 2008 the X-Runner was available in Speedway Blue (blue), Radiant Red (red) and Black Sand Pearl (black). In 2009, Radiant Red was dropped and replaced by Barcelona Red Metallic.

The main differences between the X-Runner and the other equipment variants concern the chassis and the rigidity of the frame. Toyota built an X-beam in the rear of the frame to reinforce it (hence the name X-Runner). In addition, the frame was reinforced by two additional cross members.

Rear view of the X-Runner

On request, there is a package with larger brakes (BBK) from TRD, which consists of brake discs with a diameter of 332 mm and brake calipers with four calipers. The BBK package (Big Brake Kit) was designed by StopTech .

Sales in the USA

Per month

Jun 2008	May 2008	Apr 2008	Mar 2008	Feb 2008	Jan 2008	Dec 2007	Nov 2007	Oct 2007	Sep 2007	Aug 2007	Jul 2007
17,882	22,153	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 14.341
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

Per year

Calendar year	Sales figures
2000	147.259
2001	161.983
2002	151.960
2003	154.154
2004	152.933
2005	168,831
2006	178,351
2007	173.238
2008	144,655

The sales of the Tacoma in the USA have increased continuously in recent years. In 2004 they missed that of the market leader in this segment, the Ford Ranger, by 2.2%, a year later the Tacoma led in this segment with almost 40% and in 2006 it was able to expand its market leadership to 93%. Toyota sells approximately 190,000 Tacoma annually. In 2005, Toyota sold 189,987 Tacoma trucks, more than any other small pickup truck sold in the United States. This makes the Tacoma about 10% of all Toyota sales in the USA. From March 2006 to March 2007, Tacoma sales increased regularly. In March 2006, Toyota sold 9,185 Tacoma, in March 2007 there were already 10,851. In the summer of 2007, Toyota broke all records, selling over 60,000 Tacoma in 3 months. From August 2006 to the end of 2008, sales increased by 7.6%. The US economic crisis did not leave the Tacoma unaffected, in 2008 fewer Tacomas were sold than ever before.

3rd generation (since 2015)

3rd generation
Production period:	since 2015
Engines:	Petrol engines : 2.7-3.5 liters (119-207 kW)
Length:	5392-5727 mm
Width:	1834-1895 mm
Height:	1793 mm
Wheelbase :	3236-3571 mm
Empty weight :

Rear view

Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro

Rear view

The third generation of the Tacoma has been available since autumn 2015. This generation is available in two different cab variants, with two different petrol engines, two loading area lengths, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and five equipment versions. In February 2019, Toyota presented a revised version of the Tacoma at the Chicago Auto Show .

Toyota Racing Development (TRD)

Toyota has been offering a new TRD off-road package since 1998. The package includes off-road tires on 16 ″ alloy rims, TRD shock absorbers, a rear limited-slip differential and TRD stickers. In 2003, Toyota introduced a TRD sports package for the big tundra . This has only been available for the Tacoma since 2005. The package contains high-performance tires for the road on 17 ″ aluminum rims, shock absorbers, a racing-inspired bonnet and TRD sport stickers. It costs about US $ 200 more than the original TRD off-road package.

TRD compressor

TRD announced on October 30, 2007 a compressor for the FJ Cruiser and the Tacoma, which are equipped with the 4.0 l V6 engine. This compressor can be obtained from Toyota dealers. It increases the engine output to 304 hp (224 kW) (compared to the standard 236 hp (174 kW) of the Tacoma and the 239 hp (176 kW) of the FJ Cruiser). The torque increases to 453 Nm. All information is net according to the SAE standard.

This new TRD compressor can be installed in all Tacoma from model years 2005-2009, as well as in the FJ Cruiser from model years 2007-2009. The compressor includes a kit Eaton - Roots compressor , incorporated in a one-piece intake manifold, iridium -Zündkerzen and a set of 5-fold-ribbed belt. It increases the boost pressure by 0.4–0.55 bar.

The compressor, when installed by an authorized Toyota or Scion dealer, has the same warranty as the other drive components, 5 years or 96,450 km (60,000 mi ), or a new vehicle warranty that is even longer. If the compressor is not installed by such a dealer, only the parts guarantee of 12 months or 19,300 km (12,000 mls) applies. The suggested retail price for the compressor is US $ 4,500 without installation.

Accessory compressors

There are also TRD compressors for the 2RZ-FE and 3RZ-FE motors. They are made by Alpine Developments . This installation kit is supposed to increase the engine output by 50% and produces a boost pressure of 0.55 bar. Most commonly seen is the TRD compressor for the 5VZ-FE-V6 engine, which is built by Magnuson Products . It is to increase the engine output from 190 hp (142 kW) to 251 hp (187 kW).

There is a compressor from URD for the 1GR-FE engine available from 2005–2008 . It increases the engine output from 236 hp (176 kW) to 366 hp (273 kW). Manufacturer is Rotrex.

Use in the US armed forces

In the war in Iraq and in Operation Enduring Freedom , many Toyota Tacoma have been used by the American forces. Usually these were double cab designs with SR5 equipment or TRD packages.

Although the Hilux on which the Tacoma is based is very common in the Middle East, the US military bought the Tacoma from US dealers, modified it accordingly, and shipped it to Iraq . The Tacoma and Hilux have the same body, but the chassis of the Tacoma differs significantly from that of the Hilux and is considered to be much weaker. Its petrol engine runs much more smoothly than the diesel engine of the HMMWV (Hummer) . The standard radio and almost all of the exterior lighting were removed from the civil vehicles procured in this way. Instead, the cars received infrared headlights so that they could be used with night vision devices. The engines remained unchanged, but the vehicles were fitted with mud flaps , winches and roll bars to accommodate machine guns.

gallery

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  Toyota Tacoma with extended cab (2006)

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  Interior of the Toyota Tacoma (2006)

Web links

Commons : Toyota Tacoma  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

• Official website of Toyota Tacoma (English)
• Tacoma World Forum (English)
• X-Runner Underground (English)

Individual evidence

1. ↑ Gasoline consumption (English)
2. ↑ Toyota Announces Customer Support Program For 1995-2000 Tacoma Pickups . Toyota Pressroom (English)
3. ↑ Toyota Offers to Buy Back Rusty Tacomas . In: New York Times , May 7, 2008 (English)
4. ↑ Most Small Pickups 'Dismal' in Crash Test - Toyota Rates Best Among 5 Tested . ( February 22, 2012 memento on the Internet Archive ) KCRA.com, July 24, 2008
5. ↑ Toyota Tacoma Adds Significant Safety Enhancements for 2009 . ( Memento of the original from June 15, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was inserted automatically and has not yet been checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF) Press release from Toyota 
6. ↑ Most Small Pickup Trucks Fail Side Impact Tests . The Auto Writer, July 24, 2008
7. ↑ Toyota Tacoma 2005-08 Models: Side Impact Tests with Optional Sid Airbags , IIHS-HLDI
8. ↑ Toyota Tacoma 2005-08: Frontal Offset Test . IIHS-HLDI
9. ↑ 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4 dr.  ( Page no longer available , search in web archives )  Info: The link was automatically marked as defective. Please check the link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. Safercar.gov  
10. ^ Toyota Sets Sales Record for Sixth Year in a Row . Theautochannel.com, November 17, 2004
11. ^ Toyota Announces Best Sales Year in Its 46-Year History, Breaks Sales Record for Eighth Year in a Row . Theautochannel.com, November 17, 2004
12. ^ Toyota Reports 2005 and December Sales . Theautochannel.com
13. ^ Toyota Reports 2007 and December Sales . Theautochannel.com
14. ^ Toyota Reports 2008 and December Sales . Theautochannel.com
15. ↑ Torsten Seibt: Toyota Tacoma (2019): facelift for US pickup. In: auto-motor-und-sport.de. February 10, 2019, accessed February 10, 2019 . 
16. ^ Underdog Racing Development ( Memento from August 12, 2007 in the Internet Archive )
17. ↑ Rotrex
18. ↑ Military Tacoma