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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  Overpriced Junk - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Alpine - May 17 - 1:43 am

  First truck (same model) had to be replaced, due to a front-end problem - right off the lot. Second truck had a clutch problem from the start (one that the dealer ignored until it failed at 35K). I had the rear spring TSB done to help the load capability of the truck. The dealer messed up setting the pinion angle of the diff - blowing out the drive-shaft carrier bearing. The dealer would not admit to this, and I had to get it fixed at a drive-line shop (at $900). All-in-all the truck is the biggest piece of junk Ive ever owned, with Toyota not backing the problems associated with this truck. Toyota, oh what a feeling (yeah, sick feeling).

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  Excellent Little Truck! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tommy - May 16 - 11:36 am

  I purchased this "mini-taco" 03-22-2008 as a way to downsize and conserve. Couldnt be happier with this truck. It is the 4x4 regular cab, the smallest tacoma. What a great design, big on features. Driving mildly, now averaging 23-24 mpg overall. Thats not great but consider its a 4x4. It handles the road much better than the older generation. The steering radius is another pleasant surprise. The performance is better than expected. The 4cyl engine will really move if you want it to. I did get the SR5 package which gives the reg cab truck bucket seats. Very comfortable and supportive. Many cup holders, using the 2 on the rear of the center console for reserve water bottles.

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  Its Time for Toyota - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rob - May 13 - 8:43 am

  Ive been waiting so long for a truck like this to come along, MAN do I love this Truck! I have always liked small trucks and wanted one for several years but, up until now, the small truck market was just too impractical (small) and wimpy (underpowered). I have a family and need to have a roomy cab, a powerful engine, and good cargo space but I dont work construction so I want it in a right-sized package. Finally it had to look cool. This Truck just hits the nail right on the head. Its actually fun to drive, tons of torque and acceleration, great road feel plus great gas mileage. This truck is a head-turner and its my first Toyota, why did I wait so long????

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  04 vs 08 - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe - May 11 - 3:20 am

  I owned a 2004 extended cab Prerunner prior to my 2008 4x4. What a big difference! The 2008 turns tighter [better u-turns]. The ride is way better even with the TRD offroad package my 04 did not have. The 04 wandered all over the road, the 08 stays centered better. Every gripe I had about the 04 seemed to be fixed by Toyota in the 08. Dont get me wrong the 04 was a great truck, with absolutly no mechanical issues in 38,000 miles of use. Im sure this 08 will be the same. I just wish I had opted for the top line stereo. Was told it was only available in sport package. This truck tows my 2200 lb boat effortlessly. For the price, the towing package is a bargain for what you get.

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  love my 4X4 - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Don Ray - May 10 - 2:26 pm

  I bought an 06 Dbl cab TRD sport 4X4, it took me 3 months to get this truck the way I wanted it but I have it now. Nice truck, speedway blue is the bomb. Got 17 mpg on first tank, not bad. Just put a Flowmaster muffler, sounds real good now. I wish the electric plug in the back wood work with the truck not running, useless this way.

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  my truck - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By me123456789 - May 10 - 10:00 am

  Great reliability and gas mileage.

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  Peppy performance & excellent fuel economy - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By michael bryan - May 10 - 7:46 am

  The fuel economy has been pleasant surprise avg. 27 mpg once got 27.76 over 400 miles mixed driving never less than 25.23. The larger than avg. 2.7L 4 cyl has plenty of low end torque with the manual trans. This trucks interior is very comfortable. The truck feels very safe and stable at high interstate speeds. I spend most of my driving on public roads where this truck feels stable and manuverable, not tippy.

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  2007 Toyota Tacoma - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Matt - May 9 - 9:56 pm

  Precisely what you should look for in a mid-size. Truck feel but car comfort. Plenty of power for highway acceleration. Gives full-size general duty for V6 gas mileage (20.5 mostly highway driving). Great utility constuction truck!

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  Toyota has a new permanent customer - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By wutroad - May 9 - 11:10 am

  Love this truck, bought new. It was totalled in 9/2005 with 148129 miles on it. I was towing a car with a dolly, a tire blew, i fishtailed, and rolled twice at 65 mph and walked away with a seat-belt bruise. The officers on scene almost didnt believe that i was even in the vehicle, as i was not injured. During the 4 years I had it, I traveled extensively throughout the US (42 States), Canada and Mexico-- all weather and terrain. I never once felt that my Tacoma was going to fail me. I changed the oil and did other maintenance religiously. I do not recommend the do-it-yourselfer attempt to replace the timing belt without any prior experience. Replaced with 2003 AccessCab 4x4, equally happy.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By mac240 - May 8 - 6:10 pm

  Very nice truck with an excellent ride. This is my third Tacoma and by far the best. I use my truck mainly for personal transportation and I bet I represent a large number of buyers. With that in mind Toyota should make available more creature comforts, i.e., power seats, heated mirrors, a sunroof, auto temp and leather seats. The tire monitor system is useless, it only indicates you have low tire pressure but doesnt tell you which tire. The system GM uses gives you a readout of the tire pressure in each tire, a much more useful system. Even with the short comings Ill buy this truck again.