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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  Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Lukky - March 1 - 2:13 pm

  I have wanted a truck for a while now and I did good to wait for this Tacoma after my ’99 Intrepid’s engine blew up. Excellent comfort in quad cab and my baby loves to sleep while I drive. The rev is low enough to keep the ride quite. The dog can finally go with me anywhere even while I put 8 snowboards in the long bed (great place to hang out as well). While not a gas eater like an 8 cyl, the TRD sport package engine is powerful enough for me to have towed a suburban with engine problem up and down hill in NC! It has averaged about 21 mpg with about 90% highway driving. I paid a little more for the roof rack and the side rails, but the look is very well worth it.

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  Best Truck Period - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By Toyota Driver - February 28 - 5:53 am

  Just switched from an 06 Tundra access cab to the Tacoma Double Cab. Aside from it being a double cab, the only size difference is the width. The Tundra was way too big for me but my new Tacoma fits me like a glove. Everything is with in an easy reach of the driver’s seat.

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  Totally Awesome! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rod - February 25 - 10:56 pm

  My 2001 pre-runner is nothing more than amazing. I have over 70,000 miles with no mechanical problems at all. I guess this is why you never see the 01 to 04 on a used car lot. Nobody sells them once they have one!

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  My 2 cents - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By 4x4 - February 18 - 9:26 am

  Just trying to help all that are looking into purchasing a Tacoma. This truck is good over all, yes it does have its minor flaws in the design and seems to have common problems with all us owners. It works good for me since I am single and do quite a bit of hauling and driving. The gas mileage is good on highways but poor in town, the rattles that everyone is having, I too have up around the dash. The outside noise comes from the way the wind wraps around the side of the cab and not the rear wall. I still love this truck because it is reliable and is worth almost what I paid for it. One thing I hate is when I am braking and hit a bump, the anti-lock kicks in and causes me to slide a bit.

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  Front Mud Flap - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By haris chandra - February 16 - 2:26 am

  While driving at speed of just 70 MPH both my mud flaps tore, broke and very expensive to replace.

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  Big Red - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By John Larson - February 10 - 3:30 pm

  This is my second Toyota pickup. Toyotas are so dependable. They run and run with very few breakdowns. The 4.0 liter V-6 is very powerful with excellent gas mileage. I have 2000 miles on my truck and have not found any problems with the truck.

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  taco review - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By luke ferricher - February 9 - 11:53 am

  I like the ride quality and the reliability, but the seats are horrible! If you buy this truck and plan on going on those long trips then I recommend that you purchase some new seats. "back pain, big time!" all of the other tacoma owners that i know say the same thing

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  Cool Truck! - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Dave - February 9 - 5:56 am

  This is the first Tacoma that I have ever owned, and only the second Toyota that I have ever had. The Tacoma is a cool truck to say the least. I bought the PreRunner V6 Double Cab long bed with a 5 speed auto, and a TRD sport package. The truck rips!! The 4 liter V6 runs a zero to 60 in 7.5.

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  Outstanding Truck! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Mike - February 8 - 3:30 pm

  I never fill out these reviews, but I decided to based on my experience. I have owned multiple trucks (Ford, & Dodge), but this one beats them all. In addition, the others were all 1/2 ton pickups. I also test drove the Chevy Colorado and have riden in an 02 Dodge Dakota. This one rides much smoother and has a lot more power.

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  Still Going Strong! - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By JimBo - February 1 - 2:30 am

  I bought this used to see if I could live with a compact truck. Mine has 2.7 4 cyl with 5 speed. The catch is it has 220k miles on it!! I have to say it runs like new I swear!! I talked to the guy that owned it from new and he had no problems ever. Leaks nothing and burns no oil. Shifts great. I have oversize rims and tires and still has decent pickup. When this wears out Ill buy another with less miles for sure. Oh no rust on the body or frame either, Im in the rust belt in the Northeast. Goes great in snow.