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:

• 

  Strong enough for Papa but Made for Mama - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Mama - December 31 - 6:06 am

  I have owned a few Toyotas 1985 Celica Gts -- 1990 (I think) Previa -- 1997 Rav4 but I the Tacoma is by far my favorite. A neighbour saw my truck in the garage (yep - It even fits in the garage) and asked my daughter how her Dad liked HIS truck. News flash ... This truck is great for us ladies who still like to have fun, love to go to the mountains and yet want a safe, reliable and quiet ride. Move over boys! Im loving the sport package and the awesome sound system! The interior is mod looking and has lots of room. I love how the Tacoma handles on the highway and it has lots of punch in the city but I cant wait to go camping!!

• 

  generally overrated - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Anthony - December 28 - 1:53 am

  I have now owned my 06 Tacoma Pre-runner for just over a year. Yes, the V6 has plenty of power for the truck but other than that not much going for the tacoma. The auto-transmission is not matched to the power curve of the V6 at all. I get lots of unneeded and mis-shifts while drive, cruise control actually makes this worse. Quality is typical toyota, nothing great but is nothing to be excited about. The interior is completely anti-comfort from the terrible seats to the away (typical o all Japanese cars) slopping dash. This creates a feeling of a large interior. The doors are paper thin and road noise is deafening. The radio is sub par when compared to anything. A "DO NOT BUY"!!

• 

  Poor fit and finish - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By tdaprez - December 24 - 3:50 pm

  The fit and finish is not close to the Toyotas I have owned in the past. I have gap differences of more than 3.2mm side to side. The paint has a lot of "orange peel." Toyotas position is that they are all the same and the Tacomas have "textured paint, since that is the type of paint they use." When was the last time you heard "texture and car paint" used in the same sentence? Make sure you check the fit and finish very carefully before you buy, since Toyota will provide no help after the sale.

• 

  Swiss Army Knife - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By looseshoes - December 22 - 9:00 pm

  This vehicle does it all -mostly-. Hauls 4 or 5, carries cargo, gets decent mileage, super-dependable. Not too sporting on the road, but not expected really. I get about 21 mpg with 50/50 city/hwy driving. Has 70k miles and only problem was I had to have power steering pump replaced - under warranty.

• 

  X-Runner - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By AKnight - December 22 - 4:16 pm

  I absolutely love this truck, although it does lack in some areas for me. Despite having the performance engine and upgrades for a Tacoma, it just doesnt have enough power for me. Also, when I bought my truck the windshield wasnt sealed correctly and it produced very loud whistling at interstate speeds. The local Toyota dealership replaced the entire windshield for free though and now the truck has no problems.

• 

  158,000 miles and still going strong - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By mar18 - December 19 - 12:30 am

  love my pickup. i drive it alot and its never given me trouble. i sometimes carry heavy loads in it and it never struggles, does a really good job. gas mileage could be better but not bad.(26mpg combined)

• 

  Shes my baby! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Carl B - December 17 - 9:33 pm

  This is my third Toyota pick up; Ive owned 1 1986 1/2 ton and now 2 Tacomas. My 2001 Tacoma Pre-runner Doublecab is still as exciting to drive as the day I drove it off the lot. Fuel economy with the 2.7L 4 cylinder (which isnt offered in the new Tacoma Pre-Runner Doublecabs by the way) is absolutely outstanding (around 25 to 28 hwy and 20 to 22 city) if I dont drive like a maniac. Ill neve give up this truck; its the best vehicle Ive ever owned.

• 

  Good combination of features - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By maxwellhammer - December 17 - 3:23 am

  2.4L automatic, extended cab 2WD SR5. So far, Im getting 25 mpg. The smallest engine available, but has perfectly adequate power. This is the first year for standard ABS, which was a hard to find option. I searched forever for these features in a used truck, really glad I found it. I hear the 05 and newer Tacomas dont have as good build quality, theyre larger and dont offer the 2.4L. If youre looking for great reliability and mileage, Id get an 03 or 04.

• 

  Another Toyota truck for me - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By thrower - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I just sold a 1991 Toyota truck. I was the original owner. With 200,000 miles on it, it was still running great, but it didnt have enough cab room for me, my wife and our dog. So I got the Extended cab, SR5 stepside. The V6 is powerful and quiet. Steering is responsive and tight. The truck has the off-road suspension and it seems to help reduce speed bumps, etc. Toyota hasnt lost the touch. Its a great truck.

• 

  First time Tacoma Owner - Love it - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Maypearl - December 14 - 9:58 am

  I love this truck. Gas mileage is OK, but its a truck so I didnt expect to get super mileage. My only complaint it there is not trim package that has a power seat or a manual way to raise and lower it. After 4000 miles, Im used to it. I considered a Ford and Chevrolet that are bigger, but went with the Tacoma because of the styling, resale value, and I dont need a full size. If you are very tall, this might not be the truck for you. Or any mid-sized truck.