The Toyota Tacoma II Double Cab, produced from 2004 to 2012, represents the second generation of Toyota’s popular compact pickup truck. Sold primarily in North America, and with limited export to other markets, the Tacoma II built upon the success of its predecessor, offering increased size, refinement, and capability. This generation Tacoma catered to a growing demand for versatile, mid-size trucks capable of both work and recreational use. The Double Cab configuration, specifically, provided expanded passenger space, making it a more practical option for families and those needing to transport more than two occupants regularly. The 4.0-liter V6 engine paired with a four-wheel-drive system and automatic transmission became a common configuration, offering a balance of power and usability.
Toyota Tacoma II Double Cab: An Overview
The Tacoma II Double Cab occupied a unique niche in the American automotive landscape. While full-size trucks like the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado dominated the market, the Tacoma offered a more manageable size for urban environments and off-road trails. Its Double Cab layout distinguished it from standard cab and extended cab versions, providing rear doors and significantly more rear seat legroom. This made it a compelling alternative to larger SUVs for buyers seeking a truck’s utility with passenger comfort. The 2004-2012 Tacoma II saw incremental updates throughout its production run, focusing on refinement and feature additions, but the core design remained consistent.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2004-2012 Toyota Tacoma II Double Cab 4WD Automatic is the 1GR-FE 4.0-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 236 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 360 Newton-meters (265.52 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Toyota’s Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (D-VVT-i) system, optimizing performance and fuel efficiency across a wide range of operating conditions. The longitudinal engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. The 5-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth and responsive shifting. The Tacoma’s weight-to-power ratio of 7.9 kg/Hp (127.2 Hp/tonne) and weight-to-torque ratio of 5.2 kg/Nm (194.1 Nm/tonne) provide adequate acceleration and towing capacity for its intended use. Fuel economy is rated at approximately 13 liters per 100 kilometers (18.1 US mpg) in urban driving and 11.2 liters per 100 kilometers (21 US mpg) on the highway.
Design & Features
The Tacoma II Double Cab is a four-door pickup truck with a body-on-frame construction, providing robust durability and off-road capability. The Double Cab configuration adds significantly to the vehicle’s practicality, offering seating for five passengers. The interior, while functional, prioritized durability over luxury, featuring hard-wearing materials and a straightforward layout. Key features included air conditioning, power windows and locks, and an available premium audio system. Safety features, for the era, included Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The Tacoma’s exterior design is characterized by a relatively conservative, utilitarian aesthetic. The truck’s high ground clearance (239 mm / 9.41 in) and four-wheel-drive system make it well-suited for tackling challenging terrain. The truck’s dimensions – a length of 5286 mm (208.11 in), a width of 1895 mm (74.61 in), and a height of 1781 mm (70.12 in) – position it squarely within the compact pickup truck segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma II Double Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 4.0 V6 (236 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | August, 2004 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13 l/100 km (18.1 US mpg, 21.7 UK mpg, 7.7 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg, 25.2 UK mpg, 8.9 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm |
| Power | 236 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.7 Hp/l |
| Torque | 360 Nm @ 4000 rpm (265.52 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 1GR-FE |
| Engine displacement | 3956 cm3 (241.41 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 94 mm (3.7 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, D-VVT-i |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.6 l (10.14 US qt | 8.45 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1855 kg (4089.57 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2472 kg (5449.83 lbs.) |
| Max load | 617 kg (1360.25 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 5286 mm (208.11 in.) |
| Width | 1895 mm (74.61 in.) |
| Height | 1781 mm (70.12 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3246 mm (127.8 in.) |
| Front track | 1600 mm (62.99 in.) |
| Rear track | 1610 mm (63.39 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 239 mm (9.41 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 245/75 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 16 |
The Toyota Tacoma II Double Cab 4.0 V6 4WD Automatic remains a popular choice in the used vehicle market, appreciated for its reliability, capability, and relatively compact size. Its blend of truck functionality and passenger comfort continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
