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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  Love It - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By BryanS - April 19 - 2:00 am

  been wanting to get a truck for years and my new job allows me to get one. I drive quite a bit and I love this truck. I bought a custom truck with aftermarket rims, paintjob, grille guards wityh KS lites and custom leather. The only time I dont like the truck is when it rains and it gets dirty, I do everything I can to keep it clean and looking ood.

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  Kept me safe - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jamboree - April 16 - 12:33 am

  I am in the process of purchasing an 08. I was hit head on at about 50+ mph. and I walked away. The cab was totally intact. I loved my 07 and cant wait to get my 08. Fun to drive and travel in.

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  Wish I could love the Taco, just like it - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoMan - April 16 - 12:06 am

  If it werent for the -terrible- tires and the dealers even more disappointing response to the problem (feels like out of round tires @ highway speeds), Id love this truck. I bought what I wanted and kept it simple. 2x4 Prerunner, SR5, 5-speed. Guess Im gonna have to buy new wheels/tires, cause at this point I think the actual wheels are unbalanced. Oh, well!

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  Slipping Transmission in My Tar - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Missing Idaho - April 14 - 12:40 pm

  I have an SR5 model; wanted base model, but only exists in the brochure. Toyota was no help to locate one. I have seen this type of truck referred to as a Tar (Truck Car Mix). Gas mileage good (as good as my 93 4 cyl pick-up). Spongy brakes. Yes, freaky radio (turns on all by itself) and poor reception for some reason. The hunting transmission drives me crazy. Sensation like youre spinning your wheels on ice. Bed liner is slippery, but like tie down rails. Why cant Toyota start making what we want - manual 5 spd. Hope this is half the truck my previous 93 & 81 models were. I would have purchased American if someone made the extended bed.

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  Tacoma double cab prerunner - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nelson Hernandez - April 13 - 6:20 pm

  So far, an excellent truck. Ride is great in the highway. Fuel economy is excellent with myself filling the tank every week and a half and I use the truck to go to work everyday with an avarage of 40 to 50 miles per day.

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  Great Reliability - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Simon Palmer - April 12 - 6:10 pm

  Have 107,000 miles on it and runs flawlessly. 70 mile daily roundtrip in mostly stop-and-go traffic is no problem. Versatile.

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  Excellent all around truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By trucknut12 - April 11 - 10:20 pm

  I went from a 2004 GMC Canyon to my 2008 Toyota Tacoma. Both trucks had the offroad packages. The GMC had a smoother ride on the highway, the toyota is bouncy. Offroad the toyota has the advantage with more ground clearance and absorbs large bumps better. The edge in handling and turning radius goes to the Toyota. Body roll is alot less on the toyota. Fuel economy is only slightly worse on the toyota then the GMC. 20.7MPG Toyota vs. 21.4MPG GMC, in my standard work to home route. Fit and finish on the Toyota are way above the GMC. I would say these trucks are very close, with the edge going to toyota, for better build quality and materials an its able to tow heavier loads.

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  2007 for a 2004 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By DoubleDecker - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for one week. I replaced a 2004 model Tacoma Double Cab with this one. They finally moved the clock! Has more power, doesnt seem to take up more room in the garage, but feels larger. Brakes dont feel as mushy as the old style eiher.

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  A Great truck to own, wish I could buy another. - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By wolfnium - April 6 - 2:35 am

  I bought my truck new in 1999. I ran 2 crank cases of 10w-30 Castrol regular motor oil. After that, I have used 10w-30 Castrol synthetic motor oil ever since. I change oil about every 5000 miles. I have had to replace the electronics to repair a left turn signal issue that cost about $500.00. I have had to replace the power steering pump, twice as the first one was a rebuild and under warranty. I have had to replace the battery once and also the catalytic convert (about $1000.00). I still have the original clutch and have replaced the front brakes and rotors one time. My truck now has 456,5000+ miles on it. I would drive it to across the US with no worries. It has been a great truck.

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  Excellent Small Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - April 5 - 9:10 am

  This has been an excellent small truck to own. No issues to date. Looks better than most of the new cars in work parking lot. Has surprised friends and neighbors (who own larger trucks) IRT how much it can haul. Getting about 20 mpg.