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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  Spicy Taco - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jason - April 15 - 11:15 pm

  Like the others have said, the only-and I mean only, drawbacks to this vehicle are: Price (expensive) and drivers seat/steering wheel adjustability. The looks, ride, resale value, acceleration, handling, comfort, electronics, etc. are wonderful! I love my new truck! If Toyota is reading this, I recommend two more inches of telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a lowered footbed, and/or a drivers seat with height adjustment. Everything else is perfect!

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  Great example of Toyota quality - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By RandyH - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck at 73k miles. It now has 168,300 and runs just as well as it did the day I bought it. I did however have a major breakdown at 90k miles. The tensioner arm pulley and the water pump pulley had both frozen up. The fix which included a new OEM waterpump, timing belt, thermostat, tensioner pulley and radiator fluid cost me over $700. Fortunately this is a non interference engine so there was no further damage. Aside from this one problem the truck has run flawlessly. I get better than expected gas mileage (22MPG average, mostly highway)The window sticker says 16 city, 19 highway but Ive never seen numbers that low out of my truck.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By DuaneHemp - April 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the third 4WD truck Ive owned. My first was a Ford Ranger which turned out to be a lemon. My second was a Dodge Dakota, which I loved, and owned for 12 years. So far I like this Tacoma a little better than my Dakota. It is easy and fun to drive, and a very comfortable ride. I just hope that it turns out be as dependable as the Dakota.

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  Solid taco - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By comatoze - April 13 - 11:30 am

  2.4 L not strong , mpg is only around 24 hwy/21 combined. cab is small/tight. overall durable, dependable & you cant really ever go wrong with a yota.

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  Superior reliability and performance - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Scuba - April 11 - 3:16 pm

  This being my second Tacoma X-Runner I must say that this is without a doubt the funnest truck i have ever owned and considering the fact that my girlfriend and the children always want to take the truck over the Camry has to mean something. We have never had a problem with this truck. Also pulls the boat and jet skis well within the weight limits. Well designed and executed truck. Thanks Toyota associates.

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  All Smiles - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Stasch - April 9 - 12:06 pm

  I have been wanting this vehicle for the longest time. The heavy snowfall in Erie sent my wife and me over the edge and we got the Tacoma. Simply love it. Tons of room in the cab for me (Im 63") and a car seat in the back. This truck handles amazing in the snow and ice. I have yet to get stuck... and I have tried! The safety features Toyota put into this truck are really impressive and allow it to handle great in all conditions. Lots of power, gas mileage is not the best, however, its much better than other trucks out there. All in all, I am very happy with the Tacoma.

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  Best kept secret - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Gary - April 4 - 12:56 pm

  Bought this X-Runner right off the showroom floor and it has been turning heads ever since. Incredible handling, drives like it is on rails. Fun 6 speed stick, comfortable, roomy interior, great sound system. Control panels easy to use, overhead compartment for garage opener, sun glasses Easy access reaching into bed due to low profile. Even has ac outlet in bed if you need to use power tools, vacuum cleaner, radio, etc. Great idea! Havent had a single issue with this truck. Would recommend factory mud flaps due to road rash on bumped out rear wheel wells. Other than that, this truck is a home run!

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  Test Drove for 24 Hours - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By chris - April 2 - 10:03 pm

  For all who gave positive reviews, you probably didnt own other tacomas to compare it to. It is very underpowered. The tranny shifts too many times trying to find a comfortable gear. The truck looks nice but thats about it. I drove the truck for 24 hours and I believe had I had a 5 minute test drive around the block Id probably wouldve bought one. I also test drove a 2015 Tacoma and it felt more powerful. I think Toyota will make changes to the 2018 model because there are too many complaints about the same issues.

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  Great Truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By A Campbell - April 2 - 11:03 am

  Just bought this vehicle, my fourth. Really enjoy driving it, although the steering wheel seems a little low. Need to be able to adjust more.The leg room could also be a little more roomier as the brake pedal is kind of close to the gas. Guess Ill get use to it since I traded my 2003 in!

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  Safety Hazard - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco Owner - April 2 - 2:02 am

  In all honesty if not for the engine and transmission this would be my favorite truck I have owned. Looks are flawless in my opinion and comfort is what Id expect from a 4x4 truck. But thats the best Ill give it. On day 3 of owning the tacoma my check engine light came on with the most awful vibration. I immediately took it back to the dealer to find out 6 injectors needed to be replaced. While there I reported a bad delay in going from park to drive, and this especially concerned me backing out of my driveway in the mornings going to work, a couple times up to 5 seconds (imagine sitting in the highway 5 seconds stalled). After three visits to the service dept about this they check the transmission fluid to find it is nearly a quart low! This is still within the 1000 miles and they claim they cant reproduce it. I reproduced it in the truck with the mechanic and that still got me no where as "thats normal". As the other reviewers also mentioned the throttle response and shifting is horrible. They are ABSOLUTELY CORRECT. Nearly every day I press the gas pedal moderately and it gets hung in the wrong gear, bogs the engine, begins to slow slightly, so I press harder. Suddenly after a few seconds it decides to rev very high and jump into far too low of gear (or out of gear completely) and significantly slows the truck. I completely let off the gas, coast down the highway, and wait for it to shift back in to gear (again stalling in the highway). All while the service manager says the shifting is "normal with these new electronic transmissions". If you dont mind a truck that will stall you in the middle of the road, buy this truck. Otherwise go buy something else. It is obvious from the transmission fluid and characteristics of this transmission this truck never saw a day of quality control or testing.