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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  Poorly Functioning Transmission - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacomashane - June 26 - 12:03 pm

  This truck has had transmission issues since the day I bought it. Toyota refuses to admit it is a problem, even though it is well documented on the internet. Transmission continually slips when accelerating after a turn or even going over a speed bump. There is a clunking/jumping effect around 30mph when letting off gas then getting back on the gas. Also have had an annoying buzzing sound from under my glove compartment and a rattling window control panel. Body dents very easily. Very worried that transmission will fail before my 36k warranty.

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  This is my third Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Linda - April 27 - 8:09 pm

  The smaller engine this year is not near as gutsy, no matter what the numbers say. I live in a very hilly area and the truck is constantly down shifting to keep speed. It is really annoying. I also dont have auto head lights. I paid $35,000 and I dont get an auto headlight feature? Really?

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  Poor Quality Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael_F - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased truck from Molle Toyota of Missouri in KC. The truck was delivered to me with a leaky radiator hose & a deformed plastic piece that surrounds the clock inside the truck & several other defects inside the truck. Some of the other defects inside the truck as follows: (1). Flexible rubber cover that covers the seat hinge gets crushed into the hinge when you move the upper part of the seat completely forward, you can check this out for yourself on any Toyota truck. (2). Cutouts in the carpet of the seat for the head rest are too large for the plastic piece that is designed to cover them up. (3). Dash pieces are cheap & do not line up properly.

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  Exterior looks great but lacking basic features - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By kane - March 14 - 2:13 am

  I was really excited for the redesigned Tacoma as i was in the market for looking for a new car and it came out at the right time. However once i test drove the truck, i was disappointed in some of the basic features that were missing for such a high price tag. First is the ability to adjust the height of the driver seat. I felt the seats were too low and with the hood of the TRD sport blocked me from having a better view of the road. The truck doesnt have these items as standard features: Automatic headlights, HomeLink, Bi-Xenon lights, although i think you can add those for additional cost. The new hard tri-fold cover was a nice feature. The engine was pretty loud and felt much slower than the 2011 version i have drove.

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  Nice features, bad transmission setup - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By FFT - February 18 - 2:13 am

  I recently bought a 2009 PreRunner double cab and the interior is very nice although I share the grip about the leg clearance under the steering wheel. I have to push the wheel all the way up and out and sorta wiggle my way in. The interior is nice otherwise. The transmission setup on this truck however is anything but nice and the brakes are too weak. The transmission hunts under 45 mph and the always on engine braking in "D" is VERY annoying. You cant roll down smooth. Also, the upshift to second is hard and the entire downshift from 5 (which the tranny races to get to) is hard in every gear. My 97 T100 was weak on power, but it was 10 times smoother mechanically. Unfortunate.

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  Pain in the butt! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joseph Raney - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Hi, ever since I got this vehicle I have been back and forth to the dealership at least 8 times, thats not including servicing. I just purchased the truck 5 months ago and its been giving me probs ever since I first got it.

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  Direct Compare 2017 and 2007 models - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jack Cloxet - January 29 - 9:03 pm

  I currently own a 2007 Tacoma TRD Off Road that has 100K miles on it and have been delighted all the way around with this truck . My wife was always in it so I gave it to her and got myself an identical 2017 model without much thought..... thinking they could only get better after 10 years. Well, was I wrong. The 3.5L Atkinson V6 engine paired with the 6 speed automatic is disappointing. Between the sluggish performance, the constant gear shifting and the incredibly loud engine/exhaust system noise under load, I cant wait till my lease is up. And it is LOUD under load. My wife and I have a modest 20 foot travel trailer and have done identical trips to the same campground with both vehicles and the difference is remarkable. Although the 3.5L is rated to tow more than the old 4.0L, it responds horribly compared to the 4.0L. Even when utilizing the the 3.5L ECT PWR option while towing , there was still incessant gear hunting and a deafening howl from the engine and exhaust as it frequently ramped up to 4200 RPMs on slight inclines. Gas mileage was much worse as well while towing as the 3.5L came in at 9.4 MPG and the 4.0L measured in at 14.2 MPG. As far as some of the other odds and ends, I found myself using the GPS on my phone as it is far superior to the one in the truck, many of the new controls for some of the new technology is not intuitively placed and depending on what screen youre on you get the speed youre traveling in three different places and the time is nowhere to be found. Weird. On the upside, the truck handles and brakes well, but so does the 2007. All in all, its not such a bad daily driver but we use the 2007 to tow the trailer as the experience is far superior. Ive also decided to keep and invest in the 2007 as I have a feeling we wont see anything new on the market like that for some time to come.

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  Toyota Tacoma Not needs work - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By lawje - January 28 - 3:50 am

  Purchased my 2010 Tacoma in CNY and was disappointed from day one. 179 miles on with large scratch. Dealer fixed but not a good sign. Major complaints: Radio seemed to be very low. Volume was on 50 to hear radio with windo down. Handling, not great. Constant noise when van or heat turned on. Later found out it was a recall and Toyota did not let me know after I complained. Gas mileage...maybe 16 mpg average driving. Not very comfortable for someone 600 tall. Sold after 2 years and 25,000 mile. Also have a 2005 Toyota 4runner which is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  Quite Possibly The Worst Engine Transmission Combo - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By andrew R - January 11 - 12:44 am

  Ive owned this car for 6 months now and can honestly say I despise it. I live in the SF Bay Area and this truck is awful on hills and the freeway. The engine feels very sluggish and when you slowly put your foot down for more power the engine agressively shifts up and makes a dramatic howling noise. The engine downshifts like crazy even when youre just coasting along. Which in turn means you have to constantly give the truck more gas. The brakes are grabby and unresponsive. Sure these trucks might have a great resale value but for 40K I expect something a lot better. Getting in and out is a task as well. At 58 I have difficulty getting in and out. Im constantly banging my knee on the steering wheel. The front molding has already come loose and is rattling very badly. Cheap plastic interior. Very disappointed Toyota. This is a swing and a miss.

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  Not For Me - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By garymike - December 18 - 3:33 pm

  I made a mistake purchasing this vehicle. Its ride is way too harsh, and the fuel economy is disappointing. I got the 4-cyl automatic, and consistently get 22 mpg. While that is not abysmal, I expected so much more. The truck has no personality, and is not fun to drive. The build quality is quite good and very solid, but sound suppression in the cab seems non-existent. For all the high praise this truck gets, I find that this truck is definitely not for me.