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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  Toyotas Fly - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By heavy weight - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This was actually my dads truck. He was in a serious accident, he flew about 100 yards off a canyon.He cleared oak trees. (to tell how high in the air he was) The truck was totalled beyond repair but the inside of the cab was undamaged. If he had been in any other kind of truck he would be dead!

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  only owned it for a month - 2013 Toyota Tacoma
  By happy163 - August 25 - 11:05 pm

  I traded in my BMW for this truck and what a difference. I know I cant compare apples to oranges but basic things that were lacking in a 2013 model really irritated me. For instance I drove from California to the NW and on the way encountered cold weather, the side mirrors would fog up and there werent any defrosters to clear this up. Also, the gas mileage was awful. This truck doesnt have a very strong engine. The standard sound system was ok but could be improved. The gearing on the manual transmission was very hard to shift. i guess it would be good as a hauling vehicle for short trips but other than that definitely not a daily commuter.

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  06 Tacoma 4X4 - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By DJ - August 25 - 6:00 am

  Second truck issued, first was replaced using the lemon law. Current truck has clutch and 4x4 disengagement problems. I wished Toyota would have kept the Tacoma as a smaller truck... this would have helped with the gas mileage. Im currently getting 21 hwy / 18 city.

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  Reliable, Functional Performer - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By tacoma_tx - August 24 - 1:13 pm

  This truck is by far the best in its class. I test drove every manufacturers mid-size trucks and the Tacoma was all around the best truck. It is worth the extra money relative to domestic trucks, considering resale value of Toyota. The Toyota has an excellent reputation of making outstanding vehicles. The visual appearence is obviously eye catching. The interior is designed well and very functional. The performance is outstanding. The V6 has more power than it needs, which is the way it should be. I tow a trailer and haul loads all the time and it welcomes a challenge with no problem. I have had no problems with my truck. Although I wish it had 4x4, the 4x2 performs outstanding offroad.

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  Loving my second Tacoma - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ryan - August 24 - 12:18 am

  I LOVE my truck! I received an excellent trade for my 2004 Tacoma xtracab (access cab today). The main reason I traded was for 4 doors(we wanted both our vehicles to accommodate the kids). I got the SR5 double cab V6 with the tow package. The seating position is almost identical to my 2004 Tacoma (which I like), and the seats are much more comfortable. Very quiet smooth ride with excellent steering and handling. Lots of people have complained about transmission issues and rough shifts and hunting and slow shifts from reverse to drive. I have not any of these issues. For me, I find that the truck is plenty fast and responsive, but I do have to give it lots of throttle compared to my last truck and my wifes 2014 Highlander. I have no complaints about the frequency or smoothness of transmission shifts. Highways speed limit here is 65, and cruising with the cruise control engaged as high as 70-75MPH I get no more "gear hunting" than any other V6 I have driven, but it may be different at higher speeds. That includes going up hill as well. Maybe Im just lucky, but I have not had the transmission concerns that others have posted- its possible the Atkinson Cycle engine means you have to give more gas to go (you can really feel the power come on strong ~4K RPM), but it still has plenty of pep- and the official 0-60 time is good for me. I have been getting between 19-20 MPG mixed driving- so a bit less then the sticker, but much improved from my 2004. For info Im 62", and I have plenty of headroom. I also had good headroom in a model I sat in with a sunroof. I think my only complaint Is the scout GPS phone NAV app is not great (good directions but no close-up map view to help interpret the directions). My wifes car has the Toyota Entune sweet with integrated NAV- its awesome- so if you have the cash and GPS is an important feature for you dont rely on the Scout App. If you use your iPhone map app the directions will play over the speaker, so thats nice. Bluetooth pairing and touchscreen sensitivity/response are excellent (better than the Highlander). I have 2 forward facing car seats in the back- both fit fine with plenty of room for me and a passenger with both kids in the back.

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  2002 Tacoma 4x4 TRD - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By hunkele3 - August 23 - 6:30 am

  Ive only had the vehicle for 3 months, but I am extremely impressed with the quality, performance, and good looks. This is definitely the best small pick-up on the market - no contest!

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  Proud new owner - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mountaineer Toy - August 22 - 2:50 pm

  I had to get rid of my 2004 Tacoma to get a baby seat in. I was sad to see it go but this new one made me forget pretty quick, it has the power when I need it though it comes at a price with the mileage sometimes, and the back-up camera is extremely useful. I would like to see the 4wd selector lit up but other than that Toyota hit a home run when designing this truck.

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  Fuel economy - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lon - August 21 - 2:13 pm

  Highway rating of 27 MPG is close. I have achieved 26 MPG consistantly on daily commute of 70 mile roundtrip with secondary country roads and some city. Very happy overall.

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  only toyota - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Pumba - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I picked up my 2000 SR5 4WD V6 on the eve of 2000. I love this truck. I havnt put many miles on it until recently. I had a company car to drive. This is my second toyota (first a 1991 tercel) and my wife just bought a 2002 RAV4 which is awesome. This truck has plenty of power. The only drawbacks I see are the cruise control which is jerky, the seats are a little uncomfortable after a while, the bed of the truck jumps around like cray on bumpy city roads, and finally the gas miliage is terrible. I only an average 17mpg. I thought I would at least get 21 to 23. All that aside, I love this truck

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  Longing for LONG BED!!!! - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By RAD131 - August 21 - 10:00 am

  I Paid $6100.00 cash in the fall of 1985 for a 86 standard LONG BED Toyota pick-up. Toyota stopped making the long bed over 10 years age. I wish they would bring back the awesome standard cab long bed. Im still drive my 86 truck with 213k and going strong. Ill buy a new toyota if theyll make it a long-bed!!!!