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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  Excellent Truck - Buy one - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By kkser - September 19 - 9:46 pm

  4x4 x cab v-6 5spd - 20.5 overall gas mileage, good power, excellent capability off road. I have pulled 5500 lb trailer short distance with no problem or strain but I highly recommend a draw tight, no bumper pull. Interior is adequate for a 99 but I really like the 05s. Have not had one problem other than waterpump outage at 74000 miles - routine maintenance is all

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  A great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By JRBNH - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Im a car nut who needed a truck for home renovations, so I was a little hesitant of owning a truck. The more I drive this truck, the more I like it. The V6 is strong and smooth. Fuel economy is average; however, the tonneau cover has helped on highway trips (up to 24 mpg). Im very surprised at how comfortable it is-the seats fit me perfectly, the noise level is hushed, and the ride is very compliant. Heat and AC are both powerful. Parking and maneuvering is easy. Ive owned it so far for 6 months and 7500 miles with not a single rattle, squeak or problem.

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  Uncomfortable seats for a small person - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ronnie - September 18 - 2:13 am

  The truck feels like a car, I like it but I unfortunately dont fit in the truck. I am having problems with the seats they are to low and hurt my back, head rest to high. The seats seem to be made for a large person, I am small. I am looking for cushions to raise myself up to a higher level so my back does not hurt and the head rest is not pushing me forward. This will be very sad if I can not find a way to get comfortable.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By robbills - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The Tacoma is a great all-around truck. The only complaint I have is the high price, but you get what you pay for. I havent had the chance to take it off-road yet, but on the street it holds its own.

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  Perfect size for me - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ron Shaw - September 17 - 2:43 am

  I bought this truck used in 06. I wanted this smaller size, not the larger size the Tacoma has become. Mine is a fairly basic truck, standard cab with air and stereo. Nothing else. It has turned out to be just what I expected. A simple truck that is very capable, with the Toyota reliability I have come to expect. I have loaded it down with 1500 pounds of bamboo flooring, and the 4 cyl 5 spd manual was not taxed at all. This truck gives you the feeling that it will do whatever you ask it to do.

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  Just purchased Tacoma and Love it - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Phillips - September 16 - 7:46 pm

  We just traded in our leased 2002 Tacoma for the 2005 model and WOW! what a huge difference in design, ride and size. The ride is like a luxury vehicle and the seats are very comfortable with the lumbar supports. My only complaint so far would be the gearshift (automatic) seems similar to that of a manual transmission with the over-down, down-over, movements to change from park/drive/etc. I imagine it just takes getting used to.

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  Sport Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By 01Srunner - September 16 - 5:06 am

  From the start its been a blast to drive. It handles very well, eventhough it has more body lean than I want. Still better that my previous truck. It gets 21MPG in city/highway driving, pretty much the same as my 98 Frontier. The interior is well appointed, but the clock placement is very bad. You cant see it from the drivers seat. The sport seats a very comfertable, and offer very good support for spirited driving. I wish that it had power mirrors, and a complete set of gauges.

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  Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ray McCombs - September 9 - 10:46 pm

  Fun to drive. Gas mileage better than my old Tacoma. They have done a great job.

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  could be super - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By leaknclunck - September 8 - 1:50 am

  I have had my Tacoma for about 2 months now and Im now having mixed feelings. The truck is bigger and more comfortable than before and a lot more powerful. This thing will scream, bottom end, top end, mid range. Not awesome but very, very good. Roomy well laid out interior, the ride still a little stiff in the rear. Great handling. Ive had to take it back for rear seat replacement because of loose material. I also had an extreme water leak from fire wall area into drivers front floor. Complained about clunking from rt. front when hitting a bump. Still not fixed. Now at 45 to 50 mph in top gear rpms will shoot up a 1000 going down hill!at times. No I didnt press the gas anymore. Very annoying.

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  2013 trd sport - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By joeguy - September 4 - 2:50 pm

  bought it certified pre owned; with 13k miles, and 100k warranty, saved 30%. mine is not a 4x4; but, Im not an off roader. No, it isnt a Tundra deluxe, but I like it. very comfortable ride; better than an SUV, great truck for those who want the best of both worlds. I dont do much hauling; if you want heavy duty, look for a Tundra, but for every day family use and utility; this is great.