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:

• 

  Taco four out the door - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By EIO - December 28 - 8:30 pm

  This is actually Tacoma #4 for me (1998, 2003, 2006 for the prior trucks) Pros: Comfort - since Ive spent 15+ years in other Tacomas, I was already used to the ergonomics. For myself, if the seat would lower 1/2" more and the steering wheel would go up 1/2" it would be better. My mother (who has several back issues) found both the front and rear seats very comfortable. Top-end power - once you are up and going (over 4k rpm), there is no shortage of passing power. Fit and finish - everything on this truck feels sharp, tight, and well made to me. Road noise - this is easily the quietest Tacoma Ive owned, but it allows me to hear the engine and other needed sounds. Those who do not want any engine noise will probably do better buying an Prius. Storage - I love the under-seat, behind the seat and other storage areas (I have alot of tools and straps that I like to hide out of sight). I dont fully understand the need for all of the bottle holders in the doors though, but if you ever need to carry 8 1-liter bottles and 5 large cups this is your truck. Cons: Limited availability of the manual trans - All of my other trucks were manuals, and I would have preferred to do so again but its only available in either the base trucks (I did not want to give up on a rear sear, cruise control, ect) or with the TRD packages ($6k more for options I am not interested in). If you want the SR5 like I did, youre stuck with the auto. The auto - while not the worst auto Ive ever driven, its hardly the best. Shifting is too slow for me, and even in manual mode there is a noticeable delay when changing gears. I actually test drove a different truck which seemed even worse, so I am guessing there is some programming difference between trucks. Im hoping that someone comes out with a tuner soon so I can try to fix some of the issue myself. Bottom-end power - the truck feels rather gutless off of the line; until you hit about 4k rpms the truck is unimpressive. Giant cup holders - they are all so damn huge! Try placing a Pepsi 1892 in one and youll see what I mean. [non-permissible content removed] moment - why still drums? Toyota seems to be full of excuses, but they are all rather weak (for off-roading, disks are better because the dont pack up with mud and debris like drums do). They have rear disks on the 4-runner and TC Cruiser, so why keep them on the Tacoma? Overall I am very happy with the truck, but there is still alot of room for improvements. I mostly went Toyota again because the Nissan Frontier is too old (why buy a new truck that looks/performs exactly the same as one from 11 years ago?) and the Canyon/Colorado is too GM (my father and brother still like and buy GMs, but I am not as impressed). I was going to wait to check out the 2017 Ford Ranger, but wound up getting too good of a trade in to wait.

• 

  New Mommy-mobile - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Expymom - December 26 - 10:00 am

  This truck is great for hauling kids, motorcycles & dogs which is something my Expedition couldnt do. Looks great and wears the "dependable" Toyota namebadge. Look forward to owning this truck for years and years to come.

• 

  Beats my Cavalier - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By G.L. in Indiana - December 25 - 8:43 pm

  This truck has exceeded my expectations. Excellent power, torque and 4WD function for this size vehicle in standard highway environment hazards ,i.e. snow, ice, rain. I have not been off road with it but it does tow boats effortlessly. Solid, somewhat noisy ride, but delivers the mileage advertised on the sticker which is great .

• 

  Reliability but not much style - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shaggydog1776 - December 23 - 2:46 pm

  Toyota Tacoma offers a reliable vehicle, but option packages were not flexible. Wanted cruise control but that only comes with extended cab. Color and other options very limited. Design is cookie cutter. Lots of extra holes in the dash for accessory switches that will never be used and so on. I4 engine is underpowered making it necessary to manually shift between 3rd gear and drive. Cruise control is useless on roads even with slight inclines. The transmission downshifts constantly with a very jerky motion. Driver and passengers are constantly being thrown back and forth. Even slight side winds whip truck around on highway. Fuel economy not even close to what I thought it would be.

• 

  Perfect Compromise - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shiv - December 22 - 3:23 am

  In going from a true fullsize truck, to a big midsize double cab,isnt much of an issue in the new Tacoma. The driving position is perfect to see the road. The TRD Off-Road package makes for relatively uneventful travel over even the roughest roads in the city -- should tame the rugged trails too. The power from the 4.0L V6 is excellent and rivals V8s from just a couple years ago. The truck feels solid, handles well, and looks sharp.

• 

  Great truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cedric - December 21 - 2:43 pm

  Ive had my Tacoma now for 3 and a half years and I couldnt be happier. It meets my everyday needs and is very reliable. Ive towed several heaviy loads in excess of 4000 lds several hundred miles without any problems. Highway ride is comfortable and road noise is at a minimum. Off road I havent gotten into anything that I couldnt drive myself out of with the rear locker the comes with TRD package. Wheel travel and groung clerance have never been an issue even with the factory suspension. The only downfall I can think of is the bed size, would like it to be bigger. With a standard size toolbox there is not much bed space left.

• 

  Best Taco Yet!!!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Al - December 17 - 6:40 am

  I have owned both a 1st and 2nd generation Tacoma and Toyota has saved the best for last! As the proud owner of a new TRD Off Road DC SB, I cN honestly say this is my fav vehicle Ive ever owned. Not only does it look sexy in Magnetic Grey, but the ride is also awesome for daily commuting (20.4 mpg avg.) Slight mods coming soon are tint, toneuu cover, side steps, and blackout grill. Buy one! You will not regret it.

• 

  120,000 miles is nothing to these trucks - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By J.Z. - December 17 - 2:00 am

  My 95 Tacoma v6 has 120k on it and the engine body and interior are still great. Runs perfectly for such an old vehicle its amazing.

• 

  7 month owner - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Marvin sperber - December 15 - 8:56 pm

  After 7 months of ownership I am growing more of a fan of my 2016 Tacoma. The only complaint is the gas mileage could be better. I received after market tires and rims in the deal (all terrian tires) that make my truck look great but I only average around 16 mph overall. All features on the SR5 are just as nice as upper end models. Super truck overall.

• 

  Mike review - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By resq17312 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding quality and reliablity.....never had a problem yet