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 looking, Stiff ride, Over Priced - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Motaco - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Good strong V6. Good exterior design, possibly exellent reliability. Overpriced. Seats are cheap and uncomfotable. Designed by midgets. Very uncomfortable for a midsized man. steering wheel, Shift lever, gas and break pedals are not well placed. The ride is too stiff and the seats are not cushioned well, bumpy on freeway. The steering is is too hard + poor positioning making it laboring to turn. Uncomfortable long distance ride. Occational rattling noise in the dash board area (nothing new here). Stupid clock position. High wind noise. Worthless cruise control: bad, bad location and jack up the speed when accelerate.

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  Still loving it. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Don Ray - November 28 - 4:36 am

  I have now put 2,000 miles on it and still loving it. Best tank of fuel got me 20.10 mpg. Put A.R.E. bed cover and stainless steel side bars, flow master 3 stage muffler, stainless steel tip. Looks and sounds great, Love this truck. traded my 2002 for this 2006. Went fourwheeling and climbed everything I have the guts to climb.. The sport model has limited slip and it is the way to go.

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  Love It - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By tmason - November 26 - 2:53 pm

  I bought this truck to commute to school (1/2 hour) and twice monthly to northern VT from RI. I take it on the beach with no hesitation and cant wait to drive it in the snow. Surfing the secluded spots wont be a problem anymore. My truck has 201,000 miles on it and it feels like a newborn. I highly recommend buying a used tacoma. Ive spent many nights in the back of it camping out on the beach. Its just a romantic truck.

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  Toyota for Life - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jason Wheat - November 26 - 1:36 am

  This is the third toyota truck I have owned. Had my needs for room and transmission types not have changed I would still have the first one. I have been extremely pleased with every one. Not once have I had to put it in the shop. Tacomas have excellent street reputations among sensible drivers looking for quality trucks.

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  2002 Tacoma - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ron Huffman - November 25 - 12:46 pm

  My Tacoma is a regular cab short wheelbase 2WD with 2.4 L and automatic. It is fun to drive and very manuverable. It can haul the load when asked and gets fairly respectable gas mileage (20-24 mpg). I made several cross country trips with a loaded bed and it has performed just great.

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  fuel mileage - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Peter Beyrodt - November 23 - 4:33 pm

  I am a Canadian, and my window sticker said 29.0 mpg highway. After having several repairs done and two years later my best mileage achieved was approx 20.0 mpg highway. The dealership looked into it and said nothing was wrong even though I had black soot all over the rear quarter panel and all down the side of my boat when I towed it. After furthering my request to fix the lousy mileage I was receiving to Toyota Canada, I was informed the vehicle ran fine and they would not pursue the problem further. I sold it after just two years and bought a full size Sierra and now get much better mileage. Toyota didnt give a damn about me as a customer. P Beyrodt

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  Little beast of a truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By wade - November 22 - 3:26 pm

  I have used this truck to pull a 2500 lb. trailer 100s of miles every weekend for the last 3 years. The only parts I have had to replace are the clutch, tires, ball joints and shocks. If I had not towed so much weight (probably more than the intended towing capacity) Im sure I would not have had to replace the clutch, ball joints or shocks. This thing has been one hell of a little beast for getting the job done. I have just replaced it for my towing purposes with a three quarter ton van. I sure couldnt have towed my trailer with any other manufacturers 4 cylinder mini truck. Toyota rules this market.

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  Great Small Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pilgrim - November 22 - 2:00 am

  For a small truck this is really comfortable to drive and easy to get into for large people. Your passengers are comfortable and at ease while riding in this truck.

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  Great Truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By dennis - November 21 - 3:36 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for over two years. I bought it for myself, but it has now become my daughters primary vehicle. I feel good knowing that she is in a safe vehicle that is unlikely to cause problems for her. Whenever I take it in for routine service the techs comment on how good of shape it is in mechanically.

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  Surprising MPG - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By John - November 20 - 4:10 pm

  Just purchased a 2003 Tacoma Prerunner 4x2 SR5, 2.47L. I was pleasantly surprised that on a trip from Boise, Idaho to Lompoc, CA I averaged 23.5 mpg using the cruise control as much as possible and the Power ECT on long uphill grades.