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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  Its a Toyota - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Rainman - January 5 - 4:23 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota P/U. Purchased because dependability. Ive been disappointed with the fuel mileage, 20mpg. Wish Toyota would go back to manual hubs and offer a small diesel in the US. For its size, it cant be beat for performance and overall satisfaction.

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  Watch out F-150 here comes Tacoma! - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Zak - January 3 - 11:00 pm

  When I first purchased the car I was amazed at the size. Prior to purchasing I was only able to view the 4-cylinder 2 wheel drive models. Let me say that the 4-wheel drive Pre-runner V6 looks more like the size of a F-150 then anything else. The front end of this baby is intimidating. The grill looks hard and the fog lights are well placed. The skid plate on the underbody is shown off to make an amazing looking front end that anyone will be jealous over as you drive down the road. The power in this truck is very pleasing. The 245 horses under the hood give great pick up and the torque is great for getting out of any tough situation (and I mean TOUGH)

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  06 tacoma - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By dean40 - January 3 - 7:58 pm

  have had this truck for a year now, and the only thing i have done is change the oil and filters, great truck!

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  first new truck i have owned - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By beck - January 1 - 10:00 am

  purchased truck in oct 2001..they just came out with the new design..liked it alot more than 2000..i wrecked my 85 toyota sr5 long bed..it had 220000 miles on it..so i knew i wanted another toyota...i like it but not as sporty as my 85 mis my 5 sp trans...great solid feeling on road..good looking...added chrome side bars..hitch..tonuea cover sprayed in bed liner...ive had the dash replaced due to deformed pad..caused rattles...stil has some ratles and creeks..dis appointed over that..85 had no rattles...all in all a good truck...but i miss something more sporty and fuel effient..may trade

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  Built Toyota Tough - 1999 Toyota Tacoma
  By 1EarthMother - December 30 - 4:26 pm

  This is one exceptional vehicle. Fuel economy is one minor drawback (17 mpg), but the rest of the pluses outweigh the slight fuel economy problem. Anyone who gets a higher number must have 60 lbs. of air in the tires and driving with a 75 mph tailwind. My truck is almost 10 yrs old and I still feel confident to drive it cross-country and back again. I honestly feel this truck will last forever.

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  Like it more every day - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By Greg - December 30 - 9:53 am

  Ive driven 51000 mi. with only oil changes and nothing else needed so far. The interior has superior fit and finish, and in the Michigan winters it makes not a peep, and is a testament to the build quality. Great styling turns heads, and I still get compliments after 4+yrs. With half city and half hwy driving I get 17.5mpg in the winter and 20.8mpg in the summer. Nothing has ever failed to work, and it climbs like a billy goat off-road. When I push the accelerator-it moves like all get out; feels like a V8 (a powerful V8).

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  2006 Tacoma 4cyl. Auto Access Cab SR5 - 2006 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ed - December 28 - 7:50 am

  The four cyl. automatic has a tougher go of it in the Texas hills. Here on the coast its a good deal. It will consistently do 28 mpg on the highway at 63mph speed. Do not go to the larger wheels/tires or you will lose 2 mpg fuel economy. The optional shift or automatic (2nd, 3rd or drive only) is fun to use. I would recommend the 5 spd. manual if you want to tow with the four cyl. This long bed with the access cab can haul a lot. The short second seat is perfect for your gear, tools, groceries, or a small animal carrier. As usual for Toyota, this truck is absolutely dependable (80,500 miles in less than 3 years, w/no issues).

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  Nice Truck - Xmission could be better - 2009 Toyota Tacoma
  By Ed - December 27 - 4:53 pm

  I bought the truck in June 09. I have had it for about 7 months now. I like the look of the Tacoma. ALL of the switches should be illuminated (ex 4x4), and there should be a foglight "on" indicator. My biggest complaint, like others, is the transmission. The transmission seems to down shift too quickly. After slowing down to turn a corner, it "hunts" to find the right gear. This should be addressed by Toyota.

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  Haunting for gear transmission - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By Joe D. - December 26 - 2:39 pm

  I have owned mine for about 14 months and 8400 miles now. I do mostly highway driving. With annoying shiftdowns from 6 to 5 during 70 mph highway cruising speed, I decided to shift to manual or S mode and leave it in 5th gear. At 70-72 mph, in 6th gear, RPM is at 1900. in 5 gear, it is at 2200. There is very slight more engine noise in 5th but a lot better than constant down shifting. I am not sure this 3.5 V-6 is that great. I really dont care about its port injection, direct injection, and its Adkin cycle engine technology . This truck gas mileage is the same as my 2003 Ford Explorer with its ancient 4.0L V-6 engine. I can only see complexity under the hood without tangible benefit. The rest of the truck is excellent. The engine/transmission are NOT what I expected from Toyota. My 2009 Mercedes E350 with its 7 speed transmission never down shifts at 70mph. I sure hope Toyota comes up with some transmission programming update so it does not hunt for right gear all the time.

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  What A Feeling! - 2001 Toyota Tacoma
  By Stasho - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought the truck one year old with 34,000kms on it. Compared it with a Tundra but found the 4 doors on the Tacoma much easier to use. Dont recall having this much fun driving any other vehicle! Interior comfy, but without frills. Powertrain is a beauty with legendary Toyota reliability.