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:

• 

  You can have your cake and eat it too !! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By James K. Hoy - June 23 - 12:40 am

  I have been driving trucks for exactly 20 years now. Through this time it has been my experiance that you have to give up performance to achieve a vehicle that is suitable for work. With the new Tacoma, those days are over. I have a Crew Cab, Pre Runner, with the TRD Sport package, a V6 and the SR5 set up. This truck not only tows my work trailer, (a 5 x 8 cargo loaded with cabinet installation tools),effortlessly, its sharp to impress a date with, it handles like a dream and man will she fly when you turn her lose. I traded in an 02 Ford F150 with the 5.4L. Its payload was rated higher but other than that, this truck out performs hands down, and its al ot more fun to drive!!!!!

• 

  Toyotas Best Kept Secret - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By SIGMUND DOUGLAS - June 22 - 1:00 pm

  The Toyota Tacoma is Toyota’s best kept secret. Here is a truck that is fun to drive, is quick off the line, sure attracts attention and has a great sound system.

• 

  Pot hole eater - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - June 18 - 4:46 pm

  Purchased 04 standard cab new, basic nuts and bolts truck. I did put a cab cover on. The thing that stands out most on this truck is its durability. I live in a city that has lots of bad roads, and while Honda CVCCs are tiptoeing around pot holes I plow right through them, and love to look in my rear views at expressions of awe. I did have to replace the front brakes at 45K, but other than that its very reliable and a blast to drive.

• 

  Happy Customer - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By AB - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I am extremely happy w/ my truck. I hope to drive it for many more years. At 115,000, I have replaced the battery and just recently replaced the brakes! It is everything I wanted in a vehicle.

• 

  Hard to beat - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By RoDilander - June 17 - 2:00 am

  I sat in all the available 4 door small pickups - both front AND back. Im 62 and the Toyota was the only one I was comfortable in. Ive since ridden long distances in the back with no problems. I could not bare the look of the Nissan truck - too much styling going on there. Ford SportTrac- theres something really wrong with the way that truck looks. Chevrolet -well its a GM. This was my first Toyota and foreign car purchase.

• 

  2016 Tacoma, So far so good - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Aaron B - June 16 - 2:41 pm

  I have wanted a Tacoma for as long as I can remember. Ive had three other trucks in my life, a 1978 Chevy 3/4 ton, a 2009 Titan, a 2010 RAM 3/4 ton diesel. I wouldnt consider towing much of a trailer or hauling much of a load with the Tacoma but I guess thats not what its made for. I bought the Tacoma for reliability. I have 50,000 miles on it with no real problems. I do find the transmission shifting frequently on the highway trying to find a comfortable gear to be in, a little annoying but I can live with it. I have had issues with the Entune system not functioning with my phone but Im not sure if its my phone (Motorola Turbo II) or the Entune system itself. It seems to only work when it wants, giving me a "system busy" notice on the screen. The dealer said the Entune system was set up to be used optimally with an iPhone. The Tacoma is not a rocket but it does have nice acceleration. I just like the truck and plan on having it for a few years.

• 

  Base 4x4 is great - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By BillAlbanyNY - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Nice truck, smooth, rides high. Regular cab, bench seat, fits three people if needed. I Needed more cargo room than my 2003 VW Passat Wagon. 4x4 will be safe feeling in NY winters. I was looking for something pretty basic for my first truck. Quality, fit finish great. Controls clear. Power in 4 cyl. fine (no plan to tow, haul too heavy a load and dont worry about fast acceleration; savings on price and fuel economy did come to play here). Rail system is great. Is plenty of room to store back pack and big computer bag and other gear in cab behind bench seat (I am only 58" so i might have more room behind than a tall person) Will report back if any negatives develop.

• 

  Overall best truck Ive had!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eddy - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The 2.7 Liter could use some more power but the TRD supercharger, it feels like an 8 cyl. I also have a V-6 crew cab which it is really strong, powerful, and fast. Hoping to supercharge it soon!!!!!!

• 

  Get the v6 - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By john - June 11 - 3:40 am

  Great truck in every aspect except I purchased the 4 cyl. It is my only regret. It took some getting used to, since I traded in a loaded 4x4 tahoe for this truck, but now I like it a lot. I highly recommend this vehicle. Make sure you get the v6 if you tow anything.

• 

  THE WRONG MOVE - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Johnny Cash - June 6 - 6:26 pm

  Had a great truck in the 2008 Tacoma thought the 2016 was a beautiful truck had to have one. But the truck is not as good as it looks it has the lugging problem that all other 2016 Tacoma trucks have it also has a roaring going down hill when you let off the gas and if you are on interstate it jumps from one gear to the other like riding bucking horse. Toyota tried the new fix still same thing for 13,000 miles first they said it would get better when I took it in at 2,000 said the computer had to adjust to my driving well it has not yet so my next move is to trade this truck if they cannot fix there problem.