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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  Great Trucl - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By amoral63 - December 17 - 10:00 am

  cant really see the clock, hard to reach stereo,

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  05 Tacoma sport 4 dr - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By John - December 15 - 11:53 am

  It isnt a compact truck anymore the 05 has gotten a little larger it has a real aggressive look to it, it runs and drives like a car the v6 has lots of powerand gets decent mileage I have been averaging about 19-20 mpg with trafic, should do beter on the open highway . I was going to get a 2004 but drove them both and with 60 more horsepower it is a wolrd of difference, I got the prerunner with the sport package so it has all of the color keyed door handles and mirrors and I got it in Speedway Blue, a truly awsome color I get a lot of compliments on the truck.

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  The Random Ramblings of a Taco Owner. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By CDRGreg - November 28 - 10:46 am

  You should buy this vehicle if youre looking for someone who does light-moderate hauling or towing. If youre someone who hits the trails and frequents off-pavement sites and/or traverses through bad weather/terrain, this is a vehicle you should consider. If you need to fit three car seats in the back, this truck will also fit the bill. If you want something that is reliable (based on 6k miles), then this is a truck you should consider. If you care about strong resale value, this is a truck you should consider. If you expect a lot of low-end grunt, you may be disappointed. The torque peak is at 4600 rpm. The truck is somewhat underwhelming in the lower end because of its relative lack of torque and because the transmission is biased towards mileage. The horsepower peak is 6000 rpm (100 rpm short of the rev limiter (as far as I know)). If you want this thing to move with any gusto, you will have to floor board it (the throttle may be biased towards off roading where the throttle should be feathered). The cruise control also has some interesting behavior. On anything that is perceived as a grade, the transmission will down shift. However, once the grade flattens out, the transmission will not shift back up. You either have to disengage the cruise control or manually shift it yourself. Im coming from a BMW 3-series (with an 8 speed auto and a 2.0L turbo with 255 lb-ft @ 1200 rpm) so I can definitely vouch that this thing is soft at the lower end. I also purchased the Tacoma for its MPG ratings. Its a truck so I dont expect to get 36 mpg on the highway, but so far I cannot even hit the combined rating on its EPA sticker (21 MPG). I range from 16-18 MPG (even with judicious use of the throttle). Granted, I have off road tires and the chin spoiler delete (I suspect these are good for 1 MPG). Interior quality is fairly good. Im not very tall (59 and 210 lbs). After playing with the manual adjustments on the seat, I did manage to find a good seating position. For a truck, I think the handling and braking are decent. I dont tow anything and havent carried any heavy loads in the bed so I cannot really say whether or not I miss disc brakes at the rear. As for the ride quality, I drove a 2015 with the TRD off-road suspension and it seems better controlled in the 2016. Wind noise is also markedly reduced in the 2016. Some cost cutting is apparent in this truck. I appreciate the smart key system but you can only get in on the drivers side. Most of the time, it suits me just fine but sometimes I need to grab something out of the passenger side of the truck. Im not sure of the reasoning behind this move. Another area where some cost cutting may have occurred is the decision to use the drum brakes in the rear. Overall, the 2016 Tacoma is not perfect, but its a solid value.

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  My first Toyota P/U - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By bigr - November 28 - 9:10 am

  Well it has been one week since I pick up my Toyota Tacoma 4x4 TRD Dbl Cab. I have to admit that I love it. It is well built and very comfortable. Today I towed a trailer with 2 yards of wet topsoil and I almost forgot it was back there. Great power and fuel economy (I hope, Im still on the first tank of gas). After driving a Chevy S-10 ZR2 for 130,000 miles I was not sure about a Toyota, but it had everything I was looking for, appeared well built and the price compared to equal vehicles was reasonable. It is like driving a car with all the abilities of a truck. Our two Saint Bernards love the back seat and it has enough toys to keep me busy for a while.

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  It will outlast you - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By AlabamaGuy - November 27 - 5:26 am

  Ive had my V6 4WD towing package Tacoma for 160,000 miles since 1997. It has hauled heavy loads, pulled heavy loads, been seriously offroad (fire roads, creeks, 4wd tracks, mountain trails). Truck still cruises at 85-90 mph for hours, still climbs rocky trails like a champ. In 8 years, has only needed gas, oil, and tires, and one set of shocks. Gets 22 mpg hiway, 17 around town. Locking gas cap. Paint still great, nothing rattles, everything works as well as day 1.

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  First Tacoma - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TexasT - November 26 - 6:26 pm

  Former full size truck owner that likes the quick steering, easy parking exceptional ride, performance of the V6, 4.0L and outstanding styling. A high clearance truck to take to the dirt roads, hauling gear or a fancy resturant with family and friends. I reviewed a number of mid-and full-size trucks and like the sporty styling, large space in the back seat of the Double Cab as well as extra storate under and behind the seat. I like the composite bed and tie-downs with optional bed divider and net to keep objects from sliding around. I have nerf bar steps for my 53" wife. And, installed a trailer hitch.

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  Really loving this truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By RyRob - November 25 - 1:10 am

  Its a Higa change from my 04 SR5 PreRunner, but there are many qualities that Im enjoying. I feel like Im sitting higher, design is slick and the drive is very comfortable. The back seats can be tight, but nothing to really worry about. Theres all kind of storage in the main cab as well as the compartments in the back. Deep bed and nice compartments there too. Technology is sweet, stock sound is good, camera great quality and you can control just about everything from the wheel. I recommend it and very happy with my purchase. Also like the customization potential.

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  Truck For Life - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Bryan - November 20 - 8:06 pm

  Ive always been driving a car, but when Toyota made a bigger Tacoma, I told myself, it is time. I usually drive this truck in the city, but I have taken it to the beach, mud, and dirt roads. Let me tell you, this truck can handle it all. I even helped a Ford F150 that got stuck in the sand. I may have lost my 3 series BMW, but I got this new TACOMA. This bad boy handles very good. Its so smooth, you will think youre driving a car.

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  Why didnt I trade in earlier - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By rivka - November 15 - 2:00 am

  I had my tacoma for about eight months and let me tell you, it was nothing but trouble. I was at the dealer at least once a month to fix stuff. mostly the power window kept falling off the track and wouldnt go up. also other annoying stuff-the brakes and rotors needed changing after 11000 miles, the transmission shifted roughly, and the worst part was that the dealer didnt seem to know what they were doing. I finally gave up and traded it in for a dodge 1500. so far so good.

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  Great Truck no perfect 2005 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By kimon101 - November 13 - 9:51 pm

  At 80,000 miles after towing a car on a dolly 1500 miles one universal joint went out. Replaced all 3. Replaced one wheel barring (so far). Cab fan motor went out, replaced, then fan motor connector failed due to heat. Replaced connector with GM part, exactly the same only less expensive. Rear leaf springs are weak, not much weight in bed and spring bumpers are almost on the axle. In cab navigation and temp indicator failed. Poor factory solder job on components, I re soldered and is still working fine. Mesh style seat material stains easily and is hard to clean. At 148K still looking good.