Toyota Tacoma
Toyota introduced the Tacoma in the middle of the 1995 model year. The first generation, which lasted until 2004, featured compact pickups, but the Tacoma became a midsize pickup for the 2005 model year. Drivers across the world appreciate the Tacoma for its capabilities, maneuverability, and reliability. In fact, it was the Motor Trend Truck of the Year in 2005.
Some of the other honors that the Tacoma has received in recent years shows that this pickup continues to hold its reputation as a dependable auto. In 2018, Kelley Blue Book included the Tacoma on their Top 10 list for Best Resale Value and it earned the title of Best Resale Value in the category of Midsize Pickup Truck. Resale value and dependability tend to be strongly correlated since an auto you can depend on will offer greater value to its owner. Toyota’s warranty also adds to the dependability of the Tacoma. The powertrain warranty covers 60,000 miles or five years, and the basic warranty covers 36,000 miles or three years.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is the most recent model year, and it manages to hold up against the now heavy competition in its category. Unsurprisingly, the configurations for the latest Tacoma are extensive, including six trim levels, two engines, two drivetrains, two transmissions, and two cabin sizes, one of which lets you choose between two truck beds. To say there should be a configuration to meet your needs is an understatement.
Those looking for a powerful truck will want to avoid the standard 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, as it just gets 159 horsepower. It does well enough around town or with a light load but feels the strain under tougher conditions. Because of this, most drivers upgrade to the 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 278 horsepower. This engine will typically include a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic known for its smoothness. Depending on how you configure the Tacoma, you can count on it to tow 6,800 pounds. Those who plan to take their Tacoma off-road regularly should strongly consider the TRD Off Road or TRD Pro trim for their extra features.
Speaking of features, the latest Tacoma is not only dependable but also offers an excellent value thanks to its long list of standard features. These now include automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Considering not all competitors even offer those features, including them as standard really helps the Toyota Tacoma stand out in the crowd.