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:

• 

  Why I love my truck - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By onebxr - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck. The only thing that I wish that I had known before buying this truck was that if you are going up hill against the wind there will be problems. Not enough power with the 4 cyl. Next Tacoma I get will definitely be a 6.

• 

  Terrible Ride - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Disappointed - August 26 - 10:26 am

  We paid upfront hard earned cash for this truck, my husbands dream truck. We put 1600 miles on it and absolutely hate it. The transmission is terrible. The way the truck drives constantly feels like we are pulling a boat. You have to push hard on the gas to get any power and driving on hills is the absolute worst. You cant see the screen due to a constant glare which is terrible because we paid extra for the technology package. We have owned this truck for 3 months, put 1600 miles on it, put 12k down for a 34k truck and our buy out is 29k. Piece of junk lost so much value when I thought these trucks were known to keep their value. So for 3 months and to drive 1600 miles it will cost us 5k. We are so sick about it. Stay clear of this piece of garbage. When you test drive it, go up hills and try to go fast. You will see what we are talking about.

• 

  You get what you pay for - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Stew - August 25 - 3:56 am

  An excellent truck! Coming from the original 1995 Tacoma, this is a huge upgrade. I like the fat that Toyota basically kept the same features of the interior and didnt make everything complicated. Thus, the simplicity of the interior is awesome. The JBL sound system is next to none and the ride is outstanding. Good power with lots of options. Paid 33,000 for the entire package and it was totally worth it. I thought it was pricey at first but in ten years when it is still getting me to work and play every day, I will have no regrets. Anyone who buys ths truck will not be disappointed. It has plenty of room, plenty of power, and great mileage. I pull a 20 foot boat every weekend, no prob.

• 

  190K and still running great - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By clloyd - August 23 - 1:26 am

  I bought this pickup used and have put 160K on it. Ive replaced the U joints- the only thing ever done over routine maintenance. I live in the country, lots of hauling and dirt roads. I love this truck and will never be without a Toyota!

• 

  Great Value - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bruce Bowen - August 22 - 6:03 am

  I bought my access cab with a 4 cylinder and automatic three months ago and have 3k miles. I was a bit concerned about the four cylinder and automatic as far as power is concerned but it runs great, has enough power for what I use it for - commuting and occasionally going to the dump and towing a light trailer. This truck is bigger than my old 91 Mazda pickup, has a bigger engine, carries more, is quieter, more comfortable and still averages 22 mph in everyday use! Toyotas may cost a bit more but they are reliable and hold their value. The old saying is true - you get what you pay for.

• 

  Great Truck - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By rolexman - August 21 - 9:11 am

  Looked at 4 different trucks. This one stands out as the best built, greatest value.

• 

  Seriously cheap and junky feeling - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Peter - August 21 - 1:23 am

  Went to test drive a Tacoma.. What a piece of cheap feeling junk! The fenders are chintzy and flex, the knobs on the interior are loose and the door panels flex horribly. The interior is cramped. Toyota still cant figure out how to make a decent seat height and for 40K you would expect height adjustable seats. The instruments look like fisher price designed them and the knobs feel like they are going to fall off. My GFs 2016 Toyota Corolla at half the price, feels like 3x the quality. Doors on the Taco close like they are made of paper.. Doesnt inspire confidence. What a shame. What are these idiots thinking? Dont bother.

• 

  QUIT LOOKING AND BUY THE TOYOTA! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By COLEMAN - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE OWNED SEVERAL TRUCKS FROM DIFFERENT MAKERS OVER THE YEARS AND BY FAR, TOYOTA MAKES THE ABSOLUTE BEST QUALITY DRIVELINE AND, I THINK, ONE OF THE BEST LOOKING SMALL TRUCKS ON THE MARKET. I HAVE HAD NO MECHANICAL ISSUES WITH THE EXCEPTION OF FRONT WHEEL ROTOR WARPING SLIGHTLY. FOR SOME REASON TOYOTA SEEMS TO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH ROTORS. THAT SAID, THE BUILD AND ATTENTION TO QUALITY THROUGHOUT THE VEHICLE SET THIS TRUCK APART FROM ANY OF ITS COMPETITORS.

• 

  The best 4-wheel-drive truck for the $$$ - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bechego - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a reliable 4x4 truck that would last at least ten years. This truck has now 30K miles and there is nothing wrong with it. I have taken it off-road a couple of times and have been very confident in it. It is clearly not a truck that you want to abuse too much off road though. After off-roading once I had to have the alignment done because it was thrown off. Even though the ride is somewhat rough and sometimes bouncy, the truck has very good handling and it is sure on its "feet".

• 

  First Toyota - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon - August 17 - 7:50 am

  Have driven my 04 Tacoma thru blizzards and up mountaintops in Colorado with no problem. Have driven cross country very comfortably and Im 65. Love the way it looks. Glad I got the 04 and not the 05. Not too big, not too small. Have owned Rangers and Cherokees and there is no comparison.