2007 Toyota Tacoma Review

The Toyota Tacoma was introduced in 1995 as a follow-up to the long running Hi-Lux. The first version of the Tacoma, which ran until 2004, gave the choice of three engines: A 2.4-liter, 142-horsepower four-cylinder; a 2.7-liter 150-horsepower four-cylinder; and a 3.4-liter 190-horsepower V6. In 2000, a four-door double cab was introduced, along with the S-Runner, which featured a sturdier suspension. The current generation was released in 2005, increasing the trucks’ overall size, with a stronger chassis and improved steering and suspension. Two engines are now available on the Tacoma: A 2.7-liter, 164-horsepower four-cylinder, or a 4.0-liter, 245 horsepower V6. The 2005 Tacoma won Motor Trend’s “Truck of the Year.”

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

If you’re looking for a small, dependable truck, it’s hard to go wrong with the Toyota Tacoma. What really makes the Toyota Tacoma stand out from the competition is its reliability. You may pay a little bit more for the Tacoma than some of its domestic rivals, but we suggest it is well worth the investment.

What’s New For 2007:

The 2007 Tacoma is only receiving minor changes, like bigger seats, a new head audio unit, and interior chrome trim, to make your ride more comfortable. It comes in a regular cab, extended Access Cab, or a Double Cab, and the bigger the cab, the more features you find inside. The regular cab comes with an adjustable steering wheel, power outlets, and a CD player. The Access Cab adds air conditioning and two more speakers. The Double Cab throws in power windows and locks and keyless entry. Also available is the x-Runner Access Cab, which is geared toward performance.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

J.D. Power and Associates gives the Tacoma three and a half out of five stars for initial quality. Automotive Information Systems gave the prior generation of the Tacoma five out of five stars for reliability. Owners overall have been satisfied with the Tacoma. Although a few minor issues have been reported over the years, including water leaks in the 2005 model and various suspension issues from 2002-04, you can expect above average reliability from the Tacoma. Toyota’s basic warranty covers the Tacoma for three years or 36,000 miles.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Tacoma received five out of five stars in government crash tests performed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration for frontal and side impacts. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tacoma its best “Good” rating for frontal impacts, and an average “Marginal” rating for rear impacts; side impact tests weren’t performed. Anti-lock brakes with assist are standard in all trims. Stability control is optional in all trims. The Access Cab has available front seat mounted and full length curtain side airbags. All-wheel drive models with automatic transmissions, stability control, and the off-road package come with Hill-start Assist Control and Downhill Assist Control. The current Tacoma has been recalled twice; first in 2005 for a faulty airbag inflator, and then in 2006 for faulty tire mounting.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Reliable
+ Inexpensive
+ Good safety ratings

Cons
– Less cargo and towing capacity than competitors
-Fewer features than comparable GM models
– Boring interior

Head-To-Head Competition:

There are several models that are highly competitive with the basic Tacoma. For instance, the 2007 Chevrolet Colorado LS retails for about the same price, but features a standard alarm system, air conditioning, 200 more square feet of payload capacity, and 26 more horsepower than the Tacoma, which does get a couple more miles to the gallon more than the Colorado. Another option is the GMC Canyon Work Truck, which is essentially a clone of the Colorado LS. You could also go for the Ford Ranger Short Bed XL Styleside, which costs a couple of hundred dollars less than the Tacoma and features a standard alarm system. But the Tacoma comes with a CD player and 100 more square feet of payload capacity than the Ranger.

What Others Are Saying:

“We drove a Double Cab 4×4 V-6 Tacoma from Alaska to the lower 48 and averaged 18 mpg over 3964 miles. Our opinion was that this truck serves up the winning Toyota recipe by the bucketful.” – Car and Driver

“Enhancements notwithstanding, Tacoma is still a crude dude. Yes, it’s a small pickup with a small profit margin aimed at young buyers who often haven’t yet made their fortunes.” – USA Today

“The Tacoma, it turns out, conquers traffic as well as the trail. The compact pickup scoots from lane to lane with the manners of a corporate executive in cowboy boots, civilized but not overgentrified.” – U.S. News and World Report

Read more about the 2007 Toyota Tacoma at the Toyota manufacturer web site.