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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  Worth the wait - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Poguetx - November 5 - 5:35 am

  It took 5 months and a special order to get the 2016 Tacoma 4 door with the long bed. Apparently that configuration requires a non-standard frame that they told me only about 5% of Tacomas come on. The downside of doing a special order was that they werent willing to haggle on price beyond the standard rebate. My old RAM was showing its age, and I hated the 14mpg. I was actually ready to replace the RAM last year, but everything I had heard about the Tacoma said to wait for the 2016, since it was restyled and had the much more efficient engine. I knew I was giving up a lot of storage space from the RAM, and that Id have to get an external tool box for the Tacoma. That meant getting the long bed, unless you want just 3 1/2 feet of bed space. Anyway, once it arrived, it did deliver the 20mpg on the sticker, so Im pretty well pleased with the truck. I got the mid-range TSS option package, with the larger wheels - it clears the bumps I used to bottom out on with the RAM. I kind of wish Id spent the extra money on the "Limited" options in order to get push button ignition, automatic climate control and head lights, and locking gas cap.

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  Great Truck!!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By CharlieX - October 29 - 5:33 pm

  Got the SR5 package. Only a couple days old, but this is a great great great vehicle. Drives great, wonderful design elements, and Toyota reliability. Compared to my girlfriends 2006 Lexus IS250 - the Tacoma drives like the truck version: nimble and comfortable with a lift and bouncier shocks. Comfortable in heavy street and freeway traffic in LA. Everything feels solid and well put together. And something like 9 cup holders!

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  2007 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Sport - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Summes - October 21 - 6:30 pm

  This truck is a typical well built, reliable vehicle from Toyota. I just got out of a full size P/U and Im confident this 07 Tacoma will perform as well or better than my full size one.

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  2009 Tacoma worth the wait - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pat - October 17 - 9:20 am

  Brand new truck, was supposed to get a 2008, but production ended early. Glad I waited for all the new features. Truck runs great, very tight, great power (much better than my V8 F-150) Truck is just the right size, fuel mileage much better.

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  205,000 miles still rolling - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By JAS - October 17 - 8:00 am

  I bought this new from a dealership in 1999 trading in my 1996 Tacoma with 300,000}+ miles on it (should have kept it as back up it was still running great but was STD cab) This truck has been through 2 front end collisions one costing over $16,000 in damages, two side hits and one roll down a hill! It has spent many months in body shops. Regardles of how hard I beat it to death it still keeps going. Ive had to replace the clutch at 200k which was the first major part excluding parts replaced in accidents. All in all I will never buy another make or model. Hopefully Toyota will see this and send me one for my family of 5. Its a bit cramped! Ill drive it to death & then try to buy another

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  Typical Toyota - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By R. P. Petersen - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my 9th Toyota purchase and the quality and appearance is second to none. I briefly owned a Honda Pilot and with less than a year ownership I was more than glad to rid myself of it. Regardless what others say about the Honda product Toyota is still head and shoulders above them. Attention to detail, reliability and resale value will keep me a Toyota customer for quite some time. Good job Toyota!

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  Best Toyota Truck Ive Owned Yet - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By D.R., Palatine, IL - October 8 - 2:00 am

  All I can say about this truck is that…its beautiful. I traded in my 93Toyota 4x4 (Standard) pickup (with 108,000 miles), which was left outside, all year-round, and even in the worst Chicago winters it started every day, for my new 02 in Feb. This new truck is everything I wished my other truck could have been. It has more Power, better pick-up, better handling (which really surprised me), and a sharper look. It maybe a little more pricey than other trucks in the same class, but youre also getting a better quality truck. Which is something I know from personal experience, not just because "JD Powers" says so.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyotaowner - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I have wanted a Tacoma for years, finally got one and I am sorry for it. The rear bumper has rusted all around the edges. One of the Plastic tie downs broke for no good reason. The engine ticks loudly. The Heater/A.C blower motor screeches, I did have that replaced under warranty.....and now the new one does the same thing! The access door wont open, I will be getting that fixed. The console between the two seats in the back is worthless and takes up a lot of room. The transmission also has trouble gearing down, almost like it is stuck in too high of a gear. Also sometimes I have a hard time getting it to gear down on the hwy while in cruise control. Awful vehicle

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  1st Toyota - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By tmdmndm - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Actually did not want to look at Toyota when looking to buy. Glad I did. Ive owned all types. Needed to tow,haul passengers,and equip. I got all. Back seat has more room then any competitor. Tows my boat and trailers with no problems. Ride is excellent with no short-bed bouncing. More than enough power with smooth shifts. MPG could be a little more in city driving. Getting 22+ mpg (not to bad though). Tie down rails in bed work great. Plenty of drink holders but center ones need to be bigger. Actually is very quiet ride.

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  minor gripes - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bob - October 4 - 7:06 am

  While still a new babe in the woods my 05 Tacoma is stunning beautiful, handles very well and the gas mileage is a real plus. I cant believe how finally someone in the automotive world woke up and designed an oil filter at a location where you can actually get to it without crawling under the vehicle. It is revolutionary, sort of. Anyway, simple types appreciate this kind of thought. It sells. I will say that even with all of the good things my Tacoma has to offer, I am disappointed in the lousy cup holders at the front of the console, my kitchen cup just doesnt work and I have been living with it for 25 years. A more universal holder would be better for future upgrades.