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:

• 

  Why didnt I trade in earlier - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By rivka - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I had my tacoma for about eight months and let me tell you, it was nothing but trouble. I was at the dealer at least once a month to fix stuff. mostly the power window kept falling off the track and wouldnt go up. also other annoying stuff-the brakes and rotors needed changing after 11000 miles, the transmission shifted roughly, and the worst part was that the dealer didnt seem to know what they were doing. I finally gave up and traded it in for a dodge 1500. so far so good.

• 

  4 cylinder, 4x4 Tacoma with 4 speed automatic - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By nedreck - November 12 - 11:42 am

  Overall the truck has been pretty good. The acceleration of the 4 cylinder in this model with the 4 wheel drive and 4 speed automatic transmission is poor, and fourth gear is way too high for this engines modest power and torque level and the shift points are all wrong, in my opinion. It always starts and runs well for me, but the blower fan has been replaced twice under warranty.

• 

  A Step Back in Quality - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By genesis1 - September 17 - 2:06 pm

  I previously owned the 2014 Tacoma SR5 Access Cab- a great truck that unfortunately was totaled in a recent wreck when an unlicensed driver pulled in front of me . So off to the dealer I go to replace the 2014 with the new "improved" 2016 model. On the outside, the 2016 model has become sleeker, sportier and more stylish looking- more plastic where there used to be metal- but still with the new curves and grooves built into the body its sure to impress younger drivers. Also on the positive side Toyota finally got rid of aerial antenna thing (always a problem for car washes and tree branches) and put the antenna on the cabin hood where it belongs. What is most disappointing about Toyota however is the obvious attempt to "go cheap" on the newer models by greatly diminishing the quality of materials on the interior of this vehicle. In particular, the seats on the 2016 model are hard and uncomfortable, whereas the 2014 model had great seats. The glovebox- now really more of a glove "cubbyhole" has been greatly reduced in size and you can barely fit anything more than a couple of maps and sunglasses inside of it now. Adding the divider shelves was poorly thought of idea Toyota. Theyve eliminated the easy to use lever that used to control the side mirrors and replaced it with a flimsy piece of plastic knob thing that will surely break off when used too hastily by big handed people- much harder to adjust your side mirrors now. On the outside the factory tires are now cheap looking Hankook tires that look more like passenger car tires than truck tires- a step down from the factory tires on the 2014 model. While the V6 engine seems to have plenty of pep, the transmission in the automatic models seems to be slightly jerky and does not have smooth feel to it. Some owners have claimed to be getting mid to upper 20s in the MPG category but so far Im only getting 20 mpg on mostly highway driving at 60 mph average. I really hope this gets better but dont expect much. I give this truck three stars instead of 2 because of the expected and known reliability of the engine and the lifetime powertrain warranty that most dealers now provide. Its just sad that Toyota has decided to go cheap on these trucks- while raising their prices considerably- in an obvious effort to boost profits.

• 

  Truck Bed - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Beckff1 - August 7 - 1:30 pm

  I love my truck but i have one problem, no lumber rack will fit on the new tacoma! want to know why? the new composit bed. Rack-It from SS CA, told me the bed will crak and fail. So what to do now? Like i said for hauling everyday dirt and small toys not a prob, but for get the avid weekend do-it yourselfer fenceing projects and long timber runs to lowes or home depot.

• 

  2016 Toyota Tacoma auto transmission is terrible - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe - June 5 - 7:33 pm

  I purchased a 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD sport and the transmission shifts way to much and the gearing seems to be off when shifting.very lousy design and would not recommend this transmission to anyone looking to purchase a Tacoma,hopefully Toyota will correct there mistake.

• 

  beware of any tacomas - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jeff hill - May 21 - 1:58 pm

  tacoma trucks have a long history of the frames rusting to the point of major problems toyota has done very little to fix this mine just bent while mechanic had on lift to inspect for odd noise I was having.

• 

  Underwhelmed - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Don-T - March 18 - 12:20 pm

  I bought my 06 Sport pkg 4 dr short bed a couple months ago after trading in my 2000 Tundra. Ive had Toyota trucks for 18 years now and Im a bit dissapointed in their latest offering. I find the ride much harsher than previous trucks, like old solid axle GMCs. That has translated to numerous ugly rattles that the dealer cant seem to find. The Sport seats are comfy for about 30 miles and then get progressively harder. I dont like loosing the cassette player and ashtray either. Style is a personal thing but using a third of the dash for the radio and painting it all silver is a little pushy. The V6 is short on torque like the previous V6s but does get V8 gas mileage.

• 

  5 Year Tacoma Owner/READ ME! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By 07tacomagirl - February 19 - 11:36 am

  Well, Purchased Feb. 5, 2007.....first of all I LOVE MY TRUCK!!! Sadly, it spends more time at the dealer than I have actually driven it. I have a file on it at least a solid inch thick. Things replaced so far: washer line..started shooting out of the side of my hood, 3 months in blower motor went out, 7,000 miles tire blew...literally came apart, 3 weeks later another tire blew, decided to replaced dunlops, engine rattle started, 14,000 miles brakes, calipers, rotors replaced they couldnt figure out why they wouldnt stop squeeling. 2 years in trans. hits when parked at a stop light. All before 36,000 mile and my list goes on but ran out of room. Im at 75,000 miles but at least its paid!

• 

  2 cents worth - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Inmyopinion - January 3 - 2:23 pm

  The windows (front, rear, and side) are small. At ATM driveups its a LONG reach down and in wet weather will soak your armpit! The rear quarter windows should open for ventilation. Rearward visibility is poor thru a small back window over high bed sides and tailgate. Windshield is small with a LARGE hood limiting visibility of obstacles directly in front of bumper. (Nice BIG front bumper!) Seats sit almost flat on the floor and at 62" I felt rather aukward, yet they are comfortable. No need for tilt wheel as my knees were close in the full up position. Rear seats face forward but offer no leg room for adults, great for pets and kids. If your an adult Id opt for a tundra if possible.

• 

  Not the truck i hoped and payed for - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By John H - December 9 - 6:46 pm

  As we all know Toyota Tacomas are very expensive in comparison to their domestic counterparts. Youre hoping they give u at least 200k. Bought this truck brand new with 26 miles. I commute nearly 350 miles every 2 days. I changed both the oil and filter every 3,000 with Toyotas recommended oil, flushed the trans every 45k and had the rear end done every 50k. Cooling system at 65k and again at 118k. With 121,450 miles my 2.7L seized. Not what I expected. Toyota said at 120k it should be ready for an overhaul. Engine sludge. OK? I thought they lasted. My wifes 05 FX4 f150 has 188k on original drivetrain along with my 97 Jeep 4.0 with 294k on the original engine. Should have spent money elsewhere.