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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  Very good - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By will199104 - December 1 - 5:21 pm

  I bought my Tacoma new, it now has 190K and still running strong. I have never had any problems with this truck; actually it has required very little maintenance. Very well build. It gets excellent gas mileage.

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  We love it - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By ryari - November 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 3 compact trucks over the years. Datsun(Nissan), Ford, and Chevy. None have impressed me from the beginning until now. The Toyota dbl cab feels,drives, and handles like a dream.It looks great and all my friends are green with envy. Yes it is a little expensive, but you get what you pay for. Like everyone else I hate the clock placement, but my biggest complaint is that my wife is always behind the wheel. Oh well........

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  Great Truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By KeithK - November 26 - 12:23 pm

  I bought this truck used with 31k and currently have 99k - tires, water pump, frt, brakes and shocks/struts are all that I have in it. Power from v6 is good but thrashy at WOT, good gas mileage for 4x4 - 20 mpg, but I have gotten as good as 22 on highway at 65 mph for 3 hours. Interior is utilitarian but showing absolutely no wear, 5 spd is a little whiney in 1st and 2nd - no problem with power on highway - very rarely have to take it out of 5th to pass. Trailering is good provided you have draw tight hitch. Payload is one thing that concerns me - leaf springs seem to be fatigued even when not fully loaded weight wise - new shocks did not help - still rides well though -A/C works well in Tx heat,

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  Great little truck - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By RCR - November 26 - 7:50 am

  We really like the truck - it does great pulling our 2-horse aluminum trailer and weve not been stuck in the snow on our steep driveway. It gets fantastic gas mileage compared the the durango we traded in for it. On the downside, the steering wheel does not pull out far enough for someone with long legs, making the driver Rather uncomfortable. We pulled out the center console in the back for more space (it was easy). The automatic transmission doesnt shift well from almost stop to go - it cant seem to figure out which gear to be in.

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  A Great Truck. - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By fdm - November 25 - 4:03 pm

  Excellent reliable vehicle. Would buy again.

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  Needs Work Before Ill Buy - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Danny - November 23 - 10:43 pm

  After owning 2nd Generation Tacomas and a Tundra, I was looking for a 2016. I test drove one and there’s work to be done before I will buy. The exterior got a very nice upgrade. Great driver display and dash. The premium technology looked awesome. I also liked the exterior, although the grill is a bit scary unless you have the SR5 or Limited trim. However, the driving experience was a problem. The transmission slipped and hesitated often. The engine seemed to work very hard on acceleration. I know the shifting may settle after driving a few thousand miles, but it was jarring on a test ride. The engine was also very, very noisy—high pitched, like metal on metal. The steering wheel and accelerator pedal buzzed me quite often on accelerating and cruising speeds. I really didnt like that. The brakes had this pulsating ABS feeling with an occasional pop sensation on normal braking, which didn’t feel normal. Those things would drive me nuts. My expectations are perhaps high with owning other Toyota trucks, but these things seemed like sloppy design to me. So I am holding off until Toyota can fix the bugs hopefully with 2017.

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  Love my Truck! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By ABerge - November 21 - 6:10 am

  I bought this vehicle a few months ago. Although it had high mileage, I have had few problems with her. She is reliable and dependable! I have a job that takes me out dirt roads, long interstate commutes, and she buzzes along like its nothing. Very tough, and very cute!

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  Its A Toyota - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By kvnh2os - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I have been happy with my 98 2DR XCab 2WD. I wanted the 4WD, just too pricey. I would not use 4WD but maybe 5-6 times a year. Even though its 2WD, its still a Toyota. I have taken it places that Jeep Grand Cherokees wont go. All in all, its a great truck. The only real complaint I would have is the front end of the truck looks ugly to me. Not as well styled as other model years.

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  Awesome Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike D - November 19 - 2:30 am

  I bought my 07 Prerunner Access Cab after stepping down from a Chevy 1500 Z71 and I couldnt be happier. While I loved my full size, I love the improved fuel economy and the great pickup my V6 has. It has all the creature comforts you need and is comfortable. I am 64" and have no problem being comfortable in the front seat, although I wouldnt recommend the jump seats in the rear for any adult over 6. Could use a little more padding on the seats, but I love the fold flat feature. Makes it easy to load groceries or bulky items. I love the track system in the bed. Makes it easy to find the best tie down spot for my load. Altogether an excellent buy. Will not be disappointed with this truck.

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  Why did I buy a Dodge first? - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By GI Tiger - November 18 - 2:03 pm

  Great, fun, truck, the V6 power plant is just right for this vehicle. Im glad I bought all the extras (TRD, Prerunner, SR5) with the off road package. This truck does do some weird things though, dont drive too fast in windy conditions, it likes to nose plow, controlling it sometimes is a job in itself. It doesnt drive well on uneven roads at times.