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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  My Toyota Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Romain Giger - February 25 - 10:50 pm

  I do like my Toyota Truck. It is a Pre- Runner Double Cab 4X2/V6. It has a lot of torque in the lower RPMs. The color, Lunar Mist and trim package SR5 looks very good and Im proud to own it. The interior is really nice, carpeted, good seats, an excellent sound system with six speakers. My wife really likes the air conditioner because it works so well. I think the fuel consumption is a little high. But then it is a truck. To ease the pain I try to hold the speed limit and seldom drive over 60 mph. Since Im a short person, 5"3", the truck is a little high for me to get comfortable in and out.

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  2002 Toyota Tacoma - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jerry - February 24 - 12:16 pm

  I love driving this truck. I spent many miles a day driving between and onto jodsites. The extended cab allows room for books and plans but offers little for a passenger. I also use it to pull two ATVs on a trailer when we go riding. The 6 cyl. handles the load at 65 mph on the straight level road but a slight inclines cause it to drop down a gear. At 20,000 miles, trouble arose with front end feeling loose and vibrating. Neither Toyota nor tire dealer could target the cause. Recall work on problem ball joints just completed and all seems smooth again. The Pre-runner ride is good and stiff and it puts you up in the air a bit for additional clearance and a better feel when driving.

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  06 Tacoma, three years in. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chuck W - February 24 - 10:43 am

  Bought my 2006 Black, 4WD, Short-bed TRD, used in June of 2007. It had 20K miles on it, and it is sitting at just over 60K miles now (April 2010). Wanted a smaller truck that was 4WD with four doors and I was willing to sacrifice power, fun, and space. So far, the space is the only sacrifice. The bed is pretty small when hauling things, but I knew that going into the deal. For the trucks size and weight, the power is outstanding. I pulled a Chevy 1500 out of a ditch with ease of course, I was still on asphalt and had good traction. Regardless, this was my first Toyota truck and I will own it until the wheels fall off! Great little truck, and still get compliments all the time.

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  Improve Quality Control Process - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By MGisi - February 23 - 7:23 am

  Nice vehicle, engine is a bit noisy. Toyota needs to improve their quality control process. I had to take my new truck back the first week to have a defective tire and defective brake drums replaced.

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  4x2 Double Cab PreRunner V6 (5 Speed Automatic) - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By ginflorida - February 21 - 11:33 pm

  Ive been driving BMWs for quite a awhile but my wife and I entered the home renovation phase that required multiple trips to Lowes/HomeDepot and similar stores. The day I had to pay a guy with a truck $20 to assist me with delivering some drywall was the day I knew we needed a truck in our household. Not a BMW but for a mid-size truck, comfortable and agile enough to move around town without mowing everyone down. I purchased a special demo version that contains almost every accessory available and its a sharp looking vehicle. My wife, kids and even the dogs seem to enjoy it. I feel good that I dont have to worry tearing up $60K plus vehicles while renovating our home.

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  Dont Pass this one up! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Super-Steve - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I gave up a Chevrolet to drive this. I only regret not doing it sooner. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its a 4 cylinder that has similar performance to a V-6 Mustang. Dont believe me, go race one! The ride is very solid and it has no squeaks or rattles. I paid a higher price for it, that other trucks of the same size, but option for option it really cost about the same. Toyota only builds what it needs, so therefore you will not find a "stripped down" Toyota on the lot unless they were special ordered for fleet purposes. The bottom line.... pure quality!

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  All youd expect and more - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Seaton - February 20 - 9:46 pm

  I test drove an F150 and a Sliverado. Best fit for me was a truck that I could drive to work, and to the compost or Home Depot on the weekends - Im not in the trades. This is my third Toyota (previous was a 4X2 Hilux and an 03 4X4 Tundra - both were great). Pros - mileage, interior design (esp. leg room) and overall appeal. Good sized back seat for the kids. As much or more interior room as a Honda Civic. On the down side, the truck rides a bit like a truck. Ford and Chev both rode more smoothly. Also, box is pretty tiny, so consider getting the long bed. I went Toyota because, well, its a Toyota. Im getting quality and I dont like spending money at the auto shop. VERY happy.

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  TOYOTA DOES IT AGAIN - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By blairway - February 18 - 4:23 am

  This truck is solid. Ride and steering is better than past versions. Interior is a step up from past Toyota trucks. Gas mileage is about 18 mpg so far.

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  The Best little truck I ever own (so Far) - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Trey - February 17 - 6:33 am

  I bought the truck used back in the day with less than 80K on it. It now has over 156k and only replaced the brake pads. I have overloaded this truck many times and even pulled trailers with a F250 on the back. This little truck does it all. I have the TRD package and it goes where ever you want it to go.

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  not what they used t o be - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By extoyota lover - February 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought this in late 2002. At 500 miles the motor started to knock/thud under light loads. One dealer said they thought the noise was injector related; imagine that knocking injectors. Another dealer, after telling me diagnosis may cost me said "we hear it but dont know what it is, these 2.7L engines are typically noisy, must be normal" They wrote it up as "no correctable condition found" sort of an oxymoron. So if you dont know what it is, how do you know it is not correctable. I have found a site at Automotive Forums.com where other have the same issue.