2
0
Compact pickup truck; Built in USA
  • crew cab
  • crew cab long bed
  • ext. cab
  • reg. cab
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $4,000 – $28,400*


2006 Toyota Tacoma


2006 Toyota Tacoma


2006 Toyota Tacoma

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Instruments/controls
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Rear-seat room/comfort (ext. cab)

Tacoma’s performance, accommodations, off-road prowess, and utility are competitive with most rivals. The crew cab’s available curtain side airbags are an important safety plus. New and updated competitors may threaten Toyota’s dominance in this segment, but still, Tacoma is a proven commodity that won’t steer you wrong.

Overview

Toyota’s compact pickup came in three cab styles: regular cab, extended Access Cab with rear-hinged rear doors, and the Double Cab with four conventional side doors. Regular cabs had bucket seats or a three-passenger bench. The others seated five via front bucket seats and a three-place rear bench.

Regular cabs and Access Cabs used 6-ft-long cargo beds, Double Cabs 5- and 6-ft beds; all had a dent-resistant plastic liner. Tacoma offered two engines. The 159-hp 4-cyl teamed with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic. The 236-hp V6 teamed with a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic. Both were available with rear-wheel drive or with 4-wheel drive that should not be left engaged on dry pavement but has low-range gearing. ABS was standard for all Tacomas. An antiskid system was optional, as was a limited-slip rear differential. Available for off-roading were a locking rear differential and hill ascent and descent control. Available for Double Cabs were front side airbags and curtain side airbags. Among special models, the 2WD PreRunner had a raised suspension and other 4WD styling cues. The sporty X-Runner was an Access Cab with V6, 6-speed manual transmission, aero lower body trim, low-riding sport suspension, and 18-inch wheels.

Yearly Updates

2006 Tacoma
No changes for 2006.
2007 Tacoma
Toyota’s compact pickup got some interior alterations for 2007. All ’07 Tacomas got larger front seats, redesigned audio units, and bright dashboard trim.
2008 Tacoma
The 2008 Toyota Tacoma was largely unchanged.
2009 Tacoma
Tacoma carried on for 2009 with no changes of note.
2010 Tacoma
The 2010 Toyota Tacoma was largely unchanged.
2011 Tacoma
The 2011 Toyota Tacoma lineup underwent only minor changes, including a new off-road-oriented option package.
2012 Tacoma
Aside from slightly freshened styling, there were no noteworthy changes to the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
2013 Tacoma
Save for a new high-end Limited Package for V6-powered Double Cabs, Tacoma was largely unchanged for 2013. The new package included heated sport seats, HD Radio Receiver, sliding rear window, and unique wheels.
2014 Tacoma
The 2014 Tacoma was available with a new SR sports appearance package. There were also four versions of Toyota’s Entune infotaiment system on offer. The Entune upgrade also meant the available backup camera’s display moved from the rearview mirror to the radio’s dash-mounted screen. The street-performance X-Runner model was discontinued.
2015 Tacoma
For 2015, the Toyota Tacoma lost its regular-cab body style but gained an off-road-ready TRD Pro Series model that had 16-inch black alloy wheels on all-terrain tires, Bilstein-brand shocks, unique front springs, and TRD (Toyota Racing Development) interior and exterior trim.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

Tacomas are powered by either a 159-horsepower 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, or a 236-horsepower 4.0-liter V6. Manual and automatic transmissions are available.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.7/163
Engine HP 159
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 180
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic 		21/27
20/27
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.0/241
Engine HP 236
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 266
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
5-speed automatic 		16/21
18/22 		16.6

Road Test

Toyota says a 4WD Tacoma V6 with automatic transmission does 0-60 mph in about 7.5 sec, and the X-Runner in less than 7 sec. Both claims sound reasonable, as the V6 feels strong at all speeds. The automatic transmission shifts smoothly and downshifts quickly for more passing power. The manual transmission has smooth clutch, shifter action.

Fuel economy is decent, given the power. Consumer Guide’s extended-use automatic-transmission 4WD Double Cab averaged 16.6 mpg during its stay. Consumer Guide was not given an opportunity to measure fuel economy with 4-cylinder or manual-transmission models.

Tacoma rides well, though the optional TRD Off-Road suspension feels stiff. So does X-Runner, with its sport suspension and low-profile tires.

The X-Runner has nearly sports-car moves, with little body lean in fast corners and strong brakes. PreRunner and 4×4 models exhibit more body lean and less braking prowess, but are on par with most class rivals.

Tacoma is generally quiet, with modest wind noise, but the available off-road tires whine annoyingly at highway speeds. The V6 engine emits a refined growl under acceleration, but cruises quietly.

Climate and audio controls are clearly marked. All controls work with smooth precision. Hard-plastic trim dominates the interior.

Up front, there’s fine head and legroom. All models tested had the available sport seats, which are comfortable and have prominent bolsters for good support in fast corners. Shorter drivers may wish for seat-height adjustment, which isn’t offered.

Extended cab models have little legroom, even with front seats well forward. The seat has a low cushion and bolt-upright seatback, making it uncomfortable even for those who fit. Crew cab seatbacks rest at a more comfortable angle, though legroom is only adequate in those models.

The cargo beds have four handy adjustable tie-down hooks along top rail and an optional 115-volt outlet.

Ratings

Model Tested: PreRunner Double Cab with V6 and automatic transmission

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 4
40%
Ride Quality - 5
50%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 4
40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 4
40%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 8
80%

Total: 52

Specifications

crew cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
127.8 208.1 74.6 70.1 3810
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1540 21.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.1 38.5 41.7 32.6
crew cab long bed
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
140.9 221.3 74.6 70.1 4100
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1485 21.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.1 38.5 41.7 32.6
ext. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
127.2 208.1 72.2 65.7 3425
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1615 21.0 5
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.9 35.2 41.7 28.2
reg. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
109.4 190.4 72.5 65.7 3140
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
– 1685 21.0 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.0 41.7
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2006 Toyota Tacoma crew cab

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Trouble Spots

Brakes
Description: Front brakes may make noise when backing up for which there are improved brake discs and brake pad shims. (2005-07)
Cold-starting problems
Description: Engine may not start in freezing weather due to fuel pump failure requiring replacement of the pump assembly. (2005)
Doors
Description: The original tailgate may bend under heavy loads and an improved, reinforced tailgate is available. (2005-07)
Exhaust system
Description: Internal components in catalytic converter may become dislodged and restrict exhaust flow. (2010-14)
Oil leak
Description: Oil may leak from the timing cover seal on the 2.7L, four-cylinder engine. (2005-06)
Oil leak
Description: Oil may leak from the timing cover on the 4.0L V6 engine. (2003-07)
Poor drivability
Description: Rough ride on 4X4 models due to design of rear springs and shocks which have been improved. (2005-07)
Rear axle noise
Description: Whine from the rear differential at speeds over 50 mph requires replacement of the differential carrier. (2005-13)
Rear axle noise
Description: Faulty breather plug could cause failure of differential or transfer case. (2009-15)
Starter
Description: The engine may not start on occasion for which there is a replacement powertrain control module. (2007)
Steering noise
Description: Steering intermediate shaft may rattle. (2005-12)
Suspension noise
Description: Knocking noises under the front or rear of the cab are corrected by installation of revised cab mounting cushions. (2005)
Suspension noise
Description: Knocking noises from the rear of the vehicle are corrected by installing spring silencers between the spring leaves. (2005)
Suspension problems
Description: Frame may corrode prematurely (2005-15)
Transmission leak
Description: Transmission extension housing may leak. (2005-06)
Transmission noise
Description: Driveline vibrates between 15-25 mph. (2005-13)
Vehicle shake
Description: The optional skid plate causes vehicle vibrations above 65 mph and a revised, reinforced skid plate is available. (2005)
Water leak
Description: Water leaks are most likely due to inadequate sealer on the front cowl seams at the top and/or the bottom. (2005)
Transmission problems
Description: The manual transmission may be difficult to get into gear or grind between gears due to carpet pad being too thick and new padding and a redesigned pedal assembly have been released. (2005-06)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may come on due to a leak in the EVAP system requiring replacement of the fuel pump assembly plus installation of a fuel tank protection cover (excluding D-Cab short bed). (2005)

Recall History

2005 Toyota Tacoma
Description: A faulty airbag inflator could fail to trigger bag deployment in impact, potentially resulting in additional injury in case of impact. Dealers replaced faulty airbag assemblies as necessary.
2005 Tacoma with front bench seat
Description: A faulty wiring harness could result in the airbags not deploying properly.
2005 Tacoma automatic
Description: The parking brake might not prevent a parked vehicle from rolling on an incline.
2005-09 Tacoma
Description: Steering wheel vibration may damage the clock spring that powers the driver’s airbag, potentially deactivating the airbag and activating the airbag warning lamp.
2005-10 Tacoma Access Cab
Description: Seat-belt pre-tensioner screws may detach. The pre-tensioner would not function properly in a crash.
2005-10 Tacoma
Description: Floormat could cause accelerator pedal to stick in open position.
2005-11 Tacoma PreRunner/4×4
Description: Rear leaf springs may fracture because of stress or corrosion. A broken leaf spring could puncture the fuel tank and possibly cause a fire.
2005-15 Tacoma
Description: Inaccurate label lists an inaccurate amount of allowable added weight.
2006 Toyota Tacoma
Description: Faulty tire mounting could result in tire failure and loss of vehicle control. Dealers replaced damaged tires as necessary.
2006-11 Tacoma with aftermarket heated seats
Description: Tacomas with Southeast Toyota Distributors aftermarket heated seats may experience wiring damage that could result in fire.
2007 Tacoma 4WD
Description: A section of the rear propeller shaft may have been improperly cast. The front side of the rear propeller shaft could separate at the joint and come into contact with the road surface which could result in a loss of vehicle control. Dealers will replace the rear propeller shaft with a new one.
2008-11 Tacoma
Description: When factory-installed wheels and tires were replaced with Toyota authorized accessory wheels and LT tires prior to first sale, the tire pressure monitoring systems were not re-calibrated correctly and therefore do not start illuminating the low tire pressure warning telltale at the required minimum activation pressure, increasing the risk of a crash. The dealer will replace or re-calibrate the tire pressure monitoring system on affected vehicles and install an updated tire and loading information label at no charge.
2008-15 Tacoma
Description: Certain 2008 through 2014 model Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires before originally being sold may have incorrect information about the spare tire size and cold tire inflation information on the tire placard.
2009-12 Tacoma with aftermarket leather seat covers, seat heaters, headrest DVD systems
Description: Aftermarket leather seat covers, seat heaters, headrest DVD systems installed by Southeast Toyota Distributors could interfere with occupant sensing system and the front passenger airbag would deploy properly.
2010
Description: The propeller shaft may develop cracks during the manufacturing process. Over time, the cracks may eventually lead to the separation of the propeller shaft. This may result in a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the front propeller shaft on affected vehicles free of charge.
2011-15 Tacoma
Description: Certain 2011-15 model Tacoma vehicles may have accessory hood scoops that were incorrectly installed by Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC, (SET). The hood scoops may detach.
2012 Tacoma
Description: Tire and loading-information placard lists inaccurate spare-tire size and inflation information.
2012-13 Tacoma
Description: Certain 2012 and 2013 model Tacoma vehicles may experience failure of an electrical component in the brake actuator. Warning lights for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Antilock brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system may illuminate and those systems may become inoperable.
2012-13 Tacoma
Description: Certain 2012 and 2013 model Tacoma vehicles sold by Southeast Toyota Distributors (SET) and equipped with 18-inch Maverick alloy wheels do not include the proper lug nuts to install the spare wheel and tire.
2013-14 Tacoma
Description: Certain 2013 and 2014 model Tacoma vehicles made between July 1, 2013 and October 11, 2013 may have engine valve springs that may break and fail.
2014-15 Tacoma
Description: Certain 2014 model Tacoma vehicles may have accessories such as running boards that were incorrectly installed by Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC, (SET). Fasteners may not have been tightened correctly, possibly allowing the accessories to fall off the vehicle.
2015 Tacoma
Description: Tire and loading-information placard lists inaccurate spare-tire size and inflation information.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on June 25, 2020.
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