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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2010 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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2010 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

The 2010 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 2010 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 2010

The Toyota Tacoma sees no major changes for 2010.

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

Supercharger Kit
The optional Eaton-Roots type supercharger kit increases the V6's output to 304 horsepower and 334 lb.-ft. of torque, and carries a five-year/60,000-mile warranty (or the remainder of the powertrain warranty at the time of installation) when installed by a Toyota dealer.

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

2010 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Details

Interior

Getting into and out of the 2010 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 midsize 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 2010 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 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: 15/18 (2WD, manual), 17/21 (2WD, automatic), 14/18 (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

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2010 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 1267 Ratings for the 2005 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.3/10

great truck

By welly (CA) on Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 251,000

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: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

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

"i have this truck for 7 years and it runs like new i love my truck never left me on the street 10 star !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

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Great truck

By jakep (TN) on Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 81,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "depenabiltiy, fun and easy to drive, gas millage,"

Cons: "price, interior feels a little cheap, plastic bed"

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

"I've owed this 08 tacoma double cab 6 speed for 3 months now. Its a great mid size truck. I did alot of research before buying and the biggest gripe that i read was in the hauling/towing department it was not so great. And no its not meant to be really its not a dually. I've had large trucks all my life and i really like this truck. where it lacks in hauling it's definatlly fun to drive and alot more manuverable. I've been checking the gas millage since i bought it and have about a 5000 mile history and my average with the manuel is 19.6mpg the best ive got is 23 and the worst is 17. for someone like me with two kids and a couple acers of land its a great truck. I love this truck."

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Not the best vehicle ever

By Giants (NC) on Monday, June 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Comfortable, reliable,great dealer service"

Cons: "Needs more grunt!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I like this little truck. My biggest gripe is that it is geared too high! I guess they do that to improve gas mileage but I would rather have a little (or a lot) lower gearing."

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absolutely nothing wrong with this truck

By Jimmy (GA) on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 118,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

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

"I bought it new & have taken Pride in the upkeep /w scheduled Mobil 1 oil changes plus a trans. fluid & filter change at 110,000, all recorded. I'm just used to a full-sized truck"

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Substandard frames on an otherwise great truck

By Rod&Ryl (PA) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 182,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great truck, nice handling."

Cons: "Frames rust out and become unsafe."

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

"We love this truck and expected to have it for another 7 years but the main support frame has rusted out from the inside of the box spring areas, places where the owner cannot apply rust preventatives. Toyota has had an ongoing issue with Tacoma frames since the mid-90s but still keeps using the same flawed design. Their frame rust proofing consists of only a layer of paint, to the exterior of the frame, that wears off and then you have to apply oil to the frame to prevent rusting. However you cannot apply oil to the interior of the box frame areas and this is where my frame has rusted through. At this point I have a truck that looks and runs great that can neither be traded in or ethically sold to someone other than the junk yard. Of course it should be noted that Toyota warrants the body against rusting for 5 years but only warrants the frame for 3 years. Toyota's response is only that it's not under warranty or recall so it's not their problem."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Best truck out there

By reb1 (VA) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,000

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: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, style, tough and maintains great value."

Cons: "17 MPG city, approximately 21 MPG highway"

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

"I've owned 3 Tacoma 4x4's and have loved each one of them. Each time I've purchased a new one for the upgrades. I've had my vehical off road and also on long trips and it performs superb in any environment. It drives very smooth on the road and open highway and yet it can keep up with the most rugged off road trucks and jeeps. I would definately recomend this vehical."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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See all 1267 reviews