|
Overview:
With 17 variations in its expansive lineup, the popular Toyota Tacoma
is a serious title contender in the fiercely fought compact pickup
segment.
The
2WD PreRunner is the hot rod of the 2002 Tacoma lineup. It delivers
the most powerful four-cylinder engine in its class and the rugged,
high riding look of a 4WD at an affordable price.
The
suspension consists of an independent front suspension with double-wishbones
and coil springs, and a live rear axle located by leaf springs.
PreRunner’s impressive off-road ability can be further enhanced
with an available TRD (Toyota Racing Development) Off-Road package,
which is also available on 4WD Tacoma models.
The
TRD Package features a rugged combination of front and rear Bilstein
shock absorbers (Tokico shocks on Double Cab), locking rear differential
(not available on four-cylinder models), progressive-rate front
coil springs and modified rear leaf spring suspension, a larger
front stabilizer bar, P265/70R16 BF Goodrich tires, 16x7-inch alloy
wheels, black overfenders and TRD graphics.
The
PreRunner Regular Cab is powered by Tacoma’s 2.7-liter four-cylinder
engine and matched to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic
transmission (ECT). PreRunner Xtracab and Double Cab models are
available with either the four-cylinder or V6 engine, also matched
to the four-speed ECT.
The
versatile four-door Double Cab, introduced just last year, delivers
the cargo-hauling capability of a pickup truck, the passenger roominess
and comfort of an SUV and the rugged styling that makes a strong
"active lifestyle" statement. For 2002, Toyota improves
the models versatility further with the Super Sport Shell, which
fits over the truck’s bed, keeping cargo dry and secure.
The
Double Cab continues its premier status in the Tacoma lineup. It
is offered in SR5 and Limited trim levels with an available off-road
package, in either two-wheel drive PreRunner series with four- or
six-cylinder engines, or as a 4x4 - powered exclusively by a 190-horsepower
V6.
Tacoma
Double Cab offers class-leading ground clearance, and a 61.5-inch
cargo bed, which is longer than Chevy S-10 and Ford Explorer SportTrac.
Its four, large conventional doors open to a well-appointed and
roomy interior featuring spacious front and rear seating and a 60/40
fold-down rear bench with three-point outboard belts.
Standard
on all Double Cabs are 15x7-inch steel wheels and P225/75R15 tires.
Optional are 16x7-inch steel, chrome and alloy wheels with P265/70R16
tires and black overfenders.
Supplementing
its off-road performance is an available TRD (Toyota Racing Development)
Off-Road Package.
Developed
to broaden the Tacoma’s appeal among compact truck buyers,
the affordable Toyota StepSide has proven popular among young truck
enthusiasts looking to set their vehicle apart from the crowd.
The
StepSide option is available on regular and extended cab 4x2, PreRunner,
S-Runner and 4x4 Tacoma models in conjunction with the SR5 package,
which includes air conditioning, an AM/FM/cassette/CD and color-keyed
or chrome bumpers and grille.
Introduced
last year, the sporty 2WD Tacoma S-Runner has proven popular with
young truck enthusiasts that are drawn to the truck’s unique
styling, exceptional performance and legendary Toyota quality.
Offered
exclusively as a 4x2 Xtracab with a 190-horsepower V6 engine and
a five-speed manual overdrive transmission, the S-Runner adds to
Tacoma’s muscular appearance with a full color-keyed exterior
that includes the grille, lower valence panel, front and rear bumper,
overfenders and outside door handles and mirrors. S-Runner’s
color-keyed appearance is available in two exterior colors, Black
Sand Pearl and Radiant Red. Additional S-Runner exterior standard
features include 16x6.5-inch aluminum wheels with P235/55R16 Bridgestone
Potenza tires, a tuned exhaust, with a chrome-tipped tailpipe and
unique side door S-Runner badging, which is also color-keyed for
2002.
The
popular StepSide bed is available to further enhance S-Runner’s
appearance.
For
an extreme exterior appearance, a dealer-installed Toyota Racing
Development (TRD) body kit is available. The kit includes low-to-the-ground
color-keyed side skirts and front valence. TRD also offers a supercharger
that adds approximately 70 horsepower.
The
S-Runner's color-keyed exterior is complemented by an aggressive
interior feel which includes standard amenities such as front sport
seats with driver-side power lumbar, leather-wrapped steering wheel
and shift knob, white-faced instruments featuring tachometer with
twin trip meters, tilt steering wheel, variable intermittent wipers
and a rear console box. And all S-Runners come with an exclusive
discounted sport package that includes power windows and door locks,
Deluxe AM/FM ETR/Cassette/CD with six speakers, air conditioning,
sliding rear window with gray privacy glass and digital clock.
S-Runner’s
ride and steering response are taken to a new level with a low riding
performance tuned suspension that features Tokico gas shock absorbers.
The Tokico shocks contain built-in low velocity control valves that
help reduce body roll. The sports tuned suspension also includes
increased-rate springs, front and rear stabilizer bars, bushings
and stiffer steering and suspension. Ride height is reduced by one
inch from the standard 4x2.
Exterior
Design:
There are no exterior changes to the Tacoma for the 2002 model year.
Tacoma
models are available in seven exterior colors including Super White,
Radiant Red, Impulse Red, Mystic Gold Metallic, Lunar Mist Metallic,
Black Sand Metallic and Imperial Jade Mica. All exterior colors
are complemented with Charcoal or Oak interiors.
Interior
Design:
There are no major interior changes to the Tacoma for the 2002 model
year.
Tacoma’s
standard interior features include sculpted door trim, an instrument
panel that features orange color illumination and white-faced gauges
on SR5 and Limited grades (excluding S-Runner), fabric bench seat,
full-cut pile carpeting, door pockets, two auxiliary power outlets,
dual cup holders, a driver-side foot rest, tinted windshield glass,
auto-off headlights and adjustable front seatbelt anchors, and an
available tachometer. In addition, all Tacomas have available climate
control, and a standard four-spoke steering wheel.
All
Xtracab Cab models offer a 60/40 split front bench seat (excluding
S-Runner), forward-facing fold-up rear jump seats with outboard
three-point seatbelts, a fold-o ut table with integrated cupholders
that also accommodates a child restraint seat, flip-out rear quarter
windows, and AM/FM/Cassette audio with six speakers.
Powertrain:
All 2WD Tacoma’s (excluding S-Runner and PreRunner) feature
a standard 2.4-liter, 16-valve, twin-cam four-cylinder engine, that
produces 142 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 160 lb./ft. of torque at
4,000 rpm.
4WD
and PreRunner models feature the most powerful four-cylinder engine
in the compact pickup segment with a standard 2.7-liter, 16-valve,
twin cam producing 150 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 177 lb./ft. of
torque at 4,000 rpm. Also available on 4WD and PreRunner models
is a 3.4-liter, 24-valve, twin-cam V6 engine, which generates 190
horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 220 lb./ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm.
The same V6 engine, coupled with a five-speed transmission, is standard
on the S-Runner. The 2.4-liter engine is available with either a
five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic, and the
2.7-liter and 3.4-liter engines are available with either a five-speed
manual transmission or four-speed electronically controlled automatic.
For
added excitement, The 3.4-liter V6 offers a fully warranted, dealer-installed
supercharger from Toyota Racing Development (TRD). The TRD blower
boosts output by 40 percent to 260 horsepower.
|
