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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  My Tacoma - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Arnie - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The performance is awesome. Whenever I need that extra power, its always there. Ive never had a problem with it as far as reliability.

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  Great truck, but obviously a truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Carnut - March 28 - 6:46 pm

  Had the truck for a year, and no major problems to report. Drives through 2ft of snow like its nothing, tows like theres nothing there. I was disappointed by the gas mileage - around 15 MPG around town, without a load. Ride is terrible with the TRD package, but its in line with my expectations for a truck. It also has a very clunky manual transmission. Has had numerous annoying interior rattles, which I did not expect on a Toyota. It also feels quite tippy and has a lot of "bump steer" even on slow corners. All annoyances aside, its a great truck. I like the simple, uncluttered styling, inside and out. It is very "trucky," but it feels solid and should last forever.

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  LOVE my Tacoma! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Buffy - March 26 - 11:16 am

  My 05 Tacoma already has 7000 miles on her and has been from the Gulf Coast, to the top of the Rockies and back without a single hiccup. I get admiring looks everywhere I go and people always ask to look inside. The 4WD system is superior (did great in the deep snow) and the new composite bed is fantastic. Lots of clever interior storage space along with very comfortable seating for 5 adults. One time I got 24 mpg on the highway (had a tailwind), but I usually only average 18 mpg in the city. The performance of the V6 engine is very close to V8 in the Tundra, and it even has a cool, powerful sound when you accelerate. Get yourself one soon, only not in white... mines white.

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  Great Small Truck + Lots of Fun - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael02pb - March 25 - 9:26 am

  I will admit its not something to buy if you are going to be towing heavy payloads, however if you are needing a truck to move large objects and still want to drive it to work everyday I would highly recommend the Toyota Tacoma. It is very friendly to work on and drive. The design is so well thought out that I have never had a problem with someone being in my blind spot without me knowing. Its a big plus for me because it gets good gas mileage and it can handle what ever I give it.

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  Poor Quality Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael_F - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Purchased truck from Molle Toyota of Missouri in KC. The truck was delivered to me with a leaky radiator hose & a deformed plastic piece that surrounds the clock inside the truck & several other defects inside the truck. Some of the other defects inside the truck as follows: (1). Flexible rubber cover that covers the seat hinge gets crushed into the hinge when you move the upper part of the seat completely forward, you can check this out for yourself on any Toyota truck. (2). Cutouts in the carpet of the seat for the head rest are too large for the plastic piece that is designed to cover them up. (3). Dash pieces are cheap & do not line up properly.

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  2000 miles later - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma - March 21 - 3:43 pm

  This is my first Tacoma, but Ive been in love with this truck for years. It handles fine for me; its just a truck, not a sports car. Off-road the truck handles well and performs better, but the stock tires need to go if you plan on doing some serious off-roading. Otherwise, Ive been averaging over 20 mpg doing mostly highway driving through the Cumberland mountains (a 4spd automatic might have been a better choice since the 4cylinder needs to be in 4th gear to climb hills on the interstate). The base model comes with no frills, but I can handle crank windows and push mirrors--its a truck plane and simple.

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  Great Truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By rwarner399 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  It is a fun truck to drive.

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  OK but... - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By greg - March 18 - 11:23 am

  I try to get every mile per gallon I can and with this truck I have been able to squeeze 28mpg on the highway and about 25 around town with over inflated tires. Its comfy but... I am a carpenter and when the bed is loaded to about half capacity the head lights are aimed too high and there is no adjustment, the radio turns on and off randomly and has been replaced (still does it) the seat belts get tangled in the rear door, when I use 4 way flashers the dash lights up like Christmas tree, passenger seat belt warning goes on for no reason, ice gets stuck somewhere behind dash and it sounds like a bowling alley.

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  Exterior looks great but lacking basic features - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By kane - March 14 - 2:13 am

  I was really excited for the redesigned Tacoma as i was in the market for looking for a new car and it came out at the right time. However once i test drove the truck, i was disappointed in some of the basic features that were missing for such a high price tag. First is the ability to adjust the height of the driver seat. I felt the seats were too low and with the hood of the TRD sport blocked me from having a better view of the road. The truck doesnt have these items as standard features: Automatic headlights, HomeLink, Bi-Xenon lights, although i think you can add those for additional cost. The new hard tri-fold cover was a nice feature. The engine was pretty loud and felt much slower than the 2011 version i have drove.

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  Jump Jump Around - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Seahawk Blitz it - March 11 - 10:00 am

  This truck is by far the best truck out there.I only have 31000 miles on my 2001and it looks and runs like the day I bought it.Wish the interior was a nicer design,but all in all this is the truck to jump towards.