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 distribution 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 and automatic transmission, was a common and well-regarded powertrain option.
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 directly 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 and additional interior storage, making it a popular choice for families and individuals with diverse needs. 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 4.0 V6 4WD Automatic is the 1GR-FE 4.0-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 236 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 360 Newton-meters (265.52 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a Double Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with Variable Valve Timing-intelligent (D-VVT-i) technology. This configuration optimizes engine performance and efficiency across a wide range of operating conditions. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. The power-to-weight ratio of 7.7 kg/Hp (130.4 Hp/tonne) and torque-to-weight ratio of 5 kg/Nm (198.9 Nm/tonne) provide adequate performance for both on-road driving and off-road excursions. The 5-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth and responsive gear changes, enhancing the driving experience. 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) in extra-urban conditions.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tacoma II Access Cab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for four passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a robust and durable platform, essential for truck applications. The Access Cab configuration extends the rear cab area, offering more legroom and storage space compared to the standard cab. The truck’s exterior design is characterized by a rugged and functional aesthetic, with a prominent grille, flared wheel arches, and a high ride height (241 mm or 9.49 inches). The Tacoma II incorporated several safety features for its time, including an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). The interior features a practical and durable design, with comfortable seating and user-friendly controls. The truck’s dimensions are as follows: length 5286 mm (208.11 in), width 1834 mm (72.2 in), and height 1669 mm (65.71 in). The wheelbase measures 3231 mm (127.2 in), and the track width is 1549 mm (60.98 in) both front and rear. The Tacoma II’s suspension system consists of an independent McPherson strut setup with coil springs and an anti-roll bar at the front, and an independent coil spring setup at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and good handling characteristics.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma II Access 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 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| 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 | 7.7 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 | 9.6 l (10.14 US qt | 8.45 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1810 kg (3990.37 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2423 kg (5341.8 lbs.) |
| Max load | 613 kg (1351.43 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 | 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 Access Cab 4.0 V6 4WD Automatic remains a popular choice in the used vehicle market, known for its reliability, durability, and off-road capability. Its blend of practicality, comfort, and performance continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers seeking a versatile and dependable pickup truck.
