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:

• 

  2009 Tacoma extended cab - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By A Lincoln - June 9 - 6:36 pm

  Great truck and fun, comfortable to drive. Ive only had it a short time, but know I will enjoy the vehicle. I know some reviews say the ride is stiff, but it rides more like a car than a truck. I got the SR5 package and have no complaints, wish my old 89 Toyota Truck had the ride this one has.

• 

  Clunk Clunk Clunk Clunk - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Matt - June 8 - 9:00 pm

  I purchased my 05 Tacoma 4 Dr Long Box eight days ago. Since then it has been in the shop 4 of those days. It has a knocking/clunking/rattling coming from the right dashboard/fender area every time I hit a bump. The noise decreases about 90% with someone in the passenger seat. It increases when making a right turn. The 2 dealers that have looked at it have no idea where it is coming from and say Toyota does not have a "fix" for the problem. I love everything else about it. It handles like a dream, the ride is very comfortable, it has plenty of power and the 4 door long box is perfect for all your needs. LETS HOPE TOYOTA FIGURES OUT WHAT IS WRONG & COMES UP WITH A SOLUTION!!

• 

  My 2010 Tacoma @ 110,000 miles - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tom Hamilton - June 7 - 12:04 am

  This truck has been excellent, bought used at 30000 mi. Have towed trainers, and boats, been from Indiana to Texas twice, and Indiana to West Palm, Florida and back. Ive changed oil at 5000 mi. intervals, and checked all recalls at Toyota dealerships. Tires and brakes are original equipment. I bought new tires, Goodyear, at 98,108 and new brake pads front and rear. Had to replace a failing u-joint, squeaking, at 99,000 miles, found out there are 3 in the standard drive train, replaced all 3. We bought a single axle RV camper, installed a trailer brake controller, and an anti-sway kit, and pulled the camper (3500 lbs) from Indiana to the Grand Canyon, through the New Mexico, & Colorado Rocky Mountains, average speed of 70 mph.

• 

  Best Truck In Its Class. Buy It!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Paul - June 6 - 4:10 pm

  Had this truck since Aug. 2005. I did months of research before I bought this truck. The research paid off. Being at the end of the summer season, I was able to get the exact one down to the color and options that I wanted. I got the accurate gas mileage by filling it up, run for about 150 miles and fill it up again, and devide the miles into the gallons. I got 17.5 city, and 22mpg on a trip. Performance is great. The 0-60 time is 7.5 sec. Fast for a 4000lb truck. The ride, comfort, and handling, I think is great. Try it

• 

  My First Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hacksaw - June 1 - 9:53 pm

  I never wanted a pickup truck, but my wife always has these projects, and we needed a way to transport our supplies. We decided on the 4-door so we could use it like a car when traveling with friends. Im a dedicated Toyota owner, so the Tacoma was an easy choice. Off-road this little truck is a performer. The ride is a little stiff, but once you load up the bed it smoothes right out. I got the Rhino liner, now I just need a cover to improve the gas milage.

• 

  The Perfect Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rl Bickley - June 1 - 2:00 am

  It has been an all around great truck. It is wonderful on the gas mileage, and since my previous truck was a Tahoe, that means a lot. Also, it has near perfect build quality that I have never seen in a truck before. I would give this truck with the TRD pkg a serious look.

• 

  One month in - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Adam - May 28 - 1:56 am

  The truck has performed well so far in every task that I have asked of it. The towing improvement over my last toyota pickup is amazing. I am still trying to keep my foot off of the gas to try and get the MPG up. The five speed auto tranny is great, but has a tendency to shift a lot when you have the cruise on. Way to go Toyota!

• 

  Tacoma ok but no so great - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jerry Hosteg - May 27 - 3:16 pm

  Ive so far owned two 2009 Tacoma Trucks. An offroad model and a sport model. The offroad was totaled and I replaced with the sport model. Overall I like the truck and its a keeper, nice acceleration, quality interior vs the competition, safety features are great - ie. my airbags worked on impact, and the frame crumpled and distributed the impact force properly where my cabin area stayed intact. However, I wont buy another 6 to 10 yrs down the road unless Toyota can fix the rough ride, the spongy brakes, and improve the fuel economy by at least 2 MPG for the 4X4 model.

• 

  Barely a truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By jequines - May 26 - 7:41 pm

  Have put 50,000kms on now with not too much trouble. Stereo went dead within 2 months of buying it, dealership replaced. This truck is terribly underpowered, drove it through the mountains and I was down to 60kph in 3rd gear full throttle. Frame seems weak if I drive down a gravel road I can see the box shaking and twisting independant of the cab quite violently. Box wont hold much wieght, at 600lbs rear suspension is almost fully compressed. Truck gets awesome gas mileage and the styling is great.

• 

  The Best Truck Yet! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Runningbrowndog - May 22 - 12:20 am

  I certanly give Toyata a Thumbs Up for the re-design of the Tacoma. It is roomier than any previous, has a better drive train, Has a lot more power, and the exterior and interior have better qualities and looks than any other Truck (in my opinion.