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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  TRD Tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Luc - April 12 - 12:40 am

  I have owned this truck for a year now and have had no issues at all.Gas mileage could be better (18 mpg) combined. The standard Dunlop tires have no lateral grip in the snow. Next year I will purchase a set of steel rims and install snow tires. Engine is loud when you step on it hard. I have had no problems with the transmition that others are talking about.This truck is very comfortable on long trips.

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  Good truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By ExcuseI! - April 10 - 12:56 pm

  Bought used in 2008, have literally driven it across the country. (Truck has about 110k miles on it now) Avgs 16-25 mpg. Took it tailgating in the southeast with 4 adults and gear and got 25 mpg on highway in "mountainous" terrain of western NC and SC. The truck has been worry free over about 15k miles. The power from the V6 has been more than adequate with hauling rocks, dirt and plants/trees for homeowner "fun" and around town. I havent towed with it. 60# dog fits in back of cab nicely as the seats fold flat and have a robust back. The cubbyholes behind and under the rear seats were borderline genius (they have become more common now, I think). The power outlet in truck bed is handy.

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  Think of it as an investment - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma, california - April 10 - 2:00 am

  This is the 2nd Tacoma Ive had. Im keeping this one as long as it keeps running. If you are looking for a small truck (S10, Frontier, Ranger,etc) do not make the mistake of buying anything but Toyota. Reliability and resale value do not even come close with the others. The first one I had I sold because it didnt have the xtracab. It had 34k on it and never one problem. The new one has 13k and is much nicer than the first (3-in-1 stereo is a great standard feature). The gas mileage is great and the ride is much better than the 97 I used to have.

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  Nice truck but not a keeper. - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By rblau - April 9 - 5:40 pm

  I bought my 2009 Tacoma regular cab with the manual transmission in June of 2010 with 13,000 miles on the clock and traded it in August 2012 with 42,000 miles on it. I loved the way the truck looked. Reliability was never an issue. My Tacoma never failed to start and never left me stranded. The 2.7 four is a great engine. I averaged about 20 mpg with it. My dissatisfaction was the result of the trucks build quality. I had constant rattling coming from the drive shaft going over bumps when the drivetrain was unloaded. The dealership replaced the driveshaft. The problem remained. Toyota said it was a known issue with the 4x4 manual regular cab. I would have to live with it. I chose not to.

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  My First Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By monchichi - April 8 - 10:00 am

  This is a truck that has SUV plus pick- up truck characteristics combined for a great price. Nice looking truck with handsome exterior features. Especially, silver. This truck has the ability to haul up to 6,000 pounds and is pretty good on fuel. This is my first car, and I love it with a passion because its reliable, sporty, rugged and sturdy. IF you want a car for a great price and if you like a SUV and cant afford it, then this one is for you. I love my 2004 Toyota Tacoma and would recommend for anybody out there looking to buy a truck but not spend and arm and a leg for it.

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  Ian - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ian Chenetz - April 5 - 9:56 pm

  This is the first Toyota I have ever bought and I am so happy with it, I love to drive it. Everytime I stop somewhere people always have good compliments about it. It in itself is a conversation piece. It is a solid truck that you can see and feel the quality of the construction. I will be a toyota buyer from now on.

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  Why so many complaints? - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - April 5 - 7:53 pm

  Not sure why so many complain of the "minimal headroom." Just bought a 2016 TRD Off-Road Longbed. Im 63" and have a good 3+" between the top of my head and the "ceiling." Yes, it is slower than the outgoing model with the 4.0L, but not a dealbreaker for me...its a truck not a sports car. Reliability and dependability are yet to be seen with the new motor and all new electronic gadgets, but Toyota is a trustworthy brand known for their quality, so I cant imagine wed be let down with the new Tacoma. Entune app/nav/audio suite makes daily driving much more livable than my 2008. Interior has been hugely improved. Only gripe is the transmission does hunt for gears a little. Smooth shifting so its not too bad. Overall, so far I think its a great truck and would recommend it.

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  Tacoma 4x4 - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By jonusko - April 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Toyota truck. My first lasted 10 years and it was still going strong when I sold it. This new truck has all of the features that I wanted in my old one. I have already driven it to Alaska and down to the tip of Baja. I have the confidence that it will get me where I want to go.

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  The Tacoma Delivers! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By MikeDean - April 4 - 2:00 am

  What else can be said about the worlds greatest mid-sized truck? I have the crew cab TRD V6. When I first saw this vehicle on the road last year, I knew I had to have one. There is no one thing I am disappointed in.

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  Updated from 2nd Gen to new one and happy I did. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By TACO man - April 3 - 8:53 am

  I loved my 2011 SR5, which I drove for almost 5 years and now having the Limited 2016 I can give you my opinion on the difference. Gen 2 was great value for the money I paid upfront. It never let me down and never broke down and it drove like a light truck loose and fast when you needed it. It gave me on average 19MPG, but it was pretty beat up from doing things around the house and just driving it a lot during that time. I traded it in with 93K miles and expected to get nothing for it, but I was very surprised when the dealer said Id get 18K for the trade in, so I decided to spoil myself and get the top of the line 2016. I was really looking to buy the 1794 Tundra, but the gas MPG scared me away. Oh just a side note Dealer and everyone Ive asked said they wont put a diesel engine on the tundra, so that dream of better MPG is shot. 2016 Limited Tacoma "BAD" truth is so far I dont like the Acceleration on the highway, when trying to pass someone It feels a bit heavy and as if youre dragging a big load. The 2011 didnt feel heavy to me and was very quick in my opinion. The other small issue Im noticing so far is the steering wheel control in relation to the Entune system. I feel the controls from the driving stand point could have been a little better integrated with that system when trying to switch from app to app or from control to control. It does switch stations and control the sound easy, but thats about it. The "Great" Even though I listed two small issues above, everything else so far is nothing but great. I love the leather seat quality and how rugged the truck feels and looks. The pictures online doesnt do this truck any justice as I was pleasantly surprised by the quality when I finally got my truck. The steering wheel is an upgrade from before, the quality in material, the sunroof isnt an issue for me and Im 62", the space inside is about the same as before. Love the feel of driving the truck, even though it feels heavy that also makes it feel as if its hugging the road and can go through anything. The 2nd gen hit a pot hole and the steering would shake and move the truck around, where this one hit the same hole and jumped over it with ease. The noise levels are very much improved, the sound from the JBL system is great almost feels as load as my old school box and amp from the late 90s. Outside the truck the limited rims and tires are good quality and look good, the cover is easy to fold and use and the locking tailgate is my #1 feature improvement, besides other improvements. Overall the truck feels like a mini tundra now and still looks a lot like the older Tacoma so Im pleased. Oh I paid 40K, which I thought was a lot, but my friend got a small land rover for around the same price and I much prefer my truck, so I guess all prices of cars have gone up a lot.