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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  Very nice truck, but not perfect. - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By PB65stang - April 10 - 2:16 am

  Bought the truck used with 6k on it with the TRD Sport and tow packages. The truck is great looking, and seems to have good build quality and reliability. However, at only 15k it does have a couple rattles and my radio has already gone out once (replaced by dealer). Fuel economy at first was not great, but I actually get better MPG at 75 mph than at 65, probably averaging 18 mpg total. The back seat in the Double Cab is tight for adults as it is - forget about it in the Access Cab. Four adults drove from KS to CO, and the people in the back were slightly cramped (both below 510"). The V6 is plenty powerful, and ride comfort is good for a truck (I drive 25k a year too).

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  Excellent truck - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Michael - April 6 - 2:53 am

  This is a very nice truck; probably the best deal for your money until you need something F-350/F-450 sized. Lots of towing capacity (6.5klbs) with the towing package, and performs great off- road. Both the 5 spd. auto and 6 spd. manual transmissions perform very nicely. If you do your own work, all components are very nicely spaced out and accessible.

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  23.5 mpg in four wheel or not, air on or not. - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
  By Robert Pickard - April 5 - 3:08 am

  look at the head lights if you buy this truck used. not that theres a problem with them, but the dealer ran mine thru a car wash and cracked them and I hadnt noticed til I got it home. (too late) also I would be very careful waxing it. the dealer detailed mine with wax. what a terrible job they did( got it all over the cladding). no problems with the truck its self just watch your dealer.

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  Overall - NOT BAD - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ronnie - April 3 - 7:26 am

  Ive driven 4 dr sedans all of my life and this was my 1st pick-up. I bought a Snug-Top Tonneau cover for it immediately as I wanted to have a huge trunk. Overall, the truck was well-worth the money.

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  I will never trade this truck! - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tacoma Lover - April 2 - 5:36 pm

  I purchased this truck with 32k odo and now have 106k. One water pump and normal maintenance is all. The mechanic at dealership wanted to buy on the spot when changing timing belt. I cannot part with this truck. Overall, 20 - 21 mpg combined (v6, 4wd, x-cab). AC is excellent (Tx resident). V6 has plenty of power. Towing is good as long as you use draw tight hitch - towed over 5500 short distance with no problem.

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  Amazing - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Matt - March 25 - 11:46 pm

  I love my Tacoma it has handled everything that I could throw at it, including carrying a 7200 fully loading trailer, as well as 1800 pounds in the bed. (Not at the same time). All in all I am very impressed with my truck, and wouldnt get anything else.

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  Tacoma engine/tranny combo a joke - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Unhappy Tacoma owner - March 25 - 1:48 am

  My 2016 shifts up and down whenever it feels like it. Sometimes 2 gears at a time on a flat road with the cruise on and no wind. The 6 cylinder engine is a piece of crap teamed with a 6 speed tranny which the 5th and 6th gears not being used at speeds over 75. Had mine back to the shop 4 times and they said this is how they run. Well after owning 9 previous Tacomas that isnt how the older ones run. I hooked it up to my boat and it couldnt get out of 3rd gear with my boat behind it. I had to turn and unhook the boat and I drove right to my dealer and demanded my 2014 Tacoma back. The 2014 pulls the same small boat perfectly. Im 5 11" and my head hits the sunroof constantly and I would be worried if I hit a big bump while driving the 2016. Beware and give it a nice long test drive if your interested in buying a new Tacoma, they have a ton of engine/tranny problems. Just google 2016 Tacoma shifting problems and you can read 1000s of post about unhappy owners like myself. Oh yeah, mileage on 8 fill ups was 12.5 to 13.4, no kidding. I probably had a big lemon, but Toyota Corp. told me this is how they run so Ill leave it up to you to decide. Ive read enough posts to know theres MANY others just like me out there.

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  Best truck Ive ever had....Minus the transmission - 2017 Toyota Tacoma
  By Patrick - March 22 - 5:29 pm

  This has been a great truck as far as handling, 4 wheeling, and the amenities inside the cab. My biggest complaint with it is that it spends way too much time gear searching. Especially on the freeway. If this rig was a manual, it would be a 5 star rig across the board. It has sufficient acceleration off the line, but as son as you get to about 30-35 MPH it lugs down. It seems to be geared toward fuel conservation. There is an option called the ECT(electronically controlled transmission) that you can push to eliminate some of that. But it still shifts up way too fast. I just bought it 3 weeks ago so Im still getting used to it. Everything else about it is great. If you dont mind lousy gas mileage you can always use the ECT. However the combined fuel mileage has not been anywhere near 22.5. Its more like 17.5 city, and 20.5 highway. Time at the pump sucks, but the rest of the truck makes it totally worth it.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Keith - March 22 - 2:56 am

  This is the first Toyota I ahve owned. 4x4 V6 5spd that get 19.5 mpg and 21 on the highway. The ride is what you expect from 4wd - upgrade shocks asap. Interior is a little utilitarian - not much fluff, but gets the job done. Most reliable truck I have owned and I am 2nd owner. Get the v6 for any trailering - pulled 4900 trailer with draw tight no problem. I pull boat almost weekly with no problem

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  Great Truck - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Keith - March 22 - 2:56 am

  This is the first Toyota I ahve owned. 4x4 V6 5spd that get 19.5 mpg and 21 on the highway. The ride is what you expect from 4wd - upgrade shocks asap. Interior is a little utilitarian - not much fluff, but gets the job done. Most reliable truck I have owned and I am 2nd owner. Get the v6 for any trailering - pulled 4900 trailer with draw tight no problem. I pull boat almost weekly with no problem