I had a 97 standard cab 2.7 5-speed, like everyone else said...plenty of power and good gas mileage. I now have 2000 ext cab 2.7 auto with 33s and a camper top, gas mileage is not as good as it was, I have more than enough power and torque (its not a cobra), however I do live in the south...no hills here, If I purchased another tacoma, it would have to be a 2.7. I have seen the new 2.7 4x4 5-speeds, no autos, I dont think they make the 4x4 2.7 auto anymore,
2006 Toyota Tacoma Base 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M) $17,925 Black Sand Pearl
2006 Toyota Tacoma Base 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M) $17,925 Desert Sand Mica
2006 Toyota Tacoma Base 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M) $17,925 Graphite
2006 Toyota Tacoma Base 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M) $17,925 Impulse Red Pearl
2006 Toyota Tacoma Base 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M) $17,925 Indigo Ink Pearl
2006 Toyota Tacoma Base 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M) $17,925 Radiant Red
I found a few !!

 

I'm another happy 2.7 owner. Got a '95 4WD, 5 spd Tacoma. At 231K now having had no major problems, I'm dead set on getting 300K out of it before I make it my second vehicle and pick up a little commuter car. I presently get 19-20 mpg mixed, 22-23 highway mpg. It has a chain instead of a belt, so it's a fairly low maintenance engine. Not sure about valve maintenance. As has been stated, it's not the most powerful, but I have no problems with it around town. Living in Colorado, the lack of power is very noticeable to me once I head "up the hill," so to speak. That being said, I'll sacrifice a little power for longevity (belt vs. chain) any day.

 

i was very impressed when i test drove mine. Felt like a V6. Now that i got 33s, feels like a geo metro

 

but i never have been a speed demon

 

It still has an amazing amount of torque with these tires in low gear. I like the engine, very durable, couldn't ask for more reliability.