more car-like, it's easy to forget their truck-like personalities. Compact

pickups are indeed much bigger and more luxurious than they used to be.

They ride nicer, steer easier and have a full complement of car-like features.

But they're still trucks, something that definitely applies to this

Toyota Tacoma 4X4 Xtracab. It doesn't ride like a luxury car nor does it

handle or accelerate like a sports car. It's designed to haul stuff and

to be driven off the pavement. If you're considering a vehicle that will

see all-purpose use, and a pickup seems appealing, keep in mind that you

will become a truck driver. Of course, folks who love trucks wouldn't have

it any other way.

Toyota has a history of building solid, dependable trucks. Its four-wheel-drive

trucks have always been standouts for tough duty, with rugged suspensions,

rigid bodies and powerful engines. The Tacoma builds on that tradition--particularly

when it's equipped with the V6 engine.

Toyota trucks don't come cheap, particularly top-of-the-line models.

A Tacoma 4x4 Xtracab V6 prepared for off-road duty retails for more than

$24,000. What you can expect for your investment is top-drawer off-road

performance and many years of reliable service. It's a high-quality product,

which is a benefit when it's time to sell.

edges. The two-wheel-drive models have been streamlined for 1997 with a

new grille and headlight assemblies. The 4x4 models look particularly rugged

with their high ground clearance and optional 31-inch all-terrain tires.

Introduced in February 1995, the Tacoma line stretches from a $12,618

2WD errand runner with a frugal four-cylinder engine to a 4WD V6 bruiser

that costs nearly twice as much. An extensive combination of options allows

buyers to order trucks that excel at hauling, towing, off-roading or economy.

All Tacomas come with the same six-foot bed (74.5 inches long inside),

fitted with four inner tie-down points.

Two cabs are available. Overall, a Tacoma Xtracab is 18.5 inches longer

than a standard cab model. Its wheelbase is 18.6 inches longer, which provides

better ride quality on the highway but reduces maneuverability in tight

parking lots and extreme off-road situations. Though it's roomier than

some, the standard cab seems best suited for parts stores or other commercial

errandrunning, or for those who want maximum off-road capability.

Buyers of the base model get a 2WD regular cab pickup powered by a 2.4-liter

engine that gets 28 mpg on the highway. Opting for the $750 value edition

package adds air conditioning, power steering, chrome bumpers, a radio

and floor mats; the resulting $13,368 Tacoma will haul up to 1684 pounds

of stuff, pull a 3500-pound trailer and provide reliable transportation

for many years. Four-wheel antilock brakes are a $590 option and an XtraCab

body is available.

Four-wheel-drive models are equipped with a more powerful 2.7-liter

four-cylinder engine. The 4WD regular cab with a five-speed manual can

haul up to 1914 pounds of cargo--more than any other Tacoma. But fuel economy

drops to 23 mpg on the highway--no better than the V6--and the towing capacity

remains at 3500 pounds.

Those who take long trips, pull trailers or go off road will find the

optional V6 smoother, quieter, more powerful and more refined than the

four-cylinder engines, particularly the basic 2.4-liter four. A V6 Tacoma

with four-wheel drive is capable of exhibiting prowess at an offroad jamboree.

A V6 Tacoma with two-wheel drive and an automatic is a tow vehicle that's

easy to get into and doesn't spill as much coffee on the way to work.

The 3.4-liter V6 produces 220 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm. That's

enough power to pull a 5000-pound trailer, yet it still gets 23 mpg on

the highway. Maximum payload is 1859 pounds in a 4WD regular cab with five-speed

manual. Automatic transmissions and, in particular, extended cabs reduce

payload, but not towing capacities.

All three engines burn 87 octane unleaded and all are available with

either the standard five-speed manual or the four-speed electronically

controlled automatic. Four-wheel-drive models come with manual locking

front hubs, which means you must climb out and go to the front wheels to

engage them, which can be a hassle.

An optional shift-on-the-fly system permits shifting to and from 4WD

at speeds below 50 mph. A push-button switch for four-wheel drive is an

option for the SR5 models. A control lever is used to shift into low-range

four-wheel drive. An optional locking rear differential provides additional

traction at low speeds in mud, snow and sand; by pressing a button after

4WD Low is selected, the rear differential can be locked, forcing both

rear wheels to turn in unison.

The suspension on all models is independent double wishbones with coil

springs up front and a live axle and leaf springs in back. The 4WD Xtracab

V6 models benefit from gas-filled shocks.

the 4WD models. Once inside, the driver finds a nice interior with dual

armrests, dual cupholders and a driver-side foot rest. The instruments

and switch gear are laid out well and have a nice feel. Air conditioning,

radio, power windows, mirrors and locks are all optional and drive the

price up quickly.

The regular cab seats two in comfort. Three can sit--barely--on the

standard bench seat. The five-passenger XtraCab models add a 60/40 split

front bench seat and rear jump seats with a special restraint system designed

for children. XtraCabs can carry four people in relative comfort, but the

primary practical benefit of the extended cab is to provide security and

shelter for smaller items. It also adds another inch of front legroom.

The XtraCab comes with tilt-out quarter windows and a folding table with

cup holders.

We found the 60/40 split cloth bench seat in our Tacoma XtraCab comfortable,

though we prefer the buckets in the SR5 version. XtraCab SR5 models also

include map lights, tilt wheel, full instrumentation, a digital clock,

AM/FM/cassette audio, variable intermittent wipers, a sliding rear window,

chrome trim, and aluminum alloy wheels.

slogging through snow or bounding over major moguls. The suspension has

plenty of travel to deal with these hazards and the 4WD system pulled it

through situations where a 2WD probably would have gotten stuck.

If we weren't expecting to bounce, slog or bound very often, though,

we'd think about ordering the 2WD model. The 4WD truck feels a little out

of its element around town with its relatively choppy ride. And like almost

any pickup, a load in the bed improves the ride quality and handling considerably.

Also like most pickups, the performance and ride of a Tacoma will vary

considerably from model to model. The four-cylinder engine on our test

vehicle provided adequate acceleration and the five-speed gearbox shifted

well. The basic 2.4-liter engine isn't as smooth as the 2.7-liter engine.

And the V6 is smoother still.

tailored to suit a broad variety of pickup duties. And with careful shopping,

you can keep costs under control.

Regardless of equipment, these are high-quality trucks that will provide

years of reliable service. The more work an owner can shovel at them, the

more they pay off with first-class truck performance.

And even though the pricing tends toward premium, you can expect a better

return when it's time to trade or sell.

That's the basic beauty of the Tacoma: You get what you pay for.