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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  Got Clutch? - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Got Clutch? - February 27 - 2:30 pm

  Ive had this vehicle for about 9 months, put 10600 miles on it so far. And just lost my clutch. Luckily my friend with a ram was following me and could tow me to a safe place. Im disappointed. EXTREMELY! I had a rav4 before this which had the tranny drop in it. I just figured it was the luck of buying a used car. I bought new this time in hopes that it would be more dependable... not so much. I take long trips and take my truck off road. I cant be breaking down in the middle of no where when i dont have reception. I would suggest the tacoma... but good luck.

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  Why go anywhere else? - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By pathfinder - February 27 - 12:03 pm

  Very much satisfied with this truck. Fit and finish are exceptional, as is the design. Oil changes will be easy (filter on top). The TRD sport package is exactly what I need; nothing more, nothing less. Already said, but the orange dash lighting is a little dated (70s? 80s?). Six-speed transmission is smooth and loves revs. Looked at models with tube steps and running boards -- went with the latter; they are better looking and more functional (help to protect the lower area paint). Dealer made a great offer, and, truth be told, it was the best car-buying experience in my life (and Ive bought a lot of cars). The access cab is roomy and the sound system (with CD changer) is quality.

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  Good truck, disappointed in 6 speed gearbox - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By gazzbc - February 23 - 11:59 pm

  I bought this truck second-hand to tow a 23 trailer, weighing 5500 pounds loaded. The truck is underpowered for what Im asking it to do, but gets the job done. Just dont expect to win any drag races. The Sport package handles extremely well for a 4wd live rear axle truck, and is stable towing even with P rated tires. My only real beef is with the 6 speed maual gearbox. It is the slowest, clumsiest tranny Ive ever encountered. Forget quickly flicking through the gears - each shift is a two-stage affair with a forced pause at neutral. And its not just my truck - I drove several examples, and they are all the same. Its a pity, because it is fun to drive otherwise.

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  Xsp-x package - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff Mccloy - February 21 - 6:16 pm

  I replaced my 2006 Toyota TRD 4 wheel drive double Cab V6 with this 2015 xsp-x prerunner double cab. The xsp-x is a nice package, but if you want a better handling more confidence-inspiring ride your best bet is to go with the TRD sport package. The TRD rides and handles better

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  Best vehicle I ever owned - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nancy Meyers - February 19 - 11:03 am

  Toyota is the leader in small trucks. From the molded truck bed (not metal) to every feature right down to comfort. I have a very bad back, and have never been in discomfort after a long drive. The handling is superb. I can get into and out of small parking spaces with no problem. The truck is built sturdy. Rides like a dream. Takes heavy rain/snow slick roads heavily and safely (a reminder to readers: Careful driving in any vehicle is the main key factor). Fuel economy is excellent. The service by Toyota has been beyond excellence, right down to the personal reminders I receive when maintenance is due. Safety features built in give me peace of mind.

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  Tacoma is a Winner - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By DollarbillTX - February 18 - 11:50 pm

  Whats not to like about the newest generation of Tacoma . I love my CC 05 ! Plenty of room ,easy exit level,great interior and quiet. Plenty of power from the v6 and you can smoke lots of other trucks and cars with the power to weight ratios ,can be very quick for a truck. After driving Ford F150s and Rangers -I am totally sold on this truck ,to me it is the perfect size (no longbed with the CC style-please!) I would highly reccommend this truck -it deserves the sales numbers it is getting .

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  The best - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By norb - February 18 - 2:00 am

  47K miles, no problems - still runs like a highly-tuned machine. Aside from everything else, my windshield has cracked in 3 different places (2 each above the dashboard heater vents - other was a 1/4" crack in the middle that expanded to 18" with a small "pop" sound while attaching radar-detector suction cups). Very disappointed with widshield. All else considered, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone anywhere.

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  Tacoma Tuff - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Justin Doyle - February 15 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2001 SR5 with a 5 speed and 2.4 liter motor. I have used it for work everyday I have had it. I have routinely overloaded it to the point it has sat almost to the floor and yet it takes it day in and day out. I actually blew the transmission at 59,900 because of excessive loading and drove the truck to the dealership. The dealership said you dont have any gears left they are gone where is the tow truck? I told them I drove it here and they simply didnt believe me. Once that one major repair was done the new trans has taken even more abuse and the clutch only has 195,000 on it for day to day hauling and the occasional red line shift just for fun. What a great truck!

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  Entune must go - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jason Burke - February 14 - 5:22 am

  *ive now had the truck for 10kmiles and while overall I like it, I dont know if Id buy it again. The Entune system is really aweful and does all sorts of odd and annoying things. I usually use my phone for navigation because the build I. System is so bad. The locking tailgate is a nice feature but it requires a separate key and cant be unlocked remotely. The drivers seat is not very adjustable and can be uncomfortable on long drives. --------------—------------------------------------------ Ive had my truck for two months and 4000 miles. The truck looks great drives great and is far more capable than Ill ever need it to be. That said the Entune infotainment system is awful. As in so bad I sometimes regret buying the truck. One common issue is that it will not allow you to type in an address while the car is in motion. That means your passenger cant either. You are supposed to be able to use voice recognition to do it but the voice recognition is so bad that the level of rage it generates in the user negates any safety benefit of not being able to manually enter an address. Btw the nav system is not as good as what you have in your phone. Finding radio stations has been made as complicated as possible. But dont take my word for it, read the online reviews of Entune. Read the App Store reviews. Customers HATE Entune and Toyota doesnt care. Remember there are better options out there right now from Apple and Google that work the way youd expect them to work. I suspect Toyota doesnt want to pay for the use of the software or something. I for one would happily pay for the upgrade!

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  A great truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jared - February 10 - 11:23 pm

  I bought this truck new. I am an artist and have a lot to move. I have moved 3 times using the truck and love it. The economy is good for a truck, especially on my long freeway drives. I was in an accident in the truck and was very safe. It is a wonderful truck