Used 2004 Toyota Tacoma
Buying Guide for the Toyota Tacoma:
A leader in the compact pickup truck segment for years, the
Toyota Tacoma continues to adhere to the principles of ruggedness,
durability, style and versatility. As long as it follows those
guidelines—which it should, barring some hostile takeover
of the Toyota company—the Tacoma will carry on winning awards
and fans alike.
For 2004, the only change to the Tacoma lineup is that it
loses an optional flare-fender StepSide cargo box. Toyota
offers the Tacoma as a two-door regular-cab, an extended Xtracab
model and a crew-type Double Cab with four conventional side
doors. Double Cabs have a three-passenger rear bench seat;
Xtracabs have two forward-facing rear jump seats.
There are plenty of Tacoma models available, as well as trim
and equipment packages that let you pick up a variety of unique
Tacoma variants. For example, there are two-wheel drive PreRunner
models that feature 4x4 styling cues like raised suspension.
Under the Hood
You get a choice as to what goes under the Tacoma’s hood.
Driving the way for 2004 is an engine lineup that includes
a V6 and two 4-cylinder engines that are offered with manual
or optional automatic transmission.
The most diminutive of all the powertrains is a 2.4-liter
I4. It puts out 142 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 160 lb-ft of
torque at 4000 rpm. The other I4 in the family is a 2.7-liter
model with 150 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 177 lb-ft of torque
at 4000 rpm.
Tops this year is a rugged 3.4-liter V6 engine. It will get
you up to 190 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 220 lb-ft of torque
at 3600 rpm.
The 2004 Tacoma comes with rear-wheel drive or a four-wheel
drive system that must be disengaged on dry pavement but has
low-range gearing. Limited-slip rear differential is optional
for 4WD V6 models and PreRunner V6 models.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
Base models lack air conditioning, but that can be added
from the options list. In fact, pretty much every feature
that you can conceive of as necessary to a compact pickup
truck can be found on the list.
Uplevel V6 models feature a Limited Package. It includes
such things as chrome power mirrors, power windows and door
locks, remote keyless entry, an AM/FM/cassette/CD player and
color-keyed bumpers and grille.
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