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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  Best truck...EVER!Bou - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By sierratoy - July 23 - 9:12 pm

  I bought my 2004 4X4 TRD December 03. 2004 was last year of the compact size. Didnt want the larger midsize 05 model. Extremely durable and reliable. Off road capabilities are superb. It also cruises very well on the highway. Excellent in snow...deep snow. Only regular scheduled maintenance required.These trucks are the best EVER.

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  16k mile review - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark - July 23 - 7:36 am

  So, the truck now has 16k miles. Other than the initial axle problem things have been OK. I monitor every tank and the truck was 16 city and 18.5 hwy with canopy until I put new tires on which dropped me 2 mpg (265 70 17) 4wd works flawlessly. The cruise control is still useless-surges gears-and seatbelt and back-up warning quit working. Speaking of tires, despite claims you CAN NOT go wider than 265 without rubbing, even w/ 3" lift unless you replace the rims and sensors-big $$. Smoking problem has cleared with 3rd synthetic oil change - whew.

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  THE BEST!! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By dwMarc - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is THE truck! Ive had it for just over a year (bought used) and it has surpassed my expectations constantly! It performs like the true V6 it is and rides more like a car. This is my third toyota truck and I could never be happier and reliability is top notch! Ive never had to do anything with it! I change the oil and rotate the tires as expected but NEVER have had a problem even though it has about 70,000 miles! Finally, I had driven it to Montreal and back a few weeks ago and suprisingly enough it was the most comfortable truck ride Ive ever felt (aside from my LX470) probably due to the TRD suspension.

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  Overrated - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By gary smith - July 18 - 10:29 pm

  I have been driving a 2011 Taco, V6 4.0L engine since 2011. I really wanted the new safety features in the new redesigned 16 Taco. I was very impressed with the new interior, sound system and safety features, e.g. side blindspot mirrors, big backup camera, sonar alert when backing out... But, and its a big but, the hype on the new engine being smaller, with better gas mileage and more powerful is just NOT so. I live in northern AZ in hilly country. I took this new vehicle on an extensive drive around the ups and down of the local terrain; the power of the engine is not good and the transmission was constantly shifting. I constantly had to override the transmission manually. This to me was unbelieveable that any small test drive by Toyota engineers would have seen and felt this problem. Even my wife who was with me commented on how much the tranny was shifting and the lack of power. The previous 4.0L was just adequate for this size truck; putting a smaller engine with less power and a poor performing tranny was just dumb! I dodged a major bullet by listening to my inner voice and rejecting this poor performing Taco before trading in my excellent (I didnt know how good it is) 2011 Taco. Dont buy this vehicle until Toyota fixes these problems. By-the-way this vehicle out the door was around $43K - that my friend is a lot of risk.

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  Tacoma LX -Ext Cab - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By Stafford - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Absolutely no repairs other than front brakes replaced at 75,000 miles. Vehicle is quiet and solid with no rattles.

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  Pleased with my purchase. - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Silkey - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this Toyota a few months ago. I like everything about it except the comfort of the seat. Im older now than I was when I owned my last Toyota pickup. I didnt mind the seat then. It could use a little more padding. Truck runs great and I anticipate it will for years.

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  Another GREAT truck - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By bravo22 - July 16 - 10:00 am

  I work for plumbing contracting company and we have several Toyota pick-ups, one has over 400,000 miles! All are bullet proof tough and reliable. The 2002 4WD Xtra cab that I drive is no exception. I have had a dash rattle and that is it in the problem dept.

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  INFERNO 2016 4X4 SPORT MODEL 4 DOOR WITH TECH PKG - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By MEL - July 13 - 5:33 pm

  We have always owned Toyotas. Just bought this truck only negative thought seats should be power. We love it. Thought it drove great. We’ve bought 10 Toyotas in cinti but since our salesman left we were not treated the same. Had great luck with Valadosta Toyota in GA. Everyone there was great. Flew in and drove it home. We bought 6 ft bed which we love. Of course we got the bells and whistles.

  We just got it time will tell about the rest.

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  Not sure these trucks can be killed. - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By shelbert1 - July 13 - 8:17 am

  I have owned 2 vehicles since 1985, my whole driving life. My 1st truck at 15 was a 1980 toyota pickup, I ran it to 550k miles before giving it to my brother in 1998. I purchases this 1996 Tacoma as a replacement. Was hoping for half the life of my 1st. It did not disappointed me yet. Just turned over 350k miles and is still my daily driver. Would not even think twice about heading cross country. I have replaced a starter, clutch master cylinder, and all bushings and ball joints (only one failed but I changed them all). Have yet to even replace the clutch but it is starting to slip I will buy another one if this one does give it up.

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  Really nice truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tommy T - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Love this truck! I have two kids and a very large dog and we all fit comfortably. I have driven over 65,000 miles in two years without a problem. The clock cannot be seen because of its location in relation to the steering wheel, and accessing the arm rest console cannot be easily done. Overall a great truck!