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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  Ownership of a Toyota Tacoma - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Fred Analla - May 5 - 4:39 am

  I really enjoyed this truck, medical problems dictate that I find something else for my use. The truck has been very good and dependable, I havent had any problems other than having to install a battery. I very much enjoyed driving this vehicle and as an old an auto mechanic repairing many different vehicles this Toyota comes highly recomended.

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  Tacoma 2010 prerunner - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robert Klee - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Nice mid sized truck, But when you let your foot off the gas pedal, in town and put in back on, it feels like it hunting for best gear, but its to low of a gear most of the time, and the engine revs and it not all that smooth, very disappointed.

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  Bulletproof Pickup - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By srsage107 - May 3 - 12:59 pm

  I have owned my 98 Tacoma for nearly a decade now. The truck is running 238k miles and the last California smog it had last year, it passed with flying colors. The mechanic was not surprised in the least that with all of the regular normal maintenance I do, that the Tacoma was still passing smog like it had at 5k miles. In the entire time I have owned my Tacoma, I have only replaced the battery once, the water pump and radiator at 220k miles and the alternator at 200k miles. I use only genuine Toyota parts. This truck has hauled boats, motorcycles, sand, cement, u-hauls and still sparkles like the day it came out of the factory and has not lost any power over the years. Solid truck!

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  Underpowered motor, terrible transmission, issues - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Simms - May 2 - 6:31 pm

  Have had many issues with leaf springs squeaking toyota says they cant fix it. Three times been to dealer for this. Rear differential was making a howling noise on freeway between 55 and 65 mph when feathering the accelerator pedal and ended up being replaced under warranty but now the replacement rear diff is making the same noise. Spent many hours at dealer and toyota tech flew out to look now they claim its normal. Driveline vibrations noticed at 1800 to 2200rpms. Toyota claims this is normal too but never had this on any other vehicle Ive owned. Toyota quality control going down the crapper. The fuel economy is no better than my old 2009 Tacoma yet they put a smaller motor and it performs terribly...it lacks low-end torque. Dealer applied software update to "fix" transmission shifting constantly but after about 1000 miles the tranny shifts like poorly again. I thought it would get better with mileage but it has only gotten worse. Would not buy again

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  05 Taco PreRunner Double Cab - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By mrfoxy56 - April 25 - 5:40 pm

  Just bought this truck with TRD Off Road pkg. So far no problems. Im 56 yo and I love it...and so do the kids. Got bed extender with clear mask and tint all around. This truck is awesome and built to last. Toyota really did its homework on the redesign.

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  Great Truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By B Groover - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Tacoma LX 4x4 since 97 and put close to 60K miles on it. I recently had the AC compressor replaced, and that has been the only problem I have had. I have added a brush gaurd, roll bar, custom bumper and 33" wheels, and it really turns heads. A blast to drive both on and off road. I have definitely become a big Toyota Fan!

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  great truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kathleenhill - April 20 - 10:00 am

  very dependable. no problems of any kind.

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  great 05 tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By benjos - April 20 - 12:00 am

  so far great truck...more stable,more room,& great new options as compared to my 04 tacoma... only setback so far is clunking noise coming from area around the front shocks when hitting a bump or pothole...dealership looking into pro- blem...need more volume from standard sound system.

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  05 X-Runner Awesome! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By baddaddy - April 16 - 4:30 pm

  Saw the X-Runner at the San Diego International auto show, immediately started searching. Had to wait for one to arrive, ended up being the first non speedway blue one in CA, or so I was told. Love it. Handling surprises many "sports car" drivers. Weak link was stereo, so I upgraded it. I get more looks than new Corvettes. Have not gotten this many thumbs up and comments since I owned my 66 GTO.

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  1st Toyota - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By DaveS - April 16 - 4:03 pm

  Ive had good luck with pickups in general, but this is my 1st Toyota. So far I couldnt be happier with my decision. Smooth, quiet and great fun to drive. The 2.7 has all the power I need and the Prerunner suspension looks beefy - like a truck should look!