Description
Someone forgot to tell this 2005 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner that it isn't a Supra (relax Vin Diesel, we're not exactly comparing it to a twin-turbo JZA80 either). However, with a powerful 4.0L liter V6 engine pumping out 245-horses and racking up blistering 0-60MPH times in under 7 seconds, a quick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission, and an upgraded double-wishbone suspension that isn't afraid of going around corners, this beauty feels more at home collecting pink slips than it does leading Home Depot runs. Combining Toyota's unparalleled reliability with their legendary performance sector was a no-brainer that many Taco fans had anticipated for a long time for, and Toyota absolutely delivered with these limited-run X-Runners. Only about 3K models were made per year, and first-year introductions like this Speedway Blue hauler are by far the most collectable. With 98,097 actual miles, only 2-owners since new, and a beautifully preserved presentation inside and out, this is a fine example of Toyota's entry into the muscle truck world.
The very idea of performance trucks like this compact-sized X-Runner was a brilliant concept, and their successes are probably the reason we have so many 500-horsepower SUVs and trucks running around today. The early versions like this first-year 2005 model were truly no-compromises vehicles with astounding performance that still had a decent dose of truck-like utility, and they looked flat-out awesome. Now let's be honest, you could certainly still use this Taco like a regular truck – it does have a pickup bed out back after all – but with its lowered stance and ground effects, you're not going off-road with this Yota. This truck was built to stick to the pavement, whereas its 4x4 TRD brothers can handle the brush if that's your cup of tea. Part of the appearance package of the X-Runner includes that lowered and tweaked suspension, sporty alloys, aggressive ground effects that encircle the lower body, muscular fender flares, a hood scoop, and integrated fog lamps up front. Using the extended cab and stepside bed, the designers wanted to keep weight to a minimum (well, relatively, but when compared to a Lighting or SRT, this Taco is light as a feather) and gave it proportions that made it very fast and agile. These only came in three colors, and for my money, Speedway Blue is the ultimate choice as a flashy shade that draws attention but isn't over-the-top. With just under 100K miles, the finish is no longer perfect, but thanks to great care through the years and professional paint touch ups that fixed any faded areas (Tacomas were always prone to paint issues, especially in these early 2nd generation models, so these touch-up are welcomed), this truck looks great. In fact, a claybar plus buff-and-wax treatment would kick things up a notch even more, but as it sits this 18-year-old driver-grade truck looks very impressive for its age. Out back, the spacious 6-foot bed (standard on all X-Runners) is lower to the ground than most compact pickups, but it can still be used for hard work, and the floor is protected with a thick rubber mat from the factory. This Taco has obviously never worked for a living, and those of you that are familiar with Toyotas know that 98K miles is considered barely broken in for this Japanese legend.
Toyota gave the X-Runner a comfortable and very sporty interior, with twin buckets that look like they could have come out of a Celica. The grippy, sculpted and bolstered gray cloth seats replace the park bench like seat found in lesser compact trucks and are split by a wide and functional center console that adds storage and also houses the short-throw shifter for the 6-speed gearbox. Sporty gauges have been a Toyota performance trademark for years, and we love that the factory elected not to fill up the A-pillars and dash with auxiliary units, or any carbon-fiber inlays for that matter, as those faux-racing gimmicks can really cheapen the look inside. Instead, this cabin is very straightforward, simple, and most importantly, incredibly clean. Just about everything was standard on the X-Runner, including A/C, power windows/locks/mirrors, cruise control, a tilt/telescoping column, air bags, an alarm system, and a stock AM/FM/6-CD stereo that sounds great. Like the body, the seats show minimal wear and everything is extremely well preserved, again hallmarks of an enthusiast owner who really loved his truck.
The 4.0L DOHC V6 was factory-rated at 245 horsepower, and with less than 100K miles on the clock and great maintenance since new, it still feels that powerful through every gear change. With modern fuel-injection and performance components throughout, it starts instantly, idles perfectly, and pulls like the proverbial freight train, with a rush of acceleration felt through the RWD limited-slip differential that's almost too much for the grippy tires to handle. Thankfully, Toyota thought about all that extra power and tuned this sporty suspension to handle it accordingly, lowering the truck and offering Bilstein shocks, double-wishbone front springs, upgraded rear leaf springs, and a rear stabilizer bar. The entire frame was stiffened as well, reinforced with an intuitive "X-brace" set-up (hence the name, X-Runner) that provides enhanced rigidity, and you also get very responsive power steering and power front disc brakes. The Aisin RA60 6-speed manual gearbox clicks through the gears as quickly as the tach can keep up, yet it can still relax on the highway at cruising speeds thanks to the 3.15 final drive ratio. Massive 18-inch 5-spoke alloys look slick and wear 255/45/18 performance radials to finish the look.
Toyota will likely never build trucks as cool as this ever again, so like the dinosaurs of the '50s, they'll surely be highly sought in the future. Today this Taco is an absolute blast to drive, so why not enjoy the wait? Call today!
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