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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  Great Little Truck! - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - August 28 - 1:56 am

  Only had my Taco for two weeks, but I love it! Interior is laid out logically, and is more comfortable and roomy than I expected. The engine is quiet and peppy even though the tranny has rather high gearing (75 mph at 2500 rpms). The 5sp manual shifts easily and smoothly. The ride is smooth and extremely quiet for a truck. Handling is average, but drives like a car on the highway. Radio and A/C work great. The standard tires and rims dont do much for the looks but ride great and are quiet.

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  Best in its class - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By 18wheels - August 27 - 11:46 pm

  This is the best compact/midsize pickup in its class bar none. You get the great toyota reliability and resale value that the other makers cant match. The only disappointments I have are the cheap grade of plastics that the interior is made of (it scratches easy) and the lugging of the engine while accelerating coming out of a low speed turn (about 10 mph). Other than that I love my taco.

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  looking good - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jimml - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Engine and performance better than my old Ford 150 V-8. Better everything, and reliability is why I bought this truck, as well as the fact that it is the best looking compact out there. Good to know it can tow up to 5000 lbs. when Ill need it this summer. Couldnt find the clock for the first few days - placed in awkward place. Interior could use an upgrade.

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  Quality truck with better gas mileage - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By javax - August 25 - 9:00 am

  My first truck! I test drove F150 FX4, Nissan Frontier, and Titan but decided to get Toyota Tacoma in the end. I liked the F150 and Titan but I just couldnt buy either one because of gas mileage. The Frontier truck was good also but didnt have many configurations. Tacoma was built like a truck and runs like a truck too. If you want to get a truck that runs like a car, stay away from this one. However, if you are after quality, this one is for you. It lacks (4cyl 4X4) horsepower to accelerate fast on the highway but it handles sharp curves like a car. At high speed around 70 mph, the truck makes quite a bit of engine noise. The exterior is very stylish and interior is well designed.

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  A Future Recall for Inadvertent Accelaration - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By George Camacho - August 24 - 8:42 pm

  My prior truck was a 2008 4x4 Double Cab Tacoma, which to this day regret trading it in for the 2016 SR5 4x4 Double Cab Tacoma. The 2016 was advertised as an improvement. I believe this model looks better and the interior was an improvement, but the 3.5 engine is a step back from the 4.0 liter engine. Im pretty sure the transmission is not doing the engine justice. And I understand that its a 4x4 therefore its going to perform different, but most of the time I drive on the highway not off road. I dont see any problems with Toyota incorporating the shift points that we are all complaining about when its in 4x4, the technology is there. And yes the engine is very noisy contrary to how its advertised. Gas mileage is no better because I find myself stepping on the gas pedal more just to get out of my own way. But besides re-iterating other reviews, the most alarming problem to me is the inadvertent acceleration while parking, whether its backing up or pulling forward. The engines behaves as if its going to stall then catches itself by fluctuating the RPMs. This is problematic when parking in tight spots.

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By kevinb - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I Love this truck it beats the heck out of my previous trucks. I have noticed that the quality of toyota bucket seats have progressively gotten worse over the years. my 89 4runner had very nice seats 4 or 5 different adjustments. Lumbar, thigh support etc. my 2002 has two forward and backward, and recline. the clock is also a joke. overall i love this truck very comfortable and excellent off road

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Clell - August 23 - 10:36 pm

  Bought the Black pearl TRD sport version with tow package and graphite leather installed by dealer. Found a new 6 disc tacoma stereo on ebay and had installed (under $130 total), replaced my single disc. Installed a K&N cold air induction system and would highly recomend one. Bought the window vent visors that install inside of the window track and have had no problems (looks better than glued on the cab). Westen step bars and UWS tool box perform and look fine. Has been a great truck so far. My last truck was a 1996 Toyota T-100 for ten years and it was a fine truck as well.

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  My first truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brandon - August 23 - 4:16 pm

  Well I purchased this truck after my first car (1996 Mustang) finally was a endless money pit. I had the mustang for 7 years. After alot of research I wanted either a F-150, which I couldnt afford new, or a Tacoma. I was impressed by the Tacomas looks and its mid-sized flavor. The regular cab is decent size and the auto transmission is ok. I wish the truck was more aggressive. The tires look tiny and dont fill the wheel well. Im taking it in for its first oil change this weekend. The silver color looks cool. I dont like the plastic bed or wimpy leaf springs out back but with a budget truck I guess I couldnt ask for more.

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  PreRunning Fun - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Saint79 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck! I can site many incidents where it has out performed and out lasted many of my friends trucks. This truck is a powerhouse!

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  Very Satisfied Toyota Customer - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Seawolf - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 8th Toyota and my 2nd Tacoma. I couldnt be more pleased with the vehicle or the dealership. Its got more than enough pep and pick up for me and is every bit as much fun to drive as a sports car like the Celica. I do a lot of do-it-yourself projects and am very pleased with the Tacomas bed size and hauling capacities.