Vast Improvement over Previous Tacoma Model Years

I've had my 2005 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Short Bed Automatic in Radiant Red for about a week and I'm liking it more by the day (unlike my 02 Tacoma which I disliked more by the day). I've had Toyota trucks for most of my adult life and have been disappointed by the lack of amenities in past versions. But, the 2005 version makes a huge leap forward. I'm now getting up into my late 40s and looking for a more refined truck that's reliable. The Nissan Titan actually had everything I was looking for plus, I personally think the Titan LE 4x4 version is the nicest looking truck on the road. However, it is a Nissan and like most Nissans the ride was jittery and sub par. I could also actually see the gas gage needle drop as I test drove it. Despite Nissan's MPG claim, most forums indicate that the Titan gets less than 10 MPG. In fairness to Nissan, they make a great engine. But, it's not fuel efficient and their automatic trans do not behave well when pushed a bit. Simply stated, Nissan, your so close with great looking vehicles and innovative designs. Now, just refine the drive train and suspension, and, get rid of the cheap interior materials.

Enough about the Titan. Toyota makes a vastly superior vehicle. In the case of the new Tacoma, here's a list of some of the things that in my opinion are done well:

- The ride is very smooth, almost car-like.
- The engine has decent power, although resonates an unwelcoming sound when pushed.
- The automatic trans mates up well to the engine and has a nice notched layout (well thoughout).
- interior materials are of good quality.
- The exceptional tight turning radius allows for excellent manueverability.
- The wide stance makes for excellent cornering, including the 4x4 version.
- Decent configuration of rear seats allowing for a variety of storage options.

However, Toyota should listen up as well. Here's a list of improvements that Toyota may want to consider on the Tacoma:

- The engine noise is excessive when accelerating (this continues to be major issue on this vehicle as it has been on previous Tacomas).
- Lacks a dual-climate control system.
- Bring back the last year's quick tilt wheel lever (better yet, an auto tilt wheel system like the Maxima when the door is opened).
- Needs memory seats.
- Needs tie-down cleats in front of the bed.
- Needs power seats with height adjustment.
- Needs a better sound sys. w/ MP3 Player (the stock system is horrible).
- Needs a sunroof option.
- Even pickup truck drivers can now and then use a navigation system (Honda/Acura make the best if you want to copy one).
- Needs a Homelink system.
- How about a 120-volt outlet inside the cab.
- The wheels on the Tacoma appear dated. Suggest nicer wheels like Titan 6-spoke as shown on their LE version.

I've always had a manual trans since I tend to be a control freak. But I didn't like the Tacoma's 6-spd (too many gears for all that power). In the old days, conventional wisdom indicated that the more power you had, the less gears you needed (that's why most race cars have just two gears). But, we live in culture where more is better. So, I'm sure we're not that far away from the 7-spd gear box... However, I must say I have fallen in love w/ the Tacoma's 5-spd automatic trans. It's a nice setup that I drive like a stick (this system was designed by someone with a brain, my wife says likely a woman). It's notched as such that it allows you to shift easily between gears 3, 4, and 5. For those who just place it into drive and go will be annoyed by the notched layout. If you fall into that category, suggest you study the notched pattern to understand why the layout is setup as it is (then again, if you've always wondered why there is anything other than a "D" on the shifter, you may want to pass on this suggestion).