Introduced for 1995, the compact Tacoma pickup is available in regular-, extended-, and, since 2001, crew- cab models, and with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive.
Two four-cylinder engines-a 2.4- and a 2.7-liter-are offered, along with the more desirable 3.4-liter, 190-hp V6.
Unlike most other Toyota offerings, the Tacoma was unimpressive in our tests.
It jitters uncomfortably on smooth roads, and kicks and snaps on poor ones.
The steering is slow and numb.
Stopping distances are long without the optional antilock brakes, which can be hard to find.
The cabin is quiet, but the seats are low and lack support.
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