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:

• 

  Finally, a truck I love - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joe - November 13 - 1:10 pm

  Picked up the 4x2 doublecab with TRD#2 package, and I cant say enough good things about it. The ride is very smooth, and bears little resemblance to the ride on the 04 models. Responsiveness is very good, and handles like a dream. Most use will be on freeways in town, with the occasional foray onto forest roads or across the family farm to hunt.

• 

  Great but with problems - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By D C - November 12 - 7:23 pm

  First time to drive a Toyota, never owned a truck other than GMC. Drives great and is comfortable. Been back to the dealer twice in two weeks trying to fix the whistling from the windshield, sounds like youre holding a beer bottle out the window. No other problems!

• 

  4 cylinder, 4x4 Tacoma with 4 speed automatic - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By nedreck - November 12 - 11:42 am

  Overall the truck has been pretty good. The acceleration of the 4 cylinder in this model with the 4 wheel drive and 4 speed automatic transmission is poor, and fourth gear is way too high for this engines modest power and torque level and the shift points are all wrong, in my opinion. It always starts and runs well for me, but the blower fan has been replaced twice under warranty.

• 

  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tico - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Just passed one year and 10K miles and more disappointed than I expected (this is my 4th Toyota, but first Tacoma). Lots of little probs: Buzzing sound from center console that dealer said was fixed (it wasnt). needed windshield replaced due to glue streak marks that impaired visibility, acceleration from stop poor (dealer says this is "normal" -- yeah, right!)...poor mpg 15-16 in city, 18 on highway. Hindsight being 20/20, Id go with a Frontier or Ridgeline.

• 

  Great truck - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Reece Wilson - November 11 - 8:44 pm

  I bought the off road version. Loaded with everything. I live at 10,000 feet so going home is obviously up a big hill. I havent noticed the power problems or gear finding problems everyone is talking about. Im 61" and wouldnt want to be taller. Thats my only con at this point. Truck is very new and time will tell if I change my mind.

• 

  my truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By ba2ty - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Just a few words: fun,cool,happy,class,tough,slick,comfort zen,calm,crazy,safe,speed and perfect

• 

  Awesome truck! - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By joebob - November 3 - 10:06 pm

  This is a truck, not a truck on a car platform like the Ridgeline. I like alot of what reviewers dont like about it. I like the high step in - 20 inches...which means it will get through the snow drifts at the end of my long driveway. Its a smooth ride as trucks go. The bed is deep, where the Ridgeline is shallow. The instrumentation display is much better than the Chevy/GMC IMO. Sure you sit with your legs a bit straight in the front seat, but once again, I know it will get through anything without bottoming out. The resale value, and reliability are a the top of the segment. Its a blast to drive. Sure it can be a bit sluggish if you are trying to maximize the MPGs merging on the freeway, but all you have to do is either press the ECT button, or push harder on the peddle to overcome it. My 16 year old did that and actually improved the MPG. Go figure.

• 

  Tough little truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By larry P - November 2 - 10:36 pm

  I have replaced the exhaust manifold, rear leaf springs, and the universal joint at the differential twice. It does not burn or leak oil. The steering gear and suspension are tighter than a friends much newer full- size domestic truck with 1/6th the miles. Manual transmission and original clutch.

• 

  Getting 100% of what I paid for. - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By bahr - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I balked at the cost at first, but put the extra dollars down to make sure I could get a decent vehicle. I scanned the lot until I found one that had the V6 and said "Parts: 100% Japan. Labor: 100% Japan. US/Canadian: 0%." That makes all the difference, really. This truck has performed above and beyond expectations since the day I drove it off the lot. The TCO is good, the financing is acceptable, and depreciation isnt too vicious. If you want a truck, you can hardly do better.

• 

  Love my Tacoma!! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dale Bjorklund - November 1 - 10:00 am

  Upgrade from my 10 years of driving a 90 2WD Toyota 4-banger (a great little truck in its own right, my son owns it now). My 02 is a great truck, and I think it rides fine too!! Good power, great handling. Im looking forward to snow for the first time in years!!