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:

• 

  New Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By swiss123 - January 5 - 12:33 pm

  I moved from a Ford Ranger to a brand new Toyota Tacoma. Much more room and cargo space then the Ranger. Seems to have more acceleration power even with same size engine. Just feels better put together.

• 

  so far, its awesome - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By ryanf - January 5 - 2:00 am

  so far this truck is everything i wanted and more. Nothing bad to say about it. Everythings perfect.

• 

  Taco Review - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Harry Nonnemacher - January 4 - 12:43 pm

  Outstanding vehicle, overall good quality, very user friendly. 21 MPG average with a v6 5 speed. Excellent safety features as well. Plenty of power, very responsive acceleration. Overall good price. A good looking "beefy" truck!

• 

  Compliment getter - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By larry - December 31 - 11:50 am

  I have the speedway blue with the sport package this has the hood scoop. I have people walk up to me all of the time to coment on the color and style of my truck. This makes you feel really good. I spend a lot of time on the highways around phoenix so I already know it looks good now the performance and comfert is outstanding. When I punch the gas at 70 mph it still sets me back in my seat. I am in my forties and have had a lot of cars and trucks and my tacoma is by far my favorate.

• 

  Lemon - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By DevScott - December 31 - 10:00 am

  My tacoma broke down after a week, had it fixed, broke down again two weeks later. They have been blaming it on interior water leaks that short out the electronics. Its in for the third time now, still leaking water, still breaking down. 2000 km. 5 weeks old. Its been in the shop for 12 days and counting. Anybody can make a lemon. Dont get caught up in

• 

  Great Ride - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - December 30 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first truck and I only had about two weeks but so far its great! It has a lot of power and a comfortable ride. The double cab provides enough seating for the entire family although parking can be difficult with the extended cab. I still prefer the look of this to the short cab which seemed somewhat disproportionately stubby in the back. It is a good looking truck both on the inside and out. The interior is roomy and there is ample storage space for accessories and water bottles. The MPG is pretty low but should increase as I break it in.

• 

  Overall great truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By whynotyoko - December 28 - 10:04 am

  Purchased my 2010 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 Long Wheel Base (SPORT PKG) in January 2010 and have driven 64,000 miles with no major issues. I have had one small annoying issue (blower fan). The blower fan has a chirp but cannot be fixed and the unit has been replaced by the dealer 4 times. Its simply a design flaw because they use cheap bearings and not good sealed bearings for the blower fan. Ive driven from Canada to Florida and repeatedly from Tennessee to Michigan for family and business. It blasted through 20 inches of snow the weekend I purchased it. The Dunlop tires were so-so, but I replaced with Michelin LTX AT2 and it provided great dirt, road and snow performance. Highly recommend!!

• 

  flip7016 - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By R Brant - December 28 - 8:10 am

  extremely happy with overall operations of the vehicle well built would definitely recommend this vehicle

• 

  Can you really go wrong with this truck? - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chris R - December 27 - 2:10 pm

  I have the SR5 model of this truck. I really would have liked a manual transmission but that was only available with the short bed crew cab. The transmission shifts smoothly but does seem to hunt in lower gears. The brakes are spongy as others have noted, but you will learn to adapt to them quickly. Very comfortable interior--very car like; but make no mistake, this is a truck through and through and will handle the road well when the pavement ends; I live on a washboard dirt road out in the sticks. Quite a bit pricier than the domestics but it will hold its resale and it will last. I know. I still have an 86 Toyota pickup that runs great. If you can afford to do so, buy one.

• 

  Ride is nice - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lee - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Everything I read said the tacomas ride was unpleasant. Im a 65 210lb guy and im not uncomfortable. I will say though the first week I owned it the seats where tough but thats expected its a new truck! This truck has power and you can feel it while in lower gears. Pickup is nice too. No real blind spots that i see.