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:

• 

  4th one is a charm - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ken - May 28 - 1:40 am

  To set the record straight , I have owned 5 Tacomas. One was away back in the 70s , but the modern Tacomas were 2009 , 2012 ,2015, 2016. I found the first 3 to be all pretty much the same, except as the years progressed the electronics became better with each truck. The gas mileage on each truck was almost identical for the first 3 modern trucks combined 16.5 mpg. I never reached 20 mpgon any of them , city or highway. Thewinter months the mileage went down to 14-15 mph combined. I have owned 11 trucks in my life . Of them,6 American trucks , all needed to have work done under warranty( as much as $3000 worth ) . None of the Tacomas have needed anything done under warranty ( not counting a replacement for bad weather mats). The 2016 is great . A lot of people have criticized the engine for being sluggish and the transmission constantly shifting. compared to the 2015 , that is true, but I have realizedthat my mileage is almost 25% better with the newer 3.5 engine and 6 speed transmission. I am getting and average combined mileage of 21mpg, reached an alltime high of 24.7 on a trip last week. If I want better performance I use the 6 speed manual shift and it feels like a sports car, but use the 6 speed automatic for mileage . I have noticed that the truck has plenty of get up and go when you jump on it going 65 mph and wanting to pass. it gets up to 85 very quickly. As I mentioned before the electronics have developed as the models progressed. The JBL sound system in my Sport model is crazy good. Loud but clear. The new backup alert has saved me several times from backing into someone or something. Same can be said for the alerts in the mirrors when a car is beside you in your blind spot. I love the style of the new truck and the beefy look it has . I get compliments all the time on the appearance of the truck. With all the combined factors , I think I have the best truck of all the Tacomas. Maybe I am just lucky with the mileage, but the rest of the features make it a pleasure to drive. 10/14/17. I now have 21,000 miles and still love the truck. Mileage has remained about the same. Happy about my purchase

• 

  Wonderful small truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By JimiDGreek - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Tacoma last year and I love it! Great on gas,I average 28mpg. Good ride,drives nice. A/C is ice cold. Cab is a little tight for me,Im 5`10. No problems at all with it. I would buy another for sure. Next time Im getting an extra cab. I feel its a better value than a Ranger or S-10.

• 

  "I Love My Toyota" - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By shirl - May 26 - 10:00 am

  this the second toyota truck i have owned. my other truck ran for about 12 yrs. i would not buy another make of truck. i have recommened this vehicle to many of my friends, who, incidently, bought one! i haul furniture, mulch, stones, plants, trees,etc. with no problem. the 4 wheel drive is a necessity, no matter where you live. in essesence, i love my toyota!! (recommend 4-door, even if you are only one person using) back seat access easier for groceries, etc.

• 

  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By cbrdoctor - May 25 - 10:23 am

  Title says it all. 24MPG, 2.7L Gone over every inch of it and looks typically Toyota great.

• 

  Not happy - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Terry - May 21 - 12:32 am

  I bought my 2016 TRD off road about 6 months ago and it feels like the transmission shifts way to quick and it seems like the engine cuts out while the transmission is trying to figure out what gear its supposed to be in, lm not happy. The motor seems to be sluggish because of the way it shifts to soon and goes to 6th gear way to quick, so its shifting all the time, hate that, Im ready to get rid of it !!!!!

• 

  Great Small Truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By MHadden - May 19 - 3:23 pm

  I owned a 2001 Sonoma years before buying this truck. There is no comparison. This truck feels like it has a V6 (only a 2.7L 4 cyl) and has an awesome ride while not being too harsh. What takes the cake is the great gas mileage. I didnt buy this truck for mileage, but Im averaging 25 mpg with about 40%/60% city/highway driving. Not to shabby. The composite bed is nice, Im sure it saves a few pounds off of the weight. I was bummed that it doesnt come with a tow package, but I did buy the OE hitch system for it. The man. trans is awesome, even when pulling a load. Keep your mud flaps on, the paint chips easily along the rockers; I found out the hard way.

• 

  my truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By victor benaqvidez - May 17 - 7:30 pm

  from the day i bought this vehicle i have had few if any problems. it performs like a dream and has never left me high and dry. i would recommend it to all my friends and relatives.

• 

  Best truck made for an outdoor a couple - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By heli_mhunter - May 17 - 5:02 am

  I bought the TRD access cab. My wife and I like to bike and canoe. This truck fits our lifestyle perfectly. I had a 4 door tundra (too big and looked and operated clumsy). The Tacoma however, looks incredible and feels and handles very smooth. I park it in the garage and just look at it. I would highly recommend.

• 

  230,000 mi and NO repairs needed - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sean93535 - May 17 - 2:00 am

  Briefly, I am the original owner and have only had to do maintenance. Well there was that body work, but that doesnt reflect on the reliability of these trucks. I am spoiled by this vehicle and am afraid to buy a new one because my standards have become so high. Another tidbit, It still has the original clutch, and I have never babied it!

• 

  Toyota braking - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma10 - May 16 - 8:21 am

  Toyota recently determined driver error as the cause of braking problems. As a driver of a Tacoma, I can see how this can happen. The brake pedal (on automatic transmission models) is very close to the accelerator pedal. I have on numerous occasions mistakenly hit both at the same time. This happens for me when I am wearing boots or larger width shoes. I have to be very conscious of this lack of space between pedals.