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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  Top of the line its not - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By kmann51 - May 28 - 4:27 am

  Ive had this about 10 months now and get more aggravated with it each time I drive it. First, you get neither power or fuel economy. Traded an FJ for this which had gobs of power to this that seems woefully underpowered and it gets 15-17 mpg while driving it like miss Daisy is my passenger. Mine is the TRD crew cab, and it has no heated mirrors, many of the interior switches are not back-lit so driving at night or in cold weather the truck is a pain in the neck. The most recent insult was the ENTUNE update they sent on a USB drive. Now none of the functions are working even though my phone shows a good bluetooth connection.

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  Another Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By frank452661 - May 27 - 2:53 pm

  Im very pleased with this truck. My last, 2.4 manual, had 137,000, no problems. This is quiet, well built, one hwy trip netted 28.4mpg. Combined driving in the 26mpg range. More than enough power to tow trailer and 4- wheeler.

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  Truck of Trucks - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By DJ - May 22 - 11:40 pm

  Overall the Tacoma is what a truck should be modeled after. Rugged, reliable and fun to drive. If one is the market for a true 4X4 truck, buy a Tacoma.

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  2001 Tacoma Long-term review - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By OKHunter - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought the truck new in 01, at a price well below sticker. Added a bed cover, nerf bars, Flowmaster muffler, and most important, a K&N Cold Air Induction kit. The FM and K&N gave it a measurable performance boost. This is the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned. Has been to the shop once for replacement of fender flares, covered under warranty. Spend a considerable amount of time off-road, truck does everything asked of it, which is a lot. Towed a buddys 24 Crowne ski rig 200 miles when his BMW SUV crapped out, and it pulled like a dream. Ill likely never own another truck, cause this one will probably outlast me.

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  Beat Truck Ive bought so far - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Finly - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This truck is very comfortable driving and the exterior design is just what I like in my opinion. I would definitely buy another Toyota, to me this is quality. Am very happy with my purchase.The drive is smooth, quiet even on rough roads.

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  The best one yet - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By justfine - May 19 - 11:40 am

  My 05 is my 3rd Tacoma in a row. Previously an 01, and before a 95. The road handling on this one is night and day difference than the other 2. It does everything that I ask off road and gets decent mileage, 18 around town and up to 26 on the highway. Its about 4 1/2 years old, 150,000 miles, and drives like new. Nothing but oil changes, tires and brakes so far!!!

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  OVERATED! - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By soreknees - May 17 - 4:06 pm

  most uncomfortable truck ive ever owned. The drivers seat is so poorly designed I can hardly walk when I leave the truck after 30 minutes of driving. Miss my chevy silverado crew cab. The dealership was terrible, didnt even offer to demonstrate the vehicle after the purchase. Just handed me the keys and walked away. (Smithtown Toyota, NY). I had to go find the truck myself. The truck is overpriced to begin with which explains the higher resale price. After driving full sized silverados with every option available for almost the same price, I was amazed that so few comfort and convenience options are available for these trucks i.e. power leather heated seats, climate control.

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  keeps on going even through mud and high - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By ajjr - May 15 - 10:00 am

  never stops running even in blizzards,floods, muds, and as for pulling others out of mud bogs diff lock works great

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  so far so good - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TexasAggie04 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great truck so far. The window sticker said mileage would be 16-19 MPG and that is about right for me. I probably average about 18 and can squeeze over 20 if I drive 65 (night-time limit). Overall build seems solid and the truck rides well on-road and off. Dont buy it if you want V-8 power though, the 6 cylinder just cant deliver as much juice. Maybe with that TRD Supercharger...

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  Theirs a reason they are expensive! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jc9995 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  Please, if you are buying on price alone, dont buy! I started down this road (no pun intended) of purchasing a new truck with the mindset of lowering my monthly payment. Well, I did that, and I didnt have to settle for a Ranger either. Toyota offers an amazing number of creative finance options, all designed to get you into the truck of your dreams, at a payment you can afford. Yes, they are expensive, but then again, the manufacturer should know what their product is worth. The fact that this is the ONLY four wheel drive truck recommended by Consumer Reports to purchased as used says enough to me.