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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  Buy at your own peril. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shaun - March 14 - 5:39 pm

  This is my 6th Toyota truck, 4th Tacoma, and 9th Toyota vehicle overall. 2017 TRD Sport in the exact config I wanted. I was hyped. Then it started falling apart, and Im not sure that will ever stop. I have around 13k miles on it, and it sounds crickets are mating under the hood. You know the annoying chirp of a pulley going out? Yeah, Toyota thinks thats "normal operation" even though theres a TSB for the same issue (High Pressure Fuel Pump) on 2 other Toyota vehicles, and the problem didnt show up until about a week ago. I hear the same issue is on a Lexus model, but of course they are redesigning that pump because, well, Lexus. So far Ive had a window track/motor replaced, 2 BSM sensors replaced, my battery replaced, had to get my windshield replaced from a rock chip that cracked the whole thing, and I think thats it. The service center has gone downhill, which was an incredible disappointment given my history with them, and Toyota corp has failed to stand behind their product. I should have just bought a Raptor, at this point I cant see Ford being any worse than what Ive got from Toyota. Sad state of affairs.

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  V6 power and Stick Shift - Nice Bed - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Clyde - March 13 - 5:00 am

  I have owned the new Taco for 1.5 months and in that time have driven it to/frm work on highways, moving 1500 lbs. of rocks, full bed of mulch, the truck is great, the composite material bed is always great and washes out well, my kid said something I wouldnt have even thought of "the bed doesnt get as hot in the sun, like the neighbors truck bed," a Nissan I think, the power coming from that V6 is excellent, the manual shifter is the only way to go, I thought maybe I should get the automatic, but really glad I searched for the 6 speed, no slush box for me, the manual takes a little to get used to but then the real fun begins, only drawback is I am getting only 16 mph.

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  Toyota Doesnt mean quality - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyota Quality? - March 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought the truck because its looks good and because its a Toyota, but I have had problems with the breaks, the U-joints, and the thing rattles very bad. Also the doors feel like paper when you shut them and it is noisy when you drive and if the windows are rolled down you get blown out.

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  First 500 - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - Cincinnati - March 10 - 9:33 pm

  So far I have 460 miles on our new Tacoma and I love it. I special ordered mine and at first there are a metallic sound from the undercarriage when the engine was cold. That has since gone away. I purchased a TRD with VSC (Vehicle Stability Control), DHA (Down Hill Assist), and HSA Hill Start Assist). We have taken it off road just a little and the 4 wheel drive works wonderfully. I have not found a way to test the DHA or the HSA yet but I bet that it will work just fine. I am still taking it slow and easy because I am still in the under 500-mile club. I have a feeling that I will never sell this truck.

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  Good truck, 4-lo a liitle tricky to do - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By retired_newmex - March 8 - 10:43 am

  Fantastic truck. Lo-4 a little tricky to engage/disengage

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  Great value - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nick George - March 8 - 5:30 am

  This vehicle has almost 100,000 miles on it and it runs almost like new. Its a truck; rides and sounds like one, but is mechanically superior to anything Ive ever owned with this many miles on it. Gas mileage is good at around 18 around town and 23 on the road.

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  Third Toyota truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hobopoet - March 6 - 7:40 pm

  In a word, excellent! Ive driven trucks for a long time, American and Japanese, but this is the nicest! This is my third Toyota. I traded a 2001 Tundra for this one and I think I stepped up. This one will do everything I want done in a truck. Im very pleased!

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  Great Truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By NICK - March 6 - 8:06 am

  I traded in my 04 Dakota for the Tacoma because the Dakota would bounce and hop like a pogo stick. The Tacoma is smooth and powerful and maintains control over even the worst road conditions. The only problem Ive had so far (and alot of people are having the same problem) is an out-of-alignment cab mount bolt that rattles over bumps, but once you finally find where the noise is coming from, it should be a simple matter of re-bolting it. Overall visibility is excellent. The stock sound system is pretty good, as far as stockers go. I love the seats on the TRD package--the side bolsters really help through fast curves. Overall, its one great truck. And its FAST!

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  2007 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4WD 4 cyl - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By jc01 - March 6 - 7:40 am

  Everything has been upgraded from what I was used to. Coming from my previous 1999 version of this same truck, the 2007 version is longer, higher, wider, stronger and smarter. I am glad that they have made standard the 4x4 mode being switchable from the dash and also improved rust preventation under the chasis by using thicker steel, other alloys, and rust inhibiting paint. Standard features I would of thought would be extra (bedliner, CD, AC, etc.) There is no comparison out there. Nissan, Ford, Mazda, Dodge, and Chevy can only hope to ever match the quality, dependability, durability, and plain sleek/smart design of the Tacoma. The Toyota Tacoma continues to define the small truck genre.

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  Wow! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Paul - March 4 - 2:16 am

  I just bought this truck a few days ago and have already put 200 miles on it simply because it is that fun to drive! Excellent build--just a monster on the road. Came w/ a 3" suspension lift and AT tires that only magnify the rugged look and feel. Recommended to anyone looking to have reliability and an overall fun time with a new vehicle.