Overview & Reviews

Since its introduction in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma has been a mainstay of the compact and midsize pickup segments. The original Tacoma fell into the compact category, while the second-generation truck's 2005 debut marked the transition to midsize dimensions. Typical advantages to a new or used Tacoma include a variety of body styles to choose from, useful off-road abilities, strong resale value and a better than average reputation for reliability.

Downsides are few. Even when modestly appointed, this Toyota often costs more than competing trucks and prices are high on the used market as well. In addition, taller drivers might feel cramped inside the first-generation Tacoma's compact cab. Otherwise, the Toyota Tacoma is a very capable pickup that's highly recommended for nearly all truck shoppers.

User Reviews:

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  Ok truck but noisy - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Anthony - March 6 - 4:19 am

  I owned a Nissan Frontier and the tires were bigger and the seats were better and you did not hear a lot of noise from the engine and like the Tacoma the engine has some power on the v-6 model but the Frontier v-6 is more powerful can handle bad weather better but the Tacoma has a better blind spot area than the Frontier both trucks are way over priced the Tacoma is mostly hype from its rich past the truck is made to fast and is poorly engineered Toyota is becoming like GM to big and it hurts when you fall from the top what can make the truck better is bigger tires and correct the engine noise problem and a better braking system this may be my last Tacoma

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  Back to square one! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tom Anthony - February 28 - 6:34 am

  After anxiously awaiting for the much talked about ( hyped) new Tacoma, I am so disappointed. First, let me say that I test drove the Limited at two different dealers and all seemed " good to go." I factory ordered one and after waiting 6 weeks, it finally arrived. Thankfully, the dealer where the purchase was made is located about 50 miles from my home. Thankfully because this gave me a chance to experience the " real world" characteristics of this truck over a longer period of time and greater driving distance rather than merely a short " test" drive. I am in complete agreement with those reviews which describe the constant shifting of the transmission while attempting to garner enough power from the engine to satisfy its needs. Any light load or slight acceleration causes this shifting action - very disturbing. I think the " acclaimed" Atkinson engine, which really only a resembles a true Atkinson cycle design slightly, is too underpowered. Also,no power front seats is a "no no." They are very uncomfortable. Well, rather than ramble on and on, I will close with two pieces of good news: 1. I loved the rest of the truck. All the bells and whistles are great. 2. My dealer has three day return policy. I brought the truck back within that time frame and the purchase price was refunded to me. Now I will look more closely at the Colorado or wait to see what 2017 brings. Toyota are you listening?

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  Manual Clutch Wore Out at 6000 Miles! - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By driver882 - February 21 - 2:20 pm

  My 2013 Takoma, purchased new 3 months ago, has 6250 miles on it. The dealer (Ourisman Chantilly Toyota) tells me that the clutch is completely worn down. I have driven manuals for years and am certainly not hard on the clutch, nor do I "ride" the clutch. It is hard to rebut the conclusion that this is somehow my fault and the clutch is excluded from every warranty, even the fancy "Auto4Life" service contract and the "Carefree Car Protection Service Contract". The repair will cost more than $2,000. I submit that this is a mechanical problem reflective of the truck.

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  generally overrated - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Anthony - December 28 - 1:53 am

  I have now owned my 06 Tacoma Pre-runner for just over a year. Yes, the V6 has plenty of power for the truck but other than that not much going for the tacoma. The auto-transmission is not matched to the power curve of the V6 at all. I get lots of unneeded and mis-shifts while drive, cruise control actually makes this worse. Quality is typical toyota, nothing great but is nothing to be excited about. The interior is completely anti-comfort from the terrible seats to the away (typical o all Japanese cars) slopping dash. This creates a feeling of a large interior. The doors are paper thin and road noise is deafening. The radio is sub par when compared to anything. A "DO NOT BUY"!!

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  Poor fit and finish - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By tdaprez - December 24 - 3:50 pm

  The fit and finish is not close to the Toyotas I have owned in the past. I have gap differences of more than 3.2mm side to side. The paint has a lot of "orange peel." Toyotas position is that they are all the same and the Tacomas have "textured paint, since that is the type of paint they use." When was the last time you heard "texture and car paint" used in the same sentence? Make sure you check the fit and finish very carefully before you buy, since Toyota will provide no help after the sale.

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  eighties flashback - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dollar - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Its hard for all of us to believe the price they get for Toyota Tacomas. While relaible ,they are some of the lowest quality interiors next to Kia,s. The small back window,cheap plastic bits and door panels a 5 year old could rip to shreds.Tiny,tinny,and dated comes to mind .I can,t wait till the New Titan by Nissan comes out so I can flog this truck to them .Toyota better update soon ,people are getting on to them .

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  The worst toyota I have owned out of 6! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By mike - October 29 - 11:59 pm

  The car shudders when coming to a stop virtually all the time. When the car is cold there is a definite clunk in the rear end when coming to a stop. Dealer says it is normal. I have vibrations and noise in the cabin that I have never experienced in any car. Gas mileage is about 19 mpg on the highway at 75 mph. There is not enough power to stay in 6th gear if there is any headwind or incline. The new transmission is okay at lower speeds but not 75 mph. Gas mileage in town is good at 18mpg. I do not have a problem with acceleration as long as you use the ect button. $39,000 truck does not come with mud flaps or power seats.

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  Test Drive First!!!!!!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By heyyou67 - September 30 - 2:35 pm

  Be sure to thouroughly test drive before committing. Engine has a very annoying buzzing, resonating vibration while accelerating or under load between 2100 and 2400 rpms. This seems to be a somewhat common problem mentioned here and other websites and forums. Toyota claims it’s “normal”. It is literally driving me nuts and I’m trading it in with 23K miles. Only saving grace is that re-sale is above average. Gas mileage is great but it is quite under powered. Don’t plan on towing a big boat or camper with this unit. Overall quality such as fit and finish, materials used is good. Good firm but comfortable ride and handling. This engine is just un-acceptable. Vehicle should have been field tested more before release to the market of a fundamental flaw like this. I will not return.

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  Dont buy on brand alone. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Noble - August 20 - 11:00 am

  After 28,000 miles with my 2006 Tacoma 2WD, manual trans, the overall experience has been less than I expected. The power of the 2.7L four is marginal even in a vehicle this light. 158 horses out of 2.7L is pretty pitiful today considering it has variable valve timing. The 5-speed trans is poorly geared, and not matched to the engines power curve. The 3:31 rear gears makes 5th gear unusable. Overall, I wouldnt buy it again. It will probably go 200,000 miles, but Ill never make it! Dont consider buying it because its a Toyota!

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  Overstated performance - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joe G - August 12 - 4:28 am

  The new V-6 engine coupled with the new 6 speed transmission is an ill fit. The engine struggles to maintain highway speeds without a lot of transmission downshifting. Small hills and overpasses strain the drive train to the point of frustration and distraction. After breaking the engine in according to Toyota specifications, I towed a 12 trailer loaded with a 1500# ATV (total GVW of 3500#) 800 miles. The trip was torture for the truck and myself. Fuel consumption is disappointing. Pure highway mileage is 20.2 mpg. Combined mileage is 18.1 mpg. Towing mileage was 11.8 mpg. Toyota did not get the engine/transmission properly tuned. I dont want to leave the impression I am down on Toyota in general. I have owned three Toyota trucks in the past, and they were great trucks. Toyota seriously missed my expectations on the 2016 Tacoma.