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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  Fantastic Little Truck!!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Matt - January 27 - 5:36 pm

  Great truck! Kinda small, but I bought a standard cab so its my fault anyway. 2.4L 4Cyl has as much power as most domestic V6 models (at least it feels that way). Get the stick shift, much more fun to drive and easy to shift. Light clutch. Gas mileage could be better but isnt worth griping over. 24mpg is the best youll get. Has hauled a couple fairly heavy loads (well, heavy for a 4 cylinder!) quite well. Upgrade your headlamps with Sylvania Silverstars. I abuse mine and it doesnt care. Great little truck. Easy to work on (general stuff like plugs and wires, etc...). Highly recommended.

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  Just OK - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Randy - January 27 - 3:38 pm

  This is the best vehicle I have owned. I drive a lot of miles each year plus tow a 3000lb camper very frequently. This truck has not let me down at all. I love the comfort and style. The navigation works flawlessly and the JBL stereo is very nice. I have driven this truck through all types of climate and coast to coast and not experienced a single problem. This truck brings me joy just to get in and drive it. I simply love my Tacoma. Update...after driving it for 3 years now it has not gone smoothly. I have had consistent issues with the air conditioner not working properly and at 60000 the rear differential went out on the truck, this was a known issue with Toyota and there was a TSB for the problem. That being said makes my opinion of Toyotas reliability not as good.

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  I like my Tacoma! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ronk - January 26 - 4:50 am

  Great truck -- Great vehicle. I traded in a full-size Chevy Silverado, and I can now say after putting the first 5000 miles on this truck, I made the right choice. It drives right and it looks good! After a 3000 mile road trip, I could not be happier with my choice. I added a cover for the back, nerf bars, and a trailer hitch -- Im set!

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  06 Tacoma Crew Prerunner LB - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - January 23 - 5:06 pm

  I have owned my Tacoma for about 6 weeks and have 3300 miles on it. I shopped all the mid-sizes and bought the right one. I have trailer tow pkg, longbed, side curtain airbags, alloy wheels, and running lights. Controls are friendly, comfort exceptional, handling good. I am a very conservative driver, keep my tires firm, and only can get 18.5-19 mpg hwy. One main reason for buying was mileage and its not there. Long box is a big plus. I wish the truck had auto-on lights like my old Sonoma had, but other than those two items, I love it. It runs well, rides good, and looks great. Despite the mileage disappointment, I still wouldnt trade for anything else Ive seen.

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  complete package - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By yacht kid - January 23 - 2:53 am

  Just bought truck yesterday after months of research. Has TRD Sport Package with towing,had to have the rims and limited slip,well worth the $ for. Had it narrowed down between this and nissan frontier; however, toyota won out over because of, room in back seat for my daughter with car seat, more standard features, nice gauge cluster back lit red,adjustable cup holder sizes, and just a bigger truck over all. Have had 4 nissans previously, but now they cost just as much as toyota. researching resale on net found toyota had better residuals after 4 years than competition. And wife thought it looked better!

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  Windshield Issues - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By William Morris - January 23 - 1:17 am

  I traded in my 2009 Tacoma for the 2016. First impression was that it had everything that I wanted that the 2009 didnt have. It was lacking a little in the storage compartments with the redesign, but for me that is a minor issue. I love the technology, but do struggle a little with the bluetooth which doesnt want to talk from time to time. Could be a phone compatibility issue. I love the style, the comfort and the brand. But, with this model there is one thing Ive had problems with and thats the windshield. At 200 miles on the odometer, I picked up a pebble on the interstate that smacked the windshield and spider webbed it. I used to get hit by pebbles all the time in my 2009 and never even got a chip, much less a crack. I figured it was luck of the draw until I went to have it replaced. The windshield replacement company made a comment on how many 2016 Tacomas theyve had to replace windshields on. I did some research and found that they are using a new multi-glass layered windshield to cut down on cabin noise. It only makes sense, more layers = thinner glass on the outer layer making it more susceptible to cracking or chipping. At $1200 its no cheap replacement either. But, after paying my deductible, the insurance company took care of it. Now at 2700 miles on my odometer, guess what? Another pebble and now another cracked windshield. Because its new, they have no data on breakages at Toyota. I filed a report today. I have a strong feeling this will be a recall issue.

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  happy not elated - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe driver - January 21 - 10:00 am

  This 2000 SR5 V6 x-cab has taken a beating! The reliability is fantastic! With 215k and climbing fast, it has never stranded me and has required only minimal maintainence and repairs. The power is terrific and mileage is 22-23 ave. I have had exactly 1 tuneup and it still runs beautifully. All that said the comfort level leaves a lot to be desired. It bucks like a bronco on bumpy LA roads, the cab gets fumes or exhaust smells frequently, and the rattles, squeeks and whistles are numerous. Being a professional driver(courier) the reliability and low maintainence outweighs the comfort problems and high sticker.

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  Just an Excellent Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By envelopo - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my fourth Toyota truck, I have had excellent luck with all of them. This xc 4wd is all realiable, comfy and good looking too. It does what I need it to do without looking big and stupid like so many trucks on the market today.

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  I LOVE MY TACOMA. LIFE GETS HARD IF YOUR DUMB. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Andrew - January 17 - 1:11 pm

  I dont understand why everyone is complaining about the interior and engines in the new 2016. If you buy an SR get ready for it to be exactly what it is an SR bone stock basic edition. The V6 is an all new engine, why buy it wait till the reviews are out and then decide after the fact, personally they should have stuck with the old V6. The engine is basically in an SR, a complete swap from 2015. Do some research before you purchase and life will be a lot easier for you. The dumber you are the harder life will be. My SR is perfect for what I use it for. A daily driver with some light 4x4 action. If you have kids and an old lady your better off getting a different model as mine was the utility package with rear seat delete. Which for me is awesome. I have so much room for stuff I dont want in the bed. So far I love the truck, I did my homework and it fits me perfectly. Some minor things could be tweaked. Forget the rear view camera, its a little truck there really is no point, make cruise standard and the camera an option. Either way if your smart and do your homework which I have, cruise can be installed for $67, buy the switch and install yourself.

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  EXPENSIVE JUNK - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By santafenm - January 16 - 12:00 pm

  Cannot drive when snowing as transmission linkage freezes in Drive. Have to carry cement blocks in bed so I can block wheels when frozen. Have to wait til temp is above freezing to get into N or P to start. Took to dealer. They didnt fix it - just thawed it out and gave it back to me. Just got out of shop as a rock hit the underside of truck on a dirt road and punctured the gas tank ($700 to fix). I own a $30K 4WD pickup that cannot be driven on dirt roads or in the snow - AWFUL.