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:

• 

  My Choice Toy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By jersey joe - July 6 - 8:03 am

  I had never owned an import but was getting tired not having the reliabilty after 75k miles. The Tacoma was listed on the UAW.com website as a Union Made car to buy. Then after comparing on Edmunds.com nothing better in its class. The price was even better in some cases. So far it has been perfect choice. Fun to drive, more comfort than I even thought possible. Especially on the highway.

• 

  beware of rear axle clunk - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By lilBlueTruck - July 6 - 2:06 am

  I have barely 700 miles on my truck, started to notice this clunk coming from rear axle. They call it axle warp found 26,900 hits on google for "Tacoma Axle Wrap". All say Toyota denies it to be a problem. I am really tired of feeling rearended by my own drive train. What a piece of junk. Gas mileage is horrific, been driving it as gently as possible (as if I had a raw egg between my foot and the pedal). Gets about 8 miles to the gallon 60% highway - They say it will get better with more miles. will it get 3 times better. I feel tricked by Toyotas false marketing. Please check the web out about this clunk problem then decide if you want the chance of that.

• 

  meets needs - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By smalltown - July 3 - 6:14 pm

  I just bought it a week ago. So it has relatively few miles. But I drove it after a freezing rain and snow. The limited slip differential made a huge difference from a Ford Ranger and Chevy S-10 we had before (all 2WD). The seat is firm enough and offered good support. Maybe because of my size, the right outside mirror creates a huge blind spot at intersections. So short drivers beware.

• 

  An incredible truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By daveyo - July 3 - 3:41 am

  My 2006 Tacoma is the first truck Ive owned and it is amazing. Ive driven it over 280,000 miles and the only repair its needed was a transmission rebuild (didnt change the fluid frequently). I do change the oil regularly, and now change the transmission fluid regularly. This truck shows no signs of slowing down. Mechanically - its as sound as they come. The interior is very durable. After 280K, the drivers seat shows very little wear.

• 

  TRD - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By jim wilbanks - June 29 - 2:00 am

  The truck is beautiful and fun to drive. It handles all road conditions well.

• 

  nice truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By rev25sharp - June 24 - 5:50 am

  it is fun to drive. the back up camera is cool. i like driving it.

• 

  Wait for the 2006.......... - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By giggs11 - June 23 - 2:30 pm

  My car has 1800 miles and is 3 months old, I have taken the car to the dealer over 20 times. Problem consist of leaking, gear, rear brake and suspention noise. The vehicle I recieved had a defective seat, Shaft, seams behind the dash and even noise from the ignition when the car doesnt start. I would advise any person interested in this car to wait for the 2006 when they fix all the problems in this model. Toyota customer service dont put in the effort anymore thay just dont care, I have been treated very badly by both the dealer (who is 100% loyal to Toyota) and Toyota Corp. The dealers still dont know how to repair this car nor do Toyota. I had this car at the dealer for over 20days out

• 

  Great truck in need of transmission reprogramming - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco17 - June 21 - 8:31 am

  Ive been looking for a midsize truck. I was originally set on the GMC Canyon but after seeing all the safety recalls and consumer complaints I decided to pass. I ended buying the 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off road 4x4 double cab short bed, automatic, towing package and JBL premium tech package. My biggest complaint was the shifting problem with the transmission. After having the 2016 TSB for the issue applied (and transmission fluid filled to the correct level) at the dealer the issue is now resolved. I couldnt be happier with the truck but miss the HP and torque of my old 2004 GMC HD2500 with the 6 liter V8 (but not the gas mileage or rough ride when not towing). I do some offroading, and minimal towing (3000 lbs or less) with two kids and this was a great downsize from the "big" truck. Not to mention Tacoma reliability and resell value.

• 

  Great truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By howie - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the first truck that Ive owned and dont regret my decision to buy it. The double cab bed is a little small but adequate. I had a spray-in bed liner put in versus the drop-in shell that Toyota offers. I drove an Accord for several years and its taking me some time to get used to the difference in gas mileage.

• 

  Nice truck, but some standard equipment is missing - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill H - June 18 - 12:08 am

  Just purchased my 2016 Tacoma SR. Overall, I like the truck, but Toyotas SR is lacking some standard accessories that virtually every other car comes with. The most important is keyless entry. Yes, thats right, no key fob you need to manually unlock the door. This is absolutely crazy, the dealership even told me its not an option yet for the 2016 Tacoma SRs. They hinted keyless should be available for it in a few months for an extra $400. Also there is no homelink, so be prepared to find your garage door opener that you havent needed since the 90s. Also, there are no automatic head lights, must turn them on/off. Overall, I do like the truck, I am just still floored about the lack of keyless entry.