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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  A champ on the road! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By M Haddad - December 14 - 2:06 pm

  The Tacoma certianly has one of the hottest body styles of any truck in its class. The satisfaction continues with the interior comfort and style. The engine is tight with excellent performance. There is some concern over gas mileage. This con it should be noted was known at the time of purchase and todays gas prices. The bed liner and compartments are the envy of all who see the truck.

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  Great glorified wheelbarrow - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By gashley2 - December 14 - 8:54 am

  I bought my 2005 Toyota tacoma SR5 4.0L 6 speed 4 years ago. I really like the truck! In the entire time I have had it I have NEVER had to do anything to it period. I have only had to change the oil and put gas in it, thats it. You couldnt ask for a more reliable truck! The engine is strong and the 6 speed manual never skips a beat. I currently have 112,000 miles on it and have never had to do anything to it. However, I DO NOT like the composite bed has no tie downs for heavy items. THE TAILGATE IS UTTER CRAP and can not handle any weight had to replace mine. And doesnt get the best milage. I only get 15MPG at best my old ford V8 gets a lot better mpgs.

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  Tocoma Double-Cab for the road!! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ryan23 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Tacoma is a very fun truck to drive smooth and powerfull. It handels in the snow and off road like a champ. I love my Toacoma

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  0-60 of 9 seconds - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By PiNa - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I think this truck is fun to drive, all though a little small on the inside, but its fun to take on the highway, and smoke all the kids with there beaters, and civics.....in my opinion the truck is fast, out of the slow car category (weighing 3360)

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  Great truck! - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bill - December 4 - 7:53 am

  As original owner and the sole driver of this vehicle for 210,000 miles, this is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Considering buying another one, but Ill hold on to the old truck to drive to keep miles down on the new one! Not tons of power, but great for hauling light stuff, moving, landscaping, etc.

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  Great Rig - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Harness - December 3 - 11:10 am

  The truck is fun to drive and is just the right size, not too big or too small. The fuel economy could be better, but I understand the short- falls of having 4-wheel drive. The driver seat could have more thigh support and running boards/tube steps should come as standard equipment. Overall, Im please with the rig and look to have it a long-time.

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  96 Tacoma 4WD - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By rich - December 1 - 6:56 pm

  Bought this truck used and has been the best truck I have ever owned. This 1996 replaced a 1990 4WD toyata that I had. The 1990 replaced a 1988 Chevy pick-up that I bought new and that truck was a piece of crap. I will always buy Toyota. Also have a 1996 Rav4. A1 on both.

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  How could I do it? - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoDriver - November 30 - 10:00 am

  My coworkers were shocked when I traded in my 98 Tacoma, they knew I loved that truck. But the new 2004 is everything I ever wanted in a truck. I ignore the "Smooth" driving complaints, and such. I bought a truck, I expect it to drive like a truck. The interior is very similar to my old Tacoma, which I liked anyway, so the truck was immediately comfortable to me. I do agree that the clock is poorly placed. (Unless of course, you dont feel any need to see it.) Suspension on the TRD is great! V6 Engine is strong, Transmission smooth, and the truck looks, feels, and drives solid. Honestly, I cannot envision the truck it will take to replace this one... but

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  Very Nice Little Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By jleg - November 27 - 12:06 pm

  This is my first Toyota and it is quite a change from my Ranger. It is bigger, faster, and gets better gas mileage. The back seat is great for my three kids and the leg room is reasonable for an adult. It could use a bit more brake, maybe rear disks. The paint has a great sheen and very little orange peel compared to other vehicles in its segment. The engine compartment is cavernous and there is actually room to work if you ever need to get to the coil/plugs or the alternator. Not like the shoehorned engine compartments I am used to from past experience. Overall I am very happy with the trucks performance and look.

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  hunk of junk - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Shane030173 - November 27 - 9:57 am

  Bought mine in oct 2015 and complained about the transmission erratic shifting after a couple days of driving it. After getting the run around from the dealership I called Toyota Customer service. I was told the transmission is working exactly the way it was designed to work. Now I drive a F-150. I have been leasing Tacos for 12 years and 2016 is the worst vehicle I have ever drove. There is nothing good to say about this truck. The engine is weak and sounds like a sewing machine. The transmission is horrific. The seats are so low you might as well sit on the floor. The sunroof rattled and leaked. The bed cover didnt seal and leaked. Entune is worthless, I tell it "go home" and it sends me to IHOP. No power seat, no power rear sliding window, key needed to lock tailgate. Paint scratches when you look at it. Cheap lame fabric on the dash. Horrible on gas, 16 MPGs. Dont buy this over priced lemon.