2001 Tacoma Double Cab

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What is it?
2001 Tacoma Double Cab

What's special about it?
Toyota has finally expanded its Tacoma lineup to include the latest compact pickup bodystyle on the American market -- the four-door truck. Although Toyota talks about taking leadership in this volatile segment, it really means in sales and not in taking risks. First with this idea was Nissan with its Frontier Crew Cab, closely followed by Dodge's Dakota Quad Cab, and more recently Ford's 2001 Explorer Sport Trac. The Tacoma Double Cab (and GM's new S-Series Crew Cab) are the latest compacts to blend the cargo-hauling capability of a pickup truck, the passenger roominess and comfort of an SUV, and rugged styling that makes a strong active-lifestyle statement. It will be offered in SR5 and Limited trim levels with available off-road package, in either the two-wheel-drive PreRunner series with four- or six-cylinder engines, or as a 4x4 -- powered exclusively by the 190-horsepower V6. The Double Cab sports four large conventional doors that open to SUV-like seating with a 60/40 fold-down rear bench, and it boasts a 61-inch cargo bed (6.5 inches longer than Frontier) and a 5,000-pound towing capacity. In addition to the Double Cab, Toyota unveiled a sporty, flared-bed StepSide version to draw a younger, more style-conscious buyer to the Tacoma line. The StepSide bed runs an extra $310, and is offered as part of a value package that includes air, power steering, upgraded sound system and color-keyed bumpers and grille. A new Tacoma Pre-Runner and a supercharged Tacoma 4x4 (with a whopping 260 horses, thanks to a dealer-installed TRD blower package) shared the stage in Chicago with the Double Cab, which will arrive at dealerships in October.

Why should you care?
The four-door pickup is the hottest idea going in compact trucks. The Double Cab gives Toyota buyers an alternative to a minivan or SUV, bringing in young families who will be drawn to its hybrid utility, versatility and aggressive image. Look for Toyota to debut two all-new sport-utility vehicles at the New York Auto Show in April.