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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  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.

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  2003 Tacoma PreRunner V6 - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Adgirl - December 23 - 2:00 am

  A truck even a girl likes to drive. Replaced a 2000 4Runner for the Double Cab Limited edition with TRD package. Added a hard tanneau cover (Snug Top) that I love. Its a must for saving gas and locking up gear. Heard Toyota is looking to offer it as an option. Everyone is right about the clock, you cant see it in the drivers seat. Dials and gadgets could be updated. The double cab is awesome and provides lots of room. Way better than an SUV.

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  For those who still want a truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - December 15 - 5:56 am

  This truck takes a while to break in, but I am getting 21.5 miles per gallon (10,000 miles) up from about 18.5 when I first bought the truck. I think this is the most reasonable truck on the market. First of all, the 4 door crew cab can actually fit people in the back seat, even full size adults. Second, this thing can tow up to 6,500 lbs, which is more than enough for the average truck driver. Third, this truck gets 20 plus miles to the gallon. When you drive this truck, you will notice that the rpm barely break 1500 if driving light (lots of range in the transmission). But if you hit the gas, this thing will throw you into your seat (supposedly goes 0- 60 in about 7 flat).

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  1999 ToyTacomaReview by PJM - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By taco1999 - December 13 - 2:28 pm

  I bought my Tacoma used nine years ago, and I have done all of the required maintenance. The only thing that has ever required replacing due to failure was the mass air flow sensor. It went out about a year after I bought the Tacoma. The engine still worked with the blown mass air flow sensor; it just would not accelerate smoothly. These 3.4 Liter V6 engines are great motors as far as power and reliability, but they do not get good gas mileage. Mine gets anywhere between 17-19 miles per gallon depending on where and how I am driving it. Anybody who says they are getting above 20 miles per gallon is driving down hill with their ignition off or dropping it out of an airplane.

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  Durable Truck - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Meross - December 11 - 3:16 am

  This truck is fantastic. 182,000 miles and going strong. Drives like new, never breaks, and super reliable. This truck has never broken down- never- and starts every morning like it was new. Original clutch, original starter, original alternator, never a valve job, and the thing still averages 20mpg combined city/highway. This is simply a terrific small truck.

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  good but not great - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By esteband67 - December 7 - 3:00 am

  Purchased 04 Tacoma new. Love the outside looks. Power is good but not great. Dash and controls good. The clock is not visible but who cares. Everyone complains about the 4 cup holders. I love it! Put change in one, water in another, and Coke in another. Still one left for passenger. Only have 40,000 and the water pump went out. Good thing I got the extended warranty. I thought I would get at least 20 mpg on freeway but only have gotten 19. I get 16 in city which is horrible. For that matter, I would have gotten a Tundra. Would of got more power out of it and more room. I doubt I would get another toy. Nice truck, but expensive. Would look for something cheaper next time.

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  no worries - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By happytoyotaguy - December 2 - 4:46 pm

  By far and away, the most reliable vehicle i have ever owned... at 100,000 miles its just getting broken in... the a/c and heater work almost too well... with toyota quality there are no worries

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  Japanese WorkHorse - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Thai4Ever - December 2 - 1:50 am

  I got the truck at 75,000 miles. It blew a head gasket at 238,000 miles. I had the engine rebuilt for $3,300 with new clutch in 2007. I have 271,000 miles on it now. Minor problem was o2 sensor, catalytic converter, and seat belt buckle. I have driven this truck in soft nc obx sand, and red Clay in Northapton county. Its hard to get stuck. Ive never been stuck. Its is a classic workhorse. Awesome truck. My kids grew up in it, but now the extended cab is too small. Sorry to see her go. This a a truck you can push the limits. That means challenge it, drive it till it falls apart.

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  Tacoma is highly recommended! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By toytaco - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Tacoma brand new in August of 2000 and have loved it ever since. There have been a couple of minor mechanical issues, but the dealership has taken care of them completely. My 5 speed V6 offers low to mid 20s in mileage when compared to about the same mileage with the 2.7L four cylinder which is a real dog! I see people on here complaining about interior quality and such, but what do you really expect in a truck? You could spend almost twice as much on a Ford, Dodge or Chevy, but when it comes down to resale value and overall quality, they cant even compare.

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  Modified to out tow and power most V8s - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By dentalrepairs - November 28 - 10:00 am

  I get lots of looks when I drive my truck. Great appearance and everybody knows the reliability of Toyota Trucks. Not just that, but when people ride my truck, they know theres lots of horsies powering this baby.