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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  06 Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab LB - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By ED - July 19 - 7:16 pm

  I received the truck with 8 miles and now I have 1100 miles. The quality is as expected-Great and Dependable. Which were the reasons for its purchase. Power is adequate but somewhat dissapointing in what I thought it would be. Gas mileage is between 18-19mpg. Rather plain inside, no thrill or gadgets which is OK. Truck is a lot larger than pre- 05. Very similar to the Tundra in size. Love the composite bed and the 4 doors are so handy. So far the truck has been wonderful..glad I bought the Tacoma. Toyota makes a great vehicle.

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  Best truck I ever owned - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By robert cubberley - July 19 - 5:06 am

  I bought this truck from my dad who had gotten rear ended side swiped and hit head on in it but most of the damage was cosmetic except the head on - that one crushed the radiator. All the damage was repaired shortly after every accident. Even after all this the truck survived me, a young offroader that enjoyed getting the wheels off the ground. I beat that truck hard and she took it all in stride, oversized tires and all. I also got rear ended by a Honda Civic doing about 40 which made a v out of my rear bumper and dented the cab a little but she drove into the shop. One last rear ender from a 3/4 ton Dodge finally bent the frame. I would love to own one again.

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  Good overall - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacman - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 01 Dakota in for a Tacoma because the Dodge was crap. So far, I like it. The V6/auto combination is good, but not nearly as fast as the V8 was in my Dakota. Also the V6 can get thrashy at high RPMs. The handling is ok, but not as stable as the Dakota was. The overall vehicle seems put together well but I already have 2 rattles, one in the drivers side dash and another that seems to be coming from the rear left speaker. Funny, because my Dodge had no rattles. Overall I rate it good, but not great, but at least I have piece of mind with the Toyota.

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  BEST OF THE BEST - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By cephasiii - July 11 - 11:30 am

  This truck is the best pickup ever made! If you want a very reliable, good looking, powerful truck, then this is your truck.

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  Good Truck, No Issues - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dustin R - July 5 - 3:00 pm

  After the purchase I installed a Flowmaster Muffler, this helped to improve my feelings towards a 4 cylinder 4x4. Currently, I have over 4,000 miles logged and no complaints thus far. It is a far better truck than the competition, and it was made in California! I did not think I would buy a Toyota, with the economic issues but it has been well worth it. I recommend the SR5 package, it has a lot for the money, although the stock wheels and tires are horrible. Although most stock tires usually are not the best, I expected better. Overall, this truck is worth the money, no matter what the media says.

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  Tacoma - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By 751 - July 2 - 12:46 pm

  I got the 07 Tacoma and love it. It drives better than my Firebird I had before it. Only knock is the gas mileage is not what I expected it to be. Also cruise control takes some getting used to. I would definitely recommend this truck to anyone. You must get a cold air intake and magnaflow muffler installed. It improves gas mileage and power and makes a great engine perform even better. Plus it is easy to install and fairly cheap.

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  2005 tacoma-best compact there is!! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Chuck A - July 1 - 6:50 pm

  I love this truck! 25 mpg average and have not had one problem with it. Ive owned it for 6 mths and have driven it 16,000 miles. I recently went on a 2500 mile trip and got 26 mpg,not bad for an 80 mph average. Ive gotten 31 mpg driving 55 mph. Solid build quality, plenty of power and a joy to drive. If you want a truck that will last and is famous for going 300,000 miles + and last for 20 years + then buy the toyota.

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  My Tacoma... - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By YoTRacer158 - June 30 - 1:36 pm

  I have had absolutely no problems with my Tacoma. My Tacoma spends just as much time in the dirt as it does on the road, and I drive very hard offroad. The only thing I have had go bad was the clutch started slipping at about 30k miles, but this was due to the extra power from the TRD supercharger combined with my hard driving style. This truck has been great to own and I would never consider owning any other other truck.

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  Happy with it - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacomaowner - June 25 - 5:13 am

  I am more than satisfied with the ownership experience, from the performance, features, and low maintenance to the positive comments I get from others about the truck. I only wish I had specified the "outside temp / compass" feature and I also wish the radio had a aux" input for iPod and XM radio input.

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  2000 toyota tacoma prerunner v6 - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By p520 - June 20 - 10:00 am

  some mechanical breakdowns but very minor that were covered under ther warnty.