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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  Good Truck with a Thirsty Engine - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By road2cycle - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Pros: No mechanical problems so far Stylish exterior Comfortable seats Sufficient interior storage Engine has sufficient power Radio, AC, Heater controls in easy to reach locations Deep cupholders Great view of the road Cons: Gets blown around in crosswinds Poor gas mileage (17mpg - 60% highway and 40% city) Rough ride on bumpy roads Clock is in a bad location Gear shift rattles on bumpy roads Baby seat doesnt fit in rear Pillar and headrest block view over left shoulder (driver)

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  Passenger seat is only complaint - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob Smith - July 2 - 5:53 am

  Front seats are a bit low and front passenger seat is a bit tight with a car seat in the back. Other than that i love my 2nd TACO!!!

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  great truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By mattw - June 27 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a great truck! It handles great, for a truck and the reliability is awesome. Absolutely no problems other than brakes and regular maintanance. The V6 is very strong. Not geared like a car but has plenty of power. I think it tows a full 5000 lbs. Ive overloaded the truck and it still pulls strong.

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  Loved my TRD Taco! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacomarc - June 27 - 10:00 am

  I actually purchased my 99 Tacoma in 9/1999 for $22,500. It was well equipped with SR5 and the TRD-Off Road package. I wanted one with a 5-speed though, and it was very hard to find because of the "popular" build packages. If you ask my wife, shed tell you she was jealous of it. I didnt help matters by calling it my baby. I had to sell it recently because I now have two kids that I didnt have when I bought it. It always ran perfectly. Nothing ever broke. It was great off-road, in the rain and snow. I sold it in early 2004 for $14,500, thousands more than I could have got for any other comparable 99 truck.

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  Great truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bigcoz43 - June 26 - 4:56 am

  Had a Chev. S-10 that fell apart driving down the road. Traded it for the Toyota and never had a problem. Just oil changes and normal maintenance. What a great truck.

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  Cheap Built - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By tuckerp - June 24 - 6:36 pm

  My 2012 reg cab 4x4 gets very poor fuel milage . And forget trying to pass another car . The build is very poor . Right front inside fender Well keeps falling out . It is put together with snaps . After twice in the shop . I am putting screws in it . The manual stick leather boot fell through when I dropped my phone on it . Once again it is snapped in. Now falls out easy . Worst truck I have owned . I have owned at least 20 new trucks . I had a Tundra the first year they came out . It was a great truck .And had a 85 toyota 4x4 that was indestructible . This truck should be nick named the lego truck . I cant believe how much Toyota has moved toward such poor quality .

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  Good truck, a few problems - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jimwhoboughtatruck - June 24 - 2:00 am

  This truck has 2500 miles on it now, and I have noticed a few problems. The steering wheel is in the way of the clock, and I have to lean over to see it. About half the time, the truck takes two tries to start. I have no idea why a brand new vehicle would not start on the first try. Since I bought the truck, a few rattles have developed in the interior. One is the cover for the passenger side airbag on the dashboard rattling. I havent tracked down the other rattle yet. The clutch petal just started squeaking every time I press it down.

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  Way over priced, wished kept old tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By greg - June 23 - 2:13 pm

  I like my old Tacoma better. Wonder if dealer still has mine i want it back lol. My suspension wasnt good on first yota but this new truck is worse!!! Dont buy it - worst truck Ive owned. $23 grand lol never again maybe 15k.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TDADDY - June 16 - 11:56 pm

  Its a great truck with a good deal of power, room, and comfort, im very happy with the purchase.

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  Great Tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By lovecars10 - June 15 - 8:22 pm

  Okay, I have what some people may call "car issues". I am 33 years old and on about the 40th car. Six months ago I bought a 25k mile 2006 with a factory warranty. I am totally not a truck guy and could not see myself driving an F-150. But the Tacoma is not a truck for us. Its the Ultimate Family Vehicle. We go camping, lots of room with tonneau cover, it can tow, it fits 4 of us comfortably, and I can get stuff from Lowes. By the way its very reliable and overall feels very solid. I cant believe that my top favorite car out of Acuras, Bmw, Saab and a bunch of others and its a "truck"...no, its an..."Ultimate Family Vehicle".