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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  Awesome Power and Looks - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Hutch - June 20 - 10:00 am

  The back has plenty of leg room and the A/C is nice and cool on those 100 degree Georgia day.

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  A Recent Convert - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By frmiami - June 20 - 10:00 am

  First change from Ford in 17 years. Am impressed with the looks, performance and tightness of the suspension. Agile in handling and braking. Spartan in the interior design, but functional except for the clock. Am very impressed overall and happy with the purchase.

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  Underpowered probably - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Eli - June 19 - 9:43 am

  I have a 1998 4cyc rev cab with 33x12.5 tires and 6 inch lift and a new 2016 Tacoma off-road 4x4 long bed factory and each require the same RPMs to maintain speeed over the passes in Utah. I like the truck a lot but dang... Couldnt you of given it 300hp and 300 torque?! My fathers 2011 Camry has the same hp and torque numbers almost and it doesnt vibrate while idling and is super smooth. (The 2016 3.5 Tacoma motor while smooth is a bit rough at idle and is loud while driving) I like the truck okay but its probably on its way out in the next two years if it doesnt shock me with its towing ability. The cruise control seems to jack up the RPMs anytime is thinks a hill might be close. Without the cruise I can average 21 mpg continually with 50/50 driving city and freeway. With cruise it averages around 18-19 on freeway and actually better on surface streets. Which is pathetic. Come on toyota... People drive 70 on the freeway and cross country is 80ish.... Help us out please. Im not doing 60 on the freeway. Its pretty quiet inside and the technology is nice. I may keep it but once again Im not trying to get 15mpg while towing 3500lbs cross country.. A tundra can do that for the same price with little to no effort.

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  Great Truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Kip - June 19 - 8:36 am

  Just traded off a 97 T100 4x4. Smooth ride, great excelleration, plenty of room for my long legs, even in the back. Lots of storage and a good range of accessories to choose from. Have not yet used the bed tiedown feature but it looks promising. Overall I am very satisfied with this truck

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  Great Reliable Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By J Rivera - June 18 - 8:20 pm

  Great truck all around. I drive 20K per year through mountain roads in Puerto Rico and currently have 65K. I had one minor leak with the power steering fluid that was covered by warranty. Other than that, the temperature/compass display was damaged a month ago is not covered by the extended warranty I purchased! Its a great solid truck. Very reliable and lots of aftermarket goodies to customize it and make it your own. I have performed all tune-ups at the dealer and have never been strained on the road. The average MPGs are 17.8 with a best of 20.7 and a worst of 16.7.

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  Almost Perfect for a Truck - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By jdl50cc - June 18 - 4:12 pm

  We just passed 93,000 miles on our Tacoma and have yet to perform a single repair other than regularly scheduled maintenance. The worst parts of the Tacoma were the lousy stock tires, but once we replaced those with General Grabbers, things were much better. The radio format is a disappointment, too, because the dash wont accept a standard DIN opening replacement, and were stock with the standard unit, which lakes MP3 ability and an auxiliary input jack. Another odd thing is the fuel economy: It gets 19-20 MPG around town and the same 19-20 MPG on the freeway. Im really happy around town, but wish the freeway fuel use was a bit better.

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  Its been a pleasure - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By AdamE - June 17 - 1:56 am

  Well Im selling my truck after three great years (only because Ive decided to become a sedan guy). I could not be happier with my Tacoma over the years. Got regular oil changes and that was it for the whole three years. No mechanical problems ever.

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  My Toyota PreRunner Sport - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robert Akers - June 16 - 10:13 pm

  This truck has loads of power and rides comfortably. The dash and instrument panel is easy to read along with all the easy use of the accessories. Plenty of leg room for passengers in the front and rear.

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  Good dependable truck - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dennis Dale - June 15 - 8:56 pm

  I have enjoyed this truck the entire time I have owned it. Very dependable and comfortable. But, the temperature guage / compass has broken this summer. I was wondering if this is a problem for other owners. My mechanic said during his research the answer is to replace the instrument at a parts cost of about $200.00. He also said during his research that this is listed by Toyota as a problem, no recall at this time.

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  CONSUMER - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By MAP0728 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  LOTS OF ROOM, GOOD LOOKING, GREAT SAFETY FEATURES, GOOD VALUE FOR THE MONEY.