First off - Sr5 does not mean the same thing as it did before 1996- Now Sr5 just means chrome bumpers, tach, AC, radio, etc.... Its just a Trim pkg- Has nothing to do with suspension or vehicle height- You can get an Sr5 2wd (non - prerunner-) 5-lug truck mini, or a Prerunner w/ Sr5 pkg etc....
- Prerunners are nice if you don't need or want 4wd, unfortunately they are ONLY available with an auto.
As far as auto vs 5spd- I wouldn't say one is more or less reliable- They will each have their native pros & cons.
2005 is a major redesign- 4.0 V6 should be available, it will also be wider and longer wheelbase- "midsize" like the Dakotas or the Colorado/Canyon, - rear access/suicide doors should be available on the Xtracab model. -
http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_li...5tacomaXrunner
Although , I like many of the the changes for 05- (4.0, suicide doors, etc...) I think the current frame width & wheel base make it a more nimble offroading platform.