FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1997 TOYOTA TACOMA CARRIES ON TOYOTA TRADITION OF TRUCK EXCELLENCE
Since its introduction in February of `95, the Toyota Tacoma has been lauded by both the media and its owners for its quality, value and performance.
The 1997 Tacoma compact pickup truck enters the new year with redesigned front-end styling on 2WD models, minor mechanical refinements, and revisions and additions to the option list across the line-up.
Changes in options for 1997 include the addition of a Value Edition Package for 2WD regular cab models which includes power steering, a rear bumper, ETR radio with two speakers and floor mats. Also offered is a Value Edition Package Plus which includes power steering, Chrome Package, air conditioning, ETR radio with two speakers and floor mats. The 4WD Value Edition Package Plus includes air conditioning, ETR radio with two speakers and floor mats.
Also new is the increased availability of Tacoma's locking rear differential across the entire 4WD line, the first-time availability of bucket seats on non-SR5 Xtracab models and revised striping on SR5 V6 4WD models.
Tacoma is available in regular- and extended-cab models, with two - or four-wheel drive, manual or automatic transmissions and with four-cylinder or V6 engines.
Tacoma's new front styling appears on all 2WD models, and is more streamlined and aggressive than before. Headlights are flush, aerodynamic units, and flank a bold new grille. Clearance lamps also are changed, and blend seamlessly with the headlights.
2WD Tacomas are fitted as standard with a four cylinder 2.4-liter,16-valve, twin-cam engine. This engine produces 142 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 160 Ib.lft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. 4WD models are fitted with a four-cylinder 2.7-liter, 16-valve, twin-cam engine producing 150 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 177 Ib.lft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Both models are optionally available with a 3.4-liter, 24- valve, twin-cam V6 engine which produces 190 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 220 Ib.lft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. All three engines are available with either a fivespeed manual transmission or a four-speed electronically controlled automatic.
4WD models are equipped as standard with manual locking front hubs, and are optionally available with Toyota's 4WD demand shift-on-the-fly system for shifting into 4WD at speeds up to 50 mph. Also available optionally on SR5 models is Toyota's one-touch Hi-4 selector switch for easy 4WD engagement. On all systems, the transfer case control lever is used to shift into 4WD Low range.
The optional locking rear differential aids Tacoma in low-speed, offhighway maneuvering. When 4WD Low is selected, the driver may lock the rear differential by pressing a dash-mounted button. When engaged, the locking rear differential evenly splits torque between both rear wheels, forcing them to turn in unison.
For improved reliability and reduced maintenance, the 2.7-liter engine is now fitted with Toyota's Direct Ignition (TDI) system which replaces the distributor with a crank fire sensor and uses an individual coil for each pair of cylinders. This results in more accurate ignition timing, and aids the On Board Diagnostic system (OBD-II) in misfire detection. The previous two-group multiport fuel injection is replaced with a Sequential Multiport Injection system.
Tacoma's suspension helps smooth out the bumps, while providing excellent control both on and off the road, and the design is similar for both 2WD and 4WD models. The front suspension is an independent double wishbone with coil springs and hydraulic shock absorbers, and is fitted with a 1.02 inch stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a live axle located by leaf springs with staggered h draulic shocks. On 4WD Xtracab V6 models, shock absorbers are gas filled for additional control.
2WD regular cab models are fitted with 14x5 inch steel wheels with full wheel covers and P195/75R14 all-season tires. Xtracab models receive 14x6 inch wheels with P215/70R14 tires. For both models, an optional 14x6 inch alloy wheel is available.
4WD models are ftted as standard with 15x6 inch steel wheels with full wheel covers and P225/75R15 mud and snow tires. Optional are 15x7 inch alloy wheels with 31 x10.5R15 tires.
Brakes on all models are front disc/rear drum, with the 4WD models receiving larger units front and rear, and a larger brake booster. Four-wheel ABS is available.
All Tacomas are equipped with a driver-side airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and ALRlELR (automatic locking retractorlemergency locking retractor) three-point seatbelts in all positions except the center-rear on Xtracab models.
Because Tacoma was also built to work, the bed is a double-wall design to minimize damage to the exterior skin in the event that a cargo load should shift, and is fitted with four inner tie-down points. Tacoma is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the V6 engine, 3,500 with four-cylinders, and also offers a payload of up to 1,914 pounds.
Standard interior features include a fabric bench seat, full door trim with cloth inserts, dual armrests, full carpeting and headliner, dual cup holders headlight-on warning tone and a driver-side foot rest.
Xtracab models add a 60l40 split front bench seat, rear jump seats, rear child restraint system, fold-out table with integral cupholders, flip-out rear quarter windows and height-adjustable front headrests.
4WD Xtracab SR5 models include front bucket seats (six-way adjustable for the driver, four-way adjustable for the passenger), front map lights, tilt wheel, full instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer, fuel and coolant temperature, digital clock, Deluxe AMlFM Cassette with four speakers, variable intermittent wipers, sliding rear window, exterior Chrome Package, alloy wheels and package-specific striping.
Limited Warranty
Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60- month limited warranties are available and cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.
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