TOYOTA TRUCK

Pickup trucks from Toyota consist of multiple variations for the compact-class of Tacoma and a full-size truck called Tundra. The Tundra series, produced at a Toyota manufacturing facility in Indiana, expands in 2004 with the introduction of the four-door Double Cab, which measures 13 inches longer from tip to tail than Tundra's two-door Standard Cab and four-door Access Cab. It's bigger due to a wheelbase stretch plus three inches added to the rear track and overall width and height. New Double Cab also totes a bigger cabin lined with plush seats in front and back and optional gear for luxury and convenience. The compact Tacoma trucks ride on a rugged chassis with cabins configured in regular and extended lengths plus the four-door Double Cab. There are three powertrain options for 2004 as well as rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction modes, and many trims including sporty S-Runner and popular PreRunner. All versions of Tacoma come together at a California assembly plant in Freemont that Toyota operates in joint venture with General Motors.

TUNDRA: Toyota's largest SUV rides on the platform of the Tundra truck although the wheelbase lops off 10.2 inches to reach a final length of 118.1 inches. Essentially, the two vehicles show the same structure forward of the cabin's second pillars, yet the wagon differs in composition rearward behind those pillars. For power, Sequoia's 4.7-liter V8 produces 240 hp and delivers strong low-end torque that's useful for towing a trailer rig up to 6500 pounds. An automatic four-speed transmission mates exclusively with the V8. Either conventional rear two-wheel-drive (2WD) or 4WD traction is available. Sequoia segments into two editions, SR5 and Limited, and the 2004 versions feature new 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels as an option for SR5 but the standard on Limited. For Sequoia with a moonroof added, a new optional DVD-based video entertainment system installs a DVD player in the center console and a flip-down video screen on the ceiling for viewing by riders on rear rows. A rear load-leveling suspension has also been installed, and on 4WD editions there's a new button switch that locks the center differential for serious runs away from pavement. Two new color choices for Sequoia SR5 in 2004 are Phantom Gray and Salsa Red Pearl.

TACOMA: Toyota's mighty Land Cruiser -- with a high stance, torque-heavy engine and 4WD traction capable of crossing the sands of a Kalahari Desert or mud mires of an outback Borneo swamp -- has always been able to carry you there and get you back. However, the current edition, tracing to a fifth generational upgrade from 1998, not only brings sure-stance traction for any situation but a vast and cushy passenger compartment that accommodates seven riders on three tiers of seats. That third bench comes with automatic climate controls. Land Cruiser totes a new five-speed automatic transmission and V8 engine boosted to 235 hp this year, with full-time 4WD traction aided by an electronic system labeled Active TRAC that automatically transfers engine torque to wheels that maintain the best grip. New models may be detected by the fresh face with new chrome grille and redesigned bumper. Inside, there are new audio controls on the steering wheel plus an optional DVD-based video entertainment system and more air bags available -- both side-impact shields for front seats and curtain-style air bags covering front and rear side doors.