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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  Good little truck - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By john in GA - March 11 - 9:36 pm

  Its a great truck for the work commute. About 22mpg. Then, when I need it - hauling furniture, groceries, lumber, propane, gravel, yard work, etc. Theres some room for stuff behind the seat, and while a full car seat would be tight, my 4 year old fits well in a booster seat behind the passenger seat. I was also surprised to find it can haul U-Hauls largest trailer straight on the bumper, just had to buy the ball and lights. Ive kept up with the maintenance schedule and have only had to replace things Ive actually physically broken (advice: dont drop a tree near your truck, it may hurt the paint job.)

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  My third Tacoma. - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By SPB - March 6 - 8:56 pm

  This is my third Tacoma and is by far the best. I indulged in the Limited. I traded in a full size truck for a smaller truck so it would fit in the garage of my new house. This truck is comfortable, I have leather and heated seats, and the road noise is greatly reduce. I have a Prius C also, so I am used to driving for optimal gas mileage. I get 21-28 mpgs. in the Tacoma and have reached 90.5 in the Prius C. The controls are easy to see and use and the sound system is great. I get a lot of compliments on the truck. It would be nice if the tailgate locked electronically when the truck is locked. The Blind Spot Warning system and Backup Camera come in handy. Some complain about the transmission shifting. I found if you need to accelerate and use the peddle it doesnt seem to have a problem finding the gear. I am not sure why the Prius has a locking gas cap cover and the Tacoma doesnt. The fit and quality is great. Look at other trucks to appreciate the quality. It is large enough to fit some big cargo and the rails and sliding loops are handy.

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  4000 miles on new tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By J.P. MANGIONE - March 3 - 9:52 am

  remember this is a truck not a race car. take one to barrow alaska for the arctic challenge in a bone stock truck that is what reliability is all about. MADE IN AMERICA SAYS IT ALL. I WOULD PAY TWICE THE PRICE FOR AMERICAN. NO MEXICAN CHEVYS HERE PLEASE. [non-permissible content removed]

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  not quite yet!! - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By willard.dills@its.ny.gov - February 27 - 9:18 pm

  Toyota please please please change your shift points for the transmission to be above 1000rpm. The 3.5l engine does not have enough torque to be smooth at that rpm. If you sneeze while in gear at 1000rpm it will downshift. ECT power mode is great which changes the transmission to the correct shift points but you have to turn that on every time you start the vehicle. I dont want to be one of those haters who just says the transmission sucks because I dont believe that. I just think the ECU programming for the trans shift points if off of what it should be. My recommendation is to put out a TSB that gives people the option to bring it in if they want to perform the transmission shift point change or not. Very close to being a perfect truck but not quite yet or at least until we see that TSB come out.

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  Automatic Transmission Problems - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By ben - February 25 - 10:33 pm

  09 SR5 4x4 CC. The 09 with automatic transmission has design flaws which cause the vehicle to drop into low gear and race the engine. Not only dangerous, but maddening.

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  Nice Truck - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mateo - February 25 - 10:16 pm

  This is my first Toyota and I bought it without a test drive. I think overall it is a nice truck with a good set of extras. However, given Toyotas track record of excellent and dependable vehicles, I expected a bit more for the $$. For a new truck, there is already an annoying rattle/vibration at low RPM and it is especially noticeable when its cold. The transmission seems to hunt when it downshifts, giving the sensation that you are are driving on ice at times.

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  Love Love Relationship - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By patientmantra72 - February 25 - 7:00 am

  My Tacoma is an all around awsome truck. After driving a huge Chevy Tahoe for years, mileage is definitely much better with the tacoma, and its 4x abilities are awesome. Very solid truck right off the lot.

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  I luv this truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By luv it - Jamie - February 24 - 2:46 am

  I have had this truck for 3weeks and luv everything about it. I sold my 94 standard 4cyl. 4x4- it had 134,000 on it and ran perfect and I never had to take it in for any problems. I hope this 2005 does the same.

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  05 Taco DC-LB 4x4 - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By 05taco - February 23 - 10:33 pm

  Two simple words: Phenomenal truck! This is the second Tacoma Ive owned since 97. This truck has been 100% reliable in the MN winters. 25 below or 12 inches of snow will not slow this truck down. Ive owned other trucks that were cheaper in price, but with the Tacoma you get what you pay for. Compared to other mid-size (or full-size) trucks, its a great value. 100K miles and just broken in!

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  One word - RELIABLE - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By bucnasty - February 23 - 8:56 am

  My tacoma has 190k on it and it has started and gotten me where I needed to be every day. Motor still runs like new, the only thing I have ever had to do to the truck was put brakes on, replace shocks and CV boot covers, and replace a rack and pinion mounting bushing, Ive probably only spent around 500 dollars on maintenance on this truck and have owned it for 6 years, with 190+ K miles on it. I honestly think it would run forever.