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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  I love this truck! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By love my truck - September 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck thinking it was a 4wd at first sight, when I found out it was 2wd I was slightly disappointed until I drove it. I have had no problems whatsoever out of it. I have replaced the tires @70000, windshield wipers,front brake pads and headlights, thats it. A careless woman struck me and did 6500. in damage to it and now that I am driving a rental I cant stand it, I miss it even more. Only thing I would trade it for would be a 4door model of the same thing.

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  What a Feeling!!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By MShep - September 9 - 11:10 am

  Ive had this truck for just under a month now, and I must admit....I LOVE IT!!! Im very happy with this truck, although there are a few things that "irk" me about it (see Suggested Improvements below). Like most, I am on a tight budget, and I wanted the most truck for the money. A Toyota, with 4 doors, AND a full sized bed for under 25K, I was sold. Now, I see its the Motor Trend 2005 Truck of the Year....Wow, What a feeling!! The ride is smooth, quiet and pleasant. The interior & exterior is BEAUTIFUL (Sport Package...well worth the extra $$$). The electrical outlet & removable tie-downs in the bed are a nice touch too! Exceptional value! Highly recommended!

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  F150 to Tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave L - September 9 - 9:10 am

  Finally got a truck worth writing about. Downsized from the Ford F150 Lariat with the 5.4 liter gas guzzling engine. I did not lose any comfort in the downsize and gained excellent gas mileage. Got 18 MPG on the first tank and 20 MPG the second tank and that included pulling my bass boat. The 4.0 V6 is a stong engine and the ride is just as comfortable as my F150 Lariat. Transmission and Tow package handled pulling my bass boat with ease. Drove through some pretty tough spots while deer hunting w/o four wheel drive and didnt get stuck. I plan to add the bilstein shocks myself for off road use. Dont have one regret in making the switch.

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  Competitors, start your rebates... - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By aszdp98t nup;sdxc - September 8 - 5:46 am

  Excellent quality, nice ride, great cornering. This is simply the best of 3 trucks Ive owned to date.

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  Best Tuck for the Money. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve Hisel - September 8 - 2:16 am

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  Overall incredible truck. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By zacattack1 - September 7 - 2:36 am

  Been driving full side trucks all of my life. Chevy 1500, 06 Tundra. I have a 06 prerunner sr5 5 manual, and have to say it is a 10 in every department. And the 2.7L is a top end engine. And at times it feels like a race truck. The whole truck is strong, tight, and fast. It does 80 on the highway at 1/4 throttle with ease. And with its short wheel base. The city and freeway ride, is the best and smoothest. First gear is very short, but once you start shifting through the gears. The top end engine hits, and the truck just pulls and pulls.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Driggers - September 6 - 2:13 am

  Bought my first truck September 2004. Was hit from behind at about 55 mph while I was standing still. It totaled the Tacoma with on 7000 miles on it and put me in the hospital. I lived through it to buy another one before the larger 2005 Tacomas come out in November. I had bought another in Fort Worth shipped from Houston in November. I was asked why I bought another little truck exactly the same? The little truck saved my life and after three roll overs, after being hit from the rear the thing was still running, so quiet that it was still running till I turned it off. This is a great truck and I have its sister truck with about 31k four years later. You cant find a better little unit.

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  Toyota Tacoma 2000 - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jonnebony - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I love our Tacoma this is the second one we have owned, out first Tacoma was a 1997 Tacoma Single Cab, EXCELLENT!! But sold it to upgrade to a newer and "bigger" one, well at least we needed the extended cab. But I have nothing bad to say about this vehicle, it runs and is a great looking TRUCK!!

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  Wow Another Great Toyota Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By fongpeiyoung - August 31 - 6:03 pm

  This is great tough truck with exceptional performance and handling with very good fuel economy 21 mpg. This is a rugged strong truck.

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  SUV in truck body... - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Stavro - August 30 - 11:33 pm

  After spending endless hours on Edmunds, I decided to pull the trigger. Traded a 01 BMW X5 with 52K miles and 11 pages of maintenance records. What a relief! The Tacomas interior is big, got the 4x2 sport pack with JBL audio and tow. If you dont need 4x4 why haul the extra weight around? First tank of gas gave me 19 mpg (87 RON per manual)combined. Feels solid, seats have good support, plenty of space in the rear, good visibility, suspension is on the spot, not too soft, not too hard, gearbox is smooth (A/T) as far as performance, I only have 220 miles but I can tell you this: 65mph with 1450 rpm is sweet!