Newer is better!

After driving a 1998 2.4 extended cab Tacoma for the last 7 years, I am now the proud owner of a 2006 Tacoma. It appears my 4 cyl. 2.7 access cab 2WD with standard transmission & SR5 package is rather unique in the southeast, as I had to beg and wait to get one, at full price of course. Most are automatic, PreRunners or 4 x 4’s. Many with TRD. Like the majority, I spend 98% of my time on pavement.

I thought my 㥪 was a ׇ” (There ain’t no 10’s.). If so, the 2006 is a 16! The ride says solid truck. Smooth but firm. The extra wheelbase and width lets it float down the road and there is very little sway on the curves. It performs wonderfully on wet roads and rear end traction is amazingly good. It acts like roadster with the engine over the rear axle.

The horsepower to weight ratio is more than the 㥪 and thus it is a little slower. 0 to 60 on the first try was 9.16 sec. with two people. Just me and a K & N will put it in the 8’s. This larger truck weighs 800 lbs. more than it’s 㥪 little brother, but it is all distributed correctly and very worthwhile. The engine, clutch and tranny are so smooth I can’t believe it. The computer aids smoother shifting by keeping the revs in line. It seems the bugs in the 㢩s have been corrected as no valve chatter has been detected. I can tell we are learning each other. This truck could comfortably handle the V-6, and some may say it needs it, but the combo of $3,000 + Premium fuel + a loss of 6 mpg lets me enjoy the 4 cyl. It’s getting 25-mpg combo on regular fuel.

As a Toyota fan since 1975, this is the most outstanding vehicle I have owned. The quality of the truck is wonderful, outside and in. The good feature list could go on for pages. The ABS that only comes on when needed – no pulsing other times. The feel of the interior. The composite bed. The 3,500# towing capacity bumper. The remote locking system that doesn’t sound the damn horn. The non-skid fabric on the bottom of the rear seat cushions. True they are not fit for humans, but work in a pinch. Storage. The glove compartment door governor. The ease of seeing and using the dash controls. The telescoping steering wheel, etc. etc.

This is a 10 year truck – at least!