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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  Test Drive - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TooTall? - August 15 - 12:46 pm

  Well, I havent bought one yet, but I drove it yesterday. I loved the 6- speed and the 4.0 V6, but the interior still seems cramped to me and my long legs (Im only 62"). Maybe Im not used to the high floor of a truck, but I dont see why my knees should be hitting both the steering wheel and the weird emergency brake handle sticking out of the dash. The seat doesnt go lower and the wheel was at its highest positon. I sat in a Colorado that didnt have this problem, but Im so nervous about buying a Chevy I might have to settle for the Tacomas tight drivers seat. On the plus side, I dont agree with the editor here who said the shifter was awkward - it, and the clutch, worked great!

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  Great truck, poor gas mileage - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Art - August 11 - 12:58 am

  This is my first truck, after owning bars and small SUV. I have a model with manual transmission. Im getting only 18 mpg on the highway. I expected a little bit better. I bought good stuffed tires and took the truck on snowed in mountain passes. In 4wd it holds the road like a champ. I have a full confidence in it. In 2wd it gets some fishtailing that is immediately corrected by traction control (I didnt have any weight in the bed). Breaking is great. I could feel ABS activating only once, when doing aggressive breaking from 60 mph on sheer ice. It partially may be thanks to good winter tires. Low beam headlights are good, high beam--best Ive seen. Build quality seems to be OK. I found cross-threaded bolt holding belly pan. I have yet to address it with the dealer. I think materials used on dashboard could be better. My wife has 2010 Subaru Impreza and it feels much more refined, although cost just over 1/2 of a price for Tacoma. Telescopic steering wheel is a joke. I cant lift it high enough to comfortably get out of truck. It traps my right thigh between the wheel and the seat. The truck is also missing drivers side handle to assist in getting in and out of the cab (Im fairly fit in late thirties). The biggest gripe I have is the fact that heated seats come only as part of $2000 package. I dont need parking sensors or moonroof, heated seats are nice to have in cold climate. All in all, Im happy with the truck.

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  TRD Sport - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By skysharks4 - August 9 - 2:36 am

  The styling is awesome and aggressive. I like the whole mid-size truck concept. The ride is a little stiff but that’s the way a truck should feel.

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  Tacoma Crew Cab 4x4 - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike Humeston - August 8 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in July. I have 2080 miles on it. The air conditioner compressor is loud with it on high. The paint appears wrinkled along the lower rocker panels. I have been told this is normal. Clock is no big deal but you cant see it while driving. Came from the factory with one cargo hook missing in the rear, dealer replaced it without any problem. The rear seat folded down provides an unstable platform for carrying much. I do love the ECT switch on this rig and the comfortable front and rear seating is a plus. Picked up 1.5 MPG with the K&N air filter. So far I am satisfied with the vehicle and the dealer.

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  Truck Bed - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Beckff1 - August 7 - 1:30 pm

  I love my truck but i have one problem, no lumber rack will fit on the new tacoma! want to know why? the new composit bed. Rack-It from SS CA, told me the bed will crak and fail. So what to do now? Like i said for hauling everyday dirt and small toys not a prob, but for get the avid weekend do-it yourselfer fenceing projects and long timber runs to lowes or home depot.

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  Nothing fancy just works - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robbty - August 6 - 1:06 am

  Nothing fancy just works. I have owned this truck for 6+ years and have nothing but great experiences with it. The thing just starts and runs every day without exception.

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  What a great truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By adpinc - July 30 - 10:13 am

  I turned in a leased 2005 Chevy Avalanche Z71. I had discovered that I really didnt need a full sized truck, and with gas prices where they are, I decided to buy a compact pick-up. I needed to have 4x4 and a double-cab design for seating for 4. I wanted reliability, but most importantly higher gas mileage. I quickly discovered that the Tacoma topped the list as far as meeting these minimum requirements. It has the best gas mileage in its class, very comfortable ride, and with the SR5 package, more than enough standard creature comforts. I have never owned a Toyota before, always opting for Hondas, but I have to tell you, I now understand "Toyota loyalty." What a great buy!

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  Third Toyota! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hobopoet - July 27 - 10:30 am

  This is my third Toyota Truck. Ive owned a 92 standard, a 01 Tundra, and now this one. I cant imagine a better overall vehicle! I own a courier service, and Im planning on appearing in one of those "I got 500,000 miles and Im still rolling!" ads. The new 2.7 engine is a marvel; it feels more powerful than the 3.4 six in my Tundra. I have no doubt this truck will do everything I ask and more!

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  Great reliable truck - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By icansurf - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have yet to have a problem with this truck. Body is holding up great, not a single mechanical issue and I have owned it for 4.25 years. All I have done is change the oil every 5,000 miles and rotate the tires every 3,000. I average 17.5 miles per gallon overall. If you use the ETC (electronic transmission control) button your gas milage will decrease. I actually get better gas milage when hauling some weight. I have the V6 automatic. In the old traffic light to traffic light drag race, I have toasted the likes of a Nissan Maxima. I never worry about its get up and go. Great reliable truck overall!

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  My first toyota but not my last - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By skyking - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I had a subaru that was giving to me by my brother 2 years ago that from day one always hesitated when taking off from a stop.it scared me because in a heaverly traffic town it can be dangerous when you pull out with plenty of time yet the car wants to stall on you. plus the air-condition was out so i said i am going to get a toyota tacoma truck .and it has been a blessing so far and i get alot of compliments also.i bought the air and stereo package power steering and abs brakes and that is just the way i wanted .so far it is a real hoot. forgetabout it just enjoy your new TOY>