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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  Disappointed - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By richiew13 - June 29 - 7:36 pm

  I bought this truck in May 2011, hoping it would be a reliable and economical vehicle for me to keep for a long time, eventually becoming my #2 vehicle. Ever since I got it, I havent been happy with the way the engine idles. It sometimes revs fast, and sometimes wavers up and down. I also dislike the way the transmission shifts. It can sometimes be harsh and/or wait too long to shift. As of now, 3 of my automatic door lock mechanisms have quit working. The A/C blower is noisy, and will occasionally stop working. (If you kick it, it will work again.) I hate the way the brakes make a "clunk" sound the first time you hit them after going in reverse. Other than that, Ive enjoyed it.

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  Lousy engine/transmition - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By J. R. - June 28 - 3:08 pm

  Engine feels under power and the transmition is the worse I ever driven. Hard shifting from park to reverse and reverse to drive.

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  Amazing Truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Greg - June 28 - 4:10 am

  The new Tacoma is excellent! There is a reason it won Motor Trend Truck of the Year last year and Edmunds this year. It is comfy and roomy. Im 6 feet 2 inches so that was a huge issue and it has cured it. Super styling, very smooth non truck ride (if it is still smooth in Jackson, MS they are doing something right), and excellent Toyota reliability. My wife and I battle for who drives it, because it is a fun drive. The only cons are the same as others in the reviews: stock radio with no AUX jack for iPod or Satellite radio and a noisy and undeciding gearbox especially on the interstate with the cruise on, and no moon/sunroof option. Blew the competion away!

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  1999 Tacoma Prerunner 2dr std cab - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By WAYNE WANSHEK - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Have owned truck 3 years. Only problem was dead battery. Dealer sent serviceman to mall lot to start car and replaced battery at dealership, total time two hours. Truck cab is small and seats could be more padded for long trips. Speed control is appreciated on highway. has been great truck. springs could have been stronger, very small load capacity. Would consider new one same model.

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  2007 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By JCO - June 26 - 9:36 pm

  Actually went to the dealer to purchase a RAV4 to replace the wifes older RAV4. She said she wanted to test drive the Tacoma, and the rest is history. We didnt see the need for the offroad model and are very satisfied with the truck. I think a big plus with the wife is sitting higher than a RAV. Visibility is great. it drives very smoothly and shifts beautifully too.

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  Worst purchase - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By David E. - June 26 - 10:32 am

  I had own a 2005 tacoma and drove it for 9 years with onlh one issue the air conditioner stop working. Sld the truck and had purchase a jeep but aftrr 3 years i decided to purchase the ne 2016 tacoma trd sport. It was the worst decision i have made in purchasing a new truck. The transmission is crap for it canot decide what gear to run in and the truck has a surge when you are trying to park or pill into a garage. I have had the truckmin the shop twice and went today and talk to a sevice adviser and was told that there was nothing they could do for this is the way the truck will perform and they were done. The truck is omld six months old with 6k miles. I am going tomorrow and trade it in for a Dogde Ram. Hopefully Toyota will get there act together for if people stop buying there products for they are no longer in my book as the best vechicle on the road.

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  truckofmine - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By susieq2 - June 26 - 2:43 am

  A very comfortable truck, handles well, fun to drive.

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  Great truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By MRK - June 24 - 9:50 am

  This is the truck that I could not buy 40 years ago when I was 22. The sport seat was designed for that butt, not the one I have now, but it is still pretty comfortable on long road trips. Mostly drive it around town or short golf trips. Rides well, handles well. Better MPG than I expected. Have had it 6 months now and no complaints. Damn good looking truck with the sport package.

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  best of both worlds - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By outlaw - June 21 - 2:00 am

  excellent pickup with room for four secure excellent quality a little pricey average mpg around town 18, 20 highway optional push button 4wd is nice feature in this truck

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  The Sweetest Little Truck in the World. - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ramona L. Duffy - June 18 - 9:23 am

  How do I love thee, let me count the ways. :) I have loved it from the moment I saw it and I have never seen another truck that I would rather have. Even the later models of the same truck, I find wanting, style-wise. I didnt like the wide edging over the tires on the later models. Of course I own it now and my mileage is low and it is still adorable! It has never been one moments trouble. I am only five foot tall and the perfectly placed handles over the door make it snap to get in. I am 70 years old, by the way, and feel like a young chickie when I drive it. I have the bed liner and haul all sorts of stuff in it. I would buy it again. It is the best vehicle I have ever owned.