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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  2016 Tacoma - poor quality - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bruce Howle - August 7 - 11:21 am

  Beware of buying this first generation Tacoma. I have a serious buzzing sound coming from the dash that the dealer cant fix after 2 attempts and not having my truck for several days. Also, the transmission shifting is horrible. Its like driving a 4 cylinder, no power to pass, etc. Had high expectations for this truck and am very disappointed. Dealership (Nalley in Roswell, Ga) has been concerned at all. No offer of a loaner, nothing other than "yeah, well fix it, no idea what it is...".

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  Best truck pound for pound - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alva Anderson - August 4 - 2:56 pm

  Most reliable and fun to drive pickup in its class, impressive exterior and interior features, an eye catcher.

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  Reliable, Practical & Fun - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By SNM - August 4 - 1:06 pm

  Did an immense amount of research before purchasing. It wasnt even close when all was said and done. If you are looking for a 4 door compact pick up this is your baby. 239 hp in the V6 is more than enough, and avg. 19-20 mpg overall. The interior and ride is superior to competetors. The appearance was aesthetically appealing as well. Toyota has a long history of quality reliability. I previously owned Ford and Nissan pick ups, and the Toyota is my favorite by far. I plan on keeping this one for many years.

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  The best small truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By jm - August 2 - 3:46 am

  Its not a big truck, but its good for hauling furniture, lumber, mulch, and still have some comfort inside. So far, nothing other than regular service has been needed, other than tires. Theres room behind the seat for a fair bit of stuff, too. Theres even a locking ring for a car seat in the Xtra cab, but I dont know - it looks like that might be a tight fit.

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  Awesome truck! - 2015 Toyota Tacoma
  By francophone88 - July 30 - 7:46 am

  I shopped around before buying the Toyota Tacoma. But, everything in my research pointed to this being the best choice for me.

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  great truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By ba2ty - July 28 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive great styling lots of room

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  Wonderful Truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By satxcubfan - July 25 - 11:36 am

  Very tight, well built truck. Extremely comfortable and capable. Runs a lot quieter than my old Ranger. It was like going from a room at Motel 6 to a suite at the Ritz-Carlton. This truck is perfect for me in this configuration and I plan to get many, many miles and years out of it. Its a real head turner on the road, too! I really love it.

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  It could of been better - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By keywest305 - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I was very pleased the first 45000 miles .Now im getting a rattle in the dash and some squeaks in the seats and interior noise.This truck was a very tight truck when taking bumps and a pleasure to drive.Now the interior noise and rattle drives me crazy.Also this truck has never been off road wich makes me think what would it have been like if it did.This is a off road pkg.My wifes car has 205,000 on it and doesnt rattle and feels tighter.Not to mention it is a Volvo.

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  Tacoma still the best midsize truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By azwipe - July 24 - 8:53 pm

  Not for the budget buyer! But if you want the best you get it with this beauty. Try it for a test drive I really enjoy it!

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  too little too late - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By keith crawley - July 24 - 7:12 am

  I did not buy the vehicle in the end. I still think the TACOMA was/is the right vehicle for me, but maybe not just now. I was offered too little ( in my opinion) too late as a trade for my spotless low mileage 2013 Honda CRV otherwise the deal would have happened. I had fancied a truck for some time as it would be better suited to my lifestyle, but was not REALLY sure I was doing the right thing getting rid of my Honda ( condition,mileage, fuel consumption - and, what you know ie no problems) to buy a new vehicle - truck or not. Due to the offered trade being quite a bit under what I felt it was worth I walked away. Phone calls and discussions later increasing the trade offer was still a little below what I was prepared to take, and I had enough time to think clearly on what my Honda was really worth to me - and that was way more than offered and more even than I had initially been prepared to take. thus I say "too little too late". had a better trade been offered on the day, I probably would have taken it. having said this however, when I am again ready to buy I would go back to the same dealer as my treatment there was good and my experience overall was positive - I just hope they offer me what my trade is really worth from the start and not push for the lowest price they can for it and cause me to "walk away " again. I NEVER buy a vehicle without doing my homework and NEVER when "desperate" to do so I am always able to "walk away" and in todays tough times many are like me.