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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  Very Pleased - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By drosian - August 28 - 9:33 am

  I was being lured to the 09 Tundra due to my towing needs I have a 5000lb travel trailer. The dealership recommended I get the Tundra but I am not a fan of the tundra in short it reminds of a sports car. I want a truck that is sporty and functional the Tacoma fits this desire. I have towed my trailer with the Tacoma and it has no problem power wise. I would say you can feel the weight behind you but the Tacoma has plenty of power to handle it. The only complaint I could offer is the daytime illumination of the radio and compass isnt adequate you cant see the display if its sunny. Other than that I have had the tire light come on and upon checking tire pressure they are fine.

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  Nice truck. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By john hall - August 24 - 10:46 pm

  Great truck. Fantastic acceleration for a truck in this price range. Gas mileage is pretty good considering engine size. If you want great gas mileage, be prepared to sacrifice performance and acceleration. I get 18-20 on the road, driving conservatively. A little less, driving aggressively. Give me acceleration and performance over gas mileage anyday. Glad I bought this truck.

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  My Used 04 Taco D-Cab - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rattles - August 22 - 9:53 am

  I bought this truck used and it only had 10k on it. Its my 3rd Toyota truck; an 89 XtraCab with 163k and a 91 4Runner with 269k (both had 22REs and 5 speeds). This truck was near-perfect for me for what I was looking for. The only problem I have had is a squeaky rear leaf spring. Otherwise it lives up to its Toyota reputation. I love the DoubleCab after having a sedan.

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  Great but annoying too - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By BobM - August 22 - 2:36 am

  Overal this is a very comfortable PU. I replaced a Toyota PU with 210,000 miles only because of rust. Problem already with the Tacoma. Purchased vehicle 6 months ago and I have replaced the rear bumper twice already due to rust in the corners under the license plate. The third bumper shows the rust popping through already. V6 automatic gets 16 MPG combined local and over the road. I saw no difference. Loud! Dont plan on listening to the radio while driving the interstate (you get 6 speakers but need 12). I hate the expression "Its a truck, what do you expect!". My last "truck" was quiet! The sound of rushing air almost puts you to sleep on a long trip. Constantly over steering.

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  Love my Taco - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jack - August 21 - 4:23 pm

  This is my 5th Tacoma. The new larger body style and larger motor make this truck better than it has ever been before. I am very impressed so far.

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  From a 14 TRD SPORT, to 16 Taco to 16 Tundra. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By SOCO TACO - August 20 - 12:04 pm

  I owned a 2014 Sport 4X and put almost 40K miles in two years so this about as fair as you are going to get. The redesign is 1000% spot on. Gauges are better to see, console is not a small box, the truck interior fits. Its now the correct size. Big improvement. The smaller 3.5 Lexus based engine is a big improvement for response. The previous 4.0 would move, but it took a little to get it going. With the 3.5 it wants to go and maybe a little too much. There an electronic trans control which manages the RPMs, and shift points and it feels like a 25hp kick. Push the button and stomp the gas and it will leave the 4.0 handily. At almost 5000 feet here in Colorado the "ECT" button is nice, but if you are not towing or need it in elevation I doubt you will ever use it. With the 14 I would have liked a 6spd and now I have one, and that is the biggest flaw in the 16. The transmission shifts too much and at the slightest grade. The old 4.0 would chug up a small hill and the 3.5 has to barrel up it full throttle and kills the hwy mpg. On flat ground, with a little tail wind I am sure the 16 will top close to 30 hwy mpgs. Toss in a grade or headwind and forget it. My 14 pulled 24.9 from Durango to Colorado Springs and that included Wolf Creek and Leveta Pass with the I-25 climb home. I read where Toyota went to a 2:90 rear end gear from a 3:25 in the Gen 2. The 16 autos need a lower rear end gear to smooth out the auto and aid in hwy mpgs. The Gen 3 is better laid out on the inside, handles and brakes better, and is noticeably quieter. The complaint about it being noisy is false. The power is there plus extra. The headlights are not quite as good as the 14 but close. I like the 16 because of the improvements, but in hindsight I would not have traded my 14 because of the auto transmission shifting issue. If you have a Gen 2 wait for awhile to see if there really is an issue with the trans or its just a few of us with it. TW forums has a list of threads from people with the 6spd complaints. I traded that Taco. Transmission is junk. Cannot tow like the 4.0, and a big disappointment. Take a look at the used lots, they loaded with gen 3 Tacos. Would not recommend this if you tow where there are mountains. Skip it for a few years, Toyota has some serious work to do with the trans and engine combo. My 16 Tundra is a dream, but its big. If you drive with fuel economy in mind, you should be in the low 20s. What 16 struggled towing the Tundra doesnt notice, and it shouldnt. Wish I still had my 14 Taco, but the Tundra makes up for it in Aces.

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  this is a sportscar w/ a truck bed! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By deltawhip - August 16 - 4:53 am

  The fit, finish, and materials are very good. Ive had no issues with workmanship or performance. This thing really moves! Handles great, brakes great, and the looks and stares I get driving around in the X are just priceless! Very good machine that needs that TRD supercharger to make it really shine. MPG not too shabby either at about 19 with mixed driving.

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  Good Pick Up - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hooray_beer - August 14 - 8:30 am

  Solid and reliable. I now have 120K and have only had to replace the power steering pump which I got from the dealership. It went out again in one month. I went ahead and replaced it on my own. The gas mileage is terrible for a truck of that size. On a good note, this is a great PU that I feel safe with my two kids and wife in. I also feel confident that I can go anywhere at anytime. PS. I pulled a Dodge 3500 4x4 w/Cummins pullin a Chevy 1500 SB out of the sand with no problem. 4 Wheel Low with a forgiving tow strap.

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  My awesome new Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Edward Turpin - August 11 - 12:40 pm

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  Things To Consider - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jwh - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I have 90,000 miles on my V6 prerunner. I have not had any major problems. I have a faint whistle when I excelarate and sometime when I let off the gas. My TRD stickers crack and peel. I also have a rattle in my dash. The truck is sporty and fun, it has plenty of power but there seems to be a some kind of timing problem with transmission towing a 2500lb boat including trailer and gear. It will jump out of overdrive. If I take it out of over drive on hwy it over revs the engine. The tires that came on truck are too big for it 31/10.5 the truck is not heavy enough to compress the tires to smooth them out.