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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  05 Tacoma Off Road - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By nickotto7 - March 27 - 10:46 pm

  Have only had it a few months but all seems like expected so far. Have one small rattle from engine compartment which sounds like a loose heat shield that I am going to get fixed in a day or two. Comfortable interior, very little road noise, handles like a car. So far so good.

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  Xrunner a fun ride - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Broward Xrunner - March 26 - 4:40 pm

  Ive owned my Toyota Tacoma Xrunner since January. Its has been a joy to drive. The 4.0 is very nice with the six speed stick tranny. The hood scoop and low profile are excellent looks. The wide tires let this truck out corner many cars. I own 3 other trucks. Two are for work, the other is a full size Chevy. Well the Chevy just sits now. The Xrunner makes driving fun again. People love to talk to me about the truck. It really turns the heads.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By jay ramsey - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I drive a great truck. My Tacoma is an all around well balanced good 4wd. It has great ride quality. It is a fun vehicle to own.

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  Good truck with some issues. - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jeff - March 23 - 6:03 pm

  I purchased this truck in 2013 brand new. I still own it in October of 2016. There are two design flaws and one other issue with this truck. The two design flaws are: 1. There are two rubber strips across the top of the truck that come loose in strong wind or at the car was. Im not exactly sure why these two rubber strips are on top of the truck in the first place. They dont seem to do anything except come off the truck. 2. The painted on descriptions of the controls. For example ... POWER on the radio knob. These painted on descriptions come off over time since they werent recessed into the dash then painted so you couldnt touch the paint. In my opinion if they were just recessed without painting they would look better. So the descriptions of the knobs will come off over time due to touching them. The other issue is towing and the shifting of gears. I towed a UTV on a utility trailer. I could not use the cruise control when towing this UTV because the RPMs would go too high. Even without towing something the shifting takes a while at higher speeds (60+ MPH) when getting on the highway. Once it does finally shifts gears lowering the RPMs its fine. I love the way my Tacoma TRD looks and handles, but there are issues that keep it from getting a 5 star rating that could have been caught in the design of this vehicle. I would recommend this truck but not if you want to tow something at its maximum towing capacity and as long as you are OK with its design faults.

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  Beware of The Clunky , Rusty 2005-2011 Tacoma ! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill Robertson - March 21 - 8:20 pm

  While the engine is strong and the truck seems to hold up , the issues with cracking leaf springs and rusty frames makes me tell people to be very careful . My trucks leaf springs died at 67k miles and at the time Toyota had not recalled the nearly 700,000 tacomas ... Although I fixed it I am not getting reimbursement from Toyolet ,and they continue to cheat me and thousands of other customers . Google "Toyota rusty frames " or " Tacoma leaf springs failure " .. While the trucks look butch they are weak and the customer service is an abomination ... Beware of the last generation Junk Tacomas from Toyolet , not worth the money or the hassles .. Buy a real truck .

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  Happy Camper - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Real McCoy - March 21 - 5:40 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned, very sporty looking and scheduled oil changes is only maintenance that has been required. Very happy with this vehicle.

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  Couldnt be happier and def no regrets - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Paul - March 18 - 2:32 am

  After doing a lot research and talking to people who own other tacomas, I decided to get one. After previously driving a 13 Camry se and 14 RAV4 limited, Ive got to say for a truck, Toyota has done an incredible job. Everything seems more durable and a lot easier to keep clean than my previous Toyotas. The look of this vehicle I cant stop looking at it. My parents just bought 16 Chevy Silverado 2500hd and although its an amazing truck as well but impressed that a truck thats $13k less comes with a bed liner. The ride is great and people complain about the seats, Im 511 and body builder build and Im perfectly comfortable. I do wish there was height adjustable but Im still comfortable. I love that the speed limit pops up on the instrument cluster. Gas mileage, this is a truck, not an unibody vehicle, but averaging 20.4 in mixed driving and lots of Boston traffic. Wish I got tech package with blind spot etc like rav but cant have everything. After test driving a 17 Colorado, I feel I got more bang for my buck. Bedliner, bed power outlet, keyless ignition, and the best resale value of any value on the road and it was kind of no brainier. Everyone I ask how you like your Tacoma always says I love it. I couldnt be happier and can def feel this truck will last a long time. My daily commute is hour to work and back and I dont regret getting rid of my rav. Im comfortable and just love the ride after all this is a truck and seems to me lot quieter than I thought it would be. But this is my opinion do your research and test drivers, ask people how they like their tacomas and make your decision, personal preference is key these days....

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  The Tale of the Toyota - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By RobertF.Basler - March 17 - 1:25 pm

  Great l/t, It really is a fine vehicle,We take it to Wetumpka ,Al. twice a year from the time We got it. Truly, when I buy another,It will be a 4-door.The truck is a GOOD truck. Very good on gas,low to no maintenance,I would feel a little more comfortable with more cabin room. ps killer tunes and blue tooth

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  Ill never sell - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Luke - March 16 - 10:00 am

  This truck is one of the best trucks Ive ever owned! Starts every time and all I do is change the oil and tires. The over all cost to get around is less that any other truck I know of. 13 years and still running like a champ! I bet Ill get 300,000 miles on this one easy. Thank you Toyota!

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  Most Reliable Vehicle Ive Ever Owned! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By edmundsreviewer - March 16 - 10:00 am

  I picked this truck up early 2006, and it has been a pleasure to drive. I just had to perform my first non- routine maintenance on the truck (front brake job)@ 80K. These brakes lasted 20K longer than any other vehicle Ive owned. I use this car for everything including , commuting, hauling, towing, and driving the beaches of the OBX. The truck still drives like the day I got her, without any squeaks or rattles. Im getting the itch to buy a new car (lexus ES350 or Corvette), but my Tacoma is not going anywhere. The car is too reliable and versatile to ever think of letting it go. I have no doubt this car will go over 200K with little more than oil changes.