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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  Keeps on trucking... yea ya! - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eric - August 25 - 9:36 pm

  This was my first truck I have purchased on my own, when I was 18. Great truck!! It now has 270,000 miles and keeps on going. Things I had to replace or repair: U joint in drive shaft (80,000 miles & 120,000 mi), Powersteering pump (100,000 mi), starter (120,000 mi) and thats all that comes to mind. Right now, I do have a an oil leak, need to replace spark plugs more frequently since there is an oil leak there too but the truck keeps running fine and it passed smog (CA is a big deal). The car, in my opinion is very reliable. Toyota trucks, compact size, are great cars!

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  PERSONAL EXPERIENCE - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By RON MEISLER - August 25 - 10:33 am

  All of the accolades about this truck are well deserved. I was waiting for a truck like this to hit the market for several years. I traded in my 1986 GMC pickup truck which I purchased new in 1986.

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  You get what you pay for. - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Fernando Carrrasco - August 25 - 10:13 am

  I have owned a Nissan Frontier for years and was satisfied with it (I test drove the 05 Frontier and was not satisfied with it, especially with the gas milage the sticker displayed). I test drove the Tacoma (non-TRD pkg) and was impressed with the results, so I purchased one. What amazed me was the horsepower and torque it puts out for its size. I use 91 octane and average about 21 mpg both city and hwy. Overall, Im very pleased with this truck.

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  Tremendous Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By dennis_rhodes - August 24 - 10:09 am

  My dad bought me a brand new 2004 Toyota Tacoma regular cab extended cab when i graduated high school, that was now 9 years ago and this thing is still running, i have 335078 miles on it and it still feels like it did the day i came home and saw it in the drive way. i have only had to change the oil and rotate the tires, i have had no mechanical or any other problems for that matter. I LOVE THIS TRUCK

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  Great Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Spacemark - August 23 - 5:10 pm

  49,000 in 21 months. No issues, just a piece of rubber moulding around the door replaced. I have the long-bed, 4X4 with towing package.

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  Dont buy on brand alone. - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Noble - August 20 - 11:00 am

  After 28,000 miles with my 2006 Tacoma 2WD, manual trans, the overall experience has been less than I expected. The power of the 2.7L four is marginal even in a vehicle this light. 158 horses out of 2.7L is pretty pitiful today considering it has variable valve timing. The 5-speed trans is poorly geared, and not matched to the engines power curve. The 3:31 rear gears makes 5th gear unusable. Overall, I wouldnt buy it again. It will probably go 200,000 miles, but Ill never make it! Dont consider buying it because its a Toyota!

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  Regular Cab 4 cyl manual - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Scott - August 18 - 4:03 pm

  I am 64". I fit in the truck just fine, the problem is little room for my size 14 shoes, the toes hit the bottom of the dash. The telescoping steering wheel needs to come another 2-3" farther away from the dash. As is, with the seat all the way back, my arms at 10&4 are nearly straight, not that comfortable. In 5th gear, the stick knob is in the way of the temperature control. The gears are vague with the need to double clutch to get it into first at times. Otherwise, I am happy with the truck. There is plenty of power with the benefit of good gas mileage. Bed is great but cargo will skate around on slick surface. Im hoping the frame wont rust in ten years.

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  Sexy Tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Styles - August 17 - 6:36 pm

  I love this car, its unbelievable, my only complaint is the clock location, youre better off looking at your phone or watch, its like under the steering wheel and youll get into an accident trying to find it. My only complaint about it is the fuel economy, its ok, I get about 240 on the tank but it seems like the gauge empties pretty quickly. Im sure its amazing for a truck. My main advice to anyone looking to get one of these is go with the v6 and a prerunner, its much higher up than it seems and I love the horsepower and the feel of the ride. You wont be let down.

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  awesome truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By ffffff - August 17 - 6:00 pm

  Fun to drive, very comfortable and roomy. Suspension is soft as easy to drive. Very little plastic inside on dash and around doors, prevents a lot of sqeeking and fading.

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  Happy to have it! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - August 17 - 1:23 am

  I bought this pre-runner for my wife and I love it. Ive always like Toyotas and have owned several. The new style is great and the size is better. I got between 20 and 22.5 MPG on a trip I just took driving 75 with A/C. Not as good as advertised but OK. Weve ordered some nerf bars to help my 53" wife get in and a camper shell to transport the dogs. I wish we had power mirrors and locks but it isnt a problem once you get use to it. Rides well on a long trip and the A/C will freeze you! Overall we couldnt be more pleased. This one is a keeper.