Long gone are the days when trucks survived simply by carrying heavy loads, towing double-axle trailers and offering buyers such luxuries as power steering or hubcaps. Noise, vibration and harshness levels led to hearing loss and the occasional loose tooth filling, but a big vinyl bench seat did its best to comfort passengers (three max, including the driver). Today's trucks win or die based on comfort, available body and engine configurations, horsepower (as well as torque), build quality, price, and often times, the innovations they bring to the playing field.

It's a tough league in which to compete, but the 2005 Toyota Tacoma has proven it's more than capable of holding its own. Totally redesigned for 2005, the Tacoma offers a four-cylinder motor with a respectable 164-horsepower, and a powerful V6 with 245-horsepower and 282 lb.-ft. of twist. Add to that the choice of regular, extended (access), or crew (double) cab body styles, short or long dent-free composite beds with integrated tiedown rails, and a choice between the customary rear- or four-wheel-drive, and it becomes clear that Toyota takes this truck-building thing seriously. And don't forget that the 2005 Toyota Tacoma is comfortable, quiet, offers a host of options, tows up to 6,500-lbs., and starts at just about $14,000.

For those who want to enjoy a truck without compromises, there is no better choice than the 2005 Toyota Tacoma. Old-school, truck-loving diehards will want to check out the base Tacoma with its steel wheels and lack of air conditioning. But, they'll still have to put up with cloth seats and modern day build quality. Bummer.

- Thom Blackett