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:

• 

  Love it, Love it! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dogfly001 - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I had a 98 Nissan Maxima SE and a 86 Toyota Land Cruiser, but I need to get rid one due to space; so i decided to get rid of both and settle on the Dble Cab. Best decision I have ever made. The only complaint, like everyone else, the clock position is useless! Smooth engine and excellent handling, compared to other trucks. TRD package is too harsh for some with weak bladders, but I love it.

• 

  Not Bad at all - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By cstulz - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased 30 days ago. Had minor problems with dash installation. Biggest issue with automatic is the idle speed. Dealer says it can be adjusted slightly through computer chip. Overall, I am very happy with the build quality and performance for the price paid. Also have a 98 4Runner V6 with 104,000 miles.

• 

  Happy As Can Be - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Birdman - March 20 - 11:46 pm

  Ive had my Toyota Tacoma for 2 weeks now and the more I drive it the more I fall in love with it. I owned a 2002 Toyota Tacoma but there is no comparison. The 2005 is so roomy on the inside, its wider, it stands taller; there are more bells and whistles as standard equipment. Best decision I ever made was to trade in the 02 for the 05. No wonder its truck of the year

• 

  92 to 09 - 17 years of progress - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lars - March 20 - 8:03 pm

  Have a 92 4X4 Toyota Xtra with a V6; 16.5 mpg at best. Was looking at an 08 ($1,000 rebate), but the 09 has better standard features; 6 airbags, 4-wheel ABS, plus traction and stability control. That, with the new for 09 Timberland Green color, swung my vote. Granted, the 92 is a 4X4, but the 09 rides so much better. The interior is a huge improvement - as some 08 reviews said, its very car-like - although outward visibility to the sides is better in the 92. I live up a steep hill; the 4-cylinder has plenty of power and, contrary to some, I like the gated shifter. 23 mpg in mixed driving; less than 500 on the odometer. Expect to get better than the 25 hwy EPA once its broken in.

• 

  Functional and reliable - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By dinola - March 19 - 9:53 am

  I have had many toyotas over the years and the prerunner has continued to be a reliable vehicle. It gets good gas milage for a toyota tacoma and is a safe truck to drive. I expect to have it for many years.

• 

  Surprise - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By doug - March 19 - 9:03 am

  Bought this 4 cyl auto jan 2009. Rides real nice and has power for a 4 banger. But disappointed,whats with the cab wind noise. when going over 55 there is a lot of noise coming from back seat area. So bad Im in process of buying insulation to make it quieter. I have owned a Nissan and Chevy truck and this Tacoma is the noisiest. The rear door seals with a crosswind sound as though a aircraft is overhead.

• 

  THE BEST - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By dave - March 17 - 10:20 am

  I have been thoroughly happy with this car. Although the back seat is not exactly spacious, it is great to have a spot for an extra person or a bunch of extra stuff. You can actually fit quite a bit of stuff back there.

• 

  Great ride, great investment, great truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Al Ferreira - March 14 - 9:13 pm

  I just recently bought the 05 Tacoma and I absolutely love it. It has the interior feel of an SUV and rides like a Mercedes. This truck was made with a lot more attention to the interior than previous models. The seats are so comfortable and the dash is easily accessible and looks great. The interior is so roomy in the front and the back. But the best thing about driving this truck is the horsepower. When I first bought the truck I left the dealership parking lot spinning the tires not realizing how much power this truck had to offer. I love my truck and I would never trade it in for anything else. Just like every other person I wanted to get the most for my money and I definitely found it.

• 

  Very Happy - 2000 Toyota Tacoma
  By Jim Flores - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Tacoma 4X4 for 1 and a half years and regard buying it as the best auto purchase I have yet made. Its been perfectly reliable and fun to drive. Its become routine for strangers to ask me how I like it and express their interest in buying one. The only drawbacks are driving in high wind, not too bad though, and the drivers seat/ console could be improved.

• 

  What a Feeling! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dnoorg - March 13 - 10:00 am

  No problems with truck, runs like a dream.