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:

• 

  Love my truck but... - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Adam_M_P - October 17 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Tacoma for almost 2 yrs. now and after 42,000 miles and a few anoyances I still love my truck. On occasion the driver side door pannel vrates at highway speeds. The worst problem I have is the engine knocks when accelerating or climbing a hill at high speeds. The dealerships only recomendation was to run higher octane fuel, so my Tacoma now requires mid- grade gas & still knocks on a rare occasion.

• 

  Tacoma Double Cab Rocks! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sambeaux - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is by far the best all around truck out there. I owned a extended cab prerunner before and the only complaint I ever had was the small xtra cab. Well, Toyota fixed that with the new Double Cab...no complaints now :)

• 

  Drive 55 mph & Smile - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jim - October 16 - 6:23 am

  My best purchase "ever". Drive 80+ miles daily, and recently slowed down to 55 with the cruise control on. Best mpg so far is 26 mpg @ 55 mph! Usually, Im @ 22-23 mpg, but I consistently drive under 60 mph. Recent valve rattle is a concern and I will check for technical service bulletins. Have not missed an oil change, and it cannot be "normal" for a new engine to rattle! Toyota can be tough, but be persistent and do not accept defects as "normal". I demanded an engine rebuild @ 108,000 miles on a Camry due to an oil sludge problem caused by an engine re-design in order to receive a higher EPA rating for the 2.4L engine. The dealer rebuilt the engine, but it took serious effort.

• 

  My Little Red Truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Becki - October 16 - 12:56 am

  This is an awesome truck. The new body style is very handsome. I also like that the truck is bigger than before. Fuel mileage is wonderful, especially due to gas prices these days. The dashboard is very nice in appearance & functioning. The interior is quite roomy, and comfortable. The truck handles well and responds nicely when need be. We purchased the LWB and it is very handsome on the truck. The ride is like you are in a cadillac. This is the only vehicle Ive ever had that has the audio controls on the steering wheel and I must say thats a good place for them. I most of all enjoy the fact that I can sit in the drivers seat and reach whatever I need without having to stretch.

• 

  Love it - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By jeff - October 15 - 3:36 am

  Love the truck for the price. Got the base model with automatic. No complaints. Would have been nice if Toyota would have added wiper delay as part of the BASIC package like almost everyone else. That part is annoying. Have bench seats. Would have liked bucket but like I said I got the base model. It was priced lower than any other truck in its size. And hey its a Toyota. It will run forever. Nuff said

• 

  Great Little Truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Deadgirl1 - October 14 - 7:40 pm

  I bought this truck in 2002 used w/ 36,000 miles. Its been a very reliable truck. I have but over 120,000 miles on it and Ive only had to replace the brakes, an O2 sensor, and the battery. Everything else has held up and it still runs great. I used to commute over 600 miles on weekends and the truck never gave me any problems. Great gas mileage for a pickup and does well in winter weather despite having no weight in the back. I would buy this truck again in an instant!

• 

  99 PreRunner Taco - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jesse A - October 13 - 3:43 am

  I bought this Tacoma thinking I would only use it a few years but this baby with the 2.7L motor is rock solid! I did add Bilsteins/headers/Cat-Back exhaust and this baby purrs. The biggest plus on this vehicle is that its reliable and keeps on going. My only wish is that more aftermarket items would be available for the 4 cyl. Right now I have 150k on mine and it runs like it was brand new. Great vehicle and worth every penny I paid for it.

• 

  The Girl and the Tacoma 2016 - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jackie Ctz - October 9 - 5:53 pm

  Read all the reviews you want but if you are going outdoors you must be: nimble, reliable and unstoppable .. the Tacoma is the only vehicle that can fit this description. Yes, you can find more comfortable rides but if you are going camping, biking, hiking, or fishing, the vehicle you take should not even be a preparatory consideration, the Tacoma fits this requirement. They sale more and last longer for a reason ( Japanese brand=great quality ). If you want a serious offroad truck that is above the rest in dependability buy a Tacoma.... You will be glad. Tony Delgadillo from Hamer Toyota on sepulveda Blvd is the best option...great guy, easy to talk to very helpful and real with numbers trust me I did my homework before even thinking on showing up to test the Tacoma. Tony D. thank you so much for your help.

• 

  Impressed - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By impressed - October 9 - 3:03 pm

  Owned a 04 Ltd Dble Cab and traded in for 05 Sport TRD. There is absolutely no comparison in any category. It drives like my wifes 05 4Runner. Test drove 05 Frontier-no comparison at all.

• 

  05 Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Buffalonickel - October 5 - 6:53 am

  We have hauled 4 adults @ a time, pulled a trailer hauling a Harley all over the country, filled the bed with rocks, logs, mulch, topsoil, and I drive to work each day. We live in the Ozarks, so none of our roads are straight, flat, or smooth. The local mileage is 18 mpg and on a flat Highway 55/39 in Illinois or 70 through Kansas mileage climbed to 24 mpg running at 75 with the AC cooling me to a chill in 90 degree heat. The only complaint I have is the alarm system was futzed up and we had to install an aftermarket system. And that bed is made out of plastic. I want a steel bed with solid anchors like my old Hilux. So all-in-all this truck has been very easy to own. 60,000 miles!