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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  Fun and great - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jessie Yopp - May 2 - 5:30 pm

  The best truck I have ever been in. Fun to drive plus easy to drive also. When you buy toyota you buy it for life.

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  Sometimes you have to believe what you read. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By John D. - May 2 - 1:09 pm

  Everything negative you can read on this vehicle is true. The transmission has terrible shift flare on top of being geared improperly causing it to shift all the way to 4th gear climbing small hills. You would think with the 3.91 rear end would mean it could hold its own but seeing as your peak torque doesnt show up till 4600 rpm you will be in 4th gaining any sort of elevation. This will destroy your gas mileage. I may see 18.5 combined but I say between 16-17.5 consistently. Lets move on to the rear differential that sings between 45-65 mph. Toyota will absolutely not acknowledge this is a problem and some have this this is normal yet when you drive any other model they produce their differentials do not produce any discernible noise. This is coming after their rear end recall which led to people seizing their differentials due to leaking and low fluid conditions. The supplier of this component on top of their quality control is disgusting . You will have window rattles, dash rattles, door rattles and possible water leaks and faulty seals. This will leave you with a wet back seat ( failed third brake light gasket) or various sounds emitted from your windows as the seal breaks allowing air in. The low pressure fuel pump will make noise loud enough to hear through the sliding rear window. its loud enough you will never want to open it. Your truck will chirp like a cricket at idle .Your dealer may make sure your fluids are topped off but more than likely they did not and it is low on fluids from the factory. the only way you and prove this is by taking it to a private shop and having them check and fill everything. Toyota and the Toyota dealerships do not care about you or your vehicle. They want you to sign the contract and move on with your life and seek help elsewhere. The Qi wireless charging will cook your phone battery and hardly charge it at all. You may maintain battery but your phone will kill the charging as the temperature gets too hot. If you plan on lifting this truck you will have to buy a special bushing for the driver side differential or else your stock needle bearing will fail and you will experience drive line vibrations. You can not use android or apple carplay. You will be restricted to the entune system which is buggy and doesnt work 50% of the time. The GPS is outdated and runs on a 1 year lag and you will have to pay out of pocket 200 dollars for a new SDCard. This truck has incredible drive line slop and axle wrap. When you come to a stop the whole truck will settle and make a thud and when you accelerate the entire drive line has to pick up the excessive slack and you will notice it. You will regret this purchase and at 35k + you will be ignored, given the run around and treated like an idiot. Buyer beware and understand these trucks were designed to hold together for maybe 1,000 miles before they just start falling apart on you. Just long enough for it to be registered and leave you stuck. Then you will have to decide if trading it in and rolling negative equity or just living unhappily with it is what you want to do. So save yourself the stress, headache and embarrassment and look else where.

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  Excellent - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By vlapizco - April 27 - 9:00 pm

  Best priced pick up in the market for its exterior and interior design, reliability and performance on the road. Perfect size; not too big or too small.

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  Great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brett - April 26 - 10:20 pm

  Good truck for the money. Good on gas, lots of room interior and exterior for long bed. Nothing fancy, very quiet.

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  Great Truck - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By sigjuliussen - April 26 - 7:40 pm

  Love my truck, have had for 9,000 miles and I get 23 on highway and 18 in the city. Great off road. When towing a T@b trailer 1900 lbs need to down shift when going up Alaska mountains. If much heavier trailer I would suggest the V6. Pulls the T@b up mountains 65mph.

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  Little Red Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By ColSpieth - April 26 - 2:53 pm

  This has been a very good truck for me. I plan to keep it to 100,000 miles if possible or 2010 which ever comes first. No repair problems except for tires.

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  1997 Tacoma Extended Cab 3.4L 2WD - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By T. Clemens - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Only negative trait is the large turning radius. It (the turning radius) was reported as a negative in Edmunds review, but I didnt think it would be too much of a problem. But it is. Not to the extent of not buying one, but one must be aware of the large turning radius when operating it. It affects parking capability, U-turn capability, and close confinement capability. A few more inches of clearance would be beneficial as well. I think these issues were addressed with the 98 Tacomas. So, a few (2-4) inches of clearance would be nice, but a smaller turning radius would be much, much better.

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  Resale Value through the roof - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sam Casino - April 20 - 3:48 pm

  In 2017, if you have an unabused Pre-runner, better hold onto it. Its like gold in your hand. These trucks are bullet-proof, extremely reliable, durable and just keep rolling along with no issues. Ive had mine since it was new, have put over 300K miles on it, and it runs like new. Off-roading is a breeze. I can take it anywhere. These trucks will be hard to find, and will hold their value and more - just like the old Toyota FJ.

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  Love my Taco - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By CXC2225 - April 18 - 6:10 am

  Had this truck for 2 months and I am in love with it. The ga she mileage is mediocre averaging about 17.5 in town and 22 on the highway but its a truck. Nobody buys a truck for its excellent gas mileage. Ive been off roading once and the 4WD system in 4LO got me through the local trail just fine but I did use the crawl control feature just to say I tried it even though its not necessary. The crawl control and Multi terrain select features are great toys to have for off roading which is one of the reasons I went for the off road over the sport model. Some have been complaining about the transmission shifting gears to often and I did experience it early on but now that my truck has 3k miles on it the transmission is more in sync. Once the truck breaks in its far more responsive. Im 61 and I fit just fine in my taco and my family members fit all fine in the backseat. I love my 2017 taco and I will drive her to the wheels fall off and dont care to own any other pickup truck on the market.

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  much fun just the way I like it.. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By tito - April 14 - 3:56 pm

  Is pretty easy to drive and handle very well on curve, gas wise not the best need a little improvement, truck height is good, a lot of room inside that my wife even love it, she says it has enough space for my family and very safe.. I have sport package it looks good....thanks toyota....