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:

• 

  love the truck but some problems - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By jenjoeraines - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought my truck brand new and I have had to take it to the shop for more then regular maintenance a few times. At 30,000 miles the air bag hose got tangled in the steering column, had to be fixed. At 54,000 miles the air flow meter had to be replaced. Now at 65,000 miles and 2 clutches later the clutch pedal continually squeakes loudly and there is a "chirping" noise in the clutch that are just "part of mechanical wear" that nobody can fix making it hard to sell. I wouldnt have expected to need a clutch at 65,000 miles either. Other than that I love the truck, it has handled well for me and does great in every road condition.

• 

  Great truck! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By equin - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Very reliable truck considering I abused it for 145K miles. Only had to replace the battery (~100K), rear axle oil seals (~130K - only $7 each & easy to replace) & exhaust manifold (hairline crack ~140K - good excuse to get a header, another easy install). Holds up well with heavy loads. The 2.7L is real easy to maintain and practically bulletproof, except for the ex manifold. Does real well off-road even w/2wd. Lifts and other mods to improve its already great off-road ability are also easy to do. Biggest complaint is the uncomfortable front seats - could use more padding. Rear seats are for tiny kids only.

• 

  Everything I needed... - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoTruck - September 22 - 12:36 am

  I have a base 2wd Taco with Clock and enhancement pk. as the only options. This truck was exactly what I was expecting - no frills transportation with hauling capability, my 88 Civic with a picup bed basically. I get around 30 mpg on the highway, can haul mulch and mountain bikes, evan occasionally pulling a trailer for short distances. Resale value seems extrmemly high. Reliability wasnt what I was expecting from a Toyota, however as it was in the shop 5 times for coil packs and alignment. Also, the Wrangler HP tires are DANGEROUS in the wet - cant wait to replace. I added an OEM bedliner and CD/cassette purchased from online auctions, which really increased the value of the vehicle to me

• 

  Tacoma 4X4 - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By blootnik - September 21 - 10:00 am

  Overall it is a very reliable vehicle. Except for routine maintenence, it has not had any major problems or repairs. For a V6, it has enough pep, but being a truck, it isnt geared like a sports car either. I sold my Camry when I bought this Tacoma, and have no regrets. Sure, it doesnt ride like the Camry, but then again, I dont expect it to!

• 

  lier lier toyota shame on you.. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By teakrob - September 21 - 7:57 am

  I bought it in 05 for about $33,000.00 This truck with 50K miles is a money pitt. The service is way over priced. The recalls lists are long yet are minor compared to the list of problems toyota dosnt cover. 1 frame is so weak that it CAVED IN AT THE MOTOR MOUNTS. The result 8 weeks in the shop countless calls to toyota and b/s forever to have them say I need a new frame and it would be around $13,000 to repair my truck what a joke, not a funny one. 2 Newest problem @ 86Kmiles bad cats all four, around $5000.00 to replace. 5 weeks in shop to have them tell me that toyota will cover $1000.00 of it after I pay in full. I cant afford it and no smog w/light on so Im SOL save your money

• 

  Smooth Runner But Very Uncomfortable - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tim - September 20 - 7:43 am

  The Tacoma is very quiet and smooth. Comfortable ride but sloppy handling. Very little brake feel. The base model seats are absolutely miserable. The seat belt receptacles are too far over causing them to rub on my hip (I actually paid an upholstery shop to move the driver side over!). Im a thin person, if you are heavy or wide you simply wont fit. The steering wheel does not telescope out far enough forcing you into an uncomfortable driving position. I have owned it 4 months and Im already looking to trade it off because I just cant get comfortable in the thing. Too bad, too, because it seems well built otherwise.

• 

  Overall a great truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Den - September 19 - 4:23 pm

  This is the 2nd pre-runner Ive owned in the past 5 years (4 Toyotas altogether). Overall, quality is great-what you expect from this company. I bought it for my wife but she liked my 04 V8 4Runner more.

• 

  TO GET IT PERFECT - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob - September 17 - 4:30 pm

  At the time this little beauty was unmatched in the market place. Probably still is. However, to make it perfect, for guys who are not small, the seat could be larger for better leg support, the noise level, was really noticable from my Sport Trac and the suspension bottoms out way to often over large bumps that can occur on our nations rail track crossings.

• 

  13,000 miles, no problem - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By PJ - September 16 - 6:56 am

  The truck was delivered with everything working correctly and not one mark on the finish. 13,000 miles later everything is still working, no warranty issues to date. The finish does have a few nicks now.

• 

  Taco # 4 - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco Steve - September 12 - 1:53 pm

  After buying 4 new Tacos we know them pretty well. We had issues with the transmission on our 16 that have finally been resolved with an update to the computer. Now we love it. It tows an Edge Water 205CX powerboat really well. Its close to the limit of 6,800 lbs but really pulls strong. We use the ECT button and keep it out of 6th by using the manual option on the shifter. This one is the best yet. Our last being a 15 limited. Very quiet and smooth. We easily get 24 mpg with a fairly heavy foot on the hwy. Like many others we wish the seats were power and with more adjustments including the steering wheel. All in all its another winner Taco.