2005 Toyota Tacoma

For years, nothing. Then, suddenly, the compact-pickup-truck market is awash in new products: the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon and, for 2005, a new Dodge Dakota, Nissan Frontier, and--for the first time in 10 years--an all-new Toyota Tacoma.

As it did originally, the Tacoma shares a platform and an engine with the Toyota 4Runner, in this case the gutsy 4.0-liter, 245-horsepower, aluminum-block DOHC V-6. Standard is a new 2.7-liter, 164-horsepower four-cylinder, which replaces the current 2.4- and 2.7-liter fours. There are four transmission choices: a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual for the four-cylinder, and a five-speed auto and a six-speed manual for the V-6. The manuals and the five-speed automatic are new.

The chassis is substantially more rigid than before, with seven crossmembers and a fully boxed frame up front and stiffened C-channels in the rear. This makes for solid towing credentials: All models can haul 3500 pounds, while the V-6 can tow 5000 with a receiver hitch or up to 6500 with the towing package.

Front brakes are discs; rear brakes are, interestingly, 10-inch drums. Toyota says rear drums offer the best performance in the wet and maximum holding force when parked. Privately, execs admit that drum brakes still cost less than discs. Anti-lock with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution are standard.

The 2005 Tacoma is four inches wider, making for much-improved elbow room. Wheelbase ranges from 109.4 inches for the regular cab--yes, there still is a regular cab--to 140.6 inches for the long-bed Double Cab. Interior trim is substantially upgraded. The Access Cab still has fold-down rear seats that are suitable for kids or desperate-to-ride adults, but the Double Cab has enough rear-seat room for anyone.