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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  Excellent small truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Patrick - June 7 - 1:13 pm

  The new styling is outstanding and larger than previous models. Power is excellent, and room inside the cabin is very good I am 75". Not very good gas mileage and engine makes lots of noise under heavy acceleration. Overall I love my truck

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  2016 Toyota Tacoma auto transmission is terrible - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By joe - June 5 - 7:33 pm

  I purchased a 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD sport and the transmission shifts way to much and the gearing seems to be off when shifting.very lousy design and would not recommend this transmission to anyone looking to purchase a Tacoma,hopefully Toyota will correct there mistake.

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  Keeps Going and Going and Going... - 1995 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jon Martin - June 4 - 10:00 am

  I have had this truck for eight years now and it has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. Reliability is great, never breaks down. Replaced the clutch at 145,000. Need a new starter now, but I am able to start the truck if I play with it abit. I have been in two rear end accidents with the truck and have had no mechanical problems. Thus far, I have only replaced the clutch, alternator and battery.

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  Supercharged, 2012 Tacoma Sport 4x4 - 2012 Toyota Tacoma
  By cansa - June 3 - 11:37 pm

  I purchased a Blue 2012 Tacoma Sport 4x4 with the Sport upgrade package that gives you Bilstein shocks, and 18in chrome wheels. After 4k miles I added the supercharger and TRD exhaust. As warned the supercharger does whine on acceleration but settles out on the highway. Dead stop 0-60 times are 6.4 but the real performance enhancement is the 60-80 MPH response. Prior to the supercharger and exhaust being installed I got at best 19.5 -21.1 MPG on the Highway and 14-16 combined. Now I get 21.5 to 22 highway and 18 combined. I strongly suggest getting both the supercharger and exhaust as they really up the performance and gas mileage. The truck rides nice and manuevers in town well.

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  First Taco! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kevin Newland - June 1 - 2:24 am

  I have always wanted a Tacoma, well my dream finally came true. I had a Ford F-150 that ended up getting totaled. I bought a new 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport 4 door short bed. I read as many reviews as I could find on them. I had a few misconceptions in the back of my mind when I went to drive one. The one complaint was the transmission shifting too much when you climb a hill, etc. I do notice it downshifting if its in 6th gear or something, but its nothing that really bothers me. If you need too, give it some more gas. Someone mentioned the seat being too low. I am 59" and it is not too low for me. Maybe its low to the floor, but if it was any higher, I would be in the roof. I am slowly getting use to the technology in these new vehicles, its pretty amazing. My F-150 was a 2006 and I thought it was fancy. I do have a tad of a problem getting in and out of it. I put nerf bars on it, but if I step up on them, then I have to squat way down to get under the steering wheel. If I dont use them then it can be a fairly high step, but Im working on it. It rides nice and seems pretty stiff. It is a 4X4 and I like the way it rides. I have a 800 lb Polaris 600 4 wheeler. It fit in the back of the truck with the tailgate down, no problem. It had no power issues hauling it around. I think it has good power and acceleration. As mentioned in my title, this is my first Tacoma and so far I really like it. It is taking a little getting use to since I downsized from a full size truck. Mine has a wireless phone charger. I have a Samsung S6 with wireless capability. There appears to be a problem with either this system or my phone. It charges then cuts out, then charges more. My wife put her Note 5 on the charger and it had no problems. I will keep playing with it before I take it back to the dealer. I am just trying to give people an honest opinion on this new truck from an owners perspective. It only has about 550 miles on it, but I like it more and more each time I drive it.

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  My Baby - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By Amanda - May 29 - 12:33 am

  A little rattle has turned into a squeaking annoyance. Other than that she rides well. A little bumpy here and there but overall a good truck. And for not being 4x4 she can sure tearup the trails!

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  so far so good - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By TacomaHi - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I am to say the least pretty impressed so far with my 2004 Tacoma. I assummed the ride would be a lot rougher than what it actually is. It is actually very smooth. Engin seems pretty much up to anything that I want to do. The overall workman ship is excellant.

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  beware of any tacomas - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By jeff hill - May 21 - 1:58 pm

  tacoma trucks have a long history of the frames rusting to the point of major problems toyota has done very little to fix this mine just bent while mechanic had on lift to inspect for odd noise I was having.

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  Finally, a REAL truck! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ken - May 21 - 11:00 am

  Its been a while since I owned a pickup and once I drove the Tacoma, I had to have it! I have the four door double cab, V6, TRD Sport package.

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  01 Toyota Tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chad Simmons - May 20 - 6:13 pm

  I have thoroughly enjoyed owning and driving this vehicle. The appearance alone is worth the price; however, the reliability and power greatly increase the satisfaction. I would recommend this vehicle to all midsize truck owners.