Base rear-wheel drive (4X2) Tacomas start at just under $12,000. Frugal in features, these are working machines powered by an economical 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine that will push them along for many years of reliable service.

Four-wheel-drive Tacomas come with either the 2.7-liter four-cylinder (starting just over $16,000) or the 3.4-liter V6 (starting at just over $19,500).

An SR5 option package adds luxury equipment such as air conditioning, tilt steering, and variable intermittent wipers. The price and content of the SR5 package varies with cab, engine, and driveline. V6 Doublecabs and V6 Xtracab 4x4's can be ordered with a similar Limited package, which includes most SR5 content plus power windows, locks and mirrors. Again the precise content depends on the body style.

A StepSide bed option ($310) features bulging fender flares over the rear wheels and a small step behind the doors.

PreRunner is a 4x2 truck with an off-road suspension patterned after pickups specially prepared to pre-run off-road desert racing courses in the weeks and months prior to the big race. PreRunners are available in either regular, extended (Xtracab) or four-door Double Cab configurations. Choose between a 2.7-liter inline-4 and a 3.4-liter V6. PreRunners start at about $14,000.

Xtracab S-Runner is a low-riding street sports model with a suspension tuned for handling on pavement, a 3.4-liter V6, and color-keyed trim.

The TRD (Toyota Racing Development) off-road package can be added to 2WD PreRunner or 4WD Xtracab models (except those equipped with four-cylinder engines and automatic transmissions). The TRD package adds Bilstein shocks, locking rear differential, increased-rate front and rear springs, a larger stabilizer bar, P265/70R16 B.F. Goodrich tires, overfenders (color-keyed on Limited models), and special graphics.

Also available from TRD is a fully warranted, dealer-installed supercharger for the 3.4-liter V6. The TRD blower boosts output by 40 percent, from 190 to 260 horsepower.