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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  Adjust your expectations - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By PhilCO48 - December 15 - 6:48 am

  First off, I bought this truck (2016 Toyota Tacoma Sport TRD) to avoid using either of our other cars for hauling lumber and plywood that I use in my woodworking as well as to have a utility vehicle available for bad weather. This Tacoma fits those needs quite well, so I am quite pleased with that. But, now that the fanfare is making its way around the internet about how great the upgrades are from the 2015 model I am really glad that I waited, I can only conclude that the 2015 and previous was a real dog. Toyota gets a big plus for the redesign of the interior, I really like the infotainment system and navigation. It is very logical and intuitive and was easy to get used to. While much is being said about the new Atkinson cycle engine, I have to admit to being disappointed. I just returned from a 700 mile round trip from Denver to Moab, and I was amazed at how hard the engine had to work to only maintain the speed limit (which happens to be 80 mph in Utah). The transmission was in either third (at 4,200 rpm) or fourth (at 3,500 rpm) most (say 75%) of the time. As a result, milage came in around 17, not too hot, and actually worse than my previous Toyota (Tundra with the V8 and lots more power). There are some key things missing besides adequate power: who doesnt include remote garage door opener as standard nowadays, no back up parking assist, no blind spot indicator, no auto headlights, no dual-zone temp control, no remote tailgate lock, no automatic headlights. For $36,000 maybe I should not expect all of this, but surely Toyota could have popped for some of it. If the company is serious about reversing the market share loss they must be feeling from the GMC Canyon and Chevy Colorado they need to step up and make standard some of the features that just seem basic to all cars today. I would have been willing to pay more, and would have felt the value was there. So, adjust your expectations when you think about this truck. If you want a good basic truck like I ended up with you should still consider the competition. But, all in all, I like this thing enough to keep it for the 2 year term of the lease. I am sure by the end of that time Toyota will have seen they missed the mark and will update this vehicle to modern standards.

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  Truely awesome pickup! - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By JBad - December 14 - 6:16 pm

  Steering: A+ response is very accurate, precise and sensitive. Suspension: A+ The TRD off road suspension handles great & provides comfort regardless of the speed or road surface. The clearance height is a perfect compromise. Engine: B Dependable & strong. I towed a 3.5k lbs boom no problem. Also handled several payloads of brick just fine. Highway merging speed could be better. Fuel economy is decent but could be better. Interior: A+ Looks cool, seems very practical in function & layout. Good materials. Brakes: C- Brakes are important, & each time I towed or had a payload I worried a bit. Without a load theyre adequate for a safe driver. Composite Bed: A+ innovative, practical, best in class!

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  Im hooked. - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By T.J. Turrisi - December 14 - 2:06 pm

  Ive had my Tacoma for two years and have done nothing but rotate the tires and change the oil. Ive almost gotten it stuck twice — once on the edge of a swamp and once in three feet of snow — but the posi-track rear end and rear differential lock saved the day in both instances. I will be getting the truck inspected tomorrow morning, and my only complaint, if you want to call it that, is a squeaky belt at nearly 70,000 miles. I will most likely be purchasing Toyota trucks for the rest of my life, unless someone comes out with something better and that could take a while, and I doubt I will be buying very many. Be it a Tundra, Tacoma or Land Cruiser, I will be getting the best for my money.

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  Typical Toyota - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By kjsayers - December 13 - 5:13 am

  This is my 2nd Tacoma and 4th Toyota. I knew this was the only truck I was going to buy the only thing was to decide a color (black). There is a lot of storage. The storage under and behind the rear seats is beyond great. The composite bed is much needed. Although it can be slick. The engine power is excellent and after 17K miles I get 21 hwy and 18 mixed driving. I have no complaints except the paint scratches very easy. Toyota needs to address this along with the 17" sport wheels that have a pitting problem in the finish.

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  A great starter vehicle for anyone. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By kevinc416 - December 13 - 12:36 am

  The handling and performance that this truck offers is great. I have never owned a 4 cylinder vehicle in my life, all I ever owned was v6 and v8. when I drove it I could have sworn it was a v6. Gets approx. 25-27 miles to the gallon, now a days thats just what a buyer is looking for.

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  Very nice Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Carlos - December 10 - 3:43 pm

  I just bought it a week ago, but I can already tell that this truck is gonna be with me for the long run. It drives great, very smooth everywhere. Compared to the ride quality of my brothers 02 tacoma trd, this truck feels much much better. Toyota has seemed to perfect the suspension, its soft yet very solid when needed. The power is great, and fuel economy is ok. The interior is by far the best in a truck, kind of like being in a semi luxury vehicle. Engine layout is outstanding for those of you that like to change the oil yourself. If you are looking for a midsize truck, this is a no brainer, get the tacoma, you wont regret it.

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  Best Truck I have ever owned or driven - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Morpheustj - December 10 - 12:20 pm

  After driving this vehicle I knew that I had to have one. I have owned Dodges, Chevys & Driven Fords. I have also driven the previous model Tacoma & this is so much more truck. I had people stop me constantly asking how I liked my 2003 Tacoma & boy do I have news about the new one. It drives rides handles like no other truck. It has more cup holders than I think anyone could ever use. Maybe.

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  Yota - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By ryan lock - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable, if maintained properly

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  my 2016 toyota tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe turpin - December 7 - 1:13 pm

  at 14 200 km the top end of the engine was not getting enough oil I took the truck in and its been a on going battle to try and get it back they are telling me that they have to make the parts to fix my truck plus the back up screen had to be replaced this is the thrid tacoma I own in 2 years very upset with the way im being treat from toyota dont no if i will ever buy another again

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  My Little Mule - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By John W. Angel, Jr. - December 7 - 10:00 am

  TRD Package could do without, downshifts hard when cruise is on and going up a grade, however ive had this truck less than a year and have over 33000 miles on it and its ran trouble free. It is a good riding truck. Get rid of the BF Goodrich tires. I have slid out of control with these tires. Put the Walmart Conten. tires on it and so far I havent had this problem continue.