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We're at the 2-month mark with our 2005 Tacoma Double Cab 4X4. While the name is familiar, the redesigned Tacoma has grown from compact to mid-size. Our general thinking is that this was a good move, as smaller trucks are purchased more as versatile substitutes for cars than for heavy work. So, the focus is more on providing a roomier passenger cabin, as in our crew-cab style Tacoma, than on adding bed capacity. But this box is 6-foot long, made of tough composites, has a factory sprayed-in bed liner, and adjustable tie downs. So, it's still pretty useful.
Our Tacoma can also tow a useful 6,500 pounds with this 245-horsepower V-6. Fuel economy is better than expected for a 4X4 truck this size, at 17.1 miles per gallon after 3500 miles. So, no complaints here either.
But we will carp about the legs-out-front driving position, an unfortunate carryover from previous Tacomas. And our music-loving staff found FM radio reception putrid. That aside, this super-sized Tacoma is still a big pleaser.
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We've been through the cold, and now it's time for the hot, weather that is, in our 2005 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4. But after three months and about 5,000 miles, we're not sweating over this new mid-size crew-cab V-6 pickup. We like it!
Our staff finds the exterior youthful, and as one put it "boss" ... nice and sporty! The interior is a little too trendy and bling-bling for some of us, but it is also aimed at a young crowd, who may find climbing up into this Tacoma a bit of a feat. We also aren't crazy about the seating position. Legs too straight. Both concessions to its high 9.4-inches of running ground clearance and very capable off-road abilities.
Our Tacoma will also tow a stout 6,500 pounds with this 245-horsepower V-6. And fuel economy has improved from last report to 17.7 miles per gallon.
While the Tacoma continues to appeal to younger buyers, growing from compact to mid-size makes it more attractive to buyers with families, too. We find the rear seat quite comfortable for kids and most adults. And the 6-foot composite cargo box, with spray-in bedliner and adjustable tie downs, is perfect for weekend chores. So, this Tacoma is not something else that will be wasted only on the young.
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Our long term 2005 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 V6 just got the ultimate compliment. When one of our staff recently drove it home, her neighbor came to look it over, and liked it so much, he bought one just like ours. Oh, the intoxicating power of the press.
Power is certainly something our Tacoma is not short on. Our truck's 245-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 pulls strong, and up to 6500 pounds of trailer. Given its strength, 17.8 miles per gallon after 3 months and 6300 miles of work and play isn't bad either.
We have had one fault. A water leak in the front cabin was traced to the windshield and it was replaced.
As we've noted before, the exterior and interior design of the newest Tacoma especially appeals to a younger audience. But Tacoma, having grown to mid-size, is nearly perfect for all-around-the-house use. Our crew cab model has the longer 6-foot bed, which with the tailgate down, is more than capable of carrying 4 by 8 foot building materials, albeit above the wheel wells. But so far the Tacoma is a great friend, and it's making new ones every day.
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The 2005 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 V6 is proving to be a near perfect mid-size personal use pickup, ideal for weekend work or play. After 6 months and some 11,000 miles, our truck's 245-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 is strong and quiet. Plus, it can tow up to 6500 pounds of trailer. And with rising gas prices, a capable pickup that manages an also rising 18.3 miles per gallon is welcomed.
Other than the leaking windshield we reported on earlier, there have been no faults or miscues with the Tacoma.
One of the aspects of the new Tacoma we really like is the all-composite bed. It's lighter than a steel bed and you never have to worry about rust again. Both 5- and 6-foot cargo boxes are offered, with our truck's longer bed more than adequate for most household loads. Indeed, with the Tacoma, you're always looking forward to the weekend.
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Time and mileage are adding up for our long term 2005 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 V-6. It's been with us for 8 months and some 13,000 miles. This is a mid-size pickup with full-size power. The optional 245-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 is stronger than the V-6s in the full-size Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram. And bigger trucks would have a hard time matching our Tacoma's fuel economy average of 18.4 miles per gallon.
Problems continue to be few and minor. The latest are the movable tie downs on the cargo rails in the composite bed. The adjustment knobs break easily. Otherwise, the Tacoma is a great example of the modern pickup, flexible enough for weekend personal use, but willing to work hard weekdays when it has to.
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When it comes to picking a personal use pickup truck, our 2005 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4X4 V6 has to be a serious contender. Leaving us after a solid year and over 21,000 miles, this mid-size pickup with full-size power made a great impression on us.
The available 245-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6 is smooth and strong, with a 6500 pound towing capacity, yet still pretty economical with average fuel economy of 18.8 miles per gallon.
Problems were few. The cargo bed rail adjustable tie downs proved fragile, and then there was the sluggish and jerky driver's door power window. Otherwise, the Tacoma is a great example of the modern pickup that is designed for work and play.
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