2002 Toyota Tacoma Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　A moonroof is available now on PreRunners and S-Runners have color-keyed side badging.

　　

zzdcar says

　　The 2002 Toyota Tacoma is a capable compact pickup with a variety of body styles to suit most buyers. Has a reputation for reliability, but value in question due to high asking prices.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$175/mo  for Tacoma Base

　　Tacoma Base

　　2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $11,900 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A) - $12,620 MSRP2dr Xtracab 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $14,540 MSRP2dr Xtracab 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A) - $15,260 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M) - $16,310 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A) - $17,210 MSRP2dr Xtracab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M) - $18,430 MSRP2dr Xtracab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A) - $19,330 MSRP2dr Regular Cab PreRunner 2WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A) - $13,890 MSRP2dr Xtracab PreRunner 2WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A) - $16,490 MSRP4dr Double Cab PreRunner 2WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A) - $18,110 MSRP2dr Xtracab S-Runner V6 2WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 5M) - $18,060 MSRP2dr Xtracab PreRunner V6 2WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 4A) - $18,340 MSRP4dr Double Cab PreRunner V6 2WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $18,970 MSRP2dr Xtracab V6 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 5M) - $19,520 MSRP2dr Xtracab V6 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 4A) - $20,420 MSRP4dr Double Cab V6 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 4A) - $22,120 MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Tacoma. Toyota says it's supposed to suggest the rugged outdoors, as well as strength and adventure, but a friend of ours once quipped, "Obviously, nobody from Toyota has actually been to Tacoma."

　　There are three body styles from which to choose: Regular Cab, Xtracab and Double Cab. Each is available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Toyota also offers Tacomas with a "PreRunner" designation. PreRunners are 2WD trucks that have the looks and heavy-duty suspension of 4WD models.

　　Toyota expanded the Tacoma lineup last year with the Double Cab. This compact crew cab offers four full-size doors and a longer passenger compartment in the hopes of appealing to people who want a pickup and an SUV but can't afford both. In order to keep overall length reasonable for on- and off-road maneuverability, the Double Cab's bed length is shortened to 61.5 inches.

　　For all Tacomas, any of three engines go under the hood. Two-wheel-drive Tacomas get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine, rated at 142 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque. Tacoma 4WDs and 2WD PreRunners earn a 2.7-liter four with 150 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Standard on Double Cab and optional on Xtracab models is a 3.4-liter V6 that whips out 190 horses and 220 lb-ft of torque. Toyota also offers a special 2WD S-Runner Xtracab sport truck equipped with the V6, a five-speed manual transmission and a sport-tuned suspension. A supercharger is also available from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) for the V6, boosting output to 260 horsepower. Ask your dealer for details.

　　Interiors are industrial in design, failing to appear modern, but are constructed of high-quality materials. Switchgear is logically placed and easy to use. Larger drivers might find the front seats to be uncomfortable, but the cabin in general is pretty roomy, especially in the Double Cab. Standard features are few and far between, however. Items like air conditioning, cruise control, bucket seats and power windows and locks are all optional. Toyota does offer two optional packages -- SR5 and Limited -- that bundle the most desired features. A TRD off-road package is also available that includes an upgraded suspension, 16-inch tires and a locking rear differential.

　　In terms of safety equipment, all pickups contain dual front airbags with a shut-off switch for the passenger side. Four-wheel antilock brakes are optional. In government crash tests, the Tacoma has not faired as well as other compact pickups.

　　Driving a Tacoma is easy enough thanks to its compact dimensions. Both four-cylinder engines offer adequate acceleration, though you'll want the V6 if you plan on towing. Ride quality can suffer if the TRD off-road package is ordered, but the payoff in terms of enhanced off-road ability is well worth it.

　　Toyota hopes to attract buyers with the handsome styling and rugged image of its Tacoma as well as its reputation for quality and reliability. Generally, we like the Tacoma, but question the value it represents. Most of these Toyota trucks don't come cheap. Guess that's the price you pay for the peace of mind a Toyota provides.

　　

2002 Tacoma Highlights

Type: XtracabRegular CabDouble CabXtracab

　　Trim: BasePreRunnerS-Runner V6PreRunner V6V6Base

　　

Base MSRP	$14,540
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$175/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles