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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  Reliable little truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By IAGuy - January 22 - 2:20 pm

  I am the original owner of this truck with 100k. The only non maint. item was the starter. 30mpg, tight turning radius. Downside: bland looks, cramped interior, terrible seats. Also has high wind/road noise and is easily blown about by high winds.

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  Bullet Proof 1/4 ton - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacomasta - January 21 - 3:53 pm

  Its like owning a half ton that gets 30 mpg on a good day and can parallel park better than some cars. Doesnt get stuck (within reason). If you can fit it in the bed then you can carry it. This is a rock solid reliable truck, just change the oil every 5000 or so and youre set.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By andy - January 20 - 5:50 am

  I have the 4wd 2.7L 4 cyl std trans. The truck is economical (22-26 mpg), comfortable and dependable. The interior is comfortable and utilitarian. Mine is a work truck and hauls my tools, firewood and bike with ease. It is comfortable on long trips, has a great stereo with disc player. My only gripe is that the speedometer reads high (about 8- 10%) with stock tires. Although it isnt that important to me I also like the styling.

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  Unpleasant Toyota Experience - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dirtydog1776 - January 20 - 3:40 am

  Purchased this truck to get better mileage than my old 1999 Dodge Dakota. So far gas mileage has been terrible ( I am a careful driver!), the engine is under powered and the rough downshifting on even slight inclines makes the cruise control useless. Ride is spongy, steering is loose, lots of noise from the engine and road.

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  Great Truck- Great Price - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Irefire - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Great truck. Everything is well engineered. Looked at the Nissan , I believe the Toyota is a better value and will hold up even better than the Nissan (which is saying something.) Easy to drive. Make a Stick available- please !! Tough on gas 16-18 at best around town.

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  2001 Tacoma Xtra Cab 3.4L 4x4 5-Speed: Best Truck Ever - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By lucas2718 - January 13 - 7:33 pm

  My Tacoma, which I bought on September 11, 2001, and named Liberty, interestingly enough, has been the toughest and most reliable vehicle of which I have ever known. It has nearly 170,000 miles, and aside from the usual replacement of tires, filters, and brake pads, the only maintenence Ive ever had done was preventative (timing belt, water pump, drive belts, and spark plugs at 100,000 miles). Aside from that, EVERYTHING is original, including the clutch, which Im hard on, and even the freon for the A/C! Unbelievable! In short, the truck still drives like the day I bought it, it hardly burns a drop of oil, and if this old girl doesnt make it to 250,000 miles, Ill eat my hat!

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  Toyota Tacoma - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dane Coleman - January 13 - 10:00 am

  The plain Tacoma truck run okay. Not enough of power in the 4cyl. Just little more torque. Cheap seats and interior doors. Thin metal bed and box. The truck should be about 2" higher off the ground. Could be quieter in the cab while the engine is running/ 4cyl

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  Your basic perfect 2nd vehicle - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By RFox - January 11 - 7:00 am

  bought used for daily commuter and occasional hauler. This vehicle is solid, reliable, surprisingly powerful, inexpensive to maintain, and fun to drive. I find I leave my M5 in the garage most weekdays now.

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  Good reliable truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dan - January 11 - 5:16 am

  Bought the Tacoma brand new. All in all this is a good vehicle, but parts are rather pricey ($225 for a tail light which got cracked accidentally). Four cylinder engine is alright in the power department, the five speed manual shifts easily, and the 4x4 performs excellent in the snow, I mean rock solid! Ive had this truck 32k miles and did nothing to it mechanically, besides regular maintenance. Too bad I have to sell, need to get rid of the payments.

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  Mechanically Good; Poor Fit and Finish - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nick - January 10 - 9:13 pm

  First few months were a nightmare. Bought the truck when the model was brand new and still had a lot of bugs to work out. Was at the dealer for repairs at least once a week. The most significant problem was major paint flaking and chipping after only 5 weeks, just from driving in the snow on paved roads. Toyota would not admit that there was a problem with the paint. Most recently, at 53K, I have a frame thats rusting so badly that even 10-15 year old trucks I see on the road have frames that look much better. Again, Toyota claims theres nothing wrong with the paint on the frame. My final gripe is that the body dents and dings too easily--the sheet metal is just too thin.