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1999 Toyota Tacoma

Price Range: $12,698 - $25,588 | MPG: 22 City / 27 Hwy

Toyota's powerful 3.4-liter double overhead-cam V6 comes with the $18,958 PreRunner V6 XtraCab. This engine produces 190 horsepower and a robust 220 foot-pounds of torque at 3,600 rpm.

Options include $590 anti-lock brakes and a $340 locking rear differential that dramatically improves traction in extreme conditions by pushing a button. Other features include $75 bucket seats, $470 power windows and door locks, $250 cruise control, $245 tilt steering, $75 all-weather guard package and $300 bedliner; value packages have been added this year that offer some savings.

For 1999, Toyota is offering a $15,188 PreRunner with a regular cab that comes with the four-cylinder engine; air conditioning and other features are optional.

Don't like the extroverted appearance of the PreRunner? There's a Toyota Tacoma for a wide variety of pickup buyers. A fully loaded top-of-the-line Tacoma 4x4 Xtracab V6 Limited retails for about $27,000 -- a luxurious truck with phenomenal off-road capability. The base $13,118 Toyota Tacoma 4x2 comes with a 142-horsepower 2.4-liter engine, a durable, reliable pickup that gets 28 miles per gallon on the highway; but it's Spartan and air conditioning is extra.

The Tacoma line of pickups was updated last year with fresh front styling and more comfort and convenience features. The only significant change for 1999 are seatbelts that have been upgraded with pretensioners and force limiters for added safety.

Toyota has a history of building solid, dependable trucks. Its four-wheel-drive vehicles have always been standouts for tough duty, with rugged suspensions, rigid bodies and powerful engines. All Tacoma pickups come with a six-foot bed fitted with four inner tie-down points.

Xtracab models are longer and ride on a substantially longer wheelbase (18.6 inches longer) than regular-cab trucks. Xtracabs offer better ride quality and extra space for people or cargo inside. But the longer wheelbase reduces maneuverability in tight parking lots and narrow trails. For the extra two grand or so, the Xtracab adds a carload of convenience and comfort.

The optional 3.4-liter V6 is smoother, quieter, more powerful and more refined than the four-cylinder engines. It's the best choice for those who take long trips, pull trailers, go off road or just prefer more power. A V6 Tacoma with four-wheel drive and an off-road package can tackle the most challenging terrain. A V6 Tacoma with two-wheel drive and an automatic can pull a 5000-pound trailer and won't spill as much coffee on the way to work. Automatic transmissions and extended cabs reduce payload, but not towing capacities. Maximum payload available is 1,859 pounds in a 4WD regular cab with five-speed manual.

All engines burn 87 octane unleaded. Five-speed manual and four-speed electronically controlled automatics are available on selected models. Four-wheel-drive systems come with a choice of manual locking front hubs or shift-on-the-fly. A control lever is used to shift into low range. The suspension on all Tacomas is independent double wishbones with coil springs up front and a live axle and leaf springs in back.

PreRunners are available in nine exterior colors with gray or oak-colored interiors.