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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  Perfect Truck For Me - 2014 Toyota Tacoma
  By toyotatacofan - September 22 - 10:58 pm

  I got TRD Sport package...perfect. I dont do crazy "off roading." But I do go off pavement in the mountains and/or hunting lease. I dont "haul loads" but I do occasionally carry stuff like firewood (1/2 cord fits perfectly) or bulky things like furniture. I LOVE this truck...its perfect. 4WD is perfect in bad (good) weather like mud/snow/ice. Never been stuck or even thought about it. A little tight with two adults in front and two car seats in back, but very manageable. Engine has more than enough power. 17 MPG (mostly city) which I dont complain about. The build is solid...shifter, knobs feel good. Doesnt feel "plasticy" like Chevy Colorado. Reliability is great.

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  The perfect vehicle? - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Patrick - September 22 - 2:03 am

  I have owned 8 cars and trucks in the last 5 years searching for the perfect vehicle. I am confident I have found it. I am a financial planner and a real estate investor. Further, I just had a son - making safety a real concern. This truck serves well in all capacities. The look of the truck is tough yet sophisticated enough to be proud pulling up to clients offices. I can drive four grown men around town comfortably. The interior (front driver and passenger primarily) is comfortable and well thought out. When I am working on rental houses, the long bed allows room for tools, trash-outs, etc. The towing capacity is excellent.Ideal for weekend camping trips. 18/22mpg. Perfect vehicle? Great work, Toyota!

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  Great Little Truck - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By kevinjack - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I selected the Toyota Tacoma after comparison with Ford Ranger and Mazda 4000. Toyota was slightly more expensive but beat the competition in every other category. Great little truck with a reputation for running forever without breakdown. Requires a 1000 very gentle break in period which is unusual and a pain but that may be how it stays together for so long.

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  Tacoma wish it were a trophy truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By rambo for hire - September 18 - 6:26 pm

  2.7 169,000 on it. I purchised this truck from an air force full bird col. that told me he never did anything maintenance wise, but put 31 bfgs ats, but the first week I noticed a fuel leak in the #4 injector bank bad o-ring was the problem but replaced all 4 along with other related parts. Then I noticed during the summer when the engine was hot it was hard to start, mass airflow was dirty cleaned it with b-12 works great. Then came the front wheel bearing that went, i never seen one as hard as this the best way to tackle this is to take the spindle off and take it to Toyota service department, be sure not to damage the brass bushings you have to buy a new hub for $168.00.

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  Still Going Strong - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Barnone - September 18 - 3:46 am

  Bought new, 91,000 miles now, just put new front drakes pads, thats it for repairs. The tires lasted 60,000 miles. About 20 MPG highway or city. Not great but OK. Runs and drives very good.

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  A Step Back in Quality - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By genesis1 - September 17 - 2:06 pm

  I previously owned the 2014 Tacoma SR5 Access Cab- a great truck that unfortunately was totaled in a recent wreck when an unlicensed driver pulled in front of me . So off to the dealer I go to replace the 2014 with the new "improved" 2016 model. On the outside, the 2016 model has become sleeker, sportier and more stylish looking- more plastic where there used to be metal- but still with the new curves and grooves built into the body its sure to impress younger drivers. Also on the positive side Toyota finally got rid of aerial antenna thing (always a problem for car washes and tree branches) and put the antenna on the cabin hood where it belongs. What is most disappointing about Toyota however is the obvious attempt to "go cheap" on the newer models by greatly diminishing the quality of materials on the interior of this vehicle. In particular, the seats on the 2016 model are hard and uncomfortable, whereas the 2014 model had great seats. The glovebox- now really more of a glove "cubbyhole" has been greatly reduced in size and you can barely fit anything more than a couple of maps and sunglasses inside of it now. Adding the divider shelves was poorly thought of idea Toyota. Theyve eliminated the easy to use lever that used to control the side mirrors and replaced it with a flimsy piece of plastic knob thing that will surely break off when used too hastily by big handed people- much harder to adjust your side mirrors now. On the outside the factory tires are now cheap looking Hankook tires that look more like passenger car tires than truck tires- a step down from the factory tires on the 2014 model. While the V6 engine seems to have plenty of pep, the transmission in the automatic models seems to be slightly jerky and does not have smooth feel to it. Some owners have claimed to be getting mid to upper 20s in the MPG category but so far Im only getting 20 mpg on mostly highway driving at 60 mph average. I really hope this gets better but dont expect much. I give this truck three stars instead of 2 because of the expected and known reliability of the engine and the lifetime powertrain warranty that most dealers now provide. Its just sad that Toyota has decided to go cheap on these trucks- while raising their prices considerably- in an obvious effort to boost profits.

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  Good truck, some bugs - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By m9431 - September 7 - 7:10 am

  Theres a lot to like with the latest Tacoma truck. Nice interior and the V6 is smooth and powerful. Its size is just right. Issues? The auto trans doesnt seem to shift right. Rear springs are weak (I had to replace and I dont haul anything heavy) or put up with it bottoming out. Front end gets out of alignment easily. Does the PreRunner really need to be be so high off the ground? Id like better MPG, but at least I can get 20 or better.

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  Great little truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By J to the B - September 7 - 3:33 am

  Toyota truck number three for me. Base 2wd, regular cab, short bed. The second I shifted into second gear on the test drive I knew she was mine. I love the front end styling of the truck, but think the rear end is ugly. Mileage consistently in the very low 20s (mix of hwy and city) which is a little disappointing. The truck accelerated the same with 1,000 lbs of sand in the back or with nothing in the back, which surprised me (a good thing). I love my little truck.

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  One of the best trucks ever made - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By Brushymount - September 7 - 2:00 am

  This is hands down one of the best trucks I have ever owned.It had 45000 miles on it when it was bought.It now has 113000 miles and has not missed a beat.I have used it like a truck as well; from hauling heavy loads to driving 1000 miles to visit relatives and the occasional romp in the mud.This truck has never and I mean never let me down.

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  Hard to beat Toyota longevity and resale value! - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Redman - September 3 - 11:17 pm

  I purchased my 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4wd new and only have two complaints. First the brakes are grabby sometimes at start up during cold weather. I plan on upgrading the brakes with quality drilled and slotted rotors with premium brake pads soon. Second when in 4wd low there is an alarm that goes off the entire time you have 4wd low selected. Very annoying! The truck is very off road capable and in my opinion the off road version rates up there with the Jeep Rubicon! I really love this truck and get a lot of compliments on it. My wife has a 2016 Limited 4runner and the brakes are perfect on it so Toyota has improved them. We have owned several makes and models and have had the best service with Toyota brands! The last four Toyota vehicles we have owned and sold over the years we made money on or got what we paid for them minus basic maintenance costs. We take very good care of our vehicles and have not had any trouble selling our previous used Toyotas! We live in a mountainous area and all the bear hunters use Toyota Tacoma 4wd trucks due to their bullet proof reliability and go any where abilities even with 300k miles on them! Take care of them and they will last! If I could have only one truck it would be a Toyota with out a doubt! We work hard for our money and want a trouble free vehicle that is still worth something in ten years. Toyota has proven to us to be reliable trouble free vehicles especially the Tacomas and 4Runners!