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:

• 

  Best truck Ive ever had - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By martin - September 4 - 6:40 am

  I bought this truck new in December 04. It is fun to offroad in, gives me about 18 mpg. This is a way better truck than any Chevy Dodge or Ford. Ive only had 1 problem with it and it was the transmission. The transmission went bad because of bad driving habits. The Toyota dealer replaced it for free and gave me a free rental until it was complete. I tow a trailer full of dirt bikes up the mountains with no problem.

• 

  Lovin the Toy! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By john - September 1 - 6:43 pm

  Had the truck for 1 month and I’m loving it. Great design, both inside and out. Very solid, safe and responsive. Car-like ride. Live in mountainous area and the truck supplies more than ample power to climb the steepest hills at any speed desired. Thrilled with the SR5 package. Truck is running flawlessly. 4WD pulled me through plenty of snow with no loss of control. Love the roomy quite interior! Back seats are roomy enough to seat adults very comfortably. I have a 40mi one-way commute to work, ~70% highway, and I’m getting a steady 20mpg. I traded in my 1994 Toyota 4x4 extended cab with 207,000mi (purchased new with NO major problems for the duration) I received over 2k for the trade!

• 

  AIR LEAKS/BAD BRAKES - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob nebeker - August 31 - 3:53 pm

  The rear doors leak air and water, The brakes go to the floor, The radio comes on and off whenever. Other then that it could be a nice Vic.

• 

  Solid truck with good mileage - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By JJD - August 31 - 11:26 am

  I finally sold my 91 Toyota Pickup for a new Taco after failing to find a used 4 cyl, manual, 2wd, extended cab one used for anywhere near a reasonable price. My old pickup was still getting 35 mpg highway when I sold it at 160000 miles. But the extra cab space and comfort is great. After almost a year with the new truck I really like this truck. With a camper cap on the bed and at 69 MPH I get a solid 30 MPG on trips. Around home I still get a respectable 25MPG, although I drive with efficiency on my mind. Performance is adequate and the handling is mushy compared to my old Pickup, but the ride is much better and the interior is much more comfortable.

• 

  Exactly what I needed. - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By gardnetm - August 29 - 11:02 am

  I purchased my Tacoma about a week ago, so I cant really speak for the reliability of the vehicle yet, but so far Im still looking for every excuse possible to drive it. I was looking for a compact (a relative term in the truck market today) pickup mostly for my short commute to work and for the occasional weekend trips to Ikea. I dont have a big budget or a need for excessive features in a vehicle. I just need an inexpensive, reliable, versatile vehicle thatll keep up with me and this truck fits the bill perfectly.

• 

  Toyota still beats the other brands - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jake - August 27 - 3:30 pm

  Value and reliability!!

• 

  Great MPG, Good Buy - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By grant - August 26 - 4:40 am

  I bought My Tacoma about 2 months ago. I drive round trip 50 miles everyday. If I drive the truck the "right way" I get about 19-20 MPG. I do about 65% highway miles, 35% city driving. Thats awesome for a truck w/a stout V6. So The power is really great. I have had 3 V8 trucks, 2 V6s, and this matches all of them. The transmission shifts awesome, cant even tell it is shifting. It rides like a car, and has great room and all kinds of hidden spaces for storage. I have 3 kids under 6 and it has great room for car seats. Styling is great, however I wish the tilt steering was better, not much adjustability. The dash gauges are awesome. I can get anything in the bed. I love it, great buy.

• 

  06 Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab LB Sport - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Don - August 23 - 4:30 pm

  06 Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab LB, Sport Package #2: Black Sand Pearl. Whats there to say other then "toyota". Quality is expected, and this truck delivers. had the truck for a month, and have traveled over 1000 miles. Towed over a ton and a half, and have no complant with the truck or performance. Appearance is eye catching.

• 

  Great Midsized Truck - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By truklvr - August 21 - 2:34 am

  I traded my 2003 Tacoma regular cab at 210000 miles with no problems and still running strong. I always like the styling of the 2005s and was glad that the restyling of the new 2012 was suttle. It has a nice smooth ride, handles very well and is more spacious than my previous truck. It has adequate power, easy to handle and a nice turning radius for easy parking. I checked out the Nissan Frontier, also a nice truck but the turning radius was very wide and not available in a regular cab. The new gauge cluster lighting on my new Tacoma is very cool. I never did care for the all orange lighting on the previous models but thats a matter of personal opinion. I plan on keeping it for many years.

• 

  Id buy it again - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Longtermdirver - August 20 - 5:20 am

  I drive the LA frwys 95% of the time, best MPG is 19.97 and after 80k replaced the first set of Bridgstones to take a long desert trip, brakes still have over 50% wear left, not one major and very few minor issues. Love the way I sit, lots of room and Im 64" 240lbs, never a sore back. Love the V6/6 speed even though I might not get out 2nd on the 405 for an hour. Am I crazy? Only complaint is the 4x4 switch which does not always work, dealer thinks Im nuts. Wont always go in or out of 4 low on command.