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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  I bought it for quality...so I thought! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By EricAB - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I drive about 100 miles a day; after a few months of spending about 60-80 dollars a week just to get to work I decided on a toyota 4door tacoma after a little research I found they are horrible on pollution & gas(17mpg hwy POOR) but I had my heart set on this model so I bought it. I ended up regretting (dont go to Toyota of Claremont) theyre tactics are unsavoury!

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  awesome allrounder - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe shoer - June 26 - 4:43 am

  I have owned this truck for one year now and love it as much as the day I picked it up! Although its not perfect it far exceeds all GM trucks Ive owned, mechanically, reliably,and aesthetically. This truck works hard carrying weight 80% of the time and has performed flawlessly. After 50000KM I have had no problems whatsoever except for paint chips. Whether it be a result of poor paint (white) or to many gravel trucks, I dont know. Overall I am very happy with my first Toyota Tacoma.

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  GREAT TRUCK - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By chuck - June 26 - 12:30 am

  I love my 2006 Tacoma Access Cab 4X4. This truck is awesome! The V-6 has plenty of power and the gas mileage on 1st tank was 19 MPG mostly city driven. I traded in a 2005 Acura TL and this truck rides smoother than the TL did. I have owned 6 chev Z71s and a 2004 Ford F150 and the Toyota is my favorite.

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  Great 4-wheeler and commuter truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By RMORTON - June 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive tested my truck on 4-wheel roads up in Colorado each of the last 5 summers. Its handles the worst roads up there like a champ and doesnt appear to be affected by high elevation at all (unlike my Fords - boo, hiss!!). Its also my commuter car here in town and has been incredibly reliable. The tight body construction is terrific, especially considering the off-roading Ive done (careful offroading, though - I dont bounce it all over the place).

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  97 XCAB 4X4 - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By oldster - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Have not had the truck long but am very pleased with it. Had 86K on it and just had the 90K service performed with the dealer saying the truck is mechanically almost perfect. This is our 5th current Toyota and continues the tradition of great value.

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  Some Things to Consider - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By famousface - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Seats got better in 2000 but not great. It handles well and predictible. The factory tires really suck in rain. Ive had some transmission problems (pulsating in 1st gear) but other than that it has been solid. The mileage is about 20. I had a Subaru before this so it is different, but so far I enjoy it.

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  Had a good truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By filmelf - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This truck of mine was a great truck with a notible exception or two. 1. The gas and break pedels are to close to the seat (bucket seats). The clock could not be read and would be best if placed where the airbag key control is. The side bar in the door saveed me from serious injury when T-Boned by another car.

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  Love my truck!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michele - June 15 - 7:12 pm

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  Toyota = QUALITY - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By harmsfarms - June 14 - 10:00 am

  After a ten year hiatus from owning a truck I decided on the Double-Cab Tacoma w/ the TRD package and 4 cylinder engine. I feel the transmission is a little notchy at times, but overall a fine machine. Toyota has refined this platform to near perfection and it will continue to extend this level of buyer satisfaction through the next several decades.

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  Second Tacoma, not happy - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ty - June 13 - 11:23 am

  First of all, the economy shifting makes the truck feel like the slightest head breeze or up hill is dragging you down. I was able to get 26 mpg average on a tank of gas while driving back and forth to work (22 miles each way), however, while driving up the east coast on I-95 and utilizing cruise control for 90% of the way my tank average dropped to 18.7. (I know this because every time you turn your vehicle off you get a MPG for that trip and it keeps a constant MPG for the tank of gas as well). I ended up putting a rack on top for bikes and a kayak which dropped my average MPG, to work, to 21.2 mpg. If the truck is loaded up with 4 passengers I feel as though each small hill is a mountain as the truck feels sluggish and slow. I like the look of the truck, the interior is comfortable and the gizmos and gadgets are great. I wish there was a way to turn the digital feed off (between the tac and the speedometer, because I hate having it on at night). I had to sell my 2014 access cab for this 2016 four door for the additional room due to an addition to the family. However, though it gets better gas mileage (before the roof rack) I preferred the 2014 model much better. I did trade from driving a manual to a standard, so that could have a lot to do with the feeling sluggish. Give one a test drive and see what you think for yourself. I miss the old V6 model though.