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:

• 

  Tacoma Rules - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By MoonBuggy - March 2 - 2:16 pm

  I have driven and owned several trucks. The Tacoma is the best so far. Solid, reliable and sporty looking too !

• 

  Brand New Taco - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - February 28 - 2:40 am

  Just got a new V6 auto Access Cab 4x4. Lost my 97 to the frame issue. Tried a 4cyl 5spd and I liked it but didnt want the manual for daily driving. This is my 4th Toyota, 3 trucks and a Highlander, and all have served me well. I have the SR5 package with PW, PL, inter. wipers, cruise, etc. Not the top level TRD. First impressions are very positive. Like the ride, smoother than the 97 but still trucklike stiff. The power is great and transmission is very smooth. The cab is bigger and more comfortable and fit and finish are excellent. I find it fits me very well but limited adjustment of seat and steering wheel my create trouble for some. I will update my review once I have more drive time.

• 

  Awesome truck, despite a few minor flaws - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bryan - February 24 - 7:24 am

  I will start off by simply stating that I LOVE THIS TRUCK! It was everything I was hoping it could be and more. However, considering that this is an informative review, and that anyone reading it is considering a hefty investment, I should probably be as objective/critical as I can. Lets dive in! The Good The drive quality is fantastic! The Bilstein suspension really is worth the money. Not only is the ride quieter, it is smoother overall (this refers to both street and offroad driving). The cabin is quiet and you really feel like you are in control of the vehicle. The features at your disposal give your drive a combination of sporty and luxurious, which I think is a really nice quality. I cannot begin to discuss how cool the Entune system is. Essentially, you are turning your phone into your entire entertainment center. The system functions via Bluetooth and syncs basically everything. You can use Pandora, Facebook, and other random applications AND still have solid phone capabilities (the ability to program speed-dials in the car itself is a big plus for me). The Heads-Up-Display behind the steering wheel also offers some cool and useful features. The "Bad" I put "bad" in quotes because what I am discussing is not necessarily bad, but it is less preferential that I would like. I received running boards with my truck. They seem like they get in the way more than they help. Granted, I am 61", but they seem like they are too high on the frame to be useful. The front seats are fairly comfortable, but you do get stiff when you sit for too long. I am taking this with a grain of salt though. It could simply be that the truck is brand new and they need some time to break in. The interior storage is a bit of a bummer. I used to have a Tundra and had a ton of storage under the back seats. Toyota has opted to turn it into a cargo box, eliminating 60% of the space you could otherwise have. Its not devastating, but the bit of extra space would be useful. My only complaint with Entune is that the bluetooth is a bit glitchy, I guess is the best word. Once everything is connected, it works great. However, sometimes my phone wont connect automatically and it is a pain to get synced again. I also know that my phone is a bit older, so it could very well not be the trucks problem. Overall, I can say that the Tacoma is a joy to own. It does everything that I want and was looking for with several bonus options. I would recommend it to anyone who inquired hands down. It is a combination of practical, luxurious, and sporty. I would encourage you, the reader, to be as informed as possible. Even though I love this truck, personal preferences and needs differ. Do your research and compare models/trims. Hope to see you out in the dunes!

• 

  Its a Toyota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By eric - February 23 - 6:06 am

  Great small truck, much better gas milage than my previous Toyota V6 4x4. Also seems to have more power (not for towing though). Only complaints are seats lack padding, and turning radius could be tighter. A limited slip differential would be nice, but overall I am very satisfied with this truck and I have owned 5 different Toyotas and Nissans

• 

  Man I love this truck - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By jss5724 - February 20 - 11:16 pm

  I bought this truck last year after my wife and I bought a house. I needed to get rid of my car payment and needed a cheap, reliable truck, so this fit the bill. Got it for $2800 with 145K, bald tires, and a dented bumper. I changed out some of the parts that would likely leave me stranded (battery, starter, cables, alt.) after my starter went bad. I changed ALL fluids, cleaned it up and now I feel like I have a new best friend. The bed has enough room to hold all of the supplies I need to keep me busy doing yardwork all day. My wife is a doctor now and I have the opportunity to have a REALLY nice car, but I continue to drive "the old goat" anywhere and everywhere. Thanks Toyota!

• 

  2006 tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By jim hecker - February 17 - 8:13 pm

  Performance is great, but has vibration and harmonic hum starting at about 54 mph. Has been there since new, havent taken back to dealer yet. Also, 2 of the wheel center caps will not fit straight, are crooked. These are the only problems so far.

• 

  First Truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By David - February 17 - 10:06 am

  This is the first truck Ive owned, but Ive always liked the looked of the Tacoma and trusted the reliability of Toyota. Due to a limited selection, I got the sport package and tow package which was more than I needed, but the truck has a beefy look. It rides well for a small truck and the 6M is fun to drive. Ive only had the truck for about a month and havent made any road trips, but as a daily commuter it is comfortable. I got the extended cab for the additional access, but like the other reviewer, I agree that the space would only work for a kid; however, its fine for small tools, groceries, etc. I considered the Nissan Frontier but I liked the and feel of the Toyota better.

• 

  Great Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By sockman - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Love the Tacoma Crew Cab! It is a great truck and is the best looking small truck out there. Looks great, however it doesnt ride quite like its big brother the Tundra. I do highly recommend this truck over the other small trucks.

• 

  Originally a Chevy guy - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By aspry - February 17 - 12:40 am

  Never thought Id buy anything "foreign" but Im glad I did. This is one great truck and can actually be used like one.

• 

  Tacoma, Extended Cab. - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ricko - February 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Toyota for years, but this is better than I thought it would be. The 4 cylinder engine is more than enough to get around with, with or without a cargo. I have seen reviews saying it is under powered, if you want a sports car, buy one! I love this little truck, looks good, drives good, all that a new car should be. Great vehicle, really nice.