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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  AWESOME - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brown - April 29 - 9:46 am

  I sold my 2003 Ford Supercrew for my 2005 Tacoma. I have not looked back once. It is a pleasure to own and drive. It is great for Houston, TX traffic.

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  I got what I bought - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By mrfinfish - April 28 - 11:06 am

  This truck "is what it is"; an economical version of a small truck, very handy and economical around the suburbs and city driving. Principal reason for my buying this truck is that Im sick and tired of loosing $10,000+ a year in owing a Ford or Dodge $30,000 vehicle when purchased new. I bought this truck for a little over $16K; it gets 22 to 26 mpg; it is decidedably uncomfortable; its 2.7litter engine performance is acceptable, and one year after my purchase, Ive probably lost between $3 and $4,000, based on its current resale value. Do I wish I had a big truck with 4-wheel drive? Sure; but its a function of whether I want the cash in my pocket, or in the dealers pocket.

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  Compare to 2004 - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cameron - April 24 - 8:33 pm

  Traded my 2004 TRD 4WD for this truck. Feel like completely different trucks. 06 feels/drives much heavier (it is). Despite increase in HP, doesnt feel any faster. Very comfortable, mileage is same on highway as 04 (20-22mpg) worse in city (16mpg or less!) which is very disappointing. Weight and size may mean that it doesnt off-road as well as 04, which was extremely capable. Plastic molding on wheel wells looks like it could damage more easily than on 04. Over-all I feel like they made big improvements on comfort and style but might have taken short cuts on durability. Verdict is still out. If you have an older Tacoma, think hard before trading on this one. its not a compact anymore!

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  My Puny Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Buster Hoffmaster - April 24 - 2:43 pm

  I previously owned a 2006 Tundra that I bought new and drove 160,000 miles....basically trouble free. I needed a new truck for a variety of reasons, but the Tundra had just gotten to "big truck" as it got older, so I focused on the Tacoma. I searched and searched for just the truck I wanted and finally found it....two states away (seems Toyota is not too keen on selling customers what they want....just what Toyota wants to build at the moment). But that is another story. Also, I realize that the complaints below are based on my experience owning a Tundra, which was a MUCH better truck. So as for the Tacoma, I get my truck, and my first trip is from Texas to Colorado for vacation. On the road, I discovered the three BIG DOWNERS about the truck almost immediately. The engine is very underpowered.......the transmission will drive you crazy with its constant downshifting just to get up a normal highway overpass, and the fuel economy is nowhere near what the manufacturer claims. Dont plan on any quick passing on the freeway. Wont happen. This engine is just not right for this size vehicle...... And the transmission........wow, what a piece of crap. Does a six-speed transmission really need to shift into THIRD just to get up an overpass?? I know this is really an engine/transmission problem, but you would think a company like Toyota could have figured this out a long time ago. Finally, this truck is supposed to get 20 MPG (I think) in the city. I get 14 (I am not an aggressive driver). I get 19 on the highway (driving the speed limit) and I think it is supposed to average 27 ? I have had it serviced at the dealership, and they assure me everything is as it should be. Really?? You should really be a died-in-the-wool Toyota fan to buy this truck.

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  Consider your options.... - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kalhoun - April 22 - 10:00 am

  First off, the truck was delivered dirty and damaged. The salesman tried to clean the upholstry with paint cleaner. That ruined the drivers side seat. The area where the top of the cab connects with the side at the passenger window was not ground down and the weld joints are exceptionally noticable. The AC and heat "whistle" on the top two speed settings (unless set to highest or lowest settings). I wouldnt purchase another Tacoma.

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  Yahoo, Im back in the saddle again - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Svend - April 20 - 4:13 pm

  This truck drives like a sports car, yet has the capabilities of a large truck. Moving down the freeway, if I only want silence I can shut off the cd/radio, outside road noise is minimal at best. Load it up with bed full of dirt and still has get up and go, and with the locking dif no issues going through the soft stuff. I havent had any issues squeezing into parking places where ever I go, only problem so far has been at the gas pump where I spend more time there than I want talking with everbody about the truck.

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  Class of its own - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By accelrviii - April 19 - 5:23 pm

  I drove mostly American made pickups while in high school. After driving one of these Toyota pickups, I will never own anything else. Its really a no brainer. Looks, performance and yes untouched reliability put it way above the rest. I have 135,000 miles on mine and no problems. Toyota will never have financial troubles when they make trucks like these! These trucks will be around for ever.

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  Sporty looking rock solid TOYOTA!!!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By marknjo - April 17 - 10:00 am

  We bought our Taco end of last year and have since put 8600 miles on it. Toyota really hit the nail on the head with this one. It is by far the best looking and most comfortable compact crew cab on the market (I tried them all). Roomy, well built interior coupled with Toyota reliability sold me right away. I, like everyone else, would like the clock relocated AND made LCD instead of LED, which you cant read if the sun happens to be shining on it. I would like to have more HP. I could supercharge, but I cant get past the $3000 price tag. It gets around fine and pulls my boat right down the interstate, but you can never have too many horses!

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  great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By kingdmn - April 13 - 10:00 am

  i put ladder racks on my truck and use it every day for my construction business

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  Tacoma issues - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma10 - April 13 - 12:29 am

  This is the six Toyota I have owned......probably the last. Toyota dealerships/service has always been the weak point in my experience with Toyota. I am currently driving a 2010 Tacoma double cab. Nice truck, but has a couple issues. Number one is the transmission; it always seems to be "searching" for the right "gear", not a big deal, just slightly annoying. It has done it now for almost 15,000 miles. Second issue is the AC/heater blower motor. It has been making a ticking sound for months. I took it to the dealer in December. They told me the motor is bad and it had been recalled. A replacement was ordered, but as yet has not arrived at dealer. I have given up talking to dealer.