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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  Ajax - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By a. Jones - February 17 - 6:13 pm

  Truck is high quality built and designed. Runs well with good responsive engine and smooth ride. All acessories are of good design, with exception of the clock placement. Solid construction with dependability throughout

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  Youll love this truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dennis - February 16 - 9:20 am

  Youll love this truck! I had always wanted a tacoma and this truck exceeded my expectations. Ive used it for hauling loads to the dump and hauling feed with no problem. Clean it up and its perfect for cruising around town. "The chicks dig it!"

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  Im trading it for a Chevy - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By tonyjag - February 15 - 8:00 pm

  Wanted a 4x4 for winter driving and home improvement type errands. The good: the 4 cyl engine is strong, quiet and fuel efficient. The bad: at 60 miles an ignition cable connector on the steering column became loose, payed to get it towed to the dealer, 6 hour wait and didnt get reimbursed for the tow, seats are extremely uncomfortable, clutch pedal creaks, the carpeting is all frayed, first gear impossible to engage unless completely stopped, radio labels are wearing off, bed makes loud noises over every pothole, shift stick boot fell through. In short this is the worst car Ive owned and its not that Im really picky either, Ive been driving a Chrysler for 5 years!

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  You cannot go wrong - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kyle - February 12 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased this truck used with 34k. I now have 101k and other than tires, brakes, water pump and belts it has never let me down. Pay the dealership for timing belt replacement - crank pulley is too tight to loosen. Overall mileage for v6 4x4 5 spd is around 20-20.5 city and 22, maybe 23 on highway if you are less than 75 mph. Towing is good with receiver and 4wd is excellent. I have gotten stuck one time. I want an 07 Tacoma but I do not want to get rid of this one. Paint, interior is like new. Ride quality is so so for a 4wd with 31x10.50 tires. Reliabilty and fun factor is why I still have this truck.

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  Finally, A Terrific New Tacoma! - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Keith - February 11 - 2:16 pm

  Ive wanted a Tacoma for years, and finally my wife relented. Got about 800 miles on it so far and those have been fun miles to drive. Gas mileage is not much worse than my Buick Rendezvous in city driving. Acceleration is great, much more than I expected. Quality of construction and detail are exceptionally well done. Shoulda got the step rails though. At my age, they wouldve come in handy.

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  I cant believe how bad the gas mileage is on this truck. - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By nycbugkiller - February 11 - 2:15 am

  I bought this truck with 78,000 miles used in 2008. I have to say it is very reliable and it starts every time I try and fire it up. Of course it bounces all over the road like a typical small size truck does on bumpy roads. I just bought new Monroe shocks and struts that have to be installed. Ill see if that changes the ride. Regardless, when I first got it I was getting 16mpg. Dont ask what happened but I am at 142,000 miles and for some strange reason, I am now getting like 13. I have changed the spark plus, got a new air filter, new tires, I keep the air in the tires at the right poundage and I still cant understand it. And its a 4 cylinder.

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  paint! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - February 10 - 12:13 pm

  Use the truck only for recreation; road trips to races, tailgating, a few cross-country road trips. Im 65" and have plenty of legroom. Firm but comfortable ride, hiway mileage is acceptable. Have an automatic tranny and quickly learned to keep the truck in 4th in hill county. 5 speeds are nice for flatland mileage but it constantly shifts between 4th and 5th in hilly country. Only major complaint is that the paint is junk. "Impulse red" looks great but it chips if you look at it wrong. Ive seen this complaint from other reviewers so Im far from alone. Never, ever had a vehicle that chipped so easily. If it werent for this Id rate the truck as far and away the best in class.

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  Solid Truck - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By bukstr - February 4 - 1:01 am

  Bought a TRD Off-Road version and have already put 25K miles on it. The truck is very comfortable to drive, relatively quiet inside, and it is just the right size for my needs. The JBL sound system is comparable to the upgraded sound systems on most luxury cars. The V6 provides more than adequate power, but Id love to see the Tundras 4.6 V8 as an option. The BFG tires that come with the off-road strike a great balance between on road and off road driving. Also despite the Edmunds review the brakes are not at all spongy, if anything they are grabby.

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  Excellent Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Crazy - February 3 - 5:00 pm

  Its what you expect from a toyota and then some.

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  Great investment!! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By My BABY! - February 1 - 10:40 am

  I purchased this truck as my 5th Toyota, Ive had 2 4Runners, a rav4, and a camry. Not to include my families trucks. I drove 3 different models of Tacoma before purchasing mine, all different engines. I settled with the 6 speed manual. I love it to death. Ive had it for six months and have nearly 7000 miles on it. I take it on trips often from Augusta, GA to Conway, AR. It does great! It is amazing off road, better than all the other Toyotas Ive driven so far. Handles and climbs great. My dad and uncle went and purchased after me. They have automatics though. They love them.