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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  Best Truck of 2008 - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mounir - July 17 - 12:53 am

  I have been looking for a truck that can accommodate my family and my household items, and I did find it. My toyota Prerunner is the one. I trade my old Toyota 1995 to the one I have now. Now I own the most reliable and valuable truck. It is the smartest move I have made this year. It is the best buy if anyone consider a truck for a special needs.

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  Performance and Reliability - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By demonoid123 - July 16 - 3:38 pm

  MPG: 18 gal=370 miles city maximum. (Never gone past 3 gallon reserve to test out full mileage.) 18gal=400 highway maximum. 18 gal=~$60@$3.40-85octane(w/15%ethanol-Costco) I add LUCAS gas treatment also. Cons: Interior has cheap look and feel. Small spacing for legs. Paint scratches and chips easily. Frame rusts easily. ( Even after power-wash every time exposed to salty roads) Pros: Performance: Will do the job on any terrain(Even with the crappy tires sold by manufacturer: Firestone Destination LE) Engine is reliable and OK Design (accessibility-wise) Bottom line: Not fancy interior but great exterior look and performance.

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  Beats all Competition - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Boman - July 14 - 10:00 am

  While I have just purchased a 2003 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab this past weekend (I traded in a 98 Honda Accord, also a great vehicle), I must say that I chose the right vehicle. 4 door sedans dont compare with the versatility of a double cab or 4 door pickup. I looked at comparable models from Nissan, Dodge, Ford, etc., but nothing compares in its class to Toyota, period. The truck handles nicely, accelerates like a 4 cylinder (requires some revs, but gas mileage is much better than V6), but at least has multivalves where other trucks operate on 2 valves/cylinder.

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  Not what it used to be - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By D347 - July 9 - 8:28 pm

  I have owned several Tacomas in the past and have enjoyed all of them however this 2016 is a big disappointment. I thought with the newer engine and 6 speed transmission Toyota would have a hit but this one is a flop. The truck seems smaller to me although it is probably the same but maybe the layouts are different. The biggest complaint is the transmission. It never knows what gear it wants to be in. Going up the smallest hills requires 2 downshifts and with the cruise on any time there is any grade the transmission will look for a lower gear. I had a 2015 that I traded on a the 2016 but that was a mistake. I should have kept the 2015 with the 4.0 V6, it was so much better. I am sure Toyota will fix this transmission issue down the road. Toyota hasnt really acknowledged​ the transmission issue. Traded this vehicle. Very disappointed, no longer own this vehicle, not up to Toyota standards. Big problems.

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  2016 tacoma pre runner transmission issues - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By brad - July 7 - 3:16 pm

  truck has 1300 miles on it going into the shop for the second time for trans issues 1st time in they did the tsb update didnt fix the problems shifts into high gear to early causes truck to lug truck idles up when about stopped causing it to lurch forward and causing a drive line clunk also clunk off and on while driving slow speed a/c is off Struggles to maintain highway speeds on moderate hills, lots of gas pedal action and reluctant down shifting during wich it will start to surge and bog down very disappointed in this truck have had several Toyotas since the early 90s and this one may go in for a trade I cant stand driving it anymore the way it shifts is horrible 1300 miles I shouldnt have to be taking it to the shop again its already been there once for 4 days and going back again not a happy customer any more

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  Best truck Ive owned - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By thomas - July 5 - 12:53 pm

  I love this truck. My family and I can ride comfortably. I have 2 kids ages 1 and 2 so I have 2 car seats and my wife and I have plenty of room. It gets great gas mileage to be such a big truck. I drive 75 - 150 miles a day so that is very important to me. Im getting 20 miles to the gallon. It is extremely comfortable ride. I dont think I will ever get rid of this truck.

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  Tacoma - not up to Toyota standards - 2018 Toyota Tacoma
  By KARSONKID - July 4 - 10:55 am

  Bought my first Toyota, for the most part, because evryone always told me how great they are from a quality standpoint. I was not impressed. I would say some of the things I mention were engineering and build quality issues. Got rid of it after 15 months. Issues - Engine Squeak when warm - I was told this is normal, Heater controls were very hard to turn, Noise from under dash on passenger side - fixed, Had to have transmission reprogrammed for shifting issue - better but hurt performance. My new Grand Cherokee with a HEMI gets the same mileage.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nrsheikh - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I love this thing. Handels any situation great, drives decent, good off road drive, really great.

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  TRD Model - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By rhuezo - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Just drove off the lot and I am very happy with the initial performance. The truck feels great, rides high above traffic, and looks good! I brought the car home and my neighbors commented on how stylish it looked. The TRD suspension is pretty rigid, but I realize it is a truck. My previous car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which had a smoother ride. On the freeway it can get pretty bumpy..hold on to your morning coffee. The truck has good power accelerating onto the freeway.

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  Warning to previous owners of Tacomas - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Richard Davidson - July 3 - 9:28 am

  The 2016 Tacoma will disappoint anyone that has owned an older V6 powered Tacoma. I have purchased a new Tacoma every 2 years since 1985. I currently still own 4 TRD 4x4s. They are all used for business. The 2016 has the worst engine, transmission, gear ratio of any Toyota I have driven. The power band/shift points leave this vehicle sluggish at best. On any incline in the road the transmission will shift continuously between 6th and 4th(1900rpm to 3400rpm at 75mph). The engine noise is significantly more noticeable than my 2014 which is a great vehicle. On flat ground the transmission shifts through the gears so quickly you find yourself always stepping harder on the throttle to keep the speed up. When you contact Toyota everyone at the dealership will deny they have heard of the problem. Toyota factory reps will admit they know of the issue but as of this date no fix. I would not recommend a 2016. Look for a 2014 or older. Update 08/15/2017. Toyota has a software update for the transmission shifting. You will have to find a service writer familiar with the update. (Most know nothing of it). The update makes the shifting problems better. Doesnt do anything for the noises engine. The truck also has a recall for a leaky rear differential which they do not have the parts to repair. I want my 2014 back.