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:

• 

  Toyota trucks cant be beat - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Uncle Dan - May 17 - 8:33 am

  I sold my beloved 88 Toyota extended cab truck to buy this one. That was the most reliable vehicle Ive ever owned and I hope the Tacoma holds up as well. After 11,000 miles, no problems at all. This is a well designed and laid out small truck. I purchased it through Edmunds internet referral service and it was simple. I entered the options I wanted and the next day I got a call from North Hollywood Toyota. They had the exact vehicle I wanted in stock and quoted a price that was 10% under sticker. I may have saved more with a lot of calls, but it wasnt worth it. I told em Id be out to pick it up and I was in and out of the dealer in less than an hour. Simple.

• 

  Just OK - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Just OK - May 13 - 3:56 am

  Because of the financial issues of the big three and the historical reliability success of the Toyotas, I decided to purchase the 2009 TRD Taco. Although the truck seems to perform fairly well, the transmission issues are really annoying. Whats even more annoying is that Toyota claims that this is not a problem and is that it is performing as designed. Although the truck has some great features, it also has some flaws. I am now concerned with the overall reliability and wish I would have purchased a Ford. Having said that, I am pleased that it can tow a trailer with four motorcycles and carry four adults rather effortlessly in the mountains of Colorado.

• 

  2005 Toyota Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Carl Miller - May 13 - 3:23 am

  Soild, smooth, quiet, great power, toyota quality, inside and outside. MPG is good-21 to 22. Great seat and ride comfort. Great sound system. Have not had any problems at all and this is the second toyota we have owned.

• 

  Converted Ford Driver - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Butter - May 12 - 5:46 am

  Had to trade in my 01 F-150 for better gas-mileage. So far, the Tacoma is impressing me. Its not as tough of a truck as Im used to (No TRD pkg.), but the double-cab has great passenger room for a compact and the composite bed is big enough for the things I need. Got the bed-extender just in case it was too short. The 6-speed is MUCH easier to shift than the Ford. Only had it a week, but I havent had to pull into a gas station yet!

• 

  Mileage report - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lowsidr - May 11 - 11:33 am

  I purchased this truck used with 15K on it. I traded in an 89 4runner w/200K 13 mpg. The primary reason for buying a small truck was the fuel economy. Fuel prices seem to be on the rise once again, who knows what will happen in the years to come. I live in S.W. FL. and commute 20 miles each way a day. Mostly at 45 to 60 mph, mixed city driving mostly. My first tank returned 25.8 MPG! I "babied" the truck trying to keep the RPM under 2K. I did spin it up when needed. You can get great fuel economy out of this truck and still be courteous to others.

• 

  Red Toy - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By First Time Owner - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I have been very pleased with my Tacoma 2001 Prerunner Extra Cab 2.7 liter 4cyl. 2wd. Have had some problems all under warranty and fixed to date, rattle in the dash was the most annoying found there to be a service bulletin on this and had it repaired turned out be the defroster box under the dash on the passengers side had to tear apart dash insulate it and put new defroster box in and some foam padding problem taken care of. have had both seatbelts replaced and a big problem after just 6,000 miles somthing with the bushings were worn in the front and it caused premature wear on one of the tires which was replaced after alot of grief.

• 

  Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jose Rosario - May 4 - 10:46 am

  The Truck has great force. Very comfortable, and rides smoothly even in rain conditions.

• 

  Very Satisfied - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - April 28 - 6:43 am

  Just bought it. Very strong truck. Rides nice, good power, looks good, good features.

• 

  Fun Toy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By PCM - April 26 - 10:30 pm

  Bought this Crew Cab Pre-runner for weekend Home Depot trips. So far, I am extremely impressed and am still wondering how Toyota could sell a truck with so much for such a reasonable price. Toyotas reputation caused me not to consider any competition models. The truck is well built, high quality and comfortable. It is actually fun to drive with plenty of power. I love its look.

• 

  Making it fun - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By 4HIM - April 25 - 1:50 pm

  Have enjoyed owning this vehicle so much and Toyotas reputation for quality and reliabilty are well-founded. The pickup rides almost as good as any comfortable car but will go places an auto and most trucks cant think about.