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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  2001 Tacoma Extended Cab Limited Edition - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Smitty - March 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck, I had always wanted one and now I got it. I looked at a Dodge and a Chevy too but neither one matched the track record of a Toyota, not to mention the bang for the buck. It has a ton of Power for a V6, big bed, very roomy interior that is comfortable and quiet and it handles great in the snow! I liked it so much my best friend bought one too, and he loves it more than I do. Buy one, you wont be dissappointed!

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  Fun to drive - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rizzo - March 30 - 3:50 pm

  I really enjoy driving this truck. I highly recomend the Tacoma truck. It drives great and is affordable. My new quad fits perfectly in the back. Good quality.

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  Great truck - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By reliable - March 27 - 7:36 pm

  My truck has been so great for me. I have however replaced quite a bit of stuff. The common 95 Tacoma leaf springs needed to be replaced. Also replaced 3 batteries, starter, altenator, and both rear shocks. Still has original clutch and transmission (thankfully). Adequate gas mileage about 18 per gal. Overall, this truck has been great.

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  love it - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By rkirchoff - March 25 - 7:56 am

  lots of power, rides nice, corners great, gets 18.8mpg city/hwy so far.

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  Ol Trusty - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steven - March 24 - 3:13 am

  I have been driving vehicles of all makes for years now. This is, BY FAR, the BEST vehicle I have ever owned. It has the most superior build quality ie: no squeaks or rattles, and is great looking too! All of the body lines are perfect too! Its performance is second to none (Even the V-8 Dakota cant out perform this V-6...if you dont believe this, then read all of the reviews.) The ride quality is superb, and the handling is right on the mark. Best of all its a Toyota!

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  12 Tacoma 4wd, DBl Cab, 4WD, Sport, L/B - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By lagunasecam - March 23 - 5:59 am

  I had a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500, but really wanted something smaller to drive around town. Overall a nice truck, but it has some significant cost cutting that shows through. With an MSRP of almost $35k, it is hard to believe that the 4WD selector, outside mirror, fog light, and door switches are not back-lit. Drove the truck the second day I owned it at night in a snowstorm. Had to pull over to find the 4wd switch. Just plain cheap! What could it cost to back light the switches, $10? A hood prop rod? What, another $20 for struts? No heated mirrors or rear defroster available at any price? I guess it never snows. Auto-door locks? Entune does not work wirelessly (BT) with an iPhone!

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  Mixed bag - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By rmw288 - March 22 - 3:27 pm

  I bought my Tacoma used in 2011 with about 25,000 miles on it. I drove it for 3 years and 55,000 miles. I never had any kind of trouble with the engine or drive train, as far as reliability. It never broke down. My complaint was the truck always revved a little high while at idle. Also, the shifting was always weird. At low speed it would stay in low gear too long and rev high before shifting. Under load, the engine would knock. 3 of the 4 automatic door locks eventually quit working. The compass/thermo stopped working. The A/C fan would intermittantly stop working.

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  Amazing - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By mudrunner23 - March 21 - 8:28 pm

  This truck has been in my wifes family since 2002 and it has been amazing. Other than routine oil changes, tune ups, brakes and a battery last year this truck has never needed a repair. That is amazing even for a Toyota. It now has 162k on it and shows no signs of slowing down. The gas mileage is great for a truck that looks as mean as it does, 19-21 city and 22-24 highway. It is user friendly and fun to drive. It still regular gets compliments and people asking me to sell it to them.

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  bout Time - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By tireman - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall great truck. My 4Cyl is good for 20 MPG, little low maybe? You decide. Great for daily commutes, weekend trips to home improvement stores and getting out to the great outdoors. Somewhat lack luster inside, but what can you expect. It is a TRUCK. Solid engineering relates to great overall drive experience. Well priced, dependable, flexible transportation. Great bang for the buck.

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  2003 Tacoma - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By fixandrepair - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I had 86 Toy P/u and loved it but needed more work so bought a new Tacoma with just the basics. I own (have ownd) many Toyotas and they are low maint/reliable. BUT noticed this is the first one not built in Japan, but in TENN, and I can tell the diff in quality.! Windows loose/rattle, creeking sound in dash, bed liner coming "unglued", paint bubbling up both sides on door at bottom. Only complaining because I love my old TOY and still have a 4rnr Im happy with. I like my Tacoma (gave it a hi rating) but it could have been built better.