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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  Overrated - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacmot - March 10 - 12:20 am

  When I initially bought this 2006 TRD Tacoma, I was initially blown away with the styling and capability. Did a lot of bragging for Yota and probably sold a few vehicles for them. Fast forward 2 years, "the honeymoon is over" and it time for real solid engineering and time tested design to take over but I feel that this is not the one. This truck has not left me on the side of the road but is giving "indications of potential unreliable conditions" i.e. the tranny works but feels like it has begun a death march. The engine runs but sounds like it could have some problems in the not so distant future. learned my lesson, you be smart, learn from my mistake, buy an F-150, ford Im coming home.

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  Great Truck! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kyle - March 8 - 7:56 am

  Just bought this to replace my 01 Jeep Cherokee Sport. While it has the TRD Off Road package, it still rides better than the Cherokee did. I love it so far and cant see that that changing anytime soon.

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  nice truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Helo pilot - March 6 - 9:26 pm

  No issues after 3 harddriving years! Love the design of the truck. Chrome bumpers. The overall reputation for quality is holding up. Seats alittle uncomfortable on long hauls. Extra features costly. Clock placement is a joke. Very happy with truck.

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  Best truck ever - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By LunarEclipseGSX - March 4 - 8:33 pm

  Ive driven dozens of vehicles from sports cars to turbo-diesel heavy duty trucks, and this Tacoma is the best of both worlds. Not only can I haul (literally) a ton of material, but I can easily tow another fully laden Tacoma. The interior is simple, yet sophisticated, and it simply looks better than any other truck on the road. Its not the best on gas mileage, but Im only noticing cuz my previous vehicle was a 1.6L Sentra. This is a great overall vehicle and I highly recommend it, unless youre on a tight fuel budget.

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  My honey! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Myothertoyhasteets - March 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this thing. it seems to be flawless!

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  Hell Yeah!! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By J. Hawkins - February 28 - 9:20 pm

  I have owned everything from Expeditions to Volvos and I am more pleased with this than any other. The ride is great and at 64" and 300 lbs I am plenty comfortable. Even the 4x2 handles very well off road and can get more places than larger 4x4s. Great for traveling. I have been from GA to WV, NY, and Key West with friends over summer vacation and we were all comfy. Costs about $50 a tank to fill and I get about 365 miles to a tank. One heck of a bang for your buck!! I will be buying another very soon.

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  2005 Tacoma Sport 4X2 "SOLID" - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Happy Harvick - February 27 - 2:10 am

  Great truck with solid reputation. Aggressive body style with engine to match. As my 3rd truck I am surprised by how solid this truck performs.

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  I like it - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark - February 26 - 2:40 pm

  This is the 4th Toyota truck Ive owned. It has been highly reliable; no surprise repairs. I would not consider another truck. My only complaint is unstable feeling at high speeds; this goes away with weight in the bed and I have taken to hauling a few bags of sand around.

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  Transmission & Tire Pressure Sensors - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Raymond8 - February 25 - 1:23 am

  My 4-dr, 6 cyl, 5.0 was great until I hit 30K miles. Started having "slipping" or transmission problems. Took it in for servicing & got the standard, "cannot recreate issue." Also, the Tire Pressure Sensor (TPS) system light comes on for no apparent reason, tire pressure is OK - 3rd time this has happened in 1.5 years. VERY disappointed in Toyota... was hoping to have this truck for 8+ years. Probably going to sell ASAP.

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  Best truck I ever owned - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cody - February 23 - 5:46 pm

  I got this truck about a week ago after being on deployment in Afghanistan for around 7 months and am loving every second with it. Its fun to drive, and surprisingly good on gas. Its a gorgeous truck, and I have gotten many compliments on it. I got the TRD Sport Package, and the added hood scoop gives the truck a tough, offroad look. The 4 wheel drive is more than capable, and it rides really well on the street. The included Bilstein Suspension, makes potholes and bumps feel pretty much non existent. I dont think I could be more pleased with it, and look forward to driving it for 10 or more years, since of course it is a Toyota.