The Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab, produced from 2004 to 2012, represents the second generation of Toyota’s popular compact pickup truck. Sold extensively in North America, and with limited availability in other markets, the Tacoma II built upon the success of its predecessor, offering increased size, refinement, and capability. This generation Tacoma catered to a broad range of buyers, from those needing a practical work truck to those seeking a versatile vehicle for outdoor adventures. The Access Cab configuration, featuring extended cab seating, provided added passenger space and utility compared to the standard cab models. The 4.0-liter V6 engine, paired with a four-wheel-drive system, was a common configuration, offering a balance of power and off-road performance.
Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab: An Overview
The Tacoma II Access Cab occupied a crucial segment in the American pickup truck market – the compact to mid-size truck category. It competed with vehicles like the Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet Colorado. Toyota positioned the Tacoma as a reliable, durable, and capable truck, emphasizing its off-road prowess and long-term dependability. The Access Cab model specifically addressed the need for occasional rear-seat passengers, making it a more practical choice for families or those frequently carrying extra people. The second-generation Tacoma saw significant improvements in interior comfort, safety features, and overall build quality compared to the first generation.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the 2004-2012 Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab 4WD was the 1GR-FE 4.0-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated engine produced 236 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 360 Newton-meters (265.52 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine featured a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with variable valve timing (D-VVT-i), optimizing performance and fuel efficiency. The 4.0L engine provided adequate power for both on-road driving and off-road excursions. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributed to a balanced weight distribution. The Tacoma’s weight-to-power ratio of 7.6 kg/Hp (131.2 Hp/tonne) and weight-to-torque ratio of 5 kg/Nm (200.1 Nm/tonne) indicated a reasonably responsive driving experience. Fuel economy was rated at approximately 14.7 liters per 100 kilometers (16 US mpg) in urban conditions and 11.2 liters per 100 kilometers (21 US mpg) in extra-urban driving. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, providing drivers with precise control over gear selection.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab was a traditional body-on-frame pickup truck, known for its rugged construction. The Access Cab configuration added an extra set of doors and a small rear seating area, increasing passenger capacity to four. The truck’s styling was functional and utilitarian, with a focus on durability rather than outright aesthetics. The interior, while not luxurious, was designed for practicality and ease of use. Key features included a comfortable cabin, a user-friendly dashboard layout, and ample storage space. Safety features, while evolving over the production run, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) as standard equipment. The Tacoma’s high ride height (241 mm / 9.49 in) and four-wheel-drive system provided excellent ground clearance and off-road capability. The truck’s dimensions – a length of 5286 mm (208.11 in), a width of 1834 mm (72.2 in), and a height of 1669 mm (65.71 in) – positioned it squarely within the compact pickup truck segment. The wheelbase measured 3231 mm (127.2 in), contributing to a stable and controlled ride.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma II Access Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 4.0 V6 (236 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | August, 2004 |
| End of production | 2012 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 14.7 l/100 km (16 US mpg, 19.2 UK mpg, 6.8 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 | 7.6 kg/Hp |
| Power | 236 Hp @ 5200 rpm |
| 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 |
| 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 capacity | 9.7 l (10.25 US qt | 8.53 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1799 kg (3966.12 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2423 kg (5341.8 lbs.) |
| Max load | 624 kg (1375.68 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 80 l (21.13 US gal | 17.6 UK gal) |
| Length | 5286 mm (208.11 in.) |
| Width | 1834 mm (72.2 in.) |
| Height | 1669 mm (65.71 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3231 mm (127.2 in.) |
| Front track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Rear track | 1549 mm (60.98 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 241 mm (9.49 in.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual 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 Access Cab 4.0 V6 4WD remains a popular choice in the used vehicle market, prized for its reliability, durability, and off-road capability. Its blend of practicality, performance, and Toyota’s reputation for quality have cemented its place as a significant vehicle in the history of American pickup trucks.
