Getting Comfortable with Toyota's New Midsize Hauler
It was a beautiful sunny day, and I just didn't feel like getting out of bed - the bed of the 2005 Toyota Tacoma 4x2 pickup
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| For the 2005 model year, the Tacoma is literally bigger and better with increased wheelbase and overall length, and more passenger and cargo room. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
truck, that is. For a March afternoon, it was relatively warm and pleasant so I decided to curl up with a few cushions, a lightweight blanket and a good book in the bed of my
Toyota Tacoma tester. I don't often find myself reading in bed, mainly because I fall asleep, but I couldn't resist parking the Tacoma in the sun on my driveway and hanging out in bed, until the sun set. But after all was 'read' and done, and it became too chilly for my comfort, I took my reading gear inside and headed out for a drive in the revamped Toyota truck. For the 2005 model year, the Tacoma is literally bigger and better with increased wheelbase and overall length, and more passenger and cargo room. My 4x2 model had an increase of 5.9 inches (154 mm) to its overall length and sports a cargo bed length
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| The 4x2 comes with a new four-door Access Cab passenger compartment. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
of 6 feet, 2 inches (1,866 mm). In addition, the 4x2 comes with a new four-door Access Cab passenger compartment. Having the extra doors made life much easier to load or unload personal items and children! With the increase in size of the Tacoma's bed came an increase in the quality of the material that lines it. It consists of a new composite that is more durable and considerably lighter, and which in turn has a stronger resiliency for impact damage and deformation. Owners of early '80s Toyota pickups will appreciate the boxes other attribute; it will not rust! Adding to its practicality, the Tacoma's bed also has new storage boxes and a removable tailgate.
