Tacoma takes 18 new shots at mid-size truck market

When it comes to a 2005 Toyota Tacoma truck, you have a choice of 4 by 2 or 4 by 4; four-cylinder or V-6; manual or automatic; two or four doors; and short, medium or long bed.

And that’s before the options.

In all, there are 18 variations, six more than in 2004. Lots of choices, but don’t expect to find all 18 varieties on the dealer lot.

It’s a bit ironic given that one reason Japanese nameplates made inroads in the U.S. was that they came simply packaged.

The increase in the number of Tacoma variations is timed with Toyota’s first remake of the pickup since 1995 and its boost in size from a compact to a mid-size.

Depending on which variation you choose, wheelbase and length are 5 to 6 inches longer, and vehicle width and front/rear tracking are about 4 inches wider than last year’s model. That means more leg, arm and hip room in the cabin and a longer, wider footprint on the road for better ride and handling.

Toyota made Ford and Chevy sit up and take notice when it came up with its full-size Tundra pickup, but Toyota sold more Tacomas (130,000) than Tundras (92,000) through October. That’s so many Tacomas that Toyota will add a plant in Mexico in January for more capacity.

Don Esmond, vice president and general manager of Toyota, says the new Tacoma “marks the first step in expanding our presence in the North American light truck arena.”

Increasing sales of the Tacoma also is an important step for Toyota because once those who own a mid-size truck find that they need more room, they’ll be counted on to move up to the full-size Tundra.

Tacoma, in other words, is the incubator for Tundra buyers.

Tacoma loyalists will be able to spot every new nuance in sheet metal, but most will simply say it sports bigger headlamps and larger fender extensions.

All, however, will take note of the new composite plastic truck bed and sidewall liner, a material Toyota insists is lighter than steel, yet more durable.

Of the 18 varieties, we tested the 4 by 2 PreRunner Double Cab with its four swing-out doors that now are 3 inches longer and open wider for easier entry and exit. Pricing starts at $22,175, which includes air conditioning, AM/FM/CD stereo and other features.

There’s a choice of a new 2.7-liter, 164-horsepower four-cylinder teamed with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic or a 4-liter, 245-horsepower V-6, the engine that powers the Toyota Highlander SUV. The 4-liter is offered with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

The V-6 provides a noticeable and welcome increase in quickness and is one reason the Tacoma can tow up to 6,500 pounds, a 30% increase from the 5,000-pound limit for ’04.