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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  Get one if you can find it. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Danny - May 1 - 2:40 am

  Title speaks for itself. Looked for one for a long time and was glad I had patience. Bought an 06 Nissan Crew and it was ok, but in no way comparable to the TRD. Sweet truck Awesome deal

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  2009 Tacoma Prerunner 4cyl, Manual 5spd - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By n2wood - April 29 - 9:28 pm

  Purchased in Dec 2009. Good looking truck. I have pampered truck for 48 months. Have same problems with radio as other owners - turns itself off and on in extreme cold or hot temps. Toyota appears to have resolved that problem after 2009. Just turned over 35,000 miles on odometer and clutch has started to slip. It is not operator error. I had a 1990 Toyota 6cyl, manual 5spd truck for 16 years and never had to replace anything, but starter and timing belt. Based on my google search, the problem is the clutch made in Mexico. A replacement AISIN clutch, made in Japan, appears to be reliable. Normal mpg has been 20-23 with non-alcohol gas.

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  love this truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bermaeri - April 29 - 6:05 am

  You Have to sit in this case before buying it. There are some body types that are going to uncomfortable in the drivers seat.

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  V6 Prerunner - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Doug Mummertz - April 28 - 10:00 am

  The V6 engine in the Tacoma Prerunner makes this a spunky vehicle to drive. V6 is a smooth running engine with the torque necessary to carry or pull those weekend loads. Extra cab model gives the owner that additional storage space behind the seats which is definitely a convenience worth getting. Interior design is good except for the clock location. Toyota has met its usual standards in quality and reliability. Optional TRD package allows the driver to select differential lock at slow speeds which is definitely helpful in slippery driving. Tacoma is an all around well built truck.

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  Good truck with minor bugs - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By riddleja - April 27 - 7:53 am

  Major components are all solid and reliable, but fit & finish arent up to my expectations of a Toyota. Numerous dashboard rattles (not fixed after 20 trips to 3 dealerships), had a water leak, and windshield washer pump broke. Gas mileage could also be better, but its on par with similar vehicles.

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  TRD Sport Crew Cab 4x4 5.0" bed - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joe Darvish - April 24 - 12:25 am

  After waiting out 2005-2015 body style, I bought the 2016. I do not find the seat uncomfortable, but I agree with others comment on engine/transmission mismatch. I expected the engine to be a lot more quiet. We have a 2010 RX350 with a different 3.5L V-6 engine which is exceptionally smooth and quiet. Tacomas downshifts at highway cruising with a slight uphill when I dont expect. It makes you think you are driving a 4 cylinder engine when it down shifts. The gas mileage should be evaluated when the engine breaks in at about 5K miles. The rest of the truck is fine. I have a 2009 Honda Accord EXL and a 2009 Mercedes E350 sport. Road/wind/tire noise at highway speed is very good. Fit, Finish, and feel are excellent As the time goes by and Toyota learns how customers evaluate the truck, they will come up with transmission shifting programming update that will improve the shifting. If I were you, I would not run to GM trucks yet. GM is known for having issues down the road. Dont be fooled by GMs truck of the year awards.... 5-10 year GM trucks are not reliable or are worth that much.

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  Off to a nice start! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By JohnBoy53 - April 22 - 7:10 pm

  At 5-10 grand less than similarly equipped "Big" trucks, it is truly a great value. Ride is firm but comfortable, handling is tight and the interior noise level is low. I will post again as time goes on.

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  You gotta love it - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob - April 21 - 8:10 am

  I have been driving it for a little more than 2 weeks. Handles so much better than the older Toyotas. More room, power. love the access doors, getting 26 miles to gallon. The new bed liner is great with the tye down very nice. The ride is better than most cars very smooth. New dash lay out is great very easy to see all the extras, the chrome make for a nice touch on the interior. Last is how quiet the ride is as long as the fan is off, the fan still makes too much noise.

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  New 2005 Tacoma owner - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By fisherdave - April 21 - 2:00 am

  We traded in our 2000 Tacoma on the new 2005. The differences are dramatic. Larger & more comfortable cabin – particularly the new seats are very much appreciated. The ride is much improved, even with the TRD pkg. The rear doors are a big improvement. The new 6-cylinder engine really gets out and moves this truck. It’s too new to give much info on fuel economy, but on paper it gets nearly the same as our 2000 Pre-runner w/a 4 cylinder. The one thing that I do miss is the “grab handle above the passenger’s door. It’s a very sharp looking truck !!

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  TOUGH TO GET IN - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tony Salmonson - April 19 - 9:13 pm

  I am 6 foot and 200 pounds the door opening is too small very hard to get in my head almost hits the roof when I am sitting in driver’s seat