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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  Real Nice Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rogers - July 17 - 10:30 am

  Went from a Dodge Quad-Cab to the Tacoma Double Cab, nice change up. The Tacomas V6 has as much HP as the Dodges V8 (5.9L). I like the overall quality and the ride quality plus the various conveniences. I welcome the extra interior room over last years model. Very nice truck, good job Toyota.

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  Love my Little Filly! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cher - July 17 - 8:00 am

  My Tacoma can go just about anywhere, in any kind of weather! :) Tacomas are the most eye-catching small pickup available, with an outstanding reliability record. I have hauled heavy loads of furniture and appliances with no problems. Makes for an outstanding second vehicle. Not very family oriented though...

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  Jeffs Tacoma Review - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - July 15 - 2:20 pm

  First Toyota Tacoma ever purchased. Very wise decision for me. It has a strong V6 engine, very capable and responsive for this size of truck while still getting good fuel economy. Lots of fun to drive, especially while listening to the 6 disc CD changer. Great truck.

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  Great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By thegreydog - July 15 - 8:20 am

  A great buy! I have owned many trucks and this is by far the best. It has plenty of power and it is comfortable ride. I really dont know what else to say. If you are looking for a great mid-size truck, this is the one. It has everything you ask for.

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  Steering wheel shakes - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By 06TxTaco - July 14 - 4:06 am

  Overall a great truck, good power and very comfortable truck. My truck has a shake or shimmy in the steering wheel that the dealer cant seem to fix after several attempts, they even let me drive a new 07 off the lot and it had the same problem. The truck rides fairly smoothly but the steering wheel shake between 55 and 70 MPH is extremely annoying. Other than that, I love this truck, beautiful styling, plenty of power, comfort, good gas mileage for a truck. I get between 20 and 22 MPG depending on how my right foot feels that day, combined city/highway driving.

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  My Toyota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By AJ47 - July 12 - 10:00 am

  My 1998 Tacoma is a great fun vehicle to drive. The only drawback is that it rides rough. You need to be careful when going over bumps as the rear-end wants to fishtail. I have the 4 cylinder and I strongly urge the 6 as the vehicle drags when floored to get up to highway speeds when on a highway on-ramp. The truck is excellent for off-road adventures. It tackles soft sand and with 33" ATV tires, will move along where others get bogged down. Also, it can hold a tremendous amount of weight. I had all the materials for a 10 foot by 10 foot square wooden pressure treated deck in the truck and I made it home! Great work and play truck.

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  145,000 Miles and Going Strong - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rod - July 11 - 7:00 am

  Original Owner of my 2001 Tacoma, 145,000 miles no issues at all. Oil changes every 4 to 6,000 miles always used Valvoline 10/30. Live in ABQ so no rust issues. Pre-runner (TRD) with rear locking differential, great for snow and mud. Had some early issues with the front brake rotors but went back to Toyota original parts and issue was resolved. This is a GREAT truck and would recommend it to everyone, they are however very hard to find ($8,000 to $12,000 price tag) now since the 2004 and newer Tacomas are having the accelerator problems with the Toyota recalls. 300,000 mile old school Toyotas will live forever!

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  BEST TRUCK FOR THE MONEY - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By bajataco - July 8 - 4:43 am

  I have owned 3 of the the Tacoma product as well as an FJ and a Land Cruiser. I looked at all the choices out there when it came to spending approx $40,000 on a new vehicle. I ended up wiht a 2014 Tacoma TX Baja Access Cab in white. $37,605++ This truck is a whole lot of bang for the buck. The ergonomics are very well thought out from a drivers perspective. The seating is very non fatiguing on trips. The footprint is really what attracted me to this again as its a truck you can hop in and park anywhere, even a Trader Joes parking lot. You can also find and access a whole lot of trails a full size truck can not. the weight is such that you wil not get bogged down off road. TX Baja = Smiles

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  2005 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By 05 TACOMA - July 4 - 5:30 am

  I think the build quality of the previous generation tacoma is much greater. I have had dashboard problems with mine, engine ticking problems, cigarette lighter port problems, and door panel problems. All of this within the first 10,000 miles. My 1997 tacoma had 147,000 miles on it when I sold it, and I had not as much as one problem.

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  fender fill cap cover and seats - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By tomm - July 3 - 11:20 pm

  The fill cap cover on the left fender has 4 protruding sharp points, that will cut your hand. The front seat (one piece) is the worst design for comfort I have ever experienced. The hood rattles even though the dealer has worked on the vehicle 4 times. The accelerator is located so far to the left that your leg stays in a cramped awkward position all the time. The transmission is real iffy, weak and the engine sounds as if it is gasping for air. I will never buy another Toyota tomm