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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  An absolute delight! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Thrilled-to-own - March 11 - 6:36 pm

  Just replaced my first truck (a 92 Toyota compact truck) w/ a 06 Tacoma. I would not even consider another brand due to my experience w/ my 92. I honestly did not have a lot of money to spend, so I went w/ a manual transmission/regular cab. All I can say is omg wow what a lot of truck for not a lot of cash. The interior is solid as a rock, and very well put together. I have found myself frequently checking my payment book and marveling at how fantastic this vehicle is for such a low payment.

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  Get The "Platinum" Warranty - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Josh - March 11 - 7:36 am

  I drive the hell out of this truck. Not too many complaints. Does a funny thing at stops, acts like it wants to keep going even though I have my foot on the brake. Almost feels like someone bumps you from behind. Compass/temp gauge went out and it wasnt covered by the warranty. They wanted $1100 to fix it, telling me the "Gold" warranty doesnt cover that, only the "Platinum". I took the unit apart and fixed it myself in about ten minutes. Seems like it goes through a lot of batteries too, four in 2 1/2 yrs.

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  Best truck for the money - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By T.K. - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Toyotas cost more, but over the long troublefree life of this truck, its the cheapest 4x4 on or off the road. I finally blew a head gasket in my 94 2wd at 225,000 miles. Im getting it fixed, but decided to step up to a new 4X4. So many improvements! I know Im going to love my new Tacoma.

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  Selling after 2-years - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By JIMnPHX - March 7 - 2:46 pm

  First Toyota Ive ever owned. Was sick of my Ford Explorer and my Jeep with all the maintenance issues. Consumer Reports shows great reliability numbers so I purchased it. Over the two years Ive not had one problem with the truck. I average 17 mpg. Weve taken a couple long trips and the two kids (11 & 9) were very comfortable in the rear seats. However I did not enjoy the drivers seat on long trips. My right foot got cramped due to the angle I had to keep by foot at. I am 6-ft 1-in and just never felt at home in the seats. My wife is 5-8 and has no problems. We towed a pop-up camper at 70 mph and got 15.25 over 1200 mile trip thru the mountains of Az and Utah. 20 mpg on other trips.

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  97 Tacoma 4x4 - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jknutson - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Dependable, tough, stylish truck. The 2.7 liter, 4 cyl. motor suprisingly has plenty of pulling power with the 5 spd trans. Has never failed me in 12" of snow or 25 below temps. Paint holds perfectly, no chips, no rust, no fading. Nice comfortable ride for shorter trips, no more than 400 mi. Best of all, after 106,000 mi. the engine still runs like new.

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  1997 Toyota Tacoma - 1997 Toyota Tacoma
  By jenaka - March 7 - 10:00 am

  My experience with this vehicle has been great. The vehicle is reliable, sturdy and fun. The body has endured minor damage well and I have had no mechanical problems at all. I have always felt safe in my vehicle. The cab is spacious enough for 4 people if necessary but is more appropriate for 2 people and cargo.

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  Great Truck!! - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Randoff - March 6 - 5:13 am

  Love the truck, just purchased. I am a large guy, 62" 250 lbs. has plenty of room, runs great, looking forward to driving this truck. I am sold on Toyota!! Would recommend this to anyone!

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  Awesome Truck! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rich - March 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck is extremely cool to drive. Its very quiet and has a great pickup. Its very fast (manual drive). The gas mpg is great. The only bad thing is that the MPG increases a lot more when you use the AC. Other than that, its the best truck I ever had.

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  Good overall truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By frankuribe - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Good realiable truck, fun to drive tough for its size.

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  Worth Every Penny - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Parrothead - March 2 - 12:50 am

  I have owned my Toyota PreRunner for over 2 yrs now and I have no regrets about purchasing this truck. It has met or exceeded my expectations, and is far superior in quality than the Ford, Chevy, and Dodge products that I have owned. My only complaint is the angulation of the center air vent on the drivers side; it blows air directly on the driver even when an attempt is made to angle it toward the rear cab. Domestic truck manufacturers have a long way to go to meet the quality and dependability of this vehicle.