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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  Dont have the feeling - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jprice - June 11 - 2:00 am

  This is my third toyota vehicle. For the first time I am concerned about the level of quality. What I am concerned about now were not apparent when I purchased the vehicle. However, now I notice the drivers side door panel doesnt fit flush with the side of vehicle, the temperature gauge sticks after an evening of subzero tempretures. Finally, the frontend makes uncomfortable noises when turning hard left or right when in four wheel drive. I am left hoping I can get many years of trouble free operation as I have experienced with my past toyotas.

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  Meeting the road - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Richard Hackney - June 10 - 4:26 am

  I have owned a basic Tacoma pickup since 1998. It is a great vehicle that has just turned 100,000 miles. The only service that has ever been done is oil, tires and battery. I changed the brakes one time. I have been thinking about upgrading to a Tundra for about a year but when I saw the 2005 Tacoma I stopped looking. Earlier this month I bought a SR5, Double Cab, Long Bed. It is a pure pleasure to drive. I commute approximately 40 miles one way to work and the difference between the 1998 and 2005 models is incredible. Of course, I got all of the goodies -- cruise control, bucket seats, variable speed wipers, fog lights, etc. Let the road beware!!!!

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  One hell-of-an off roader - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By TejasYOTA - June 8 - 1:06 pm

  In stock form this truck is very offroad capable. Good balance and grip and plenty of power. Only main gripe is the lack of a 5 speed when it was introduced and the damn placement of the digital clock. The electronic rear diff lock works great too. I only wish they offered a front locker too and offer the driver side grab handle on the a-pillar. It was deleted from the LIMITED versions. What marketing bozo thought of that?!

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  Fun to drive! - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe812 - June 7 - 10:20 am

  I have clocked about 1000 miles so far. I thoroughly enjoy the ride and it is a LOT of fun. I bought a locking lid for the back and can fit bicycles, golf clubs, beach chairs, etc. in the back with no worries. 4 doors up front allow me to carry 4 adults comfortably. I looked at a few SUVs but realized I would be forced to fold the seats down for my recreation equipment thereby limiting passenger convenience; garage limitations prevent me from getting a behemoth SUV. I LOVE the manual transmission and this is a great truck for my weekend "adventures". I picked it up in February and it was fun to drive in the snow we got in the north east.

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  Built for a purpose - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Billy Bob - June 2 - 10:53 pm

  I needed a truck that could seat three people (including booster seats) in the back, have strong safety features, and still be able to handle off-road conditions for camping and hunting. I ruled out the Honda Ridgeline because its undercarriage is more vulnerable. The Tacoma is designed for high clearance, and low roll-over risk, which means the floor is high and the roof is low. The transmission and transfer case are well protected. Everything else, including Tacomas flaws, derive from these design goals. The fronts seats are low. Toe room is bad in back. With side airbags and stability control, it is the safest thing out there. The roof meets 2010 IIHS standards for a "good" rating.

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  Never Buying Toyota Again - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By perfect-storm - May 30 - 9:33 am

  I purchased my 2008 Tacoma 4x4 intending to keep it a long time as they are supposedly known for reliability. Mechanically, the truck was fine and had no issues. I liked the truck and enjoyed driving it. Fuel mileage was OK with an average of 17 to 18 mixed city and highway driving. On the highway, it would get 20mpg if you stay under 70mph. I recently got rid of the truck as the frame was rusting excessively. I have never driven it on a salted road and I did not park it anywhere near the coast. Toyotas rep was extremely condescending and absolutely refused to do anything. No treatment, no coating, NOTHING! Check toyota frame rust issues and realize the problem still exists in 08.

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  Id buy another tomorrow...!! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By John Dick - May 30 - 6:00 am

  Best vehicle Ive ever owned. Only 16000 Kms, but absolutely fantastic so far.. No problems. Great truck man...!!

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  Lovin it - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By AU Taco - May 29 - 3:26 am

  Ive only had it a month, but Im in love with this truck. The V6 is really peppy and overall the vehicle drives and rides great. Build quality appears to be really solid and is what Im used to in a Toyota. I like the design and features of the interior and the seats are nice and comfy.

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  2016 Tacoma is dissapointing - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Andrew - May 25 - 6:18 am

  Resale value is the main reason to purchase this car. I grew up with Toyotas and had several, to include multiple generations of 4Runners. There is nothing left of the old Toyota reliability, or as the sales people keep saying everytime I am at the dealership, "QDR! Quality, Durability, Reliability!" The interior is cheap and poorly constructed, parts have fallen off behind my dash, which required the dash to be pulled to bolt things back into place. My rear differential was replaced under warranty due to excessive noise, but only after a year of documentation on it getting progressively worse. I kept being told this was just a characteristic of the vehicle by the dealer. While the engine is a poor excuse for a truck engine (3.5L with a faux Atkinson cycle that does little for gas mileage but makes power delivery always a question mark) at least I didnt make the mistake of purchasing the automatic. During test drives I immediately knew that would be a mistake. Still, the drivetrain selection even with a manual is questionable, at best. Hopefully I can sell this for enough money to help pay for a new Ford Ranger when they release in the US. Would not purchase again.

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  Basic 4WD Toyota compact pickup - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Western Plainsman - May 24 - 6:40 am

  The pickup rides surprisingly well; seat is okay; sufficient legroom; good passing power in 4th gear; 22 MPG at 70 MPH so far...1,500 miles. Bought the cheapest 4WD pickup Toyota makes; only option is Air. Ive added floor mats & a factory cruise. My wife inherited the Tundra 4WD. She didnt want the Tacoma because it has none of the goodies. Hey, but its paid for!