Unsung Hero: Toyota Tacoma

Understandably, not all drivers can confine their lifestyles to small sedans. Yesterday, CheckeredChick introduced you to the Honda CR-V, and we both were pleasantly surprised to learn that driving a larger vehicle does not necessarily mean big compromises at the pump. Continuing along those lines, I am glad to introduce you to the Unsung Hero for today, the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Yes, you read it correctly; a pickup truck makes the list.

Knowing a few Tacoma drivers myself, they all seem to have one thing in common; they love their Tacomas! And during a visit to Checkered Flag Toyota yesterday, I now understand why. Fredie Bagtas Santos (pictured here with the Tacoma), a sales consultant there, was gracious enough to take me along for a drive (around the dealership lot) in a 2008 Tacoma Regular Cab. My initial reaction upon sitting in the truck was that it seemed very easy to handle. This particular model was outfitted with a three-passenger bench that allowed for plenty of space.

Fredie says the Tacoma is popular with buyers, especially construction workers. Females also tend to see the compact truck as a friendly option. Fredie shared with me the story of a female customer coming in looking for a Tacoma. She admitted to him that she originally was looking to buy a truck of another make, but her husband, who was a seasoned mechanic, convinced her to choose the Tacoma instead. The story ends with Fredie handing her the keys to a brand new Tacoma. 

According to Fredie, the popularity of the Tacoma is largely due to customers recognizing its value. Starting at $14,280, the Tacoma is a great choice and at Checkered Flag there is currently a $1000 rebate. Consumer Guide Automotive also saw its value and named the Tacoma a Best Buy. 

The Tacoma comes in a wide range of models to pick from. Four different trims are available on including: Regular Cab, Access Cab, Double Cab, and X-Runner. The standard engine is 2.7 liter, four cylinder. There is also a 4.0 liter V-6 engine, which is standard on the Double Cab and X-Runner models. Customers also have their choice of manual or automatic transmissions. With the four-cylinder model, the Tacoma gets 25 miles to the gallon on the highway and 19 city. It will get you 525 miles to a tank on its 21 gallon tank.

The Tacoma is equipped with an AM/FM radio and CD player; driver and front passenger airbags with Advanced Airbag System; side impact door beams in all doors; and 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. The options list is expansive with items such as chrome grilles and suspensions with Bilstein® shocks. The full list can be found here.  

For some, having a truck is essential for work or it simply comes in handy in certain situations. The Tacoma delivers the practicality drivers are looking for while sparing them frequent and costly trips to the gas station. Test it out yourself at Checkered Flag Toyota, 5301 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111. I am sure Fredie or any of the Toyota sales team would take you out for a ride too.