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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  Needs new design - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jj - January 15 - 2:06 am

  The temp and compass above dashboard needs designed so you can read it in the daylight! Stock radio and cd player are junk, dealer quoted $700.00 to replace! Truck has great exterior design and looks great though!

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  A Keeper - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ralph Shaffer - January 14 - 11:40 am

  The Toyota Taco is the best engineered automobile Ive ever owned. Its like driving a car. A big car. Like a Cadillac. Its quiet on the highway and the big 16 inch tires and long wheelbase make it a dream to drive on a long trip. Seats are just right for my arthritic back, all controls are easy to reach. Maintenance is a dream - they even give you a drip catcher for the easy to reach (topside) oil filter. Only time will tell how this holds up under the freeze-thaw-snow-salt Pennsylvania winters. The 4X4 transfer case is a dream - just turn the switch. Mileage is kind of stinky if youre used to a car, but not bad for a 4X4, about 17mpg. It runs on regular gas just fine.

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  Selling it - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark777 - January 14 - 5:00 am

  Owned many Toyota models and this is my biggest disappointment. Interior parts scratch easily. Wildly revving cold engine starts. Touchy clutch. Transmission very hard to down-shift into first when cold unless you are at a stop. When you finally get it in gear you will most likely smash your knuckles into the sharp edge the designer felt was practical to leave on the dash at the end of the shift levers travel. A horror story for short driver/tall passenger combos. Knees will be smashed into the space hogging dashboard. Would it have killed Toyotas bottom line to put a split bench in this vehicle? If you are looking at this truck, do yourself a favor and get the Access cab.

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  Frame rust - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By pgrazioso - January 13 - 10:18 am

  Weve only had this 2009 for three years. There is lots of rust on both sides of the frame. There is also rust under the hood where the cross-bar supports the radiator. We are wondering if this is common and what people have done to solve the problem.

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  60000 Mile Review - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By DanB - January 11 - 5:53 am

  I bought mine new in 2004. I have not had a single mechanical issue with the truck. An improperly tightened gas cap triggered a check engine light several months back, but it cleared itself. This truck has good low range power. I have had 1200 pounds of hardwood floors in the bed and have pulled a 21-foot Ranger boat with it. It pulls better than my previous full-size Bronco, but doesnt have the mid-range or top-end of other trucks. It works well within its rated capacities. I average 21 mpg, but this is because I dont drive hard. If I drove like most traffic, Id get the advertised 18 mpg. The comfort of the seats was absolutely terrible and I have replaced the seats which helped.

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  please give back the headroom - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sean - January 8 - 5:22 am

  Beware if over 63 or taller. May hit head on moonroof edge if dont tilt seat back. Toyota...Its 2015. How do you not offer seat height adjustment even on limited model?

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  Transmission problems - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By ben_talla - January 7 - 7:16 pm

  I have the SR5 4x4 off road. The good - rides nice, has power, handles well. The Bad - auto transmission has no sense at all. Drops into 1st gear on slow turns and downshifts when it should not. Toyota refuses to address the problems. Seating is low and the lack of available power seats which I thought I could live with, adds to the mix... has me trading back to Nissan with only 3K miles. Tranny drives me nuts.

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  Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 Access Cab - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By BlueTacoMan - January 7 - 4:33 am

  Performance: Performance and handling is great. Has plenty of power. Driving the mountain pass had no problem passing the big rigs even towing. 4x4 handled the snow well. The electronic transfer to 4x4 is smooth. Interior: Quality throughout. TRD seating is very comfortable. AUX jack is a bit awkward in placement as the flap that covers it gets in the way. The sub woofer is a plus. B/U camera would be nice to be able to use when not in reverse. Exterior: The TRD Sport comes with a stylish hood scoop. The 17" TRD wheels and tires are stylish and handle well, especially in the snow. The composite bed is a plus as you dont need a bed liner, but is slick so cargo tends to shift and slide.

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  I will cry when I have to get ride of it - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By LWags - January 7 - 12:10 am

  This is my first very own vehicle and I couldnt have gotten any luckier! I have been driving this truck for 11 1/2 years and its still going strong. Gets around surprisingly good in winter. I replaced the starter approx 5 years ago and other than that I have only done preventative maintenance. I have been rear and front ended and the other vehicles came out worse off than the truck!! I am in the market for a new Toyota and would have no problems selling my truck to a friend or family and know that they would be taken care of!

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  I wanted to really believe in the Toyota name but* - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Not my next choice - January 6 - 1:30 am

  This is my first truck and chose specifically for credibility of Toyota products-I’m not happy. The transmission had issues right away regarding bad shifting, lunging, in and out shift at normal road speed 45-50mph. It’s been worked on 3 times and the last time shifts were so violent It seemed to tear the rubber in the mounts. Computer update corrected the issue for two months now problems starting again. The navigation system is a joke, entered addresses on 5 occasions and every time I ended up using my phone. I backed into a small wall and shattered my bumper yes “shattered”, I was shocked to discover the bumpers are plastic- Shame on you people at Toyota—- truck my ass