I have an 05 TRD Sport model (non-locker). I love it.
Yes my other thread about the off-road edition with Baja wheels = why bother....(you could do the same for less
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=11007
unless of course you want to buy the extended warranty...)
I have a manual. I like the feel of a stick... I looked at the frontier
Really had nothing to complain about it(frontier). But I did look at aftermarket support and parts.. I liked the quality of Aftermarket for the Toyota better. Head room was also slightly better in the taco IMHO, a little more room in the backseat for my son.
I bought mine used (12k). It now has 81k on it.. (bought it in Dec 06) Ouch... Was my daily driver.. No longer.. With my Lift (Donahoe & Deavers) plus 265/75/16's ( i down sized the rims due to price and availability of tires 17" wasn't thrilling me...)
I have a Horizon.. I tow it often.. I put in two extra thick leaf springs in the rear after towing with it for the first 4 months. The original 10 pack was sagging and giving me greif on the streets). I average about 10-15 miles per gallon depending on what's going on.. my current lift/springs makes it look almost stock in appearance. No real leveling per se.. It looks level with the horizon on it..
The seats are more comfortable compared to the 04's IMHO. I recently met Chris M (BajaTaco) and he tested an 05. He was commenting that he liked the 05 seats comfort better on our snow run...
No locker in mine.... Depends on your wheeling ability... I'm going to regear for gas milage with the trailer to 4.88's. I'll probably add a locker at the same time.. I've gotten stuck twice.. It may have helped to get out.. But airing down more got me out at Pyramid and I needed a small tug from Chris during our snow run..
Good luck..