Not a Redneck Truck?
Toyota trucks have never been perceived as "redneck" trucks in the way that good-old American iron has, although the new Tacoma--incidentally, built in Fremont, California--goes a long way toward changing such a perception with the infusion of more horsepower and heightened visual aggression.
Completely New Design
Not to be outdone by the massive grilles and bold lines featured on many "redneck" mid-size and even compact pickups of late, Toyota has "toughened-up" the Tacoma's appearance considerably--and quite successfully I might add. The new rig features a prominent grille of its own along with sharpened lines and oddly-shaped, sassy wheel openings. Overall the balanced, proportionate look exhibits "sportiness" without resorting to styling cues meant to menace and intimidate drivers of MINIs and Smarts.
Interior Also Improved
The Tacoma's cabin has moved a notch or two upscale for 2007. It's still fairly "truck-like" but in a more Camry-esque way. Front seats are larger and more standard equipment is fitted into the redesigned, accurately-assembled cab than found in previous-generation Tacomas. The improvements make this a welcoming environment from which to administer driving duties once the climb into its elevated office is accomplished. Regrettably, the cabin doesn't contain side airbags or curtain airbags--not even as options.
The high-riding, 4X4 Double Cab is the largest Tacoma available. Four doors provide easy access to its voluminous cabin, behind which sits a 6-foot box provided the 5-speed automatic transmission is chosen; curiously, the 6-speed manual transmission is accompanied by a 5-foot box. Give or take a foot, this is a big vehicle for its compact-class rating, with very good leg and headroom in all five seating positions. The cabin also offers plenty of practicality with fold-flat, 60/40-split rear seating, which transforms the rear quarters of Toyota's double cab into a commodious cargo bay replete with a durable plastic floor.
Toyota trucks have never been perceived as "redneck" trucks in the way that good-old American iron has, although the new Tacoma--incidentally, built in Fremont, California--goes a long way toward changing such a perception with the infusion of more horsepower and heightened visual aggression.
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| The Tacoma is trying to change the way people look at it. |
Completely New Design
Not to be outdone by the massive grilles and bold lines featured on many "redneck" mid-size and even compact pickups of late, Toyota has "toughened-up" the Tacoma's appearance considerably--and quite successfully I might add. The new rig features a prominent grille of its own along with sharpened lines and oddly-shaped, sassy wheel openings. Overall the balanced, proportionate look exhibits "sportiness" without resorting to styling cues meant to menace and intimidate drivers of MINIs and Smarts.
Interior Also Improved
The Tacoma's cabin has moved a notch or two upscale for 2007. It's still fairly "truck-like" but in a more Camry-esque way. Front seats are larger and more standard equipment is fitted into the redesigned, accurately-assembled cab than found in previous-generation Tacomas. The improvements make this a welcoming environment from which to administer driving duties once the climb into its elevated office is accomplished. Regrettably, the cabin doesn't contain side airbags or curtain airbags--not even as options.
The high-riding, 4X4 Double Cab is the largest Tacoma available. Four doors provide easy access to its voluminous cabin, behind which sits a 6-foot box provided the 5-speed automatic transmission is chosen; curiously, the 6-speed manual transmission is accompanied by a 5-foot box. Give or take a foot, this is a big vehicle for its compact-class rating, with very good leg and headroom in all five seating positions. The cabin also offers plenty of practicality with fold-flat, 60/40-split rear seating, which transforms the rear quarters of Toyota's double cab into a commodious cargo bay replete with a durable plastic floor.
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| The car-like cabin offers plenty of room at all seating positions. |