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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  Should Be Better - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By likenicethings - March 9 - 5:50 am

  There are only a couple of choices for a mid-size pickup. The Tacoma is an average vehicle that could easily be much better. All Tacomas speedometers are off by 3 mph and all 4-cyl engines tick like toy engines. The 4-cyl engines are less than adequate for a useful pickup truck. The transmission has to downshift twice going up marginal grades at 65 mph. I want more mpg than the standard 1/2 Ton PU, but need enough power for adequate highway driving.

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  This really is the best Tacoma yet - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By MH - March 8 - 11:58 pm

  Wow, there are a lot of bad reviews on here (more than I expected), but I can tell you Im more than happy with my new truck. This is my third Tacoma (2002 TRD V6, 2009 TRD Off-Road) and while both of those trucks were phenomenal in terms of toughness and reliability, this truck has all of that and much more refinement. It rides so much better than my previous trucks and is quieter (unless youre using cruise control at 70+ mph on the highway - Ill get to that later). The brakes are much improved over my 2009 (not spongy) and it actually has some modern technology in it. The interior controls are laid out in a simple and functional way as all Toyotas are. This truck feels so solid and well built. Look underneath the truck and youll see what I mean. This truck just looks so bad-ass too. The chrome mesh grill, the great looking 16" rims on the TRD off-road, no mud flaps (truck looks so much higher w/out them), the long hood, the lines on the side, and the stamped tailgate. I absolutely love the way this truck looks. Now to the bad...I do have to agree with some of the reviews on here. The engine gets very noisy on the highway at speeds over 60 mph especially when in cruise control and the truck meets an incline (any steepness). The transmission down shifts, causing the engine to rev and it is loud. Fortunately for me, I dont drive a whole lot on the highway and Id never take my family on vacation in this truck, so for me, this is not a deal breaker. I also agree that the gas mileage is not better than the prior Tacoma V6s. Im averaging about 17 mpgs in mostly city driving. There is no car (or truck) that is absolutely perfect, but for me, this truck is exactly what I wanted and expected. I have zero buyers remorse and I guarantee you when I eventually get rid of it, Ill have no remorse collecting way more money than if I had bought another vehicle. The resale value on Tacomas is unbelievable. And theres a reason for that...

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  Great Truck, 10 years till my next one! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff Miles - March 8 - 1:03 am

  I have to be honest that this is the best truck that I have ever owned. It does great on gas. I never have any problem with it. I use it for hauling, loading kayaks, mountain biking. And driving all over the country. In 5 years I have put 100,000 miles on it with no problem. I plan to put another 150,000 miles on it. I just keep the oil changed brakes and tires every two years and she runs like a champ. Great looking truck to. Next time though I think I am going to buy the v6. Better for towing my motorcycle!!

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  Ok truck but noisy - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Anthony - March 6 - 4:19 am

  I owned a Nissan Frontier and the tires were bigger and the seats were better and you did not hear a lot of noise from the engine and like the Tacoma the engine has some power on the v-6 model but the Frontier v-6 is more powerful can handle bad weather better but the Tacoma has a better blind spot area than the Frontier both trucks are way over priced the Tacoma is mostly hype from its rich past the truck is made to fast and is poorly engineered Toyota is becoming like GM to big and it hurts when you fall from the top what can make the truck better is bigger tires and correct the engine noise problem and a better braking system this may be my last Tacoma

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  Great Midsized Pickup - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark - March 5 - 5:57 am

  I purchased my Tacoma Off Road one month ago. 22" of snow over the weekend - 100 yd very steep uphill driveway - unplowed - truck never noticed it. No problem in 4WD high. Its a beast in the snow. Cool factor - my high school kids and thier friends love the vehicle.

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  Tacoma - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By podwich - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is a peppy little truck. It has good onroad performance and absolutely excellent offroad performance. The interior is somewhat spartan and the rides a bit stiff, but its a truck and I like it. Ive had absolutely no problems with this truck.

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  The Best - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jonjon38 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the first truck that I have ever owned that has met the durability and dependability that no other has been able to give to me.

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  perfect truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By shawnwat - March 5 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Tacoma Xtra Cab TRD 3.4L V-6 5 speed is a wonderful truck. It performs great in 4 wheel drive, from the snow to the beach to mud trails. Its 190 hp has more than enough zip to it. I plan on having this truck for a long time.

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  Love it - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By TRD06 - March 4 - 10:46 am

  I have had my truck for just about a month now, and I love to drive it. We took it on a trip to NJ and got 20 mpg. Not bad for a pickup.

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  My 3rd Tacoma - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill Lawson - March 2 - 10:20 am

  I love my Tacoma, this is my 3rd one. My last Tacoma, I owned for 11 years. It never broke down or had any problems except a thin layer of rust in the usual places. (WD-40 stops rust) I was forced to sell it due to a career change. But after a year without a truck I just had to buy another one. This one is quiet and smooth riding. No need to dodge pot holes, it takes bumps real well. I put about 1400 miles on it so far. I get 23 MPG in town. That seems a little low for a 4 cylinder but comparable trucks are not any better.