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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

Overview

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2009 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma may be the Japanese automaker's smallest pickup, but it has long since left the realm of the compact courier. The Tacoma is the best selling pickup in its segment and dwarfs the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado in every area that counts. Its closest competitors are now the Dodge Dakota and Nissan Frontier and, while worthy opponents, neither can match the Tacoma's long history of reliability and high resale value. Wrapped in muscular, aggressive sheetmetal and touting the most powerful V6 engine ever to grace a small Toyota, the Tacoma has much to offer those who take their pickup trucks seriously.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a capable pickup larger than a Ford Ranger, but not as massive as a Dodge Ram, look into the 2009 Toyota Tacoma. When it comes to reliability in this segment, many organizations rank it at the top of its class.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you've driven the Honda Ridgeline or Nissan Frontier and were impressed by their car-like ride and handling, you might be disappointed that the Tacoma still drives very much like a truck.

What's New for 2009

All Tacoma trucks are now fitted with Toyota's STAR Safety System that adds anti-lock brakes (ABS) and electronic traction and stability control. Also standard are front-seat side-impact airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. A new Automatic Limited-slip Differential (Auto-LSD) replaces last year's mechanical model and is standard on all trims except for TRD Off-Road Package-equipped vehicles. Access Cab models receive standard power windows and door locks as well as redesigned rear seat.

Driving the Tacoma Access Cab

Driving Impressions The Tacoma we tested was a Double Cab, long-bed model equipped with a V6, four-wheel drive, five-speed automatic transmission and the SR5 package that includes an automatic limited-slip differential. Put...

the pedal to the floor and you can feel and hear the powerful V6 working, conveying a refined sort of ruggedness. On the highway, our Tacoma rode rather nicely, but it almost seemed out of its element negotiating city streets. In general, the Tacoma always felt like it'd be happier hauling or towing something or negotiating rocks in a river. On one hand, that's exactly the attitude many buyers will require for a truck. On the other hand, the Tacoma's competition includes some other very capable trucks that offer a more "car-like" daily driving experience – namely the Honda Ridgeline and Nissan Frontier.

Favorite Features

Six-Speed Manual
The Tacoma's six-speed manual transmission helps take full advantage of the available 236-horsepower V6.

Functional Bed
All Tacomas feature a composite inner bed with built-in storage compartments and four rail-mounted sliding tie-down cleats.

2009 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Details

Interior

Getting into and out of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma is easy, and the firm seats are designed with pleasant bolstering and adjustability to fit most body types and sizes. Access and Double Cab models now feature active headrests which move up and forward in the event of an accident. A recessed, three-ring instrument cluster looks handsome and is in clear view. Most, if not all of the controls are easy to reach and adjust, and steering wheel-mounted controls for the radio are available. Overall, the mid-size Tacoma feels very roomy. On the Double Cab, the big back doors open up to a back seat as roomy as that in many small sedans.

Exterior

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma succeeds by blending classic Toyota truck styling with design features of some larger domestic models. Oversized headlamps and a wide trapezoidal grille dominate the Tacoma's assertive-looking exterior and, at a glance, the Tacoma might be mistaken for a domestic truck. The overall exterior of the Tacoma is well done, and an impeccable level of fit and finish is a known characteristic of Toyota products. Double Cab models offer a class-first roof-rack system that attaches to the roof rails. Integrated deck rails found in the bed can be used to secure optional accessories, such as the fork-mounted bike rack and diamond-plate storage boxes. The Tacoma's bed features a protective composite bed liner that is both durable and light.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The two-wheel-drive Tacoma's base four-cylinder engine displaces 2.7 liters. Other standard equipment includes an AM/FM CD satellite-ready sound system, auxiliary audio input jack, anti-lock brakes (ABS), front side-impact and side curtain airbags, traction and stability control, tachometer, two instrument panel powerpoints and rear mudguards. Access Cab X-Runner and Double Cab models include bucket seats with center console, power mirrors, power windows and power door locks.

Optional Equipment

Options include the 4.0-liter V6, four-wheel drive, JBL audio with Bluetooth connectivity, the SR5 Packages, which adds color-keyed overfenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and a chrome rear bumper and the TRD Off-Road Package. Double and Access Cabs can be fit with a new rear backup camera while transmission upgrades from the base five-speed manual include a four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic and six-speed manual. Optional body configurations include Access Cab and Double Cab models, plus a long bed. Hill-start Assist (HAC) is available on V6 models with automatic transmissions. There are also a myriad of TRD parts available including the Big Brake Package and a supercharger.

Under the Hood

Both of the Tacoma's engines, the four-cylinder and the V6, feature Toyota's VVT-i technology (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) that minimizes the compromise between low-end torque and peak horsepower. Combined with a choice of four available transmissions, two- or four-wheel drive, three cab styles and more, Toyota makes it easy to get exactly the pickup you want. Maximum towing and payload capacities are 6,500 pounds and 1,535 pounds, respectively.

2.7-liter in-line 4
159 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
180 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/26 (2WD, manual), 19/25 (2WD, automatic),
17/22 (4WD, manual)

4.0-liter V6
236 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
266 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 (2WD, manual), 17/21 (2WD, automatic), 14/19 (4WD, manual), 16/20 (4WD, automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Toyota Tacoma Access Cab vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2009 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 1272 Ratings for the 2005 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.3/10

Great truck. Never once let me down

By dancin dave (MA) on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "OH, what a feeling."

Cons: "I have base truck so no intermittent wipers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Very very dependable. 21 highway mpg and 17 around town with the six cylinder and 6 speed manual. They could have had the 5th speed as an overdrive and the 6th speed as an extra overdrive. This truck has super torque. Can drive at 30 in 6th gear. I often go from 1st to third to 6th with no problem. Is great in the snow. Can't say enough aout this truck."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great truck. Never once let me down

By dancin dave (MA) on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "OH, what a feeling."

Cons: "I have base truck so no intermittent wipers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great truck. Never once let me down

By dancin dave (MA) on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "OH, what a feeling."

Cons: "I have base truck so no intermittent wipers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great truck. Never once let me down

By dancin dave (MA) on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "OH, what a feeling."

Cons: "I have base truck so no intermittent wipers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great truck. Never once let me down

By dancin dave (MA) on Sunday, July 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "OH, what a feeling."

Cons: "I have base truck so no intermittent wipers"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

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Does everything I ask!

By wapsijijm (IA) on Thursday, June 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 45,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Good driver, reliable, looks great!"

Cons: "Original tires (off road) wore out at 35K miles..."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've had my Tacoma for 5 1/2 years now and although I don't put a lot of miles on it I expect to be driving it at leaf 5 1/2 years from now. I've changes tires and the battery, thats about it other than regular maintenance (oil changes etc.). Daily driver and has gone thru deep snow and mud. Even used the power inverter to run the refrigerator when our power went out."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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See all 1272 reviews