Exterior Styling Review 2009 Toyota Venza
Green
Trucks
Luxury
Family
Brand
Muscle
See more sites from  HighGear  M E D I A  >>
Compare this car to others like it Try our car compare tool now

2009 Toyota Tacoma Features Review

May 30, 2009

FEATURES | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

class-first roof-rack system” (Double Cab)
Kelley Blue Book

There are no strippos
Motor Trend

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is available with a plethora of comfort and convenience items. As Motor Trend says, “even the base 2WD regular-cab truck features standard carpeting, a CD player, tilt/telescope steering wheel, tachometer, digital clock, an SMC composite bed with utility rail system, and a flush rear bumper. Automatic transmission Access Cab and Double Cab models get a gated shifter.”

AutoWeek praises the performance-oriented X-Runner, “special X-brace out back to keep cowl shake to a minimum” and the limited slip differential that “helps put the power down.” But they are less impressed with the “silly ground FX (like a hood scoop that doesn't actually do anything)” and the “Big Brake Kit, which strangely is paired with rear drum brakes.”

TRD, or Toyota Racing Development, supercharger includes an intercooler and may be purchased and installed at the dealership. It boosts the horsepower of the V-6 from 236 to 304. The Off-Road Rugged Trail Package includes a locking rear diff, 16-inch Baja wheels, additional skid plating, black overfenders, and Bilstein shocks.

Automobile says, “the wide variety of standard and optional features (among them under-the-floor and behind-the-seat storage cubbies, rear seats that fold flat, a 400-watt outlet in the cargo bed, bed storage boxes, a bed extender, and TRD sport and off-road packages) makes the Tacoma useful both for work and for play.”

Cars.com reports “well-heeled Tacomas include a JBL premium stereo with a six-CD changer, power windows, remote entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls.” That highest-level JBL/satellite option includes a free three-month subscription to XM radio and Bluetooth compatibility. But proving that, indeed, this truck was new in 2005, no nav system is offered, an omission that may well hurt the Tacoma when judged side-by-side with car-based rivals such as Honda’s Ridgeline. Other accessories include a bed divider, bed net, cargo crossbars, Yakima roof rack, bike rack, running boards, flip-out bed extender, SnugTop Super Sport hard shell, and a rubber bed mat.

Conclusion

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma has a thorough list of useful, well-designed, and thoughtfully executed features.

FEATURES | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:class-first roof-rack system” (Double Cab)Kelley Blue BookThere are no stripposMotor Trend The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is available with a plethora of comfort and convenience items. As Motor Trend says, “even the base 2WD regular-cab truck features standard carpeting, a CD player, tilt/telescope steering wheel, tachometer, digital clock, an SMC composite bed with utility rail system, and a flush rear bumper. Automatic transmission Access Cab and Double Cab models get a gated shifter.” AutoWeek praises the performance-oriented X-Runner, “special X-brace out back to keep cowl shake to a minimum” and the limited slip differential that “helps put the power down.” But they are less impressed with the “silly ground FX (like a hood scoop that doesn't actually do anything)” and the “Big Brake Kit, which strangely is paired with rear drum brakes.” TRD, or Toyota Racing Development, supercharger includes an intercooler and may be purchased and installed at the dealership. It boosts the horsepower of the V-6 from 236 to 304. The Off-Road Rugged Trail Package includes a locking rear diff, 16-inch Baja wheels, additional skid plating, black overfenders, and Bilstein shocks. Automobile says, “the wide variety of standard and optional features (among them under-the-floor and behind-the-seat storage cubbies, rear seats that fold flat, a 400-watt outlet in the cargo bed, bed storage boxes, a bed extender, and TRD sport and off-road packages) makes the Tacoma useful both for work and for play.” Cars.com reports “well-heeled Tacomas include a JBL premium stereo with a six-CD changer, power windows, remote entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls.” That highest-level JBL/satellite option includes a free three-month subscription to XM radio and Bluetooth compatibility. But proving that, indeed, this truck was new in 2005, no nav system is offered, an omission that may well hurt the Tacoma when judged side-by-side with car-based rivals such as Honda’s Ridgeline. Other accessories include a bed divider, bed net, cargo crossbars, Yakima roof rack, bike rack, running boards, flip-out bed extender, SnugTop Super Sport hard shell, and a rubber bed mat. ConclusionThe 2009 Toyota Tacoma has a thorough list of useful, well-designed, and thoughtfully executed features. 2009 TOYOTA TACOMA STYLING | [7 out of 10] Car and Driver: “straightforward controls situated right where fingers are trained to find them” Motor Trend: “It no longer looks like a small truck” Kelley Blue Book: "might be mistaken for a domestic truck" Cars.com: consumer rating of “4.7 ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

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. The 2009 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.

Next Steps:

Get a free price quote

for the 2009 Toyota Tacoma from a dealer near you

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2009 Toyota Tacoma

Check Financing Rates

for the 2009 Toyota Tacoma

Check Local Classifieds

for a 2009 Toyota Tacoma near you

See the Toyota Tacoma in Other Years:

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

Comments (0 total)

Be the first to post a comment

Post a comment

Post anonymously, or
(Required)
(Required - will not be published, sold or shared)
(Optional - your 'posted by' name will link to the URL)

Remember Me?

I have read TheCarConnection.com's privacy policy