Front component options

I'm about to revamp the stock stereo in my '02 Tacoma Double Cab. All 4 speakers are 5x7/6x8. I've already got my two amps ready to power whatever I put in. Over the past week or so I've been going to all the local stores to listen to every speaker that I could. What it boils down to is that the JL XR series blew me away. Specifically the XR650-CSi's were incredible - with a price to match. The XR525-CSi's sounded good too but they weren't as impressive as the 6.5"s. Now comes the obvious choice. The XR570-CSi's. These would be the easiest to install but I didn't get a chance to hear them. In my experiences 5x7 speakers tended to 'muddy' the sound due to their oval cones. Is that true with these? So what it comes down to is: Since the 6.5"s are out because of price and mounting, Would it be better to go with the 5x7"s or the 5.25"s?cls

I have put 6.5 components in 5x7/6x8 factory openings in many cars (including my own), you do normally have to find a seperate place to mount the tweeter but it can be done fairly easily.  If it is the price difference that is pushing you away that is understandable but know that it is very possible to do.  If you arent using 6.5s then my personal preference would be a 5.25, you wont have quite as much midbass as a 6.5 but they will otherwise be basically the same.  My choice of 5.25s over 5x7s is exactly as I stated, personal preference, I just like the sound of a round speaker better, but thats just me, sounds like you probably feel the same way, as you described oval speakers as sounding "muddy".

Well it sounds like you dont have much of a choice on this one.  You could just build some kicks if you were really that much more impressed by the XR650s, Im not a big fan of kicks myself, they definitely sound great when built right, but I really hate anything in the footwell.  Sounds like your best bet is just to go with the smaller XRs.