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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  Toyota - well deserved brand for quality - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By pcm - July 13 - 1:00 am

  Very impressed with my first truck I purchased for occasional trip to Home Depot. I got the TRD Sport Package and thought that is the most practical option. The truck is amazingly well equiped for its relatively low price.

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  2005 Toyota PreRunner Auto - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael - July 12 - 12:20 am

  This truck is great as far as easy access to the back because of the access doors. It rides and drives great and feels solid on the road. It is good on gas but of course I wish it was better with the current price of fuel today. I love the way the truck sits up higher than most 2-wheel drive pickups because it gives you the feel that it is a 4-wheel drive and your vision of the road and traffic around you is much improved over lower 2WD Pickups. I love the style and design of this truck.

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  best vehicle ever bought - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By rolo - July 8 - 8:13 pm

  Ever since i saw this truck at the dealership i fell in love with it. Its got anawesome design, its fast and it handles great in corners. By far a very good purchase

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  Love my Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pb2theMax - July 8 - 6:06 am

  I have put 10k miles on my 05 DoubleCab Sport TRD. I havent had any problems. No paint chips, leaks, or squeeks. The ride is great, for a truck. The engine is great and really accelerates off the line. The engine has a slight "tick" from the valve-train. Toyota says this is normal, but mine went away once I put on some mileage, replaced the stock oil filter with a Mobil 1 M-102 for better oil flow. I also switched to Amsoil synthetic. The Auto trans seems to get as good or better MPG than the Manual trans. I have gotten as much as 24 MPG. The computer will adjust accordingly to how you drive.

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  Solid truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By dave - July 6 - 7:53 pm

  Its a good, solid compact truck. The clock is poorly located, the truck "thumps" when stopping and starting and feels like its almost airborne on the freeway. With the TRD package, the ride is harsh. Beyond that whining, the truck handles well, has good headroom, and all the power I need (I did improve its breathing by adding an additional port on the filter box to allow more air in. Its been reliable, with no problems other than what I noted above, except the dash rattles against the windshield, which was fixed by installing weather stripping to muffle this sound. My only regret was not getting a 4x4 since its of little use in snow (the rear locker doesnt really help).

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  After One Year I Still Really Like This Truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Earl - July 6 - 2:56 pm

  It handles well on mountain roads. The stereo has decent sound/speakers. It is comfortable for long trips with my family (front and back seats are comfortable). It has worked great for towing my camping trailer.

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  Noise - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bloomer - July 6 - 5:06 am

  I like the concept of the 4 doors. I expected alot more quality in design. I am extremely disappointed in the noise factor of this truck. They needed to put alot more time in the design of it, to take away the wind noise.

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  More than I ever expected! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By RevMoCash - July 5 - 10:00 am

  Paid 13k cash for my loaded pickup, included custom snug-top w/ bed-rug 3k alone! Dropped 800 more into 60k factory service, and I could not be more satisfied! Purchased from an older guy who never took it off road. The int/ext is in perfect shape! I took it to vegas and made it with 1/4 tank left over! V6 is smooth and powerful: puts my honda and rangers of the past to shame! Int could be more user friendly...but IT IS A TRUCK! I recommend anyone who wants a reliable truck to buy this model, "THIRD PARTY", the dealer price is ludicrous, and just make sure its a sound buy, youll be glad you did!

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  Tough Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael Meyer - July 5 - 10:00 am

  The Toyota Tacoma is a solid, quiet truck. Hunters have been amazed seeing the truck quietly approach their camps. The interior is very easy to keep clean, looks like new after a quick vacum and wipe down. Fuel economy is great for a pick up. I am a believer in the quality and reliability after owning this, my first Toyota.

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  Great in the Snow - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kevin - July 2 - 8:23 am

  We just ended a record-breaking winter in Washington with about 70 inches for the season (normal is about 8 inches). The Tacoma was unbelievable--even in 15-20 inches on unplowed streets it never quit. We took it out about eight times the first day just for fun while the neighbors were trapped. The truck has also been great on trips and has much more power than the 1998 Taco it replaced. Toyota bought back the old truck because of frame rust and made it easy to buy the new one.