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:

• 

  My life long dream come true - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma momma - December 11 - 3:30 am

  I have wanted a toyota ever since they were toys and this year I bought one right off the show room floor. It rides great and has plenty of leg room. The engine sounds good. The gas mileage is great, I have driven 265 miles and 3/4 of a tank. The outside is beautiful and well curved. The bed is awesome. The whole package is worth the price.

• 

  disappointing - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By chicophitau - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This was my first new truck purchase and I was very disappointed. This truck spent more time in the shop than any other used vehicle I have ever owned. I have had to go to the dealer 4 seperate times to have fender flare seals replaced. I had to have a 4 brakes rebuilt because of warpage problems. Another time was for a clutch return spring that broke. A mud flap fell off and also was replaced...another visit to the dealer. Now there is a constant rattle under the dashboard. Luckily this appeared before the warranty ran out..again a return to the dealer. This truck is only one year old, too young to be having so many problems.

• 

  Monies Worth - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By TerribleTrouble - December 7 - 10:00 am

  This is one truck worth its money. You get what you pay for, yes you have to pay a lot, but it is as strong as a horse, always runs, snow rain or shine, and can haul. Good suspension, and really good clearance. Powerful engine.

• 

  Turtle - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By timbo - December 6 - 7:21 pm

  Compared to the 2012 Tacoma I owned this truck is like a turtle, It has no power and when you use cruse going up a slight incline will shift to different gear. In my 2012 towing a boat up hill it would not shift like the 2016 does with out a boat behind it. Very sluggish do not buy this truck if you want a truck with average power. Im a Toyota man but will not buy another truck un Toyota addresses the issue with motor and transmission does not compare to the 2012 Tacoma that I traded for this one, I wish I had my 2012 back.....

• 

  Could do better... - 2015 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jared - December 6 - 1:28 pm

  Ok, Im comparing this to my 2010 Ford Focus. It may not make sense, but in this case Im just comparing technology, because a newer vehicle should have newer/better technology right? My Focus had automatic locking doors over 15MPH, a display of MPG, how many miles till empty, which door was left ajar, and which tire was under deflated, an almost fully lit door controls panel to include lock/unlock and all four windows, outside temperature, and a compass. Ill tell you what my 2015 Tacoma has out of all of those items. None of them. As soon as my eyes turn away from the center touch screen (only really needed for the backup camera) all I see is a cheap design. Awesome, great, theres a light that tells me my headlights are on. Why do I need that when the headlights shut off automatically anyway? If you dont have an HD radio your screwed from outside temperature. If you need to make a quick change on your route and need an idea of what direction youre going, you cant know that either. Finally, the truck bed doesnt lock. Are you joking? Id rather know whats going on with my vehicle than have a TV attached, and, you know, be able to keep things safe in the bed... As you can see from the bubble fill in review, this is my only complaint. And a side note, SYNC by Microsoft is a better voice recognition/command program.

• 

  Why the following? - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robert - December 5 - 12:12 am

  Have owned my Tacoma 6 years. Base model. I hope the resale is good that will be the only thing I would like about this truck. I am a full size guy 230lbs and the seat has not held up very well. Lower back and rear end support are no longer there. I don’t know where all the 159 horses are when trying to maintain highway speed on modest uphill grade. I would expect much better fuel economy with this type performance. Pay load capacity is pathetic therefore I cant consider this a truck. 800lbs is dangerous. 5 to 600lbs of gear and dirt bike with a crosswind will make for a white knuckle drive and that’s after the addition of helper spring. Think about it, there are cars that you can put more in the trunk. However the truck has been reliable but I will not buy another. I do believe the following comes from Toyotas past reputation. Still have the truck and will not buy another, Not sure what the payload capacity is but cant be more than few bags of groceries.

• 

  I HAD TONS of problems!!! bought NEW - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Marine - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new off show room floor with 2 miles on odometer. This thing wore tires funny, TRD emblem came off 3 times check engine light came on 4 times. I finally traded it in for a Dodge durango after 3 years of agony in that tacoma!

• 

  I love what it does for me - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By butzokoy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My family has owned Toyota trucks for many years without a problem. Well I think Ill stick to the our tradition because I love this truck from its rugged design and power of the engine when I haul my jetski. And with the TRD package I have no problem going off road when I go hunting. I love this truck and what it does for me.

• 

  My First Toyota - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoLover - November 29 - 12:46 am

  I drove everything else. The Toyota drove bettter and handled better and had a bigger bed. Tons of power, smooth ride for a truck and great stance... The best part is the fact that with the TRD package I sit just as high as a stock 4x4 F-150! It took two weeks to find a blue 4x4 double cab with TRD in So Cal, but was worth the wait. First auto tranny Ive owned.

• 

  Truck of the Year And I can prove it - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By thegyn - November 26 - 12:43 pm

  I had reviewed trucks for a year before purchasing. I actually didnt want the truck because I didnt think it would haul, tow, and still maintain its ablitly to drive to work everyday. I was WRONG. This truck is FUN, and economical. I would like better gas mileage but I know what I was getting into with a V6. The power & comfort that the truck provides is excellent but yet it feels like a car while driving. When needed, the truck will traverse terrain and tow with ease.