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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  Good economical truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Raymond - April 29 - 2:50 am

  Have had 3 Toyotas 2 Tacomas and a T100 all have been good reliable vehicles. This access cab 4cyl is great riding and handling. There is some wind noise but not as much as the previous trucks. Its a truck not a Lexus. For those who are concerned about MPG this may be a truck to look at. I read many reviews and went on www.fueleconomy.gov and read the mpgs individuals were getting, not the EPA rating. They all said 21-22 something. I questioned it,but this does get 21 consistently with all in town driving with much stop&go. I am not punching hard on take offs but am not babying it either. Use it carrying wood for winter and it does it easily. Great lite-medium duty truck.

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  Very Happy With This Truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Russ - April 28 - 2:50 pm

  After 15 months of driving, I still grin from ear to ear when I climb into it! Gas mileage is great for a truck with this type of power. Wheelbase with 4 doors and the 6ft bed makes it tough to park but Ill live with that minor annoyance. I simply cant say enough about the quality and detail of the Tacomas. It feels like it will last forever. I did a lot of research in this segment before buying and when you educate yourself, youll see that this is the right truck, hands down.

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  sweet little truck - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By Garrett - April 27 - 2:27 pm

  I purchased my Tacoma new in spring of 2014, it was my first new car purchase. I purchased it new due to Toyota resale value is ridiculously expensive. It has been a great truck, never have had to fix anything. My only complain would be the stock Dunlop tires suck and cheap shocks they put on base models, but I replaced my tires to bfg mts, and my shocks to bilstein 5100 and it made it twice as good. Gas mileage isnt bad I average 21 and power is not to bad considering a 4 cylinder. For a 4 cylinder it tows very well, truck weighs 3700 lbs and I towed 3200 lbs over 500 miles through mountains and never lost 55 mph and flats I could do 75 mph no problem. Overall great truck, very solid built and 2.7 motor not to bad just on really long climbs.

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  I love my Tacoma! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By KC-Mike - April 27 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving my Tacoma around the Midwest for two years and have had ZERO problems. The look is great - adventurous and exciting.

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  A really great truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michelle - April 25 - 8:13 am

  I purchase this vehicle on April 30, 2005. As of this date (5/15/05) I have driven it 805 miles. I have enjoyed it throughly. This is a really great truck and I didnt think I would like it in the Red but I have to say, I like this truck in red. The access cab is a nice feature, it has plently of storage space. And as others have said this truck is ready to "load and go" from the dealers lot. Purchase one, you will not be disappointed.

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  great safe car - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By acf2001 - April 22 - 2:00 am

  husband totaled this truck one week ago, flipped in the air 2x and smashed it up front to back! Amazingly, he walked away from the site with only a cut on his finger and on his ear - we were amazed! We were very happy with the truck and hadnt had any problems until the wreck. The value of the vehicle held up well ( or insurance company very generous - whats the chance?). We are buying another just like it.

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  G3 Update really just a failed G2.5 - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robs - April 21 - 4:56 pm

  Bought this full redesign 16 Tacoma Ltd 4x4 in September of 2015 after my friend, a fleet manager at a Toyota dealership, told me how great it was going to be. We had a 5 year old FJ Cruiser and, although we loved it, we needed a truck and the full size would not fit in out garage. I liked the G2 Tacoma; however, felt it was somewhat outdated and was impressed by what Toyota was doing by supposedly changing much about the truck, including the engine and trans. Unfortunately, I was extremely disappointed in both the truck and in Toyota Customer Service, and my dealer. Soon after buying, I took the truck on two long trips and found out that a buzzy vibration in the steering wheel, floorboard area, and gas pedal at 2100-2400 RPMs, put my hands and lower arms, up to my elbow, to sleep, which I felt was a major safety problem. I reported this to my dealer, and the mechanic said he felt it but that there was nothing they could do at this point. I complained directly to Toyota, who had me bring them the truck for two engineers to check it out. They felt the vibration; however, when I got the letter from Toyota, it said that "the steering functions as designed" and the investigation was closed. When I reported back to my dealer (from whom Ive purchased numerous vehicles, including referring many sales to them, too) they just shrugged and said that unless Toyota comes up with a fix, there was nothing they could do for me (on a $41K+ truck, no less!). Besides the vibration issue, there was a problem with the new engine and trans combo. Shifting on the new A/T was horrible and the engine had to be pushed to get any performance out of it at all, kind of like an old 2 stroke engine that needed high revs to get into a power band. Cruise control would downshift quickly, then never upshift at all unless you tapped on the gas, making it useless. All of my comments were met with : Functions as designed. I could never get even 20mpg out of the vehicle, even on the highway. My FJ Cruiser was a much better vehicle, smooth, quieter, shifted easily, more comfortable, and regularly got me 21-22mpg on the highway at speed. I regretted trading it in for this much inferior truck, and wish I would have just bought a Gen 2. After fighting with both Toyota and my dealership for 9 months (and being relegated to just using the truck for local driving due to the buzziness), my wife and I just traded it in for a different truck, one that doesnt buzz, is more comfortable, handles better, and gets good mileage. I hated having to take a several thousand dollar loss on a new purchase like this; however, IMO, this upgrade was a total failure on Toyotas part. A month later, Im glad I got rid of it. Never thought Id ever say this about a Toyota.....but it appears to me that these are selling on the fine reputation of the G2. I would stay away until Toyota can figure this one out and get it fixed. (Note: a master mechanic with 30+ years experience at the dealership pointed out that the 3.5 came from Lexus; however, thinks the problem is the Taco used hard rubber engine mounts and the Lexus uses hydraulically controlled oil-filled mounts. He also noted that the Taco has a single exhaust header piece and the Lexus uses a multi-piece system. This is where he felt the issue with the vibes was. He also pointed out that the trans was "over-programmed to get you better mileage, and a re-programming would fix that issue." When I asked him about any pipeline fixes, he responded that Toyota has been hinting at them for over 6 months; however, nothing had yet been done. He thinks that as long as the truck sells well, they wont do a thing. ) This truck does have potential; however, it is just not ready for prime time. Buyer, beware. UPDATE: I got tired of Toyota stating "functions as designed", and traded it in for a new Honda Ridgeline. Even though I lost almost $6K, it was the best decision to make. Unlike the Taco, this RL is smooth, quiet, handles better, has better tech, and gets me 25-28 on the highway and 20 around town, and is a great hauler, to boot. We also had an issue with a falling headliner on our 13 Avalon. Toyota (and the dealer) didnt want to help, even though it had been a service bulletin a few years ago. Hot-glued up the headliner and traded that car in, too, and the wife bought herself an Acura. After years as a Toyota family, we are now Toyota free and will not buy their product ever again. Their quality has just tanked, along with their customer service.

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  Best Tacoma Yet! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By L Smith - April 19 - 10:16 am

  This is the third toyota truck owned. By far this is the best Tacoma. Traded 97 Tacoma standard cab w/127k miles, never a problem. This new tacoma is a hit! Great new size and good power. Very comfortable seats front and rear. Rear seat back is very comfortable even for larger passengers. Like the telescoping tilt wheel. Love the new composite bed. Adjustable bed rail system very convienient. This truck turns heads. After several tanks full, getting 22 mpg hwy, 20 city as displayed on sticker. 245 hp auto tranny great combo, smooth shifting, plenty of power. TRD off road pkg is worth the money. Good comfortable ride for a truck. Toyota quality shows in and out.

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  Toyota Tacoma Review - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By DS - April 14 - 3:04 pm

  Great little truck with good resale value. Awesome technology package.

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  GGGGreat TTTruck !!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By RBegonia - April 13 - 11:50 pm

  Worth every $$$. Love the sweeet ride! It rides more like a luxury car than a pickup. With this truck you get the best of both worlds - classy and rugged at the same time. Cant stop licking my chops when i first laid eyes on this beauty. Id give up my wife first before giving up on this truck. Thank you TOYOTA !!