Probably going to be a lot of these threads in the coming weeks, but here's mine...

2005 Tacoma
V6 Double Cab
Long Bed
TRD Sport Package
$30,322

Drove it about 15 miles... a brief stint on the highway, some around town stuff... some smooth roads, some time in pothole hell.

First Impressions:
It's a beautiful truck. Lines are sleek, but still fitting for a truck (except for the hood scoop ).

Interior is very comfy... seats are great, controls/steering wheel/dash/etc. is right where it should be.

Power was decent. Certainly better than my truck, but not what I was expecting. Powered right along, but was not quick. Will get you into traffic, but not exactly confidence inspiring. Power was definitely better from 50-80, but from 10-40mph it was not significantly different from my 8-year old truck on power sapping 33" MTs.

Ride quality was good. Took some getting used to though. I'm used to my super stiff suspension that doesn't soak up anything but also doesn't lean in turns. Initially I thought the truck felt huge because of the way it "wallowed' in the turns, but I quickly got used to it and thought the truck handled reasonably well for a stock truck and rode well. The Tacoma was smooth, felt pretty solid, and generally felt good.

Overall I liked it, but I was not wowed by it. I was very excited about the truck, and perhaps that's part of my problem, but it did not impress me. And for $30k, I expected to be impressed.

At this moment, I'm undecided about whether or not I want to buy one. I hope to get one for an extended test drive soon.

 

Both the throttle and transmission are electronically controlled with adaptive AI. I found that after a few hours of "spirited" driving that the truck became noticeably quicker. It would spin it's TRD Off-Road Package tires from a standing start on dry asphalt to the point that TRAC kicked in. I drove a short bed that's only 45 lbs. lighter than a long bed, an insignificant difference. How did you like the turning radius? Ride quality?

 

Sorry... I forgot to comment on the ride - I added a section in my previous post.

Turning radius... didn't really notice it. I only drove around town, so I didn't really test it, but I didn't feel the lengthy wheelbase at all.

 

Thanks for the ride quality comments. I drove the Off-Road Package and thought the ride was soft but supple with a long travel suspension on both ends, a little moreso on the front. I didn't notice any wallowing, though. In fact I was impressed that on paved two-lane mountain twisties it was so stable once the suspension compressed. The specs indicate that the Sport Package is tuned more for on road ride and handling, so I wonder if you were feeling the effects of a wheelbase substantially longer than the short bed I drove?

 

Have you driven the Tundra with the VVTi V8 (2005)? If so, how do they compare with each other? For $30K, you are looking at Tundra DC SR5 TRD prices.

 

Like I said above... once I got used to the ride, I didn't notice the wallowing - it was mostly just the first few miles. My truck has virtually zero body roll/lean in the turns under normal driving. The Tacoma didn't have a lot (certainly better than any domestic truck I've driven), but there was noticably more roll than with my truck.

Again... after 10 minutes, I didn't notice it and, for the most part, enjoyed the ride.

 

I drove the VVTI V8 tundra about a month ago or so. Definitely a bigger truck... feels bigger, drives bigger, acts bigger. But I think the width is probably why moreso than anything else. The V8 has noticably more power from at any point below 60 (didn't really get either of them over 65 for any length of time). IMO, the tacoma is far more comfortable, but the tundra felt a bit more solid on rough roads.

 

Thanks for the info. So the V8 felt a lot stronger than the 4.0L... How would you say that 4.0L compares to the 3.4L Supercharged?

Sorry for all the questions, I really need to go and test drive them myself, but I just don't have time.

 

The V8 was definitely stronger than than the 6, but not night and day. For daily driving/mall running, either would be fine. If you did any kind of towing/hauling, you'd probably want the V8 - especially considering how close the prices are.

I've never been in a SC 3.4, so I can't comment on that.

No problem with the questions... keep them coming - I'm happy to answer them as best I can.

 

Did you (anyone above) drive the 6-speed in the new Taco, or was it the auto?? If so, how was the manual tranny? Was it silky smooth?

M-T minds are curious.

 

$30K, WOW! That's way to much for a compact p/u. Is it still a compact?

 

It looks more like a midsized truck than a compact.

 

I drove the auto, so no comments on the 6speed.

I think technically they are still classified as a compact truck, but for all practicle purposes, it's a midsize IMO. The Tundra is going full size soon, so the Tacoma would fit nicely in the midsize market. Not sure what Toyota's plans are for the FTX though.

 

Damn....$30k+ for Toyota's entry model truck. I hope I'm more impressed than you when I drive it, especially for that money.

 

That's the kicker for me... I wouldn't have any problem spending $30k on the Tacoma - it's that nice. But for $33ish, I can get a similarly equipped Tundra...

 

Same here. After I went and looked at one, I would spend $30K becuase it is really nice. But I could have a V8 Tundra (which would pull my boat better) for a tad bit more.

 

EXACTLY! For me, the draw to a tundra is the V8 and getting a bit more truck for basically the same money. The draw to the Tacoma is that it's faaar more comfortable (IMO) and the gas mileage is better.

 

Well maybe you should wait until next year, then they will be introducing the 06 Tundra(should be redesigned). The 05 Tundra's will become really cheap!

 

yea... but waiting has never been my strong suit. I'm eyeballing and FJ40 at the moment...