AGILE TOY by Bruce W. Smith Since its introduction more than a decade ago, the Toyota Tacoma has been a mainstay of the compact-pickup segment. What makes it so popular is a variety of body styles to choose from, solid build quality and a better-than-average reputation for reliability and durability. The 2009 PreRunner stands out because it’s a 2WD pickup with the look of a four-wheel-drive without the hit on fuel economy. It’s a great pickup for those who want the sporty, rugged look. Another advantage PreRunner has over its mid-size four-door competitors is the Double Cab version is the only one available in both short- and long-bed configurations. Our Speedway Blue test truck is the short-bed version with the 5-foot box. The long-bed measures six-feet. Our test truck has a base price of $23,500. But the top-of-the-line SR5 PreRunner package is loaded with all of the nice functional options and creature comforts that bring the total price of this package to $29,500. This is higher than the competitor’s prices. But in this instance you get what you pay for. At the top of that options—the TRD Off-Road package. It includes Bilstein shocks, tuned suspension, and electric locking rear differential, BFG tires for great on and off-road traction, and fabric-covered sport seats; and leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; backup camera and of course, the TRD graphics.
The PreRunner Double Cab comes standard with a 5-speed automatic, vehicle stability control, traction control, and a full compliment of side curtain and seat side air bags. All Double Cab PreRunners come equipped with the 236hp 24-valve V6, which produces a class-leading 266 lb-feet of torque. The engine does a good job getting the Tacoma up to speed empty or loaded. Fuel economy falls right in line with the EPA numbers of 17 city—21 highway. General performance is strong. Our PreRunner turned consistent 8.5-second 0-60mph times and ran the ¼-mile in 16.3 seconds at 84.4 miles per hour. 70-0mph panic stops come in at a stellar 152 feet—stopping shorter than the Rangers, Colorados, Canyons, and Frontiers we’ve tested to date. Towing is another PreRunner strong point. When equipped with the optional towing package it can pull a 6500-pound trailer when equipped with a weight-distributing hitch—which is more than enough to haul our toys down the road. We only have a couple dislikes: the seats sit low, not supporting the thighs of those over 5’5-- and the running boards make entry/exit a little more cumbersome than we’d like. As for the overall ride comfort and handling, the PreRunner feel like I should: light and agile. Which is exactly what you want in a pickup designed to be used for work and play, on-road and off.—Bruce W. Smith
Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer’s suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for 2009 Tacoma pickup trucks, which range from $15,170 to $27,075. Tacoma greatly enhances its overall value with the addition of several new features. All Tacoma models will now feature Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Traction Control (TRAC) as standard equipment, making Tacoma the latest model to feature Toyota’s STAR Safety system consisting of Anti-Lock Brakes, Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Brake Assist, VSC, and TRAC. Additional new standard features include an automatic limited slip differential, roll-sensing curtain and seat side airbags, and front active headrests. Exterior styling has been freshened with an argent painted grille, LED taillamps and four new colors that include Magnetic Gray, Barcelona Red, Pyrite, and Timberland. Smoked headlamp trim is featured on X-Runner and models with the optional TRD Offroad and TRD Sport packages. Inside, Tacoma features a new and enhanced standard equipment audio system. All Tacoma audio head units feature AM/FM radio, an auxiliary audio input, an MP3-capable CD player, and satellite radio capability. Standard audio on Access and Double Cab models have been upgraded to two ceiling mounted speakers for a total of six and will be satellite radio ready. An optional JBL six-disc CD changer with satellite radio that includes a three-month free subscription to XM Satellite Radio and Bluetooth™ is available for Tacoma Double Cab models. Additional
interior enhancements include a new front door trim panel on all Tacoma
models. Access Cab models receive power windows and door locks as standard
equipment and a new rear seat design that features a center storage area
and under seat storage.
Other enhancements include a stylish new seat fabric pattern for models equipped with the optional SR5 package, and all Regular Cab models are equipped with bench seats. A new backup monitor is offered as an option on Access and Double Cab models. 2009 Tacoma 4x2 models carry a base MSRP that ranges from $15,170 for the Regular Cab with a four cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission to $25,285 for the X-Runner Access Cab V6 with a six-speed manual transmission. For PreRunner models, base MSRP ranges from $16,055 for the Regular Cab with a four cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission to $24,000 for the Double Cab Long Bed V6 with 5-speed automatic transmission. The base MSRP for Tacoma 4x4 models range from $19,130 for the Regular Cab with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission to $27,075 for the Double Cab Long Bed V6 with a five-speed automatic transmission. The overall average MSRP for all Tacoma models increases $1,104, or 5.1 percent. The 2009 Tacoma is available now at Toyota dealerships.
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2009
Toyota Tacoma Pricing Update
