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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  2WD is fine with Traction Control option - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By TomGab - March 3 - 7:30 am

  Im extremely happy with my purchase two years later. Vehicle performs flawlessly in the snow and ice of the Massachusetts Berkshires. Insist on traction control options if you live in a similar locale, they have done the job consistently for me. Meanwhile, I get the mileage advantages of a 2WD power train. Seats are a little thin but not uncomfortable.

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  My experience - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sid Noonan - March 1 - 4:23 pm

  I have had this truck for almost 2 years and love it. It has a decent amount of power for a midsize truck.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco - February 28 - 6:16 pm

  The transmission has a shift problem. The dealer was able to somewhat correct the problem but it by far the worst shifting automatic transmission I have ever driven. It is very hard to park this truck. I am trading the truck in on a 2005 Toyota Tundra next week. I hope I have better luck.

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  2005 Tacoma 2dr , 4cyl, access cab, - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By dennis - February 26 - 12:50 am

  Very dependable. Have no complaints, only wished it would get better gas mileage. It seems to be very durable. No part failures or recalls on this one. All small trucks should have 16" wheels and leather seats. Tacoma 2dr 4 cyl. Does not. My concern at the present is, a vibration coming from the drive shaft, under acceleration. If a person wants or needs a small truck, this is the one.

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  one versatile truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By joeb - February 25 - 9:06 pm

  Only on my 3rd tank but just love all this truck can do, power to tow my boat, seating, more bed space than the competition, storage everywhere, and pretty good gas mileage. 19.5 mpg first tank, 19.7 the 2nd, combo of city and hwy with even some towing, which used to just kill the mpg on past trucks Ive had. Impressive job Toyota. I use premium as recommended for the V-6, note that if you just get 2 mpg more than regular and drive at least 800 miles/month, premium is actually cheaper to use if it doesnt cost more than about 20 cents extra per gal. Do the math too and youll see, plus much better for the life of this particular engine I bet.

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  Nice Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By William - February 24 - 3:56 am

  This has been one of the most dependable, reliable and maintenance free vehicles I have ever owned. All I have done is new tires and new battery. Toyota dependable!!

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  Very impressed. Good job Toyota - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By JP - February 24 - 1:00 am

  I bought this truck new (3 miles on it) one week ago today. Had really been looking at Colorados but after seeing how sharp the black Tacoma w/Rugged Terrain package looked, reading lots and lots of reviews, and doing extensive research, I was hooked. I am glad I spent a couple thousand extra dollars to get too many extra features to count over the competitors, not to mention Toyota reliability. The truck rides smooth, almost like a car, but can turn into a mean mud-flinging machine off road. I have had it in the mud once and I was really impressed with the off-road ability, even in 4x4 high. The 4.0 liter V6 is amazing... extremely powerful throughout the power range, tons of torque.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By dk - February 23 - 6:20 am

  4x4 TRD Sport Package, JBL system...This is a very solid truck. Rides great, handles great. Definitely recommend the JBL 6-disc changer and speaker upgrade - sounds awesome. Have only had the truck for a week, but have put on several hundred miles for xmas traveling. Very comfortable for 4+ hour trips. Short bed is very easy to maneuver. Cant wait to hit the beaches and trails...

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  Id buy it again! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By ed beasley - February 21 - 3:06 am

  I bought this to pull a pretty heavy bass boat through Ozark mountains comfortably and have room for 2 good size dogs. It has had no trouble pulling the boat up and down those mountains, even passing up steep hills with the boat. Im on 150,000 miles and maintenance has been basically a couple sets of tires, and a set of breaks. It still rides good.

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  Perfect Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By WLC - February 19 - 8:56 pm

  This truck is just about perfect. Great power, handling, comfort. The gas mileage could be better (averaging 16 mpg in mixed highway). Has a high fun factor, throw it into corners and punch it merging on the freeway. I bought the sports package with stereo upgrade, and had the Snugtop shell installed by the factory. All well worth the money in my opinion.