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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  Great truck! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rob - November 16 - 6:40 pm

  I was looking for a pickup that handled like a car and comparable gas milage, the Tacoma fits the bill. Pleasantly surprised to find a/c, stereo and cruise all on this trim level (SR5). Rear-end skip takes some getting used to, but otherwise handles well. Highway milage greatly improves with tailgate down (or off).

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  Great little truck - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Man - November 15 - 9:40 pm

  Bought this truck after many years of saving up with 114K. Got the 2.7L I4, got good power without sacraficing too much mileage. Gas mileage is about 18.5. However, drivers side rear leaf spring broke shortly after purchase. Was a heafty $400 to replace with aftermarket springs. I was told this was very common with first year Tacomas. Overall, no major problems yet, doesnt burn oil, dont make noise. Ride is a little rough though.

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  YOU WONT FORGET ITS A TRUCK - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By BST - November 14 - 11:32 pm

  Have been driving the 2016, 4WD, SR-5, 6 cyl. Tacoma Access Cab for about 2 years now. The 6 speed auto is continually shifting. The drone from the engine and exhaust is LOUD! The new Atkinson Cycle engine may have more horsepower, but it doesnt show. Acceleration is slow - much less than what I get from my 2013 6 cyl. Highlander. It rides rough! You definitely will know you are riding in truck. The step-up into the truck is high and awkward. The drivers seat is way too low and its uncomfortable. It handles well and gas mileage is 20 -23 depending on the trip distance. Instrumentation, gauges, etc. are fine, but the temp control and fan speed is hard to decipher. The composite bed is nice and saves buying a liner. I use it as a truck and bought it for reliability, so it works for me. If youre looking for a quiet, smooth ride with barely noticeable shifting, you dont want a Tacoma. If youre looking for a reliable work truck, this one is tops. UPDATE: After driving the Tacoma for 2 years now, I have nothing new to add to my comments above - and nothing to change. I will note that with a yard of mulch or a half yard of crushed gravel in the bed it rides much better and the shifting is a lot smoother. But for everyday use, Toyota could have done a much better job with the suspension, noise suppression and the transmission. Mileage now (11/17) is 6700. The trucks obsession with frequent shifting is annoying to say the least. Between 50 and 53 mph it frequently bucks and carries on like theres water in the gas as it cant decide if it wants to change gears or not. The engine/transmission matchup on this truck might produce good mileage, but its a real nuisance to drive. Theres a TSB out on this shifting issue which some say helps the problem and I plan to have the dealer apply that on my next visit.

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  Best Truck - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By BEST TRUCK OUT THERE - November 13 - 9:40 am

  I bought this truck used in 1996 with 12000K. This is the best truck out there now. I put 260,000 miles on it and it has never left me stranded. The only complaint is the ride is bumpy now, but its very strong for a 4 cylinder. The bed is very strong. People underestimate my truck when they see it, but when they see the load I put on it, they are surprised. Now I bought a new 2006 Tundra top of the line limited with TRD pkg. I would recommend Toyota to everyone who is looking for reliability, economy and gas mileage.

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  little unhappy - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By cegamo - November 10 - 5:33 pm

  This is my first Toyota I trade 2004 Nissan frontier great truck and get this Toyota with only 350 miles it was 6 times in the dealer, engine has a ticking noise and is getting worse, the transmission make a bell noise when is on neutral, and also makes a clunk when go to full stop, the dealer said everything is normal. I wish to have my Nissan back.

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  Excellent Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mitchal - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I have already put over 65,000 miles on this truck and have not had any problems with it. I had a rattle in the dash, took it in for an oil change and told the dealership about it and it was repaired free of charge. I must also say that I have owned two other Toyota trucks and had excellent service from both of them. I have also always received great service from the dealerships that have worked on them.

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  Great little truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pete - November 9 - 1:26 pm

  This is my second Toyota pickup. This one is leaps and bounds over the 1993! Better space, better capacity, better gas mileage. Ive been getting 25 MPG consistently in mixed driving. This pickup handles loads in its weight class well, and handles loads above its range well enough when needed.

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  Is this really a truck??? - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By mike - November 8 - 5:50 am

  I once had a 1994 toyota compact and I loved it til it was totalled in an accident. The new 2006 ext. cab Tacoma is the same vehicle I loved reborn to be even better. More space, power and good looks and drives better than most cars. Toyota is untouchable with the Tacoma.

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  Good but not perfect... - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By m9431 - November 5 - 1:26 pm

  This is my third Toyota Truck and one selected after much comparison. For me the size fits my needs, and Im impressed by the interior design. The V6 is impressive, but not overly fuel efficient compared to Chevys great V8s. Chassis strength is much improved, handling is good. As others have noted in user forums, the rear suspension is weak, mine bottoming out after I added a 150lb. cap. I had to have my srpings rebuilt independently at my cost, not covered under warranty. Additionally, the 5-speed automatic transmission shifts very poorly, slow to make a decision and often like it doesnt know what gear it should be in! Hopefully Toyota will release new software to cure this problem.

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  My 95 Tacoma after 11 years. - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jim - November 4 - 2:50 pm

  My tacoma is now 11 years old with 84000 miles on it. I have the original tires and brakes. I am trading it in for a new 2006 Tacoma just because I want a new truck. The 95 still runs great. I do not regret having bought it. I do all the suggested maintenance and have had no unexpected maintenance issues. The truck has never let me down. I go off road in Utah and Colorado and have a great time with it. Biggest beef is the flimsy drink holder that pulls out from dash. A pop can will bounce around dumping out pop. Another is the brittle paint; it chips too easily.