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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  Excellent - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By hazard767 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  i researched this truck and many others and test drove nearley every major manufactures truck i could find in san diego. when i finnally settled (no contest) on my 2003 tacoma xtra cab prerunner TRD (V6) this truck is by far the best, most comfortable driving truck out there. at first my impression was that this truck would have a stiff freeway ride and be bumpy as hell due to the off road suspension, but i was very wrong. a surprisingly smooth and quiet ride! and handles extreamley well off road, so if your looking to spend some money on a quality truck....this is what you need.

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  Very great truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By jeremy_good - January 7 - 12:12 am

  Ive got 90/10 good and bad reviews. I like the radio, which I have the V6 SR5 4x4 model with the TRD Off-Road pck, and nothing more I could say about how great it is to drive! The manual transmission, though, I got to say that I dont like. I hear a slight thump whenever the gears lever hits the end of the outline of the transmission gear shifter. The speaker system is bad and rad. It make the volume feel like its at 30 when its really on 18!

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  A good truck but for a few nits - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mywritingdesk - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Tight and well-built. Underpowered, but this may be the fault of the tall tires which raise the effective gear ratio. Driver seat felt weird at first but my bad back loves it, even on long drives. Weird and irritationg motor rap around 2K under light load, sounds like a rod knock, but cant be heard outside the vehicle. Some folks say the 3RZ motor will just keep running regardless. Bought a 100K "wrapper" warranty just in case.

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  The First choice in quality, fun & style - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By DMT Steve - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Tacoma for over a year. It has been extremely reliable, and it draws looks from many other drivers. When quality is brought up, all you have to do is close the door on me Tacoma and compare it to closing the door on anything else. You can truly feel the quality through a process as simple as that. I have over 20k on the odometer and it still drives as well as it did on day one. There are no squeaks or rattles, as everything is very tight.

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  Great Truck!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Azar - January 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck does everything. added a soft tonneau cover, tube type running boards, bug and tar deflector and wind and rain deflectors. looks really sharp.

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  What not to buy - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joe Munsey - December 30 - 10:06 pm

  I traded in a good Chev Silverado Ext Cab for this thing. Top 3 things I hate and will not buy Toyota again. 1. no power - I live on a ranch with some steep hills, it has trouble climbing 2. Mileage - rate at over 20 mpg have yet to see over 15 mpg 3. Warranty - just because my truck sees dirt daily (my driveway is dirt) item that should be covered is voided just because it used off road - written in fine print of the warranty The drive axle needed to be replaced - not under warranty. Bearing went bad in the front - not under warranty.

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  Fun Truck -Sharp - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By BWsTacoma - December 29 - 10:00 am

  I went to an auto show in Dallas and loved the Tacoma the most out of all the trucks there. I went and bought one a month later and have been very impressed with it. It is very tight, sturdy and fun to drive. I love pretty much everything about this truck.

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  Needs Improvement - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By friendlyphil - December 28 - 4:46 pm

  This is a fine truck. But the 5 spd. automatic transmission needs reprogramming. You get to 5th gear too fast. Then, theres no pickup when you need it. The cruise control downshifts two gears to regain the targeted speed, putting the tach at redline. This needs reprogramming also. Other than that, I really like the truck. The size is good. The orange dashboard indicators are hard to read during the day, especially the clock and temperature. Bright white would be better

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  Big disappointment - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tokyo Joe - December 22 - 9:00 pm

  Bought my dream truck 3 weeks ago but it has been nothing like a dream but a disappointment. Engine constantly knocks and the knocking stops only when I remove my right foot from the gas pedal or when going downhill. I also hear an unusual noise coming from the engine room during warm-ups and for the first few miles. Its a growling noise and sounds like something loose tapping. A local dealer says its a normal sounding engine without driving it and cars are supposed to emit a lot of noises during its break-in period. My car is only 500 miles old and Im planning to take it back to the dealer if the noises continue when break-in period is over. Toyota is helping to solve the issue.

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  Less than expected - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pride and such... - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Decent quality truck but I expected more from Toyota. We have all seen the mid 80s Toyota pickup still going strong with over 200k miles and I am maintaining the belief that this truck will do the same. Nice ride for a small truck. If you are over 510" tall the standard cab bench seat will be uncomfortable. Few trucks get 27- 29 highway mpg. Plenty of power for getting around town and up to speed on the highway. However, the truck is beyond sluggish with any significant payload. Radio changed stations automatically and the volume didnt work at times. Received replacement unit after 2 months of waiting and it does the same thing. Toyota has recall out for floor mats and pedal assembly.