I had the chance to test drive one (Prerunner with  #2TRD) yesterday while
my '04 (same type) was being serviced.  Here's my initial impressions.

Definitely larger inside and out.  The extra space inside was welcome but
I'm undecided about the outside appearance.  The older style appears more
agile to me.

Obviously more power from the larger V6 but nothing that will throw your
head back.  I didn't like the low pitch hum from the engine during
acceleration.  The engine compartment seems well layed out with the oil
filter surprisingly uyp top.

Gas mileage is improved despite the larger engine according to the window
sticker.  Based on experience with my '04, I would have to see to believe
it.  Toyota seems to take a politician's approach to making mileage claims.
They may not be lying but they ain't telling all the truth either.

Ride quality improved considerably, at least on straight highway stretches.
I didn't get a chance to put it through some tight turns, etc.  So, enough
said.

Improved interior with more room side to side and front to back.  The seats
were more comfortable with side and adjustable lumbar support.  The
upholstery seems more durable with the choice of fabrics.  The '04 shifter
(automatic) looks like a toy compared to the improved '05 shifter.
Everything looks more up to date including the sound system and climate
controls.  I liked the darker vinyl on the dash and just below the side
windows.

I was really surprised to see the composite bed construction.  It remains to
be seen how well the plastic bed holds up but the concept should spell the
end to those horrible spray-on bedliners.  Good to see the increased number
of tie-downs including those on the bed floor.  The side storage
compartments were cool even though I don't know what they could be used for.
Guess what, a 110V outlet in the back that you can switch on and off from
the cab.  Nice idea!

Styling?  Well, it's a truck.  So, no awards in this department.  I was told
though that the sport edition has a hood scoop (functional?)

One new feature that I was especially glad to see but at the same time
disappointed with how it functioned was with the extra side doors.  They
provided access to the rear area well enough but the build lacked a solid
feel.  The extra doors bounced or moved significantly when the forward doors
were closed.  I suspect Toyota will have to make some adjustments to their
design in the near future.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

I was really hoping that the increased size would make it something for me
to seriously consider. I went in the other day to test drive one but I found
that I still had a problem getting my 6'2" frame inside the cab comfortably.
Even after adjusting the seat all the way back and tilting the steering
wheel all the way up, I still had trouble getting in comfortably. I found
that the bottom of the steering wheel rubbed my right leg just above the
knee when I tried to get in. Same thing when trying to exit. That really is
aggravating to me and makes me have to contort my body in funny ways just to
get in and out. Plus, the top of the door frame hits my head. I already have
to contort and bend up my frame to get in and out of my '86 4Runner so I
don't want the same thing happening to me in a new vehicle.

I can enter and exit a new 4Runner because that steering wheel tilts AND
telescopes enough to allow my legs to get in comfortably. However, the
sunroof comes down too far and I can't stand having the headliner rubbing
against my hair or cap.

Tundra has enough room for me but not really fond of it yet. Guess I'll hold
on to the 4Runner another year and wait for the new improved Tundra to get
built.

M

Test drove a 2wd v6.  Like the power and handling just fine.
Certainly seems quieter and smoother than my 00 prerunner.

I'm 6' 2" also and didn't have any problems getting in or out, or with
headroom..  I guess there are different types of 6' 2" guys.

I'm not real thrilled with the center section of the dash, with the
stereo in it.  Looks to me like a wallmart getto blaster.  I could
live with it, but I don't like it.

Now, the thing that totally turned me off to the truck was the cloth
patch they put on the arm rest on the door.  What the heck were they
thinking?  In my truck, that thing is going to get nasty quick.  I'm
looking for a truck, not a limo.  Yeah, it can be cleaned regularly,
but why put it there is the first place?  The whole damn door is
vynal, except for that stinking decorative patch of cloth, sheesh.

On the positive side, I checked out a v6 tundra and liked it a lot
more than I thought I would.  

bb

Come on, the thing has 245 HP and 283 ft/lbs of torque! It's several
hundred pounds heavier than the '04s but it can't be "underpowered"
with those specs. I don't know what sort of roads you test drove it
on, but 1st gear in Toyota 4x4s has traditionally been a granny for
potential offroad use. Don't expect them to leap off the line like a
car or big V8 American automatic. What really counts is the torque
when you're underway, not the initial gearing.

I regret that they made the Tacomas bigger and wider since I find it a
liability in city and narrow trail driving. But I'm glad Toyota hasn't
sacrified gas mileage for power like so many American tanks.

JT

I test drove the 05 Tacoma (double, 6-speed manual) the other day.
First some background: I've driven a 4Runner for 15 years and it's due
to be retired.

I loved the Tacoma. Ergonomics & comfort were perfect for me.
Visibility perfect. Ride perfect. Power was more than enough. Very
quiet.

My only worry was this: whenever I shifted gear, despite my foot being
off the gas pedal, the engine revs would shoot up momentarily.  It
wasn't because the engine was cold, because I'd been driving for
twenty minutes already.   Has anyone else noticed this??