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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  V6JUICE - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By rpres44 - February 14 - 10:00 am

  The ride is excellent. The handling is excellent. The mpg could be a little better (17.05 over 7000 miles) but the larger tires give it a 6% error in miles driven (it shows less than it has actually gone). The clock cannot be seen by the driver w/o leaning over. The center console plastic scratches easier than other cars. Removing the oil filter is difficult unless done through the dr side front wheelwell. Draining the radiator requires taking off a large, heavy piece of brush guard underneath. But an excellent choice for a p/u. Should have side visors in front.

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  Shell be missed - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lisurfer523 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunatly I was in a very bad accident with my 2006 Toyota Tacoma TRD Offroad. It was the best car I have ever purchased. I have to say it was my Tacoma that saved my life in the head on collision. I was hit head on by someone who jumped the double yellow and I managed to escape with a broken leg and a messed up knee. No head, back or neck injuries. I used my truck everyday to and from work, on and off the beach towing my pop up camper trailer and boat trailer, snow, rain with no problem ever. I never had as much as a flat tire in my truck. I would recommend this truck to anyone that ever goes off road or just likes having a small truck that drives like a big one with out the gas.

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  66,000 and still love it - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By RKK - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Outside some flimsy door panels that dealer said he replaced and didnt, just glued reinforcements in door elbow rest, Im fairly happy. Installed a 2.5" front lift via Bilstein adjustable shocks & a 1" rear lift via blocks with matching Bilstein 5100s. I average 23- 24mpg on summer fuel, 21-22 on winter fuel. Light in the rear on wet roads, but thats to be expected. Also alot of driveline noise from day one, but my 93 model had same thing. I plan on another 100,000 miles, I love it that much.

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  tacoma - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By jim - February 10 - 6:30 am

  Interior noise @ fuel economy would be the only negatives. Average 17 winter 19 summer. Was rated at 19 so I knew this going in.

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  Love my Tacoma - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Cleveland Ohio - February 8 - 3:26 pm

  I purchased this truck new. This is my first pick up truck. It has lots of power for a 4 cyl and rides nice. I purchased it as a second vehicle so I didnt get all of the extras just AC and sliding rear window. It seems to get around 21-23 MPG mixed mostly city driving. A few months after driving it i did experience the feeling of riding over railroad tracks when decelerating. I heard it was due to the torque converter not disengaging but since the tranny shifted excellent, I didnt want the dealer to mess with it. It seems to have gone away on its own and I havent noticed it all Summer. I like the fact that if I get my speed up to 38 mph, the od kicks in and will stay eng down to 30.

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  Pain in the butt! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joseph Raney - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Hi, ever since I got this vehicle I have been back and forth to the dealership at least 8 times, thats not including servicing. I just purchased the truck 5 months ago and its been giving me probs ever since I first got it.

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  The Leader - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Roman - February 5 - 1:26 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle. It is far superior in quality and design than other trucks in its class. I have owned several trucks and Toyota has always been the top in its class.

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  Direct Compare 2017 and 2007 models - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jack Cloxet - January 29 - 9:03 pm

  I currently own a 2007 Tacoma TRD Off Road that has 100K miles on it and have been delighted all the way around with this truck . My wife was always in it so I gave it to her and got myself an identical 2017 model without much thought..... thinking they could only get better after 10 years. Well, was I wrong. The 3.5L Atkinson V6 engine paired with the 6 speed automatic is disappointing. Between the sluggish performance, the constant gear shifting and the incredibly loud engine/exhaust system noise under load, I cant wait till my lease is up. And it is LOUD under load. My wife and I have a modest 20 foot travel trailer and have done identical trips to the same campground with both vehicles and the difference is remarkable. Although the 3.5L is rated to tow more than the old 4.0L, it responds horribly compared to the 4.0L. Even when utilizing the the 3.5L ECT PWR option while towing , there was still incessant gear hunting and a deafening howl from the engine and exhaust as it frequently ramped up to 4200 RPMs on slight inclines. Gas mileage was much worse as well while towing as the 3.5L came in at 9.4 MPG and the 4.0L measured in at 14.2 MPG. As far as some of the other odds and ends, I found myself using the GPS on my phone as it is far superior to the one in the truck, many of the new controls for some of the new technology is not intuitively placed and depending on what screen youre on you get the speed youre traveling in three different places and the time is nowhere to be found. Weird. On the upside, the truck handles and brakes well, but so does the 2007. All in all, its not such a bad daily driver but we use the 2007 to tow the trailer as the experience is far superior. Ive also decided to keep and invest in the 2007 as I have a feeling we wont see anything new on the market like that for some time to come.

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  Toyota Tacoma Not needs work - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By lawje - January 28 - 3:50 am

  Purchased my 2010 Tacoma in CNY and was disappointed from day one. 179 miles on with large scratch. Dealer fixed but not a good sign. Major complaints: Radio seemed to be very low. Volume was on 50 to hear radio with windo down. Handling, not great. Constant noise when van or heat turned on. Later found out it was a recall and Toyota did not let me know after I complained. Gas mileage...maybe 16 mpg average driving. Not very comfortable for someone 600 tall. Sold after 2 years and 25,000 mile. Also have a 2005 Toyota 4runner which is the best vehicle I have ever owned.

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  One Fine Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By The Kentucky Kid - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Had this truck for four months now, and absolutely love it. Its not perfect, but its definitely a quality vehicle. Ride is a little bouncy, especially on concrete interstates (asphalt is smooth as glass). Couldnt afford the V6, but the 4 cyl. does fine. I dont do a lot of heavy-duty hauling or towing, so the HP is more than adequate. Getting 21 mpg avg and as much as 25 mpg on the open road. Its a great hill climber, creek splasher and rock rider and Ive spent many fun hours off-road, exploring places Ive never been before. But clean it up and shine it up and, man, it takes to city streets like a Jaguar to the jungle. And chicks love it!