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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  2007 Tacoma 4X4 V6 Acc. Cab TRD - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - February 10 - 6:46 pm

  This is my third Toyota truck. Ive had an 86, 99, and this 07. It rides well, gets the same gas mileage as my last one and better than my old 86 four cylinder, but with more power. Engine is smooth, quiet and powerful. Transmission shifts smoothly. Very comfortable inside. Fold down rear "seatlets" work great for holding ice chests for camping. On the down side: The rear end bottoms out easily under load. Can be remedied with add-a-leafs or air bags. Not much ground clearance, I may get a lift kit.I liked the old lever-type 4X4 range shifter better. New electronic dial type range selector works reliably, but not as smooth and predictably as an actual lever did.

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  Great Truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By MarkW - February 8 - 10:00 am

  This has been a real workhorse. Totally realiable and economic to operate and insure. Zero mechanical problems.

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  Still solid as the day I bought it - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By MCJ - February 1 - 4:26 pm

  This was my first pickup and I was drawn to it by the practical mix of "clean" and "dirty" space. Its big enough for most tasks, but still easy (and extremely fun!) to drive. Even though it has over 100K miles, it still feels as solid as the day I bought it (used with 15K). Im still amazed at how well it has held its value. When I got it, I found I had a lot of new friends which proves the saying: "The only thing better than having a truck is having a friend with a truck."

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  My truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By jfreckle15 - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the first new vehicle I have ever owned and I will never buy anything but a Toyota again. I have gone on several long (8hrs) trips in my truck and it is extremely comfortable. It gets great gas milage and the cruise control is easy to use. The ample amount of cup holders comes in handy during these trips as well as the tilt steering.

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  THIS IS ONE THE BEST SPORT TRUCKS!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By levinGTS - January 27 - 10:00 am

  One word sums it up the best...AWSOME! The powertrain...to the handling...build quaulity is just superior to any other trucks out there. I used to be a Nissan truck guy (a very devoted Nissan fan in fact) so dont think that Im a salesman for Toyota and gloating the X Runner. This is a Good SOLID sport truck and I would recomend it to anyone who want an alternative to the SRT10 Ram.

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  West Alabama Tacoma D-Cab TRD 4x4 - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Henry Moore - January 27 - 9:56 am

  I had my previous truck, a Ford, for 13 years. When it comes out of the shop, it goes to my in-laws. I loved that truck. So after test driving several brands and deciding on the Tacoma Double Cab TRD 4x4, made the purchase. This is the first month of driving, but I have been through the truck inside and out, read through all the manuals, checked out every control and taken the truck on the highway, in the city and off road. My overall reaction is pleasantly surprised but not fanatically enthusiastic. This may change in time as I am still used to my old truck and waiting to find out how the Tacoma endures the next 10-13 years with me! My main concern is long-term reliability of the components, especially the plastic fascia trim on the front and rear. I am an old-school guy who likes metal bumpers and metal components that dont flex when you push or pull on them. I am certain I can put my fist through the plastic front grill, but at least the radiator and engine block are a good 12" behind that flimsy front. Off road, the Tacoma handles much better than any other 4x4 I have owed and is much more capable. Soggy embankments and ditches covered in rain-fresh 3 foot field grass werent a problem. No bottoming or spinning. One related issue, I still havent been able to engage the crawl control even though I am following the manual. The Atkinson engine and paired transmission are another area of concern. At no load and on cruise control at 77 mph over flat to rolling 50 foot elevation changes the engine and transmission occasionally seeks for the optimum rpm and gear ratio. This V6 seems to lack some punch. Out of the four V6 vehicles I have owned, I would rank it at #2 for engine. For off-road #1. I have the trailering package and plan to pull about 2000 pounds next week so that will give me a little more feedback on the engine and tranny. My wife is more tech savvy than me and she is thrilled when driving the new Tacoma. She has paired her iPhone with the Entune audio system so that text messages are spoken to her. Yes, she now thinks this is her truck, (sigh.) Most of my hesitation on giving the Tacoma a five stars thumbs-up all around is based on longevity. If it holds up as well as my wifes decade old Prius, I will be satisfied.

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  2002 Tacoma - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By marc golden - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Traded in my 95 F-150 4x4 for this truck and that was the worst mistake I ever made... Within in the first 2000 miles I had that great dash rattle, door panel loose and other annoying sounds coming from the interior. Had the rear brakes replaced at 3000 miles b/c I was getting a vibration through the steering wheel. The truck is terrible when there is any kind of wind blowing, feels like your gonna be blown off the road. This is also one of the worst trucks I have ever driven in the snow. First and last

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  Ol Reliable - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By ThirdGear - January 23 - 10:03 am

  Awesome vehicle! After 128k miles, no problems. Engine and cruise control work perfectly. Interior components have started to rattle a bit, but that is to be expected on a truck with so many miles. Good gas mileage, good power in V6 model. Speakers arent great. Back seats dont have enough room for passengers (but space is good for cargo). Front seats also a little uncomfortable, especially if youre tall.

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  Tacoma is a great vehicle to own. - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoMan - January 23 - 5:30 am

  This is my first Toyota, and is my first Tacoma as well. I am VERY pleased with my purchase. Will not hesitate to buy another one in the future. Very fun truck to drive, and very capable. Ive been very surprised at the terrain that Ive been able to get through on in this thing. Also, this has been the most reliable vehicle that Ive owned so far. Only problem I have had so far is the battery cable got loose once. Other than that, never had a problem or a breakdown.

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  One fun truck to drive/own - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jdw174 - January 23 - 3:53 am

  One very fun truck to drive. With the V6 engine, this thing runs like a scared jackrabbit! Comfortable seating and even the standard sound system is better than the Bose I had I had in my last truck. However, I do find the engine to be rather noisy at times, especially under hard acceleration, and the gas mileage is lower than I expected, currently running about 16.5 mpg around town. Hopefully this will improve as the engine gets broken in more.