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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  5sp Tacoma Good Value - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Frank - January 20 - 9:20 pm

  Bought a 2.7 liter with 5 speed, as I commute with my truck. No need for 4x4, only raises insurance. Get very good gas mileage all around. Run 89 octane. Acceleration not too bad, although if going too slow in second gear but too fast for first gear, engine bogs a bit before rpms rise. Performance improved with a K & N filter. The bench seat is comfortable, although the center seat is ridiculous. Should have been an armrest or storage bin in center, like my 86 Toyota pickup. The stereo is not high fidelity by any stretch of the imagination, so I plan on upgrading soon. Many complaints on the blogs about 09 stereos. Recommend deflector for hood. It helps stop pebbles hitting windshield.

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  What a difference!! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bo in SoCal - January 20 - 10:03 am

  I have owned my 06 Tacoma for a nearly 3 weeks now and absolutely love it. The truck is the perfect size and the design is awesome.On of my friends bought a newer Silverado and I was amazed that the Tacoma was just as tall and long, STOCK! It rides much better than my old Dakota and is definitely more solid. I have no complaints with this truck!!

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  Great midsize choice - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By DCR - January 18 - 6:36 pm

  I traded in my 2004 Tacoma for the dbl cab v6 and I am very happy. The interior is much better and I have the JBL sound system and it is awesome. I pull a 5200lb trailer with it. I was worried it wouldnt do it but was pleasantly surprised, you can tell its there but the v6 has no problem towing it. The rear camera is a bit overrated because its a bubble type view but after awhile of using it you get accustomed to it. Overall these trucks are perfect for the mid-size class.

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  General problems - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By pgrazioso - January 17 - 3:51 pm

  Our truck is three years old. There is a squeeking noise in the shocks. We had the radio replaced. Also the lights on the dashboard for the the controls. The accelerator pedal was recalled. Gas mileage is less than we expected. Now we have rust on the frame. All-in-all we expected better from Toyota.

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  Tacomas are top Toys! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TOYLC1978 - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 1999 3/4 ton Silverado I bought new. This Tacoma carries & drives BETTER than the Chevy! I havent towed as heavy loads, but it tracks great in town. Ive also carried 1200 lbs. of rock payload on the freeway--great acceleration & no change in fuel economy. Love that I can park it anywhere. Theres also WAY more room in the double cab rear seat than was in the Silverado. Who says you need a full size truck?? Its truly a Toyota!

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  Taco Ma is bulletproof - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By vamnews - January 17 - 7:36 am

  As with all Toyotas, this baby beast is hard to kill. I do all the maintenance on my vehicles and this one is a breeze to work on with easy access to "hard to reach" components. I get 20-22 mpg w/ the 3.4 liter V-6 because I dont abuse it; but when I need it to perform, it answers the call. It hauls rocks, gravel, mulch with ease and can yank out stumps like a fullsize truck.

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  Tacoma Crew - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By gnshpdude - January 17 - 3:33 am

  2.7 L Is a little underpowered and only gets 1 MPG more then my friends V6 Tacoma. Seats get a little uncomfortable on long rides. Other then that a great reliable truck.

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  Best Truck Out There - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By DaGoomba - January 17 - 2:13 am

  I looked at all the mid-size trucks and you will not find a better made or looking truck than the Tacoma. All the other trucks seem to always be on sale but not the Tacoma 4x4. Toyota knows they have a good thing and you pay a little more to get one, but its well worth it. These trucks will hold their value and are built to last. The interior is very roomy and quite for a truck. I got the Sport Package with the upgraded interior and I love it. The hood scope adds a nice touch and gives it a little aggressive look. The V6 has plenty of power and is quick to respond. I’ve only got 500 miles on mine (drove from Sacramento to Reno over the weekend) and the drive was very relaxing.

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  Some Bugs to work out - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By ImTheDude - January 15 - 5:21 pm

  This truck is perfect all around. Decent gas mileage and has the interior of a comfortable mid sized sedan. Wonderful off road features. My only gripe currently is the transmission bugs that Toyota is currently aware of and supposedly working on a TSB for. The truck searches for gears constantly at highway speeds, especially if you have the cruise control on. UPDATED 11/22/16: After owning the truck for 6 months, I can say this is still a great truck. Im so pleased with it. Toyota released a TSB for the transmission that fixed the gear searching, but there are still some issues with the transmission flaring/slipping on cold startup. UPDATED 11/22/17: Ive had the truck for over a year and a half now, and the transmission still leaves much to be desired. It searches for gears (not as bad as before the update) wont upshift in certain conditions and I still cant use the cruise control. Its literally the only thing I dont like about the truck.

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  big mistake - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kaylor - January 15 - 2:19 pm

  Whistling noise on breezy days, transmission shifts constantly, anemic power, it does seem to get advertised MPG. Nothing like my 1999 or 2005 Tacoma. Very disappointed, will trade soon. Update... My opinion about the truck did not change, whistling noise continued, and I could not get use to the lack of power, really disappointed, my wife tried it for a while and took it on a trip to the mountains, she said it was a struggle to keep it going and didnt like all the engine noise. Had to really baby it to get 22 mpg and most of the time it was 19-20 mpgs. I traded it this month, got a Ram with eco diesel and Im getting 27 mpg not from the computer but checking it myself. Again this was not my first Tacoma it was my 3rd. I guess others are feeling the same see lots of used 2016s on the car lots.