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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  so far, so good - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Beemer - May 15 - 4:33 am

  For the money spent, the truck could have a few more bells and whistles. A good solid truck so far.

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  Nothing else comes close - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By akf - May 13 - 4:33 pm

  This is my 5th Toyota, and my 2nd Toyota Truck. There is no comparison in the engine power, noise level, fit and finish, and interior comfort among trucks this size. It is MUCH larger than the old Tacoma, and feels like a 4-runner with a bed tacked on. Gets up and goes. I Love it.

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  Reliable and No Major Repairs - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pergo - May 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Toyota pickup used with 15K miles on it. Having owned it for 6 years and driving it back and forth between CA and AZ many times, I can truly say that this little truck is awesome. With 128K miles, no major repairs have been needed. It is fun to drive and economical. Reliable and highly recommended.

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  Its half mountain goat - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By jill - May 11 - 11:56 pm

  I love my little truck, its civilized enough for every day driving, but when we go into the sticks - we go off road for hundreds of miles. It can rock crawl, stump jump, plow through 1ft of snow, is surefooted in freezing rain. One year it was so icy I couldnt walk without falling - but I could drive! Totally reliable tough little truck. Ive gone through brakes though. Move the clock so I can see it, gets poor mileage - but its fast - so its a trade off. I can haul plenty too - LOVE MY TRUCK!!!!!

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  A Little Disappointed - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ward - May 11 - 4:53 am

  This is my third Toyota. Although I have been sold on the overall quality of Toyota, I am somewhat disappointed with my present truck. I get vibration in the steering wheel between 55 and 70 MPH. After three trips to the dealership and replacement of two tires,I still have the vibration. Now the metal framework in the seatback on the drivers side is coming out through the fabric. The A/C fan motor would only work on high speed (resistor replacement required). The transmission shifts rough, the door speakers buzz when the bass is turned on step 5 (volume is only at medium). My best gas mileage so far is 20.2 MPG (hwy). Did I mention I only have 5200 miles since purchased new.

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  Love it! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By JKFlip - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Love my truck. Bought it 3 1/2 years ago already 3 years old and have never had a single bit of trouble with it. Great in snow/ice with 4 wheel drive on and couple sand bags in bed. AC ice cold, runs smooth, great for hauling stuff around. Seems to be holding its value great and every time I got to Home Depot someone offers to buy it! Id buy another in a minute!

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  toyota tacoma 2dr 4cyl auto - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By van - May 6 - 10:00 am

  gutless wonder in acceleration. straight shift is much peppier. rough riding. dependale transportation, good dealer service gas mileage averages 24-25mpg

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  Dont be fooled. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Disappointed - May 2 - 4:45 am

  First off, ive owned a 1986, 2001,2009, 2013. The 2001 was the best Tacoma by far. I test drove 4 different versions of the 16. The 6 cyl auto being the worst. It shifts like a 4 cyl. And that is no exaggeration. My 2013 although it sucks on gas miliage shifts like a dream. Smooth with no high rpm. The 2016 is nothing more then a half harted attempt at a "new" redesigned tacoma. The interior is ok. Nothing to get all gushing over. The ride isnt that great. Still alot of wind noise compaired to my 01. And there was a damn vibration comming up through the floor into the gas pedal. It was like my foot had fallen asleep. I really wanted to like this new truck but I just cant. They have even taken away the fold down front seat that was great for setting my french fries on. Its the little things. I hate how the camera now sticks out near the tailgate release where as before it was hidden. Mud flaps are extra. But beyond the asthetics and the body style seeming dated to me,Just my opinion, the enging performance I rate as poor. You can do better Toyota. I hope this verson doesnt stick around long. At the rate toyota is going the tacoma will be just as big as the tundra soon.

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  Update from OKHunter - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By OKHunter - May 1 - 9:30 am

  Update to a review written not long after I bought the truck. Now have almost 130K miles. Did the normal timing chain/water pump at around 90K, and have had all the scheduled maintenance performed. Only problem I thought was a design flaw was the front ball joints, which wore out at about 60K miles, due to poorly designed seals. Also replaced the stock muffler w/ a Flowmaster, and the stock air filter w/ a K&N cold air induction kit; that raised the mileage to about 19 mpg combined. I plan to drive this thing until the wheels fall off, then Im going to put em back on and drive it until they fall off again. If you want a solid truck for the long haul, look no further.

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  enjoyed my 1995 tacoma more - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By bslashbar - May 1 - 3:56 am

  This is my third toyota, I doubt I will be buying another Tacoma because I dont believe the quality is the same as the 1995 model I had. Got nearly 300K on it and I can only hope this one will give me half as good of service. Fuel mileage and power are both lacking in my 03 (avg 18 mpg) and the comfort, noise level and interior design seems to be lacking quite a bit. Have had some trouble geeting std trans to shift into reverse several times and had to move forward in order to get into reverse. Cup holders are really of no use as they are in the way and will not hold cups very well.