In 2000, Toyota began development of the second generation Tacoma under chief engineer Chikuo Kubota.
[15]
Majority of development work was handled by Hino in Japan. Designers
Shigeya Hattori and Hideo Karikomi of Hino, won the internal design
competition in 2001. Final designs were frozen for production in 2002
and patents filed on July 3, 2003, with test mules being tested from
early 2003. Prototypes were built later in 2003, with development ending
in the second quarter of 2004.
[16]
On February 4, 2004 at the
Chicago Auto Show,
Toyota unveiled a bigger and more powerful Tacoma. This new Tacoma was
available in eighteen different configurations, that included three cab
configurations, four transmissions, two engines, and two bed lengths.
The three cab configurations consist of regular cab, access cab, and
double cab. The transmissions come in 4-speed automatic, 5-speed
automatic, 5-speed manual, and 6-speed manual. Beds are: 6 ft (1.8 m)
long bed, and 5 ft (1.5 m) short bed. The Tacoma's 4.0-liter
1GR-FE V6 took the place of the original 3.4-liter
5VZ-FE
V6. The new V6 had many enhancements, such as a tow rating of 6,500 lb
(2,948 kg), and a payload capacity of 1,650 lb (748 kg). It produces 236
horsepower (176 kW) and 266 lb·ft (361 N·m) of
torque. The smaller, but all-new 2.7-liter
2TR-FE 4-cylinder alternative in less expensive models is rated at 159 hp (119 kW) and 180 lb·ft (244 N·m). of torque.
Toyota also introduced an X-Runner trim, which replaces the slow
selling S-Runner trim from the previous generation. The X-Runner
features the
1GR-FE paired to a six-speed
manual transmission,
18 in (457 mm) alloy wheels, lowered two inches from the factory and
included an X-Brace suspension package. Toyota also included a Down-Hill
Assist Control (DAC) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), with models
that were equipped with the optional
Toyota Racing Development
(TRD) Off-Road package. DAC automatically applies braking during
downhill descents while HAC prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards
on hills. A rear
locking differential, or
limited-slip differential
were also some optional features. Every Tacoma was manufactured with a
composite inner bed that includes a deck rail system with four tie down
cleats, hook-pins, storage boxes. TRD package equipped Tacomas also
feature an in-bed 115V/400W AC power outlet. The tie down cleats are
rated to hold up to 220 lb (100 kg).
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 the 2007 model year. 2008 models are carry-ons from 2007. For
2009 safety features were added and the Tacoma no longer offers a
mechanical limited slip differential rather an open
differential
which uses individual wheel braking to simulate a mechanical LSD or
"Auto-LSD". TRD off-road models continue to come equipped with a locking
rear differential. The second generation Tacomas were assembled in
Tijuana, Mexico and
Fremont, California
while the plastic/composite beds were all built in Mexico. However, in
August 2009 Toyota announced that it would relocate Tacoma production
from Fremont to
San Antonio, Texas.
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 ended its joint venture with Toyota.
Toyota, needing additional production volume at its Texas and
Mississippi plants, ended Corolla and Tacoma production at the Fremont
plant.
[citation needed]
In 2010 all Tacoma production was moved to Toyota's Texas plant in San
Antonio. The Tacoma will be built alongside the Tundra. This brought a
total of approximately 1,000 new jobs to San Antonio
The 2012 model year refresh featured a restyled front bumper,
headlights, grille, hood, new interior and a shark fin antenna for the
SiriusXM satellite radio. The 2013 model year comes with touch screen
audio system and removes the shark fin antenna and SiriusXM radio
capability unless the optional Entune package is installed. 2014 models
came with a new SR trim and for 2015 models the regular cab model was
discontinued.
In November 2016, Toyota USA settled a class action suit over frame
rust, agreeing to inspect and if necessary replace rusted frames on
2005–2010 model year Tacomas, 2007–2008 MY
Tundras, and 2005–2008 MY
Sequoias in the US and its territories.
[17]
SG Automotive manufactures a truck with a similar grille and headlights called the
Huanghai Major in China.
