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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  Owner/operator - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By l1nda - April 30 - 10:36 am

  Replaced 5 sets of front brake rotors, replaced ball joints within 2 years of ownership, within 2 years of purchase had to start replacing exhaust system 3 times, replace rear shocks after 3 years of purchase date, brought Tacoma to dealer with frame rust in 2008 nothing was done, another recall came up in 2010 now the frame is completely rotted out and getting the run around from the Toyota company. Want to put new frame underneath vehicle with all rusted hardware this means taking the entire vehicle apart who knows how it will run after that. Want Toyota to buy back vehicle but they refuse to will fight to the end. I am done with toyotas. Drove this vehicle with rot on frame for two years

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  This is my third Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Linda - April 27 - 8:09 pm

  The smaller engine this year is not near as gutsy, no matter what the numbers say. I live in a very hilly area and the truck is constantly down shifting to keep speed. It is really annoying. I also dont have auto head lights. I paid $35,000 and I dont get an auto headlight feature? Really?

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  What a truck! - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Truck owner - April 25 - 8:30 am

  Had several Chevys, one Mazda (really a Ford in Mazda clothing), and one Dodge Ram. This truck is the best of the lot. The fit and finish is amazing. Toyota builds the best. The interior is a little unfrendly, but after 1 year not a rattle or creak anywhere. No other manufacturer can say that, period. Gas mileage is slightly better than claimed, however my wife has a light foot, and we have never towed. Adapts well to the deserts on the west and the mountains on the east.

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  Value - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By theo marks - April 23 - 1:42 am

  Great value for the cost, I looked for a truck for months. Most cost to much for a truck; if I wanted all the luxury bells and whistles I would buy a car. This truck fits me for the type of small projects I like doing.

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  TRD Sport - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brian - April 19 - 9:36 am

  I was starting a job, and I knew I would be driving a lot of miles, so I went with the Tacoma. I live in Northern California, and like to go camping, and snowboarding. I went with the TRD Sport 4x4, and it drives like a car. No body roll, or jarring bounces like other trucks. Very smooth ride. I used to drive a Volvo, which is notorious for having the most comfortable seats, and the comfort factor is very similar in the Tacoma. It has tons of interior storage space, and is very well laid out. I also installed a new exhaust system, and it gave me an almost 20% increase in MPG. 17 to around 19 city, and 19 to 23~24 hwy. Overall, incredibly pleased, and would buy again.

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  Just fell in love with it - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By TOM NICOTERA - April 18 - 10:40 am

  My wife and I were looking at pickup trucks and went to see the new Toyota Tacomas as we had an 09 Tacoma. The new body and size is a great improvement over the earlier years. It also has much better styling and features. I am about 510" and getting in and out of the driver side can be difficult as my head hits the roof line of the door opening. My wife is about 52" and has no problems with it. Surprisingly I have no trouble getting in or out on the passenger side. The dealer we purchased through ours through was great to deal with and offered an excellent trade value for our 09 as well as very good price on the truck we bought.

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  Not Bad, still probably the best - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By wolfstar - April 17 - 3:03 pm

  This truck was purchased new in March of 07. It sees at least 8 miles of washboard roads daily, sometimes up to 40, in a very rural, desert environment it has performed well. The only failures have been the horn, and the radiator bolts fell out before 2300 miles. I replaced the horn with an aftermarket unit. The radiator was fixed by the dealer. When it is cold, the transmission is a little clunky till it warms up. Lots of gear noise from the transmission and rear end. The engine works fine, and has done well with 3/4 ton of stone in the bed. The stock Firestone tires stink The Speedometer/odometer is off by 4% this was remedied by replacing the sock 215/70/15 tires with 235/75/15.

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  Great little truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacolover - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely reliable, fun to drive, good gas mileage. I expect I will get another 10 years out of it, easily.

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  Not sure if its worth it yet....... - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Former Ford Owner - April 16 - 3:36 pm

  Seems like a decent compact truck so far. Could use more power, a little pricy for what I got. Seems solid, though and a nice ride. I had a Ford Ranger previously (a 1991), and loved it. Could use a 3rd door on Xtra cab, Auto Tranny makes acceleration a bit sluggish at times. Who put the clock there? You cant see it from the driving position. And if you install a CD AND Cassette player, why wouldnt you provide storage for CDs as well?? Cassettes went out long ago, yet armrest has cassette storage area. Dual accessory power outlets a BIG plus! Overall, a nice ride....just not sure on the value... give me a couple of years.

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  toyota cant fix my truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By John B - April 16 - 2:45 am

  leaking differential (recall) - Toyota has my truck and Im in a rental - they dont know when it will be fixed and Toyota does not have a fix a this time . Got the truck back after almost 3 months to replace a seal