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2008 Toyota Tacoma Review

July 24, 2008

STYLING | 7 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Consumer rating of “4.7 out of 5.0
Cars.com

might be mistaken for a domestic truck
Kelley Blue Book

keep-it-sane styling…and straightforward controls
Car and Driver

It no longer looks like a small truck
Motor Trend

Introduced for the 2005 model year, the second-gen Tacoma grew considerably in all dimensions, pulling it out of the compact and squarely into the mid-size pickup realm. Toyota also eschewed bland, utilitarian styling this time around, awarding styling duties to its Japanese heavy-duty truck division, Hino. The emphasis seems to be on big and bold, with strong lines, prominent fender arches, large wheel cutouts, and aggressive circular headlights glaring out behind upswept plastic covers. This helps Toyota’s little guy do battle with the traditionally splashier Americans trucks; Kelley Blue Book feels that the Tacoma’s styling “succeeds by blending classic Toyota truck styling with design features of some larger domestic models.”

Of the exterior styling, Car and Driver remarks that Hino’s styling handiwork “[turned] up the Tacoma’s testosterone with square shoulders, fender arches, and a Kenworth-compatible grille.” Comparing the Tacoma to its previous-gen forebear, Motor Trend comments that it no longer resembles a small truck, “thanks to a wider stance, large fender bulges surrounding upsized wheels and tires, sweeping headlamps, and a larger windshield.”

According to a survey conducted by Cars.com, the truck's styling seems to have found favor with consumers, who rate the Tacoma’s design a 4.7 out of 5.0.

As to the interior, Toyota sticks to its reputation for clean, functional design, while adding a splash of ruggedness and flair. Deeply recessed gauges, each with its own tunnel, alongside a rather avant-garde silver center stack, are a far cry from the generic, boxy truck interiors of yore. Said silver treatment might be a bit polarizing (Car and Driver: “it may seem dated when the industry finally tires of plastic painted like naked aluminum”), but this is mitigated by Toyota’s first-rate ergonomics, simple and sizable dials for HVAC, and high-quality switchgear throughout the cabin. Car and Driver asserts that the Tacoma’s cabin contains “straightforward controls situated right where fingers are trained to find them.”

Conclusion

A happy medium of exterior bravado and interior bravura mark the 2008 Toyota Tacoma.

STYLING | 7 out of 10Expert Quotes:Consumer rating of “4.7 out of 5.0Cars.commight be mistaken for a domestic truckKelley Blue Bookkeep-it-sane styling…and straightforward controlsCar and DriverIt no longer looks like a small truckMotor Trend Introduced for the 2005 model year, the second-gen Tacoma grew considerably in all dimensions, pulling it out of the compact and squarely into the mid-size pickup realm. Toyota also eschewed bland, utilitarian styling this time around, awarding styling duties to its Japanese heavy-duty truck division, Hino. The emphasis seems to be on big and bold, with strong lines, prominent fender arches, large wheel cutouts, and aggressive circular headlights glaring out behind upswept plastic covers. This helps Toyota’s little guy do battle with the traditionally splashier Americans trucks; Kelley Blue Book feels that the Tacoma’s styling “succeeds by blending classic Toyota truck styling with design features of some larger domestic models.” Of the exterior styling, Car and Driver remarks that Hino’s styling handiwork “[turned] up the Tacoma’s testosterone with square shoulders, fender arches, and a Kenworth-compatible grille.” Comparing the Tacoma to its previous-gen forebear, Motor Trend comments that it no longer resembles a small truck, “thanks to a wider stance, large fender bulges surrounding upsized wheels and tires, sweeping headlamps, and a larger windshield.” According to a survey conducted by Cars.com, the truck's styling seems to have found favor with consumers, who rate the Tacoma’s design a 4.7 out of 5.0. As to the interior, Toyota sticks to its reputation for clean, functional design, while adding a splash of ruggedness and flair. Deeply recessed gauges, each with its own tunnel, alongside a rather avant-garde silver center stack, are a far cry from the generic, boxy truck interiors of yore. Said silver treatment might be a bit polarizing (Car and Driver: “it may seem dated when the industry finally tires of plastic painted like naked aluminum”), but this is mitigated by Toyota’s first-rate ergonomics, simple and sizable dials for HVAC, and high-quality switchgear throughout the cabin. Car and Driver asserts that the Tacoma’s cabin contains “straightforward controls situated right where fingers are trained to find them.” ConclusionA happy medium of exterior bravado and interior bravura mark the 2008 Toyota Tacoma.  2008 TOYOTA TACOMA STYLING | [7 out of 10] Cars.com: Consumer rating of “4.7 out of 5.0” Kelley Blue Book: "might be mistaken for a domestic truck" Car and Driver: “keep-it-sane styling…and straightforward controls” Motor Trend: “It no longer looks like a small truck” Introduced for ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The 2008 Toyota Tacoma rides harder than the comparable Nissan Frontier models but doesn’t handle quite as well. The Nissan has a better-looking interior, with more comfortable seats and appointments, as well as sprightlier performance from its 4.0-liter V-6. But the Tacoma has a more enviable reputation for reliability. Both the Colorado and Ranger feel inferior and outdated compared to the Tacoma, with subpar interior appointments and a lack of safety features, but the Ranger makes a strong case as one of the only true compact pickup designs left—and it's very fuel-efficient in basic four-cylinder form. Then there’s the Dodge Dakota, which is a little closer to full-size than the Tacoma and has available V-8 power for towing.

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See the Toyota Tacoma in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

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