2008 Toyota Tacoma

The Toyota Tacoma is among the best-selling midsize pickup trucks in the United States. It supplies a solid build quality, an orderly cabin and a variety of body styles and trim levels. Its available V6 engine is powerful, and the four-wheel-drive version’s off-road capabilities are noteworthy.

The 2008 Toyota Tacoma is a midsize pickup truck. Seating ranges from two to five, depending on the cabin configuration. Toyota offers the Tacoma in Regular, Access (extended) and Double cab configurations. Toyota supplies both four- and six-cylinder engine choices, as well as manual and automatic transmissions. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional.

For 2008, the Toyota Tacoma returns without changes.

Exterior

The 2008 Toyota Tacoma offers a strong presence with an upright grille, robust shoulders and sharp edges. The grille features the brand’s signature logo. The round headlamps offer a sporty touch. This truck’s broad hood and oversized wheel wells enhance the Tacoma’s powerful presence further. At the rear is a drop-down tailgate with sentry-like tail lamps. The Double Cab has 5-foot or 6-foot cargo boxes. All other models have the larger box.

Standard equipment includes halogen headlamps, 15-inch steel wheels and rear mudguards. Moreover, Toyota includes a deck rail system and fixed cargo bed tie-down points. Available features include fog lamps, skid plates, alloy wheels and a locking or limited-slip rear differential.

Interior

The Tacoma’s interior is practical, with clear gauges and sensibly placed controls. Toyota positions the driver’s seat low, which might limit visibility for short drivers.

Toyota equips the Regular and Access cab models with a standard bench seat or with available bucket seats. The Access Cab has two rear seats. The Double Cab has standard bucket seats in the first row and a 60/40-split fold-up bench seat in the rear. The front seats are comfortable for two. The rear seat also is ideal for two, although tall passengers might find the legroom tight.

Standard equipment includes a tilt-and-telescopic steering column and cloth seats. Optional features include power windows and door locks, air conditioning, an overhead console and rear bulkhead storage.

Performance

Models equipped with the four-cylinder engine provide sufficient performance. An upgrade to the V6 delivers excellent step-off acceleration and passing power. With four-wheel drive and when properly equipped with skid plates, the V6 tackles the toughest terrain.

The base engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, generating 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. All rear-wheel-drive models have either a five- or six-speed manual transmission or an optional four- or five-speed automatic. An optional 4.0-liter V6 makes 236 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. Toyota pairs this engine with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.

The best fuel economy numbers for the 2008 Tacoma are 20/25 mpg city/highway when equipped with the base engine mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Towing capacity is either 3,500 or 6,500 pounds, depending on the model.

Technology

Toyota equips the 2008 Tacoma with a six-speaker audio system, except in the Regular Cab, which has four speakers. This system includes a CD player.

Optional equipment includes an upgraded audio system with a CD changer. Some models come with a JBL audio system with a subwoofer and an amplifier.  An optional 115-volt power outlet is located in the truck bed.