When you add up the number of models available, in both the pickup and SUV categories, Toyota probably has more options available than any single nameplate, including Ford and Chevy. With a lineup that stretches from the compact Tacoma pickups to the almost-fullsize Tundra and SUVs in every size class-from the subcompact RAV4 all the way up to the fullsize Sequoia-Toyota offers a truck for virtually every possible buyer. And if you factor in three additional luxury SUVs marketed under the Lexus nameplate, you can make the argument that Toyota does indeed have the widest spread of models available.
Factor in nearly bulletproof drivetrains, TRD performance parts, exceptionally smooth V-8s for the Tundra, 4Runner, and Sequoia, along with legendary Toyota build quality, and it's a small wonder that Toyotas are so popular. Yet, when you think sport truck, rarely does Toyota come first to mind, although that's changing, especially in the two-wheel-drive prerunner classification.
Until recently, with the advent of fully integrated navigation systems available in almost all new Toyota vehicles, the one thing that you could depend on, application-wise, would be a big and flexible double-DIN opening in the dash. With older models, sans navigation systems, this will remain the case. If you have a late-model Toyota product, however, the height of the available opening has been reduced on many models and you'll probably elect to retain your full-featured (and expensive) head unit and concentrate on amplifier, speaker, and subwoofer upgrades. Given that almost every currently available amplifier has noise-free high-quality speaker-level inputs, adding power and upgraded speakers will be a snap.
Over the years, Toyota has used both 6-1/2-inch and 5x7-inch speakers in its truck applications. Before selecting any speakers, it's best to consult your local autosound specialist or a good online database. Quite possibly the best application database can be found on www.crutchfield.com, the mail-order home of Crutchfield. Sorted by make, model, and year, this is the definitive source for determining what fits almost any vehicle going back to 1969. For late-model vehicles, the site will have to most up-to-date information available.
A buyer's caveat: Most of the manufacturers of the top-brand equipment have taken a very hard line on unauthorized internet sales of their products, either in dedicated E-storefronts or on auction sites such as eBay. Several reserve the option of denying warranty service on units sold through non-authorized sales channels, especially if serial numbers have been removed or defaced. Some manufacturers have gone so far as to take legal action: Blaupunkt, Clarion, and Polk Audio, to name a few.
The bottom line is this: If you have any doubt about the retailer's factory authorization, call the factory. The addresses and phone numbers are easy to find on the web. The $15 dollars that you save buying a $500 amplifier now may come back to haunt you many times over should your component need service down the road. Buyer beware!
 AM/FM/CD or DVD Without Monitor...  AM/FM/CD or DVD Without Monitor
Panasonic CQ-CB9900U AM/FM/CD HD Radio Receiver
Wow factor: fully integrated HD radio digital tuner, high-def display
How much it will set you back: $1,000
Who to contact: (800) 211-PANA (211-7262), www.panasonic.com |  AM/FM/CD or DVD With Monitor...  AM/FM/CD or DVD With Monitor
Kenwood DDX7015 AM/FM/DVD/LCD Receiver
Wow factor: perfect fit, double-DIN receiver, touchscreen, optional navigation
How much it will set you back: $1,700
Who to contact: (800) KENWOOD (536-9663), www.kenwoodusa.com |  High-Density Music Players...  High-Density Music Players
Clarion DXZ845MC AM/FM/CD Receiver
Wow factor: built-in digital recorder, stores six music CDs on board
How much it will set you back: $600
Who to contact: (800) 347-8667, www.clarion.com |
 Satellite Receiver JVC KT-SR100...  Satellite Receiver
JVC KT-SR100 Sirius Satellite Radio Tuner
Wow factor: looks like a PDA, it's a plug-and-play Sirius satellite tuner
How much it will set you back: $100
Who to contact: (800) 252-5722, www.jvc.com |  LCD Video Monitor VizuaLogic...  LCD Video Monitor
VizuaLogic Toyota Sequoia Headrest Monitor
Wow factor: direct replacement for your existing headrest, includes 6-1/2-inch LCD
How much it will set you back: $550
Who to contact: (800) 624-7960, www.vizualogic.com |  External Signal Processor...  External Signal Processor
Alpine PXA-H701 Processor and RUX-C701 Controller
Wow factor: adds multichannel sound capability to almost any system
How much it will set you back: $500 (processor); $200 (controller)
Who to contact: (800) ALPINE1 (257-7461), www.alpine-usa.com |
 Mono Amplifier Pioneer GM-D510M...  Mono Amplifier
Pioneer GM-D510M Mono Amplifier
Wow factor: low-profile design, 600 watts at 2 ohms
How much it will set you back: $330
Who to contact: (800) 746-6337, www.pioneerelectronics.com |  Multichannel Mobile Theater...  Multichannel Mobile Theater Amplifier
Boston Acoustics GT50 5-channel Amplifier
Wow factor: single chassis solution to power an entire high-end system
How much it will set you back: $900
Who to contact: (978) 538-5000, www.bostonacoustics.com |  2/4-Channel Amplifier Cerwin-Vega...  2/4-Channel Amplifier
Cerwin-Vega XL275 Stereo Amplifier
Wow factor: maximum bang, minimum bucks, 2-ohm stability
How much it will set you back: $150
Who to contact: (805) 584-9332, www.cerwinvega.com |
 Full-Range Integrated Speakers...  Full-Range Integrated Speakers
Bazooka PMC5702 5x7 Speakers
Wow factor: P. Miller signature series 5x7 drop-in replacement speakers
How much it will set you back: $180
Who to contact: (800) 843-8823, www.bazooka.com |  Component Speakers Polk dB6500...  Component Speakers
Polk dB6500 6-1/2-inch Two-Way Component Separates
Wow factor: stylish design, famous Polk Audio sound quality
How much it will set you back: $200
Who to contact: (800) 377-7655, www.polkaudio.com |  Raw Subwoofer MTX T5510-44...  Raw Subwoofer
MTX T5510-44 10-inch Dual Voice Coil Subwoofer
Wow factor: 300-watt power handling combined with 92dB sensitivity
How much it will set you back: $150
Who to contact: (800) CALL-MTX (225-5689), www.mtxaudio.com |
 Enclosed Subwoofer JL Audio...  Enclosed Subwoofer
JL Audio Toyota 4Runner Stealthbox
Wow factor: perfect fit, high-performance subwoofer for all current 4Runners
How much it will set you back: $600
Who to contact: (954) 443-1100, www.jlaudio.com |  Bonus: Navigation Eclipse...  Bonus: Navigation
Eclipse AVN2454 AM/FM/DVD GPS Navigation Receiver
Wow factor: the capabilities of an OEM system in a double-DIN package
How much it will set you back: $2,300
Who to contact: (800) 233-2216, www.eclipse-web.com | |