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:

• 

  Worth Every Penney - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By dbatten - March 29 - 7:26 am

  Well, Ive owned my Tacoma for almost a year now and its time to review it. I had wanted one for about two years and when I found out they were changing the style for the 05 I went in and bought an 04. Ill let Toyota work the bugs out of the new design before I give it a try. Toyota is good, but not perfect and the 04 is basically the same truck they have been building for 9 years. Theyve had lots of time to get it right. So, what did I get for my money? I got a vehicle that I can take my wife and 3 kids in to get groceries or I can take a few buddies and enough gear to go camping for a week. Its smaller size and high ground clearance allow me to go places where others cant.

• 

  Randys Blue X-Runner - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Randy - March 28 - 3:10 am

  I am very impressed with the build quality and the design detail of the Tacoma. It seems that each time I look at the truck I notice more lines in the exterior design. One thing that I can not get over is the amount of attention I get in the Tacoma X-Runner. No matter where I go people come up and ask about the truck.

• 

  GAS HOG and high insurance rating - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By willysworker - March 26 - 6:16 am

  Bought my Tacoma PreRunner new with 2.7 L motor and automatic transmission. It has 97,000 miles and has been a gas hog. Never gotten over 22 MPG. Loaded and doing 65 MPH on interstate it averages near 18 MPG. It also has a higher than normal insurance rating even with my excellent driving record.

• 

  Best Truck I have ever driven. - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eissac337 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had no problems with this truck...best car-buying decision I have ever made. I know other people who also own tacomas...we are all very much satisfied. I have never needed warranty service thus far.

• 

  Well worth the switch over from the 2013 Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By hwdiprdner@aol.com - March 20 - 3:51 am

  I had a 2013 Tacoma which was a fantastic truck and did very well for me with all the heavy use I put it through. I had always wanted the Toyota truck to step up to more automated features, a sunroof like the old ones had, and heated seats etc. I decided to trade it in for the new TRD sport long bed 4x4 with Technology package. I have not been disappointed. The new truck is far quieter, more roomy in feel, better looking and great and awaited options. I have been overall impressed and happy that I had made the change. There is a lot of feedback talking about the poor acceleration and I have to say that I agree that it is not a spunky as my old truck however; it is not enough to sway my thoughts on the new truck. I am also dissatisfied that they do not include mud flaps as standard equipment when you are paying the higher price for this vehicle. Lastly, purchasing the long bed and desiring the tonneau cover that is available on the short bed, Toyota is slow on getting some of the after market products out to the public and at a much higher cost for the new truck. After having the truck for 7 months now, I am still as happy with the truck as when I purchased it. I have taken several long trips in the truck and I pull a trailer and quad. While going over steep inclines I just feel that the transmission is more noticeable as it has to shift more often to make the grade and at higher RPMs. Still very satisfied with this vehicle.

• 

  2006 Tacoma 4x4 2.7L - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By LifeByTheDrop - March 19 - 11:56 pm

  I drive 50-60K per yr and needed 4x4 truck so went with the Tacoma Access Cab 4cyl 5 sp man. Ive been completely satisfied. After >10K mi Im getting 24.8 mpg on 89 Oct fuel. While I havent been in any serious mud, the 4 wheel drive has moved vehicle well through mud, even with OE tires. Manual trans was a little stiff, but has smoothed out with mi. I dont pull any heavy loads, only 14 fishing boat, and havent had any problem with 4cyl making hwy speeds and hills. Im 63" and there is plenty of room in cab for cooler, brief case, etc. Changing oil and greasing u-joints is easy. Ive installed tool box in bed and hidden hitch. Good luck to us all.

• 

  One truck to beat - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By JC - March 18 - 4:53 pm

  I looked around and it did not take me long to make a decision in buying this vehicle. I have encountered the same difficulty in clearing my leg from the steering wheel when entering the cabin but in general, Toyota you have come a long way in design and performance in this category. Fuel mileage should improve.

• 

  Towing converter - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ray Rounds - March 17 - 7:33 pm

  I love my Tacoma; its fun to drive and I think it gets better gas mileage than rated on freeway driving. The styling is the greatest and the power is great. I probably would get better street mileage if I kept my foot out of it, but I love the power response.

• 

  Awesome Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By ETD1010 - March 16 - 9:00 pm

  This truck is amazing. I LOVE the body style, and the V6 really packs a punch. The TRD package made it easy to get ALL the features I wanted, and even some I hadnt thought of but LOVE. With all of this backed with Toyotas reputation, this is an awesome little pickup.

• 

  Little Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Crazymagman - March 15 - 12:33 pm

  This is a great little truck. The steering feel is better than my Maxima, and the truck is very responsive to quick steering actions. There isnt a ton of power from the 2.4L automatic, but I bought it for a daily driver and to haul things for the house, so its just what I need. The stepside bed really sets off the styling of the truck, and Ive only seen one other stepside Tacoma with the same wheels that mine came with.