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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  Redefined the old and set the standard - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Skylandry - April 11 - 8:10 pm

  I have owned both the Nissan and Toyota crew cab pickups in 4wd with automatic. I moved from the Nissan to the Toyota for power and left the Toyota for comfort but I have returned and I am not disappointed. The redisgned fixed the ride comfort (ride and seat). The interior looks classy and is very functional. I have put 590 miles so far and got 18.3mpg on my first tank with mixed driving. The more I drive the 2005 Tacoma 4wd the better I like it. Ride, handling, quality and attention to the "little things" make this the best midsize truck on the market - hands down.

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  Good but not great - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By DD - April 9 - 4:36 am

  First of all, let me say this has been a really good truck, so if this sounds like a negative review, these are relatively minor points. Gas mileage has been a disappointment for a V6: 15- 17 combined city/highway. I have a bit of a lead foot, but still, when I see full-size Fords and Chevys advertising 20 mpg with V8s, I cringe. Also, not as sure-footed as Id like in snow and ice. Interior: The rubber inserts have all cracked and fallen out of the cup holders. And last, despite fastidious care, my rear chrome bumper has started to rust. Those negatives aside, this truck has gone all over with poise and confidence. Also, your pictures wrong; 2001 models had a different grille.

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  my 5th - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By PBucks - April 4 - 10:40 am

  This is my 5th Tacoma and like all the others like it a lot. My son took my 04 4 banger stick access cab to college. So I picked up this automatic version as a replacement. So far I really like this bigger body style. I normally get the easiest color to keep clean but this new Barcelona red called out my name when I first saw it. I get many compliments on the look of the truck. Must say though I miss the manual transmission. Ive been checking the fuel mileage and it is 24 MPG. I was thinking about getting a full size Ford or Chevy this time for less money but Im really glad I stayed with the Tacoma. I think they are the best and most useful mode of transportation for my needs.

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  I wanted to purchase a Toyota Tacoma! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Peter Tharp - April 1 - 10:58 pm

  I used various web tools to try to locate the Tacoma I wanted but I could never get the trade in value for my vehicle to make the trade. All the great values that Tacomas were advertised for were simply ploys to get you in the dealerships where they took the value off your trade in to get more than the vehicle I wanted to buy was worth. Like everything--there is no much smoke and mirrors and dishonest advertising.

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  Problems Problems Problems - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Nikki - April 1 - 6:43 am

  I bought my 2006 Tacoma pre-runner V6 brand new, have had nothing but issues. First, breaks, if you try to break on any uneven surface they lock and you slide took it to my dealership they said "thats how abs works". On top of that my motor mount just happened to break (I looked into this&tons of people with tacomas 05-07 motor mounts have mysteriously broke).

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  tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By jamesmoo - March 30 - 2:00 am

  great fun truck, bulletproof.

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  BEST LOOKING TRUCK PERIOD!! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lt. Duke - March 28 - 10:53 am

  Great looking truck. Reliability is self proven. V-6 has good power. Quality is unmatched. I have had several other trucks, but this is the overall best truck I have had. Not the most comfortable truck, not a lot of fancy buttons, simple yet refined.

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  great truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By truck04 - March 25 - 3:40 pm

  i have had a gmc sonoma before this truck nothing but problems had oil leaks starting at 20000 miles never could get it fixed replaced the oil pan many gaskets finally had the motor replaced. then about 104000 miles the trans acted up so had to go.

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  97 tacoma 4wd ext. cab - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By nodsyab - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Excellent build quality, paint and bodywork excellent after almost 6 yrs. Strong and powerful. Pulls trailers with heavy loads 3k+ well.

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  Serves the purpose well - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By spyd3rm4n - March 25 - 10:00 am

  The Tacoma is a great truck. I bought a 2004 which is the last year of this body style. It is getting outdated, but it is a very solid truck with a proven record of success. The 2.4L engine provides enough power to allow you to haul heavy loads once in a while, yet it is still practical enough to drive every day. The build quality is far superior to other compact trucks (Nissan Frontier, Chevy S-10, Dodge Dakota). I would suggest getting the manual transmission as it will get better gas mileage and will be better for hauling heavy loads. I got the automatic because I spend 80% of my time driving in city traffic and dont like shifting.