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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  longevity - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By single female - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I am in the process of buying another toyota. I bought my first one in 1985. At that time it was just called Extracab. Unfortunately I was in an accident April of this year and my truck was totaled with a 430,000 miles. I changed the oil every 3,000 miles, myself. I still was getting 25MPG and drove it about 500 miles per week. All this from a single female, not bad, huh?

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  Taco - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Warren Sparrow - October 25 - 4:54 am

  Great truck for light hauling and towing,, good in snow up to about a foot

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  05 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By djwtarheel - October 23 - 10:43 am

  I was looking for a reliable, comfortable truck that I could use as a daily driver in the city as well as for the "typical" uses for a truck. I have a dbl cab V6 A/T SB 4x2- TRD sport package and the ride is smooth and much less jarring than most other trucks Ive driven. The engine is powerful and smooth, but a bit noisier than I expected. Gas mileage is a bit above average for other trucks in this class. The interior fit and finish is great, and it is nicely laid out and very functional. Sport seats are extremely comfortable and the back seat has plenty of room for passengers to ride along for more than just a quick outing like many of the competitors.

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  Great Reliable Truck - But Dull to Drive - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By handsomerob1 - October 21 - 7:59 pm

  I bought this truck brand new 15 years ago and now have 72,000 miles - and shes a garage queen. Finally replaced the original tires at 66,000 and still on the original brake pads! Shocks got squishy early on so replaced them with KYBs at 51,000. The only repeat problem is with the Idle Air Control ("IAC") valve which tends to go out on these trucks. I replaced it once and now need to replace it again. The part is about $350 at Toyota and, with a couple hours work, I can install it myself. This is a great looking truck - white with the TRD package - but like most Toyotas, it drives with all the personality of a dial tone. Just plain dull, like you might as well be driving a Camry.

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  An Excellent Choice - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pequot - October 20 - 10:00 am

  It was a little pricey, but I have found it to live up to my expectations.

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  One Tough Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Natphog - October 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Tacoma. Traded in 2001 extra cab for double cab as I needed more room, which I love. Toyotas reliability and fact that I had no problems on 2001 with over 35000 miles on it was main reason for trading. Dealer made an offer that was much better than I expected. I considered other trucks and some SUVs, but Toyotas quality and chance of fewer problems was deciding factor.

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  TRD Off Road - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dustin - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I got rid of my 02 Tacoma access cab, which I loved. Had a baby and the car seat did not fit and bought the 09 double cab TRD Tacoma. Great truck, rides smooth, almost no outside noise, plenty of leg room for driver and passenger. Comfortable for an adult in the back. So many extra features Im not going to try and list them all. Great for towing my wave runner. I could not be happier. The only thing I have a problem with is the transmission. It could be a lot smoother, but thats only if Im really reaching for something to point out bad about the truck.

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  Tacoma Crew update - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Humeston - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Now have 27699 on this truck I bought in July of 2002 The AC compressor quited down around 9k miles and works well. Developed the rattle in the dash around 7500 miles. Dealer fixed it on first try. Getting 19-21 around town with K&N air filter and ECT button off. Best on the road has been 24.3 MPG. Seats seem to be getting soft but still comfortable. Very happy with it and will consider the 2005 Taco or Tundra when I retire. Very satisfied with dealer and truck.....so far!!

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  Gas pedal buzzes/vibrates on acceleration through - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco_Pat - October 10 - 5:32 am

  Gas pedal buzzes/vibrates on acceleration through most RPMS. During extended acceleration periods, vibration can cause numbness in the foot. Like others have said, it requires you to shift position, use cruise control, and shift gears to get out of the main vibration range. Toyota continues to receive complaints about this issue, but keeps denying that this is even a problem to begin with. I have never experienced this issue on any other car, no matter how old or beat up the vehicle was.

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  The Perfect Truck!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By aesmith3 - October 9 - 1:40 am

  This is the perfect midsize truck, even though it feels like a fullsize when its driven. The build quality is not to be beaten, especially by Dodge, Ford, and GM. The interior materials are much nicer than pretty much any truck out there. In the short time that Ive owned the Tacoma, I cant find one thing wrong with it. I expect to own this truck for a very, very long time.