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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  Tacoma continues to rule - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By heymark - January 19 - 10:33 pm

  I purchased the 09 Tacoma and Toyota continues to amaze me. From the expected superior fit and finish to the rock solid reliability mechanically. Well though out ergonomic placements of dash controls. This vehicle is my 4th Toyota overall and my second Tacoma. The first three have never given me any problems outside regular maintenance. There are only slight changes on the 09 from the 08 but the focus for this year is on safety with the STAR system. 4W ABS, electronic brakeforce system, stability control and traction control and of course the 6 air bags

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  First time Toyota owner - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By RRamirez - January 18 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota vehicle. I have owned Ford pick-up trucks for the last 15 years but my 2007 Sport-Trac was falling apart so I decided to try something else. I researched the Frontier and the Tacoma and test drove both. I went with the 2011 Tacoma PreRunner SR5 V6 Access Cab, and Im glad I did. The Tacoma is definitely more fun to drive than any truck I previously owned. My first 2 weeks I put 1000 miles on the truck. I cant stop driving it! The interior feels "plush" like a car and it handles very refined for city or highway driving but over the hill-country here in Texas you know its a truck because you can feel it pull its way up the hills very easily.

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  Perfect Midsized Pickup - 2011 Toyota Tacoma
  By everrigged - January 18 - 9:01 am

  I bought my Double Cab TRD Off-Road in early December. I had done tons of research on Edmunds.com as well as many other review and rating sites. This truck has been a perfect fit for me. I do not drive it daily as I have a work truck. When I get in it and take it for a drive it is always a fun experience. The ride is comfortable for being a pickup truck. The bed is on the small side, but if I wanted a full size I would have bought one. It really is just an all around versatile vehicle. I am getting an average of 17.92MPG. So its not too bad. Driving it for an extended period of time isnt uncomfortable. I really do love this truck.

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  Awesome - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By Sully - January 17 - 12:33 am

  I love the truck better now than I did when I first got it.

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  nice truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By john - January 16 - 6:30 am

  This is a TRD I bought and am very happy with it. Getting in and out of it is a problem sometimes. The step bars are nice, but then you bang your head on the door frame. The clock placement is demented. I have never been able to see it without looking around the steering wheel. I miss full set of instruments on the dash in front of me, and a locking gas filler. All said, still enjoy owning and driving it.

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  i love it - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By mphilp - January 14 - 2:00 am

  my double cab tacoma has everything i wanted. trd suspension, premium sound, power everything, all with the convenience of cloth seats. i surf, snowboard and love the outdoors, and this truck, even without 4wd, is nearly perfect. it wasnt cheap, but my first truck was a yellow 1977 toyota that was first owned by my grandparents and now my sister and has never needed a major repair. i think its worth the money

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  Great Truck that keeps on going! - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jwpcpa - January 12 - 2:00 am

  Having had 4 Toyota 4x4s this is the first in the Tacoma Series and the first X-tended Cab. This truck has cost only oil changes, nothing else over 5 years. Rotate the tires every 5,000 miles. To this day there is not a rattle anywhere to be found and living in New England, going off road, driving in Boston, that says something about build quality. I will keep this for a long time. The appearance may be that you pay more for a Toyota, in fact you get more and when it comes time to sell. the value will surprise you, compare to others,Total cost of ownership is less than $1K per year, and I have something that will run for the next five years. Try that with another brand.

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  Love my Taco - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By CBI020 - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Purchased new in Jan 2007. Absolutely reliable - less than $700 maintenance in nearly four years, including $572 tire upgrade. (Free oil changes w/purchase.) Not so much as a rattle yet, after 45k miles. Under seat storage in rear is convenient, as are boxes in rear. Got mine with the bed extender; needed since standard bed is only 5 foot. Rides great, especially after upgrading from stock Dunlops to Yokohamas. Mileage slipped down to 20 after tire change, though. Plenty of power from V6 for day-to-day driving and hauling. Plan to keep this for many more years. My only regret is I purchased 2wd rather than 4wd, but traction is more than adequate 99.9% of the time

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  Best Pick-Up - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Oregon Pick-Up - January 9 - 2:33 pm

  I have been looking to get a tacoma since 2005 when the reviews came out on the new v-6 with the 6-speed manual. my wait was well worth it. I love this pick-up. plenty of power and all but one very small feature I wanted. Best in class by far I research for 2 and half years and always came up with the same answer for what I wanted. Toyota Tacoma

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  Still Goin Strong - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Taco Lover - January 9 - 5:56 am

  SR5 V-6 5 spd 4WD EX Cab - I cannot tell you how much I still love this vehicle. I cannot think about buying a new one. Oil, front brakes, water pump, battery and timing belt is all it has new in 105k. Still get 20.5-21 mpg overall. Best mileage has been 23 but that was puttin at 65. Taco is easy to work on and it has never left me stranded. I have done things and gone places in this vehicle that I thought were impossible. I keep maintaining it and it keeps me down the road. I bought used w/ 32k but I wish I bought new so that I would have owned it for longer. There really is no telling how long this baby will last. It still looks and drives too good to buy new.