new auto cars 2012: 2013 Toyota Tacoma

2013 Toyota Tacoma

2013, Cars, Toyota, Toyota Tacoma 10:36 AM

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck produced and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation since 1995. The Tacoma was a compact pickup until a model redesign in 2005 when it was reclassified to a mid-size. The second-generation Tacoma was Motor Trend Magazine's Truck of the Year for 2005.

The Tacoma was introduced in the US in 1995 as a replacement for the Hilux, which prior to this was marketed in the US under the name Toyota Pickup. Compared with the Hilux, the Tacoma is engineered with a greater priority on ride quality, handling, comfort, and safety over ruggedness and payload capacity. The design is intended to better suit the needs of the US and Canadian pickup truck market, where pickup trucks, particularly compact and mid-sized models, are often used as personal vehicles, and less exclusively for commercial, agricultural, and off road use.

n its first couple years of production the Tacoma sold very well, attracting many young buyers. The first generation Tacoma underwent a total of two cosmetic face-lifts: the first in 1998, and the second in 2001. The face-lifts mainly entailed new headlights and grilles. Mechanical changes included a switch to distributor less ignitions in 1997 and in 1998 longer rear leaf springs. A passenger-side air bag was added for 1998, and the driver's side air bag was depoveleped. All 4x4 models came with Toyota's Automatic Differential Disconnect system after the 2000 model year.

The 2006 model Tacoma was a bit different from the 2005 model. The 2006 model made some options standard. Toyota also added 2 new interior colors for 2007 model year. 2008 models are carry ons from 2007. A minor facelift came for 2009, including a slightly revised grille on some models, new LED taillamps, and on the X-Runner, TRD Offroad and TRD Sport models includes smoked headlamp trim. Auxiliary audio input now comes standard. The Access/Double Cab trucks have two new ceiling mounted speakers and available backup monitor. Four new exterior colors are also added to the Tacoma.

After the Bankruptcy of GM, GM abandoned the NUMMI venture. Following the decision of GM, Toyota terminated all Corolla and Tacoma production. In 2010 all Tacoma production will be moved to Toyota's Texas plant in San Antonio. The Tacoma will be built alongside the Tundra, its bigger brother. By doing this, Toyota has moved all of its NA truck production to one plant. This will bring a total 1,000 new jobs to San Antonio. For the 2012 model year, Toyota restyled the front end of the Tacoma with revised headlights, grille and bumper.

The only extra feature in 2001 was a new crew cab model added to the lineup. The crew cab featured four doors, while the extended cabs still opened with two doors. The extended cab featured a 6-foot bed while the crew cab featured a 5-foot-5-inch bed. Many customers were upset with small crew cab beds, but most competitors shared this shortcoming.