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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  jt thunders review - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jtthunder - October 17 - 9:53 am

  Love this vehicle, everything is tight and works the way it should. Very Comfortable, and good manuverability. The "built-in" bed lining is an especially nice feature. Handles great in the snow and off road (and on the job site).

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  Nice, but strange things - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lelan Warren - October 16 - 6:46 am

  Great truck, this is my 5 Toyota. But with the 6 speed manual the throttle does strange thing. When you are stopped the RPS are ~ 900 when the truck is rolling and not in gear the RPM go up by them self to ~ 1300? When you are moving in gear and you let off the gas the throttle does not close very fast, it feel like it closes part of the way then in 2 sec it shuts completely. All of this I think hurts the gas mileage 16-17. May be the auto would be better. Yes the cd player need to play MP3s and the 4wd low in trick (but when you learn to push the clutch first it is fine) and the stock tires are low grip. One more thing the plastic bed is very slick. I still like this truck.

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  A darn good buy - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - October 14 - 7:50 pm

  Dont think you can beat this one for the money. Good, strong engine and real driver comfort. The only pickup in this price range which gives you a full size spare tire as standard equipment. Installed aftermarket rain shields so I can leave the window open in the rain - very necessary and worth the cost. Only complaints: seems like exterior paint was applied with a microscope - scratches very easily; also problems with the radio/CD player, which will have to be replaced. However, the audio quality is quite good - no complaint there. Good gas mileage on the highway - this little truck feels like a flying bird at highway speeds. Overall, very satisfactory.

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  A Keeper - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Roadrunner - October 13 - 10:43 pm

  Handles excellent after installing KYB gas adjust shocks. Driving mellow brings 24.5 MPG. The engine just purrs! Poeple inquire about it all the time as I keep it super clean. By far the best Ive owned.

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  Very Uncomfortable - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By James - October 13 - 3:56 pm

  I like the styling, performance, quality of build. However, the seats are very uncomfortable! They make your back hurt if you drive for any distance. I even had the cloth seat covers replaced w/ leather. It did not help. I am seriously thinking about trading this vehicle for something else. I have never thought about getting rid of a new vehicle! Stock stereo system and speakers are WEAK! I replaced them.

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  Good Truck, Well Worth The Costt. - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jsc0 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  I havent had the truck long, but I find that it is very well built and handles well on and off road, more than I can say for most small trucks. The fuel economy is OK considering its a V6. I love the styling and plan to enjoy it for many years!

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  Love My Truck! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By KennethM3 - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Wow! I cant believe I waited so long to buy this truck. It does everything I wanted a truck to do plus. It seats four as well as my wifes Jetta, it hauls mountain bikes everywhere we want to go and will soon be pressed into service hauling kayaks and moving us to another city.

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  YOU JUST CANT BEAT IT - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By xsideoutx - October 11 - 10:33 am

  While in the market for a new vehicle I test drove all the competing trucks. When it came to quality, and that crucial "fun to drive" factor, no one came close to the Toyota Tacoma. With the TRD SR5 Off-road package this baby makes my morning commutes fun, and it turns heads. The engine has plenty of torque, the truck is built like a tank, it drives great in the snow, the interior is modern and quality built, and most important of all, my pregnant wife feels safe inside. I recommend that anyone in the market for a new truck test drives a Tacoma before making a final decision. You wont be disappointed! Cant wait to take this Bad Boy to the hills! TOYOTA ROCKS!!!!

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  Surprised by quality issues - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By tdahl79 - October 7 - 7:02 am

  My husband has a special place in his heart for the Toyota Tacoma, always has. We bought him his 2nd one, brand new only not long ago and now it has 7,000 mi. on it. It just started making an odd sound. We took in into the shop and were told that since the computer wasnt showing a code, they couldnt do anything. So, my husband looked at it at home and found that the fan shroud was rubbing. We it back up there & they decided this time they would actually look at it. They took it apart and found that the fan shroud was being affected by the radiator that was warped! Next, they found that all that was caused by a broken motor mount bolt. Week in the shop! We are not hard on vehicles.

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  Tacoma - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By D.A. - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the Tacoma. The only complaints i have are with handling on curves (rear end tends to fishtail) also the MPG could be better. I think it is the best looking truck out there.