Car Reviws |
| 2011 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Access Cab, an AW Drivers Log: Posted: 18 Feb 2011 06:53 AM PST  The Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Access Cab is powered by a 159-hp four-cylinder engine.
INTERACTIVE ASSOCIATE EDITOR JAKE LINGEMAN: Car companies spend a lot of time and money these days making trucks less trucky. Heated leather seats, luxury-grade suspensions, plush carpet, navigation screens and traffic help are things that truck guys are used to. This Tacoma is not like that; it's a trucky truck. The interior feels inexpensive, there's not a lot of sound-deadening material, and the cab bounces all over the place. Is it wrong to like it? My first car was a pickup, a real pickup. Big sidewall tires and high ground clearance--this is what I'm looking for in a truck. The Tacoma, at $22,000, is what an inexpensive pickup truck should be: useful, underpowered and easily replaceable. I'm half-kidding, but this is the kind of truck that you wouldn't be afraid to beat up a little bit, bang the rims, scratch a bumper or two--not that I did that. The interior is serviceable for an inexpensive truck. The seats are soft, and the dash is what you would expect. I personally like the subwoofer in the back, though I could do without the light on it. I would like an extra control in the radio equalizer for the speaker; I can't tell whether tuning the radio makes the subwoofer change. The stereo has an auxiliary input jack, so it's compatible with iPods and other MP3 players. All together, it's a decent sound system. The only other thing I noticed was that when I turned the traction control off, the "Auto LSD" light came on the dash. According to the press info, the auto limited-slip differential uses sensors and brake and throttle to keep the truck on its intended course, so it's a faux-differential. It sounds useful, though I didn't really get a chance to put it through its paces. The Tacoma does what a truck should and nothing more. If you want an optioned-out grand-touring pickup truck, look elsewhere. NEWS EDITOR GREG MIGLIORE: So I set out in the dark for what I expected to be an absolutely awful commute in one of the worst snowstorms of the year. To my surprise, it really wasn't that bad. And the Tacoma was certainly up to the chore. This truck has a true utility feel to it, and I'll echo Jake's sentiments in that respect. Some people want a basic truck, and the Tacoma fits the bill. I liked the interior, which had sporty-looking materials and a nice layout. It's the kind of setting you wouldn't be afraid to live in and spill stuff on, maybe toss a little sand around. Here's my beef: For $25,000, you should get a better engine than this. It's up to the job, but for that kind of coin, I'd at least want 200 ponies underhood. This truck is by no means weak, but it could have a bit more guts. As for how the Tacoma fared in the snow, I'd give it a decent grade for the crawl into work. Really, the big tires were OK, and I was able to forge through a couple of dicey turns with no unexpected fear. Yes, with rear-wheel drive and no ballast in rear, I did a little sliding through maneuvers but nothing to be concerned about. My second night in this truck, I was able to at least accelerate a little bit, and the elevated road view was helpful when slogging through congested parts of my commute. The truck warms up in a reasonable amount of time, and there is suitable space in the cabin. I have a good overall impression of this truck. It's not flashy, but it's solid. I could see myself puttering around town in a truck like this, though I'd like the four-wheel-drive option. 2011 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner Access Cab Base Price: $22,125 As-Tested Price: $25,213 Drivetrain: 2.7-liter I4; 2WD, four-speed automatic Output: 159 hp @ 5,200 rpm, 180 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm Curb Weight: 3,740 lb Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/20.1 mpg Options: SR5 Extra Value package including power outside mirrors, remote keyless-entry system, cruise control, variable-speed wipers, chrome grille surround and rear bumper, color-keyed front bumper and over fenders, sliding rear window, bucket seats with driver lumbar support, SR5 fabric trim, metallic ton instrument-panel trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and leather-wrapped shifter, dual sun visors with mirrors and extenders, tailgate-handle-integrated backup camera linked with an auto-dimming mirror with monitor, SR5 badge ($2,155); AM/FM CD with six-disc in-dash CD changer, MP3/WMA playback capability, seven speakers including two ceiling-mounted speakers and subwoofer, auxiliary audio jack, XM satellite radio ($740); 16-inch alloy wheels with P245/75R-16 tires ($400); running boards ($376); carpet floor mats, door-sill protector ($179); bed mat ($119); daytime running lights ($40); first-aid kit ($29); extra value package discount (-$950) |
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