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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  My first toyota - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By jimmy - July 23 - 9:53 am

  I got this little pick up not long ago, Im still breaking it in and we are getting to know to each other. It is a basic model no power windows, no power locks, no power mirrors. Its an automatic white exterior/ ash interior. I really like the half cab on the back to have all my stuff in it, Im a big guy and I even fit on the back seat. I really like the dash and the interior looks, it is spacious for a small truck. I was about to get another truck but when I tried this one, I had no choice but to take it. It is simple, reliable so far, and looks sturdy.

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  Owned for 15 months 15k mi w/ transmission update - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Garrett - July 22 - 6:08 pm

  The first few months were a bit rocky with the new Tacoma. I had a suspension bushing go bad that caused a great deal of squeaking (sounded like a 30 yr old truck with a bad springs), annoying rattle in the headliner and the lagging / frequent shifting / wrong gear transmission issues that everyone has discussed in these reviews already. After a couple trips to the dealer to get those things all worked out, Im a fan. If you have a early 2016 model, go ask your dealer to reprogram the transmission with the latest update. I got mine done in early Dec 2016 and it made a night and day difference. The transmission has largely stopped acting laggy, the acceleration is much better and it drives like a different truck. If you are buying today, its a great truck and Id highly recommend it. Like any new model release, the early 2016s just had a few bugs that need to get worked out. Toyota has excellent dealer support (this is my 3rd Toyota truck) and did a great job of taking care of any issues. Update: Still happy with this truck. Great vehicle!

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  Had it a week and so far so good - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - July 17 - 7:14 pm

  Really rides nice. I hate the mpg but I drive a lot. The interior package is great. I can switch from radio to XM to podcasts all with my thumbs. The look is nice. I do feel the transmission looking for gears in the city but most of the time on the highway I can keep it smooth. I really want to drive it off-road but my wife wont let me...yet!

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  think twice or even three times! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By JunctionA - July 17 - 12:10 am

  I am still trying to figure out what it is with designers. They took a perfectly good size of the Tacoma and changed it. It is more bulky and deliberate. It is no longer a small truck - I might as well have bought an F150. The radio looks like art-deco, sounds ok but looks terrible ... real imagination at work here (sarcasm intentional). So the brilliant engineers again took something that wasnt broke and tried to fix it. A style and color upgrade was needed ... but bigger is not always better ... wake up Toyota!!!

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  Getting The Best - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By gary - July 15 - 5:46 am

  I find the pick-up (my 4th toyota) to be incredible. Its room, solid to drive with great steering and braking. The suspension is very stable. All the controls are in the right place even the parking brake which has been noted as "not easily accessible" by Edmund. The dash and gauges are well placed and viewed easily. I need leg room and this truck has it. The 4 wheel drive controls are very simple. Con: the seat beal is a little hard to connect. and I would like some protection from door dings i.e. side molding.

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  Love it! - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bean - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Disclosure - I wont buy American. I have owned 2 Rangers, many SUVs, but this is my 1st Tacoma. I LOVE IT!!! This is a daily driver/commuter for me not a work/ranch truck, but I may do light off-roading (hunt/camp). I got the TRD Sport Package w/ JBL - its perfect (I didnt need JBL, not a "stereo guy" but it is nice.) The ride feels high and solid. I wanted a truck (not a car) so I love the truck feel. The long wheel base and curb weight make for a smooth ride. I dont understand the "road noise" complaint - mine is V-6 & perfectly quiet at 75 mph. Brakes could be better, but no complaint.

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  Versatile Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By NY Blue - July 8 - 12:33 am

  Great package incorporating two real areas for seating adults and a bed that is usable for most of my homeowner duties. My wife loves the driving height, seat position and comfort. At 64" it is very comfortable for me even in the rear seat. The upgraded radio sounds incredible. Gas mileage for a truck, 22 MPG on hwy and 19 MPG around town is more than I expected. With only 1200 miles I am told it will get better but I am not counting on it. Unlike some other reviewers I did read the manual and you can change the keyless entry to give a chirp when activating the alarm.

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  A Real Truck!!! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By ex-18- wheeler - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Have the TRD package, stock, except added a grille guard. Took it up Horsethief Canyon Trail at Lake Mead Rec. area last Sat..Kept it in H-4 the whole time.(Jeez, when do you use L- 4???) Only lifted Rubicon jeeps could handle this trail, except for my taco. Larger 4x4s have to stick to civilized off-roads.

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  Awesome! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By rstancil5487 - July 5 - 1:23 am

  Toyota is the way to go. Dont buy anthing else people!

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  the yota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By nic burt - July 1 - 2:33 am

  14 years 285k miles. Best truck ever. Only thing I have ever replaced was idol air control valve. But never stranded me. Just idoled a little rough lol took this truck everywhere in some rough situations. My kids are 5 years old aandwill drive this truck when they turn 16