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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  Truckn awsome - 1998 Toyota Tacoma
  By dave - January 9 - 1:50 am

  This truck is rock solid and a blast to drive. Its like a sports car with a truck body. The sr5 v6 is a performance machine. Its a little thirsty though. Fun comes with a price. Cant wait to but my next. If I live that long.

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  great so far - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By afrantom - January 6 - 10:00 am

  The overall quality and design is almost perfect. Although the options can be a little pricy, there really is no comparison to any other make. After testing several other imports and domestics, this is by far the superior vehicle. Already having over 4000 miles in just a month and a half, the ride is quite comfortable, especially for someone of my size (64" and 250lbs). One of the downfalls is the lack of room in the Xcab. I dont even think my 11 year old nephew was comfortable on a 5 mile drive. definitely need a re-design for the Xcab in the near future. Other than that, the truck is quite capable.

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  2 cents worth - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Inmyopinion - January 3 - 2:23 pm

  The windows (front, rear, and side) are small. At ATM driveups its a LONG reach down and in wet weather will soak your armpit! The rear quarter windows should open for ventilation. Rearward visibility is poor thru a small back window over high bed sides and tailgate. Windshield is small with a LARGE hood limiting visibility of obstacles directly in front of bumper. (Nice BIG front bumper!) Seats sit almost flat on the floor and at 62" I felt rather aukward, yet they are comfortable. No need for tilt wheel as my knees were close in the full up position. Rear seats face forward but offer no leg room for adults, great for pets and kids. If your an adult Id opt for a tundra if possible.

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  01 tacoma - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By john9310 - January 2 - 7:53 pm

  I live in northeast Ohio and the winters are bad here. My driveway is straight uphill so I need 4wd to get up it. I had a full sized Chevy 4wd but that truck was old and tired and didnt owe anybody anything. My buddy had a 99 Tacoma and I liked it so I bought mine. I only had a few problems 3 bumpers (the clearcoat peels off and rusts), power steering pump went out and catalytic converters rotted out, otherwise a great truck. I only have about 53,000 miles on it. I can beat on this truck and it asks for more.

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  Toyota Reliability Again! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By GeorgeNfla - January 1 - 4:00 pm

  This is my second late model Tacoma. The 2.7L-4-cylinder engine performs very strongly, yet returns decent mileage, high 20s. The truck fires off with the ignition so quickly, barely hear the starter. I own a base Tacoma with automatic as the only option. The only option I wish I wouldve gotten was cruise-control, other than not having that, its a perfect truck without flaws. I would recommend it to a friend.

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  Only A Toyota..... - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By lighteninglarry - December 28 - 7:33 pm

  Very pleased with this truck,almost bought the Dodge/w hemi but so glad I did not!! Plenty of room for three kids,had an 04 double cab TRD but to stiff & to small. At first my wife liked the 04, but drove the 05 and loves it! No doubt best truck on the market today!!

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  Like A Dream - 1996 Toyota Tacoma
  By BroncoTBone - December 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 1996 Tacoma a few months ago, and have had nothing but beautiful experiences with it. It drives very well, has a buttery smooth (if a little stiff) manual tranny. The ride is a little harsh, but its a truck, not a Lexus. It tackles gnarly dirt trails, and twisty mountain pavement with equal tenacity. The V6 is tremendously flexible, and has a wide, useful powerband. The only complaint I have is the lack of power options (windows, mirrors) but I didnt buy the truck new, so I cant whine too much. Id recommend a Tacoma to anyone who needs a capable light truck.

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  Two Small Complaints - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By J Watson - December 23 - 1:06 pm

  I bought a 1998 Tacoma and loved it, sold it for Jeep Grand Cherokee, when I saw the new Tacoma and drove a friends I went and bought a new one two weeks later. I have only two complaints with the Tacoma. First, the cigarette light and the aux. power port are not live unless the key is in the acc or on position (cant charge my cell when out of the truck). Second, I live in Pennsylvania and when its cold the motor idles high until the engine is warm (Im a volunteer firefighter and the high idle causes a problem for quick response on cold nights). Toyota has only made a very good truck and made it better. Oh by the way, the 4cyl does very well with the increased size and weight.

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  Test Drive - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By papo - December 22 - 10:00 am

  Solid construction and futuristic design. Always ahead of the industry. As always a great design, making it a beautiful Truck. Thank you TOYOTA, you’ve done it again.

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  Cool - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma - December 21 - 7:00 pm

  I have owned 4 Toyota trucks and 4-Runners. The Tacoma is by far the best. the new 4.0 V-6 has more than enough power even with two dirtbikes, full gear and four passangers. I love to beat the sport compact cars with it. The locking rear diff. works as well as I had hoped it would. The six disc changer and sound system works well with a variety of music. Gas mileage is not so great. I hope it improves with mileage. The six speed trans needs a little break-in time. over all, it really turns heads. Fun to drive!