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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  cars - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tanner Williams - November 30 - 10:00 am

  It was very nice

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  Committed Toyota Driver - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark - November 29 - 11:36 am

  This is my third Toyota Pickup. They keep making their trucks better and better. The height makes you feel like it is a full size truck, but its handling and manuverability lets you know it is compact. Love the composite bed. The power and acceleration in their 4 cyc. responds better than a lot of 6 cyls. They really know how to build engines. Ive found as long as you keep up with the oil changes, you should not have any problems with Toyotas. One problem with it is I can be on the highway doing 65 mph and the truck is running so smooth and quiet, it takes me a minute to remember I forgot to shift out of third gear (not really a bad thing I guess). I recomend this truck to all my friends.

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  Best Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Marc - November 29 - 5:26 am

  I did my homework and looked at all the competitors even full size. The new Tacoma is head and shoulders above all others. The ride, size and power combination is perfect for driving in SoCal. The truck looks and drives great. All of my friends are jealous. Toyotas reputation speaks for itself. It truly is a world class truck. Buy one you will not be disappointed!

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  278,000 miles and counting - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By gene_neill - November 28 - 7:14 am

  I bought my Prerunner new in 2004. My previous truck was an F-250, so it was tough to give up the size, and the big V8 engine - in fact I still miss those things. But this truck just keeps on and keeps on and KEEPS ON, so I just cant complain anymore. In all these miles, I have done pretty much NOTHING except change the oil, and whatnot. The only thing that has ever broken was the power steering pump, somewhere around 150K miles. I plan to continue driving this as my main (and only) work and personal vehicle at least until it hits 350,000. I see no reason to believe that will be a problem.

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  Great Truck!! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By John M. - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1997 2WD extended cab Tacoma brand new in Jan. 97. The truck now has 210,000 problem free miles. My truck has been super reliable. The 2.4L 4 cyl. doesnt burn any oil, and the original clutch still works perfect. I highly recommend the Toyota truck.

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  3rd Tacoma for me; Best yet! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Wilson Matthews - November 19 - 12:48 am

  Replaced a 2010 Tacoma with this 2016 TRD Sport 2WD short bed. The 2010 held great value, it was rear-ended and the towing package/hitch bent up under the truck and broke/bent the frame in 3 places and buckled the composite bed. At 6 years old and 87K miles it held 89% of its original value. The 2016 rides smoother and is significantly quieter. The interior seems to be "tighter" and of better quality. The technology package is amazing, and the sound system has quality output. The navigation is disappointing when compared to recent Garmin Nuvis. Ive only had the truck for 2 weeks, so thats all the experience I have. June 2017 1 Year Update: My review remains unchanged at 1 year of ownership. Im at 15K miles and have had no issues. Im disappointed to see Consumer Reports ratings of this truck below average: but Ive experienced no issues, maintenance still covered by ToyotaCares, likely for another year based on mileage.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By P McCrea - November 15 - 7:53 am

  If you are looking into trucks and dont want to spend 35k, then this is it. The Quad Cab has more room than my 4 dr sedan did. The gas mileage is great for a truck. 17-19mi per. There is not a smarter designed truck out there. Toyota really knew what they were doing on this one.

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  A Great Not So Little Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Andy - November 12 - 6:33 pm

  Absolutely no problems for 12000 miles

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  Another Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jknut - November 8 - 9:13 am

  Toyota keeps building great machines. This one has been very reliable. 55mi and running strong. NEVER needed repairs outside of general maint. This truck offers all around versatility, good gas mileage (19 mpg- city or hwy), and great resale. Yes, this truck will cost you 2-3K more than a domestic, but its well worth it.

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  2008 tacoma - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pat - November 7 - 7:26 am

  Great Truck, smooth ride (non trd) great fuel econ for a truck. Very poor quality stereo in non trd version. Composite bed is great.