2002 Toyota Tacoma Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Owners Choice infoOutline
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
18 -21 City / 22 -25 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
142 -190
Seats
2 -5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle laurie C
It is a quad cab so a truck and car in one
So dependable; never had a problem with it; just runs and runs and runs; tis is my 2nd truck from toyota; workhorse; great resell as well
accountCircle Robert B
It's a very dependable truck.
It's a sturdy truck. It's been very dependable fo me. I've had very little repair needed. I've put over one hundred thousand miles on it.
accountCircle Tony t
It's a 100% reliable never has failed me
Love the looks,gas mileage. Simplicity, reliability, and dependability. I have 155k on the truck and have had no major issues/repairs/failures. My only dislike is the power is somewhat lacking in the 2.7l and the trucks bed is shallow compared to newer gen trucks which can sometimes make hauling large loads a bit hard.
accountCircle Nicole B
Reliable truck with a good quality engine that lasts
I love this truck! Runs great and has a good quality engine. Is comfortable to drive and I also feel safer driving a higher vehicle because of better visuals. Love the look of the truck & the extra cab for space. Would like it if there were 3 seatbelts in the extra cab to have the ability to put infant car seat in back.
accountCircle Bradley K
The Little Truck That Could
The car is built like a tank and it can pass slow moving cars on the highway with ease. It can be customized for off road and utilitarian work, and can tow trailers of average size.
accountCircle geoff W
The emergency brake on it is not the best, it works, but no one knows how to use it and the is always on
I bought it when in 2002 and it has never broken down on me and I drive it pretty hard. It still has power and I love it.
accountCircle Mark M
This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned
Love the size and ground clearance. Easily navigates the outdoors while being comfortable for day to day city driving. The reliability has been outstanding as only wear items have needed maintenance.
accountCircle Michael C
Extremely reliable. Bad MPG. Will last forever. High quality
No problems very reliable. Very high quality. Very in expense to work on. Parts are very cheap to buy.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Rachel M
Toyota tacoma. Trd off-road.
I only hate it bc it is my fiance's truck and he uses it for work. Other than that is runs great good gas mileage. Big enough for our family of three we have used it all football season for practice e and games. It needs new front shocks and it will ride allot better.
accountCircle Becky N
A General Overview of Toyota Tacoma 2002
It's very small. Best for only one occupant. Truck should not be driven when there is any snow on the ground. It is very dangerous. No traction in the front of the truck at all. The truck has needed few repairs besides minimal general maintenance.
accountCircle Jenna K
Toyota Tacoma: most reliable truck.
There are little to no problems with the truck. It is now about 16 years old and only started having some wear and tear trouble about 10 years into having the truck. It is very reliable and very roomy. The cab is a little tight, given the extended truck bed size. It is red in color and is a very nice finish for a car.
accountCircle Rachel M
2002 Toyota Tacoma off road
We just need new front shocks and the air conditioner leaks a little but we just got it about five months ago and we love it for our little family of three!
accountCircle Nav K
My Toyota Tacoma has been great during my student life.
Gets me to where I know to go and back, reliable. A pick up truck always comes in handy too, especially when it comes to moving so it's been a great help for that. I have had it for years now and haven't had any troubles. Good on gas too. Maintenance is affordable and is not needed often.
accountCircle Miranda D
Seats 8 with plenty of room.
It is an older van so it is starting to wear out but it is been relabel but the breaks have need replaced more then once it nice in side enough room for me big family. Would like more space in the back to put stuff I would buy another one like it just newer.
accountCircle L R
Comfortable light duty truck.
The truck has been very reliable. With only two wheel drive it does not do well in the snow and ice. It drives and seats comfortably, but the version I have is not equipped with latch for car seats. I would prefer a longer truck bed if I were to purchase another truck.
accountCircle Don G
My 2002 Tacoma and its qualities good and bad
It is getting old and is now on its last legs. I think the motor needs to be replaced. Tires are good and body not bad

Toyota Tacoma Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
PreRunner
150 HP 21-21 MPG 2-3 Seats
car
Base
142 HP 23-23 MPG 4-5 Seats
car
S-Runner
190 HP 20-20 MPG 4-5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2002 Toyota Tacoma Owner Reviews

4.47
55 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 69%
4 stars 16%
3 stars 11%
2 stars 0%
1 star 4%
accountCircle John D on March 19, 2021
Hold up well and for years
Four wheel drive, power boost and the color green.
accountCircle Becky N on March 16, 2021
A General Overview of Toyota Tacoma 2002
It's very small. Best for only one occupant. Truck should not be driven when there is any snow on the ground. It is very dangerous. No traction in the front of the truck at all. The truck has needed few repairs besides minimal general maintenance.
View All Reviews (55) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #1 Compact Pickup Trucks by Owners

The 2002 Toyota Tacoma has an average owner rating of 4.49 out of 5 which ranks it #1 of 7 other Compact Pickup Trucks.

1
car
2002 Toyota Tacoma
4.47
2
car
2002 Chevrolet S-10
4.25
3
car
2002 Dodge Dakota
4.22

Ranks #1 Compact Pickup Trucks by Fuel Economy

The 2002 Toyota Tacoma has a combined MPG of 25 which ranks it #1 of 8 other Compact Pickup Trucks.

1
Tie
car
2002 Toyota Tacoma
25 MPG
1
Tie
car
2002 Mazda B-Series Truck
25 MPG
2
car
2002 Nissan Frontier
23 MPG

Is The 2002 Toyota Tacoma A Good Car?

I think it’s fantastic for my needs as a commuter and a worker in various fields, it’s small enough to be unobtrusive and has enough space to carry what I need to
Stephanie V.
My Toyota Tacoma is a really reliable vehicle it has easy to fix issues and it gets great gas mileage.
Nicole M.

How Reliable Is The 2002 Toyota Tacoma?

I've found that it’s been nothing less than reliable and steadfast. It rarely needs maintenance and runs like a dream
Alison F.
The Toyota is very reliable. It has very few problems and they're always pretty easy to fix. So overall it's a great vehicle to own.
Kelly G.

Is The 2002 Toyota Tacoma A Good Value?

I personally only paid $3,000 for my Toyota Tacoma and I got a good deal considering the blue book value ranges from $4,700-6,000.
Isabel G.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the purge valve located in the 2002 Toyota Tacoma?

Answer: The 2002 Toyota Tacoma has an evaporative emissions purge solenoid valve that can be found inside the evap canister. The canister is located just above the muffler. Signs of a bad purge solenoid include rough...

How do I replace the cabin air filter in a 2002 Tacoma?

Answer: To change the cabin air filter on the 2002 Toyota Tacoma, open the glove boxAnd disconnect the dampener arm from the passenger's side of the box. Press both sides of the unit and pull down. Unhinge the glove...

2002 Toyota Tacoma: What is the towing capacity including torque, payload, and tongue weight?

Answer: The 2002 Toyota Tacoma was available in many different models so Your weight limit is going to vary depending on which configuration Your truck is in. Overall the maximum towing capacity for this truck is going...

2002 Toyota Tacoma: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: The 2002 Toyota Tacoma oil type and capacity iS5W-30 and 6 quarts. Having high quality oil is important for the engine to run smoothly. You will run into problems with the oil at some point. Old or bad oil can...
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Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Not Rated

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety