2007 Toyota Tacoma Review

The 2007 Toyota Tacoma gets only minor changes. Its front seats have been upgraded, and the dash and audio head units have been revised.

Capable and highly configurable, the 2007 Toyota Tacoma is an ideal choice for those seeking a compact or midsize pickup.

Building off a heritage that started more than 40 years ago, Toyota has been the most successful import brand in America in terms of truck sales the past few years. Though its new full-size Tundra will receive a lot of attention this year, the midsize Tacoma remains closer to Toyota's roots and is still an excellent choice for many consumers.

Shoppers who haven't looked at compact pickups in a while might be surprised to learn that most aren't really compact anymore. Based on a full redesign from two model years ago, the American and Mexican-built 2007 Toyota Tacoma is representative of a new breed of midsize pickup truck. Bigger and stronger than the traditional compact, the truck can take on a surprising amount of towing and hauling duties thanks to its stout frame and available 236-horsepower V6 engine.

One main advantage to the Tacoma is its diversity of cab configurations and styles. It's available in regular, extended-cab (Toyota calls it an Access Cab) and crew cab (Double Cab) body styles in both two- and four-wheel drive. In addition, there's the popular PreRunner version that offers the look and suspension of the four-wheel-drive trucks sans the actual four-wheel-drive running gear. Other specialized models include a long-bed version of the crew cab and a street performance-oriented X-Runner.

Also impressive is the Tacoma's overall interior design. With plenty of room in every direction, the Tacoma avoids the claustrophobic feeling typically associated with previous compact pickup trucks. A composite cargo bed comes standard on all models and incorporates built-in storage units, adjustable tie-down anchors and even an optional 400-watt electrical outlet.

Having thoroughly tested the Toyota Tacoma, our editors have come away impressed. Versatile, powerful and off-road-worthy, the Tacoma has no major faults. It has won two successive Editors' Most Wanted awards and ranks extremely high in Edmunds' True Cost to Own (TCO) measurements. Though we also suggest taking a look at another favorite of ours, the Nissan Frontier, the 2007 Toyota Tacoma is an excellent choice for those shopping for a compact or midsize pickup truck.

All regular and extended-cab models are available with either four- or six-cylinder engines, while the crew-cab models use the V6 exclusively. Standard is a 2.7-liter, four-cylinder engine producing 159 hp and 180 pound-feet of torque. The 4.0-liter V6 engine serves up 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic for the four-cylinder, while V6 buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and a five-speed automatic. Rear-wheel or four-wheel drive is offered for all body styles. Equipped with the V6 engine, the Tacoma's maximum tow rating is 6500 pounds.

Antilock brakes with brake assist are standard on all 2007 Toyota Tacoma trucks. A stability control system is optional on all models. Crew cab models also offer optional front-seat side airbags and roll-sensing full-length head curtain airbags. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) are provided for 4WD models equipped with an automatic transmission, stability control and the off-road package. In NHTSA testing, the Tacoma received a top five-star rating for its protection of occupants in frontal and side-impact crashes. The IIHS posts a top rating of "Good" for offset frontal-impact protection.

While the standard four-cylinder is certainly adequate, the 4.0-liter V6 is a terrific all-around performer, with plenty of guts down low and a willingness, albeit a noticeably noisy one, to spin into the upper rev ranges. Additionally, towing heavy loads is no undue burden for this powertrain. In terms of handling, the 2007 Toyota Tacoma feels like a true pickup truck from behind the wheel. It excels in off-road situations and is decently comfortable on the street. But dependent on the load and type of suspension equipped, it can seem skittish or bouncy at times.

The Tacoma's interior isn't particularly flashy, but it does provide plenty of practicality and comfort. The gauges are straightforward and the controls are easy to use. Storage space is also abundant, and the Double Cab's rear seat is comfortable for adults. Many drivers complain about the positioning of the driver seat, however, saying that it's too close to the floor. For hauling cargo, a non-rusting and dent-resistant composite cargo bed comes standard on all models. Furthering utility is an optional bed-mounted 115-volt/400-watt electrical outlet.