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:

• 

  Like a Rock - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By uknowwhoibe - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought mine in 2000. Has 30,000 miles on it. Souped it up with euro-tails, new grill, custom paint job, rims etc. No problems thus far.

• 

  No Brainer -- - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By MTB - June 23 - 1:50 am

  Best mid sized truck out there. Fit and finish are top-shelf-- best interior quality of any truck out there. Good power and excellent, though firm, ride. At least as comfortable as my 2002 Maxima. I looked at used Tacomas to save a little cash, but they seem to hold their value so well it made sense to just get a new one. Also considered Ridgeline and Xterra. Ridgeline was very nice, but pricier. Xterra was less expensive, but not as comfortable or as well done inside- plus I think Ill get more than the price difference back via resale value with Toyota. Frontier back seat was far less comfortable, thus eliminating it from consideration.

• 

  Excellent truck, on and off road - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By AZDriver - June 19 - 9:13 pm

  I have had my Tacoma for a year and half and this truck is great! The truck is comfortable, spacious, and has excellent power. I use the truck to take me on my trips camping, snowboarding, fishing, and many other adventures and this truck seems to handle them all with ease. It also has a great ride on the road.

• 

  Outstanding Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacoMan - June 17 - 8:40 am

  Would have rathered a Tundra but still very much satisified with my Tacoma Prerunner. The seats seem to be coming apart. TRD Sport

• 

  Vibration Nation - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Denmont - June 16 - 3:18 pm

  The engine is weak compared to the 2nd Generation Tacoma. The transmission shifts erratically, even after the electronic transmission "learns" your driving behaviors. Im averaging 17 MPG gas mileage, despite the 18-20 MPG advertisement. Worst, the 2016 is plagued by several vibration problems. First, a driveline vibration/shudder on acceleration. This was a vexing problem with the the Tacoma since 2005. And Toyotas Chief Engineer Mike Sweers claims they completely eliminated this problem in the 2016. Nope. Its still there. Now add to the 2016 a strong buzzing vibration that transmits through the steering wheel and gas pedal on acceleration. This wasnt there on previous Tacomas Ive owned before 2016. The buzzing traverses through your skin and clothes (not hyperbole). Its annoying on street driving; but its downright ridiculous and dangerous on highway driving, when youre exposed to it for long periods. Toyotas response to all of this has officially been "these are normal and characteristic; were sorry you dont like it." So, they intentionally designed vibrations into the truck. Dont be fooled by the "its a truck" excuse. Ive owned many trucks, including Tacomas, and a normal truck doesnt do this. Period. Overall, very disappointing.

• 

  a disappointed owner - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mark Fontenot - June 15 - 11:13 am

  I really loved the truck and still do this is my second Tacoma. After I bought the truck I realized that it was making a noise. I brought my truck to my dealer to fix the problem. After the 3rd attempt of trying to get the truck fixed they finally told me that they would change the shock in the back. I was happy until I picked up the truck and there was a new shock on and I drive it down the road and hit a little bump to find out that it was still there well to end this I was told that toyota has a new shock on their tacomas and that is just the noise that it makes and trust me it is very easy to hear and very disappointing. I do hope they fix this problem quickly.

• 

  A step up from 2004 in most respects - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By chucktaylorr - June 14 - 7:40 pm

  Great truck all around. I stepped up from a 2004 PreRunner. Great engine, easy to maintain. Very comfortable for long trips and capable off-road. Composite bed limits the choices for aftermarket parts (lumber rack, some covers, some tool boxes, etc.) but is great for most hauling applications. This is our new "family" vehicle.

• 

  Good Dependable Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By kmbrandt - June 14 - 7:56 am

  I would say that the truck is a little over priced for what it is, but this truck is very reliable, low maintanence, and a lot of fun for 4 wheeling in. It has great power when needed. Comfort was OK. The only problem we had was the passenger seat would not always lock in place, when I had to put the brakes on the seat would sometimes slide forward. Kinda scary... Overall good truck, nothing fancy.

• 

  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hank - June 11 - 8:16 pm

  This is my third truck. Had an old Tacoma that just wouldnt die, ran it 200k+ miles and hope this one lasts as long. Had a Dakota with a V8 but this one has much more power and more comfortable ride, even with the TRD pkg. Much better gas mileage then Dakota too, first tank gave me 20 mpg. Love my 05 Tacoma, highly recommend.

• 

  The Original Tonka Truck - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By khoisklone - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought this from a friend who took good care of it but never used it. NEVER had any problems with this truck, just regular oil changes and tune-ups. Great city driving, very good handling for such a longer vehicle, but this (my) truck craves the out doors. It loves dirt roads, rocky roads and shallow streams. Drives through snow like it was four- wheel-drive. In many ways this truck is like an baseball glove. The older it gets the more character it has. And with age the glove and the truck forms around its user - it is very responsive to my needs.