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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  Got a LEMON?? - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Curtis - January 4 - 1:40 am

  I bought a 2000 Toyota Tacoma with 54,000 miles ended up paying 14,000 dollars then later multiple misfires and low compression ratio. So I talked to someone who has the same year make and model. The same thing happened to him, multiple misfires and low compression ratio and it was bought from the same dealership. I am waiting two weeks so far, for them to call me back.

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  Taco love - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Todd - January 3 - 8:40 pm

  I love my toyota to death however when you have to move you gotta learn to let them go. I think its an excellent truck however they have started lacking on things recently such as metal durability...they dent so easy now. It doesnt bother me that much but i could sure use some better gas mileage, but i know thats a lot to do with me cause i cant keep off the pedal its just to much fun.

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  Almost perfect, but the tranny! - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - January 3 - 2:36 pm

  Only had the Taco for about 2 days when I noticed the transmission responds poorly. Usually when making a left or right turn, as you slow the motor revs. If youre still rolling (less than 10mph) then accelerate, even gently, the engine revs up to 2K before clunking into second. So Ive been left essentially stopping mid turn before pulling away. IMO, a dangerous design flaw thats going to get someone T-boned or killed some day. Otherwise, a pretty decent truck. Some of the interior plastic is a little cheap, but its a truck, so no big deal.

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  Still Going Strong With NO Engine Work - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sean-again - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Heres an update. I am now just short of 250,000 miles and havnt needed ANY engine work. I am even on the original clutch. I have replaced the brake pads a couple times and the front rotors because some dip at Pep Boys turned them down too far (I bought new ones elsewhere). I change the oil at 8-10k mi intervals, there are NO oil leaks. In that time, the oil level drops from the full line to the add line on the stick. I burn a little oil and get a light smoke when downshifting and flooring it when passing, but no loss in power.

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  2001 tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By usaf - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Dash rattles BAD,paint peeled on front bumper,poor OEM tires. Now the good-----too many things to list great reliability, handles well , air work great

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  A number of issues - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dan - December 30 - 8:23 am

  I purchased my truck in June 09. Radio turned on and off by itself. (Dealer replaced, took 6 months). First time I washed grill paint flaked off in chunks(Dealer replaced). When purchased dealer outsourced bed cover- problem? Toyota does not make locking tailgates parts-outsourced. Waited 5 months on a generic brand from Canada. Truck is very dependable-gas mileage could be better-13-18 tops. If I had to do over again, I will go back to my Ford F150.

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  Great truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By DB - December 29 - 3:33 am

  My 1st truck was a 1993 Toyota 2wd pickup, I4 5 speed. I loved it, would probably still have it if the engine had not died (mechanics fault). After driving Corollas for years I bought this brand new. It runs great, I now have ~ 7000 miles on it and with my driving (mostly highway 65 mph) I get 28 MPG! Its very comfortable, good power. There is a lot of noise from the drive train but that doesnt really bother me. My biggest favorite is the size of the truck, much bigger than my 93. This is a very basic truck, not a lot of stuff to go wrong, the main reason I bought it.

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  Nice truck! - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By frank - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Just bought pre-runner, auto, v6, this month. Love it! Everything inside out is all nice! One problem though, the transmission is a little sluggish, when slow down to 40, 30 mph. Overall, this is a nice truck!

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  Worst mistake I made was selling it. - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By nuvabey - December 26 - 5:59 pm

  The title should say it all. I got antsy and sold my Taco for a sports car. Huge mistake. This truck was near perfect. That transmission rattle you hear? Dont let some whack job mechanic tell you you need a whole new clutch a flywheel. It just sounds like that. In town Id get no less than 22-23 mpg. And that was usually 16 miles round trip at 40 mph or less. I drive a Challenger R/T now and if someone said theyd swap me for my Tacoma again, Id do it in a heartbeat.

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  Best truck I have ever owned - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By James - December 25 - 6:26 am

  This is the third Toyota I have owned. 89 Corolla, 89 pickup, then this one. All I have had to replace on it in the last 60,000 miles has been oil/filters and tires. It gets great mileage as long as you dont drive too hard (hah, right, NOT drive hard) around 25 mpg. The braking could be better. All in all this truck has been good to me.