2008 Toyota Tacoma Review

Toyota Tacomas are well-regarded in the mid-size pickup segment, as evidenced by their traditionally strong resale values. For 2008, all three of the typical pickup body styles are offered: regular cab, Access Cab (extended cab), and Double Cab (crew cab). The 2.7L four-cylinder versions are available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. The regular cabs are only available with the four-cylinder. The 4.0L V6 is available with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission. All body types are available with a six-foot composite bed, and the Double Cabs also offer a shorter five-foot bed. Model offerings range from the workaday four-cylinder two-wheel-drive regular cab, starting at less than $15,000, all the way up to the V6 four-wheel-drive Double Cab that can be optioned north of $32,000. Within that range, there's something for nearly everyone with an interest in this size pickup.

With the 2005 redesign, the Tacoma got substantially larger, moving firmly into mid-sized territory. For a truck of this size, an impressive 6,500 pounds can be towed behind a properly configured and equipped V6 drivetrain.

Toyota has created model and option choices that allow buyers to project an on-road or off-road personality, to taste. The PreRunner versions add such goodies as raised ride height, a front skid plate, and mud and snow tires to create a four-wheel-drive look on lower-cost two-wheel drive trucks. PreRunner versions of all body types are available. The X-Runner goes in a completely different direction, adding a limited-slip differential, a more rigid and lowered suspension, 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires, a hood scoop, and other styling and performance enhancements as befit a street performance machine. The X-Runner is availably only in a two-wheel-drive V6 Access Cab version with a six-speed manual transmission.

The main option packages carry these themes further. The SR5 package adds many of the usual cosmetic and comfort improvements, including chrome exterior accents, upgraded seat fabric, a leather steering wheel, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and more. Toyota Racing Development (TRD) packages are available in both Off-Road and Sport versions. The Off-Road package takes the SR5 package and adds sport seats, off-road suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers and progressive-rate front springs, 16-inch aluminum wheels, a locking rear differential, and skid plates. The Sport package is similar, but substitutes a sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch aluminum wheels and a limited-slip differential. Both TRD packages add a 115V/400W power outlet in the bed and fog lamps.

Standard on all models are anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and brake assist. A composite bed with a built-in rail system and adjustable tie-downs is a unique feature. Stability control is available on all models, and can be disengaged as desired.
The Toyota Tacoma was redesigned for the 2005 model year and has experienced few changes since. For 2008, the Tacoma shows up with a base price increase of $100. see less