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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  Most basic truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By dexyuen - September 17 - 9:34 am

  Maybe my truck is just having its time and I probably would have rated higher if I had it earlier but Its been Ok truck I bought it with 237,000 miles and I have 320,000 on it since Ive owned it I replaced the radiator, dropped a K&N filter in replaced the transmission gasket (I have an auto), the electrical, tires, ball joints, bearings, front calipers, CV boots, alternator, this all happened within 3 months of owning it so @ about 250,000 I replaced all this and lasted to 320,000 I hope it just last now I did most of the work myself so it was some what worth it. I love parking this thing in the city though when Im working out there.

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  All around, its a good truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Christopher - September 14 - 5:53 am

  I was a little hesitant when buying my tacoma. I got a TRD offroad 4x4 black. I originally wanted it in their dark gray option because the black color does trap in heat, but its a small issue. The price was another thing that put me off a little saying that it was a little over 44,000, but now that I have it, I have fallen in love with it. I have heard others complain about the head room and seat adjustment, but it is not that big of an issue for me saying that I am 5 foot 7. Although I do have to agree that it is a bit tricky to find that perfect seating position. I originally had a 2006 explorer (another great vehicle), and you could adjust the seating position in just about any way you desired. The gas mileage is not a serious issue in my case. The tacoma advertises around 22 mpg for the base sr 2x4 model, but if I drive carefully, I can average up to 24 mpg in the trd offroad 4x4, which is said to get the worst gas mileage out of all the tacoma models. I would have enjoyed an extended gas tank option because I seem to be at the gas station quite often. The only real complaint I have is the acceleration. I didnt expect it to compete with sport cars or anything, but compared to other pick ups, it is quite sluggish. But, I guess if one really wanted to solve that problem, they could add something after market to give it a little more get up and go.

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  Transmission Problems - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jefferson - September 13 - 1:09 pm

  Purchased in Jan. 2016. After a few weeks I noticed a lag/hesitation when I would try to accelerate, followed by erratic transmission shifting. I thought it was part of the breaking in process. The problem got worse. I called Toyota Corp. and they opened a case file. A few days later they called and said no recall had been issued on the vehicle so they would take no corrective action. I had the dealer do several software updates in hopes this would remedy the problems. All efforts were met with negative results. My Tacoma was driving so badly I was concerned I could potentially become involved in a traffic crash so it set parked. On April 1, 2017, I traded in my Tacoma for a 2016 4Runner which runs 100% better than the 35 thousand dollar piece of junk truck that Toyota sold me. Very Disappointing.

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  Great Truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By TSH - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I have had excellent luck with this truck. It is my third 4x4, and frankly it blows away the both the Ford and Jeep I had before. It pulls like a tractor and is fun to drive. The 6 offers plenty of power and it handles well even at highway speeds. One upgrade that paid off big was sound insulation. If youre into stereo, the dynamat is a must...

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  Its a Toyota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By odelrio - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Excellent truck, sturdier and more power than the Nissan and Ford counterparts. 6 yrs and 68k miles later, I have no regrets spending a little more for a Toyota. I expect this truck to be in the family for years to come. If I were to find flaw in anything it would be the stock goodyear tires (rear traction in the wet was very difficult) and the ride is a bit too harsh for my liking (typical truck ride).

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  New and Improved Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By pete - September 9 - 5:33 am

  I just upgraded from a 2002 tacoma, prerunner, TRD. That truck has nothing on my 2005 prerunner. Everything I wished I had on my old truck, this truck has. A more powerful engine, larger interior and bed, and redesigned interior. I chose to go without the TRD, and I am pleased with my decision. This truck is so smooth it rides like a luxury SUV. The 4.0 V6 is just enough power to get me in trouble, and allows me to pass the slower and bigger domestic trucks with ease. This is my third toyota tacoma, and my favorite by far. There is no comparison.

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  Must Buy! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - September 7 - 4:20 pm

  I test drove a previous model year Tacoma and the difference is night and day. I always wanted one and finally broke down after my last vehicle died. The thing that surprised me the most is the outstanding turning radius. I have put about 13k on it since I got it in December last year and have had no issues. All around this is a reliable, comfortable, sleek, and fun drive. Great acceleration. Great handling. Could not be more happy with any other truck. My friends envy me! :)

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  Best truck on road - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kristen Ohler - September 2 - 11:43 am

  I owned a 1990 2 wheel drive Toyota extra cab for 18 years. Best vehicle I ever owned. I sold it with over 300,000 miles on it. I wanted a 4 wheel drive new p/u. I love this pick up more than any vehicle I have ever owned or driven. It is a fast and good looking p/u. I love the stereo system/cd player. It has a lot of pick up and contrary to reports Ive read my pick up is very quiet. Ive had no problems at all in the 14 months Ive owned it. Although the running boards look great, they are in the way trying to get into and out of the p/u. I would never own any other kind of mid- sized truck besides the Toyota. To me it is the best truck on the road. Bar none!

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  So far so Good - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By I like it - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I really like the is truck (except for my height issue). If the next model had a higher roof line like the new 4Runner Id trade up. It suits my needs well, with two kids. I didnt want to get a full size due to the crappy mpg, thats why opted for the Tacoma. 17.?? city all the time and highway is like 22 and change. No problems towing or hauling, however I did get the free spring upgrade to avoid future problems. I recommend this truck for sure.

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  2006 TRD Sport 4x2 DlbCab SB - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By texastacoma2006 - August 29 - 1:16 pm

  I love my Tacoma. It is excellent truck. I researched all mid-size trucks and test drove every model out there. I have owned 4 Toyota sedans, but was open minded to other manufactures. I narrowed it down to Nissan or Toyota, b/c Chevy, Ford, Dodge dont compare. Nissan Frontier was comparable, but didnt like the interior, or the sales tactics of the dealer. Toyota brought everything together in a nice package. I bought the TRD Sport 4x2 but wish I would have got the 4x4 since I off road a lot more than I thought I would, next time. The borla exhaust and high flow intake that came with the TRD package REALLy makes a big difference, +20hp, making it sound cool and haul balls.