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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  Access cab, AC, Speedctrl etc package.. - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By calletacoma - September 16 - 7:31 am

  Our first truck got it through a local car dealer as I traded in my VW 2.0 T Lemon (self disintegrating POS). Our Tacoma is fantastic with its instant heat / AC. "Only" 159 HP, sure but its 2.7 L engine produce plenty of torque. Mixed mpg was 21, which is great on a 2010 with 35K miles. Engine compartment looked in mint condition and the rest of the body had a few small dents / scratches. Im keeping this car and adding a dew upgrades to it..

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  Not cheap, but not crap - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pascal - September 10 - 4:03 am

  I have my new X-runner for 4 days yet, very good truck. I read a lot on the net before I made the move because a lot of reviewers says the truck is very bumpy. After a road test of a 2006 one, I found the truck very comfortable. Yes it is a little bumpy but not really more than any other trucks on the market. Road handling is incredible, the trucks really eats curves. Lots of torque below 2000 RPM from the engine so it makes it very fun to drive, you can literally declutch the truck in 1st gear normally without slip, without giving gas and the engine wont shake or stall. Subwoofer is a good idea but is very badly calibrated, too much bass in voices when listening to radio.

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  Worst truck ever owned - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Al - September 7 - 3:26 am

  Having owned a Dodge Ram, and a Dodge Ram Wagon, which I thought were terrible, this Toyota beat them both out. The Dodges were comfortable to drive, but not too reliable. The Toyota is incredibly uncomfortable on even just a short drive. The Toyota has left me stranded 6 times in 2 years. I have owned VWs before and they were 10 times more reliable than this Toyota. No more Toyota garbage for me!

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  My Tacoma - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tango Falcon - September 4 - 10:00 am

  TRD package adds serious horsepower to the truck and you can diffinitely fell it when the red light turns green. The power to weight ratio is not the greatest but for a day to day use it is diffinitely bangin.

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  Toyota quality - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Carl - September 3 - 5:20 pm

  7 months and no problems. Fun to drive everywhere with the the new steering layout, Have trouble keeking away from wife, she likes the power and ride. BETTER THAN THE AVALON. Love the comfort of seats on long trips to coast and mountains. Interior well thought out and love back area for secure storeage. Would buy another.

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  My Toyota Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By A.L.Slatkin - September 3 - 7:30 am

  I have wanted to have a Tacoma truck for quite sometime. I decided last month that it was the time to get one. So, I traded in my 150 Ford Truck 2000 and got a Double cab, 2wd, PreRunner 2005. It is just what I imagined it to be. Looks great, feels great and just the right size. Not too big, not too small. So, far it has been 3 weeks I am very happy with it. The truck runs very smooth and thus far I have had no problems. I am very satisfied with what I purchased.

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  My little truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By timmybird - September 1 - 2:26 am

  I bought my 96 from my father in law with 96000. He drove long distances to work every day and racked up the miles. It was factory serviced all the way up to the point I bought it in 2000. I have never owned a toy but always wanted one. It was a dream come true for me. This truck ran like a brand new car for a long time. I still own the truck and have replaced the rotors twice, pads, and a plate inside the starter. That is it maybe 300 dollars in maintenance. It has never left me hanging stuck some where looking for a tow truck. It now has 203,000 and still going strong, not bad.

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  Love the truck, but I hate the ride! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robert Clarke - August 30 - 3:50 pm

  First, let me say, I love the seats, the driving position is perfect, not too low for me (I am 59"). Brakes are amazing, Brake Assist and Electronic Brake Force Distribution really work. Gas Mileage is good, 20 city and 24 highway. No squeaks, tight truck. The Stock stereo is OK. Now the bad news, the ride is punishing! It is jarring even over the small bumps! My wife loves it, I am giving it to her and buying something else!

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  Too many quirks - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By markymarc - August 30 - 2:52 am

  I find it hard to believe how many people have blind loyalty to these trucks. There are countless issues with them if you just look them up on forums and blogs. I have most of the problems people complain about: Drive line vibrations, brake shutter, wheel shutter, loud dashboard creaks and rattles. The whole truck shakes like crazy when I try to accelerate hard from a dead stop. The engine is chirping like theres a belt problem. The valves clatter when the water temp is cold. I practically have to wait for the water temp to get to normal running level before it stops. I love the truck and I want to keep it forever, but I get the feeling it either wont hold up or Ill grow to resent it.

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  Not One Complaint! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By srogers50 - August 26 - 7:46 am

  Bought used in 2005 w/72000 miles, now has 141000, i had both a Chevy and gmc light truck, both were junk compared to my Toyota. Waterpump only thing Ive had to replace, did myself saved $600, Extremely reliable, love the ride, cause it rides like a truck. Regular maintenance done and it still runs like the day i bought it. Only problem i wish it had 4wd, other than that i will keep this truck until they tell me that there is literally nothing you can do to fix it. there is nothing i havent been able to do with this truck.