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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  I Waited 20 years for this truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kelshm - October 25 - 1:46 am

  I have wanted a Tacoma forever. I never seemed to be able to find one when it was time to trade however. This time I just went all out and bought a new one. I should have done this before! This truck is phenomenal! I have never felt so secure in a vehicle in my life!

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  Gotta love your toyota - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By akgrowntoyotagal - October 24 - 9:26 am

  Great vehicle and gets great mileage for a truck. Toyotas will last forever. 4-door cab is great. My cab has more rear seat leg room than my boyfriends big Dodge diesel truck. Not happy with lack of interior storage space. I bought a snugtop supersport truck shell to take care of that problem. Shell looks great on the truck. Little spendy, but worth it. Worried about the automatic transmission - getting a strange clunk sound when I am comming to a stop or when I first start accelerating. The fan power of the air system could have more power.

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  Love it! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By rvkelly - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a complete pleasure to drive. It combines the comfort of a car and the rugedness of a workhorse. I highly recommend for anyone looking to own a truck he can work with but also save soem fuel money on.

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  What a great truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Wright - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck - I truly enjoy driving it.

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  Humpty Dumpty... - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By guamSAR - October 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck for my wife.Well, 6 months later she hit a big rutt in the road and before she knew it she was flying off into a ditch.The front wheels got their traction back as she turned the wheels back to the right and she started rolling.All told my wife rolled it 1 and 3/4 times ending up on the passenger side of the truck.

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  Great Ride, Poor MPG - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By rsl - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Almost new, but mileage far below sticker numbers. Ride is solid and comfortable (with exceptions below). No squeaks, rattles or wind noise. Exterior styling second to none, interior style flawed. Clock positioned so you have to lean forward to see it through steering wheel, and console so far back that its not accessible while driving. Seat back is poorly designed for me (62"), but might improve with time. Drivers seat wont slide forward like the passenger seat for rear access. Engine performs well, but if you try to drive faster than a little old lady you can almost here it drinking gas. The anti-lock brakes are excellent on wet pavement.

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  Love my new used Tacoma! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sammi - October 20 - 7:50 pm

  I live in Mexico, bought the truck in Tijuana, then gave it the ultimate test drive down Baja. Got about 24 mpg and never felt a need for more power than the 4 cylinders (5 sp. standard) delivered. Enjoyed getting to know the truck, love all the little comforts (sliding dual cup holder, snack rack in the back, nice little stereo etc.). Has sprayed in bed liner, sliding rear windows and other nice touches.

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  Best truck for the Money - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By claymo1 - October 19 - 10:23 pm

  The ride is good for a truck, The seats could have a little more cushion. The engine downshifts all the time in the mountains, but that I can live with. I averaged 21 to 25 mpg on a recent trip this weekend, fully loaded with kids and dog. So far so good! Toyota does make the best in my opinon, and does really have the best resale, that is if you resell it. Toyota has plenty of room inside, and is a blast to drive. GO FOR IT!

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  Best of the trucks - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By jbi - October 15 - 10:00 am

  Great overall truck!! Crash tested twice and walked away unharmed both times. Would buy again.

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  Most Reliable Truck Ive Ever Owned - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Freckles - October 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the fifth truck Ive owned, and my second Toyota truck. The first was an 88 which ran reliably for 12 years. My 99 Taco has almost 80K miles on it and is still going strong. It travels 90 miles every day getting me to work and back plus it goes off-road in my free time to get me to some of my favorite canoeing and kayaking spots. Other than regular maintenance it has exhibited no mechanical problems and continues to perform flawlessly. Ive also pulled a 2200 lb camper up through the White Mountains with no problems. Only had to drop one gear pulling Franconia Notch.