2006 Toyota Tacoma Review: A Great Year For The Reliable Compact Truck

Apr 27, 2022

The 2006 Tacoma can last over 350,000 miles with only some paint and wheel bearing problems. At $7,325 – $12,225, it’s expensive for a small truck, but worth it for the reliability.

The Good

The V6 engine offers great power for the size of the truck, build quality is good and the composite bed doesn’t rust like the steel ones found on rivals.

The Bad

The suspension is too firm, the driving position limits visibility and the brakes feel weak.

Is the 2006 Toyota Tacoma a Good Used Truck?

Yes, 2006 is a good year. Owners like the off-road performance, comfortable seats, and low ownership costs.
Reliability ratings are great. Quality is good from 2005–2015, with transmission problems in 2016.
Performance is weak from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 is much better.
The Tacoma is a very safe truck, with a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
Fuel economy is good, at up to 21 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Christie J

I love my truck! My husband actually bought it for me as a 20 year anniversary present. It is very reliable, dependable and is great for traveling with our camper

It is very reliable. Dealerships are always on point with any recalls or repairs.

Jackson B

Never really had any issues with the vehicle. The gas mileage isn't the best but compete with other trucks

It stands out above all the rest and is more reliable than competitors

Brian B

Toyota Tacoma truck review.

It is a basic truck with lots of power. The access cab is nice for groceries and storing tools and materials. It has four-wheel drive which is nice for the winters and backroad travels. The CD player is not the best; it sounds scratchy and fuzzy when being used but the radio works.

Michael H

Solid vehicle with at least 200k to 300k miles left on it.

I real problem, replacing power window motor on passenger side. Only other problems included a couple of flat tires, dead battery, headlight, turn signal and brake light replacements. A number of recalls including frame, air bag light, seat belts, and floor brake. Get great mileage for a truck.

Dan K

Its dependable. It is reliable and gets you going.

Long lasting. Easy to maintain. Nothing to dislike. I do not have a lot of emotional relationships with vehicles to answer this in 100 or more characters.

Katie R

Get a 4 wheel drive so that it can traverse any road or weather conditions.

My Toyota Tacoma is very dependable, comfortable for 5 people and versatile. I do not always like the length of the bed when trying to parallel park, but it is great for loading up my bicycles and for moving lots of stuff. I wouldn't trade it for anything! Right now, I have over 200,000 miles on it and it is still running great! I cannot say anything more.

Ashley H

It's great for family ride and work truck. No other truck compares.

It's the perfect size. I can drive it flawlessly. Great for family and work. No complaints

Ken G

Can rely on it being ready and able when you need it to be.

Reliable to drive. Comfortable interior with everything I need to drive well. Plenty of storage room to move whatever I need to.

Negative Owner Reviews

Mike O

It will run for a long time after all it is a toyota

It has good gas mileage and bed size. It has a small cab so It's not roomy. And to low to the ground for myself personally

Craig G

Reliable and durable while still being a dream to drive.

My vehicle is very reliable and very durable. I've never had a problem with the engine and mechanics. It almost steers and feels like I am a driving a car and not a truck. The only problems I have are the options in the interior. There is not AUX plug in or nav screen.

Don H

Toyotas last a long time.

My truck has been a good truck. It has nearly 200,000 miles on it and it's going. My only complaint is, I wish I had gotten a larger vehicle.

Sienna M

Good experience, but may break down for good soon

I've had my vehicle for more than 10 years. Overall it has worked very well, is reliable, and safe. However, I've had to replace the transmission 3 times now and I worry the car isn't going to last much longer. Besides the transmission, no other complications have taken place.

Pete L

Rugged and dependable truck good for what trucks are used for.

It is a pickup truck that was purchased with over 100K miles on it. It is very stripped down. No cruise control. The air conditioning unit has gone out and there is a clunk in the rear when the foot is taken off the break. It is a very comfortable ride for someone over 6ft 2, which was important in the decision of purchasing the truck.

Ariel S

It's silver a Toyota and it's gerat

My vehicle is great I would like a newer version but that's about it . It is actually really good it's silver and that's it

Jennifer L

The handles are broke on the front doors.

I have always owned a Toyota. They are very reliable vehicles. It is the perfect size. Not too big not too small.

Tanya P

It comes in different colors that will work for everyone. It is a good vehicle.

It is the right size to haul items in it. Easy to get in and out of for anyone. It runs smoothly and last longer if you keep up on the maintenance. It's good for couples and kids. It is good for long trips and it enough cup holders for everyone. It comes in different colors.

What Do Critics Say About the Tacoma?

Consumer Reports says the Tacoma has a great powertrain and outstanding owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Tacoma a 4.7/5 and likes the 4WD system, but dislikes the long braking distances.
Kelley Blue Book users rate the Tacoma 4.7/5 and enjoy the long lasting engine, but don’t like the low payload capacity.

What Common Problems Does the 2006 Toyota Tacoma Have?

Problems with the 2006 Tacoma are relatively minor and include paint problems, unintended acceleration, and noisy wheel bearings.

Chipping and peeling paint is the most common complaint at around 80,000 miles. Paint that has been exposed to a lot of sunlight peels and the only solution is to repaint affected areas at roughly $1,000 per panel.

Unintended acceleration is mentioned by some owners within the first 60,000 miles. Gas pedal entrapment was a problem for many Toyota vehicles and was addressed in a recall.

Excessive wheel bearing noise shows up on some Tacoma’s at around 100,000 miles. The bearings wear out over time and have to be replaced, costing about $700 for a full set.

There are 11 fairly minor recalls, with the most serious one being for the leaf spring which can fracture and break the fuel tank, most of the rest are for air bags and labels.

How Long Will the 2006 Toyota Tacoma Last?

A properly maintained 2006 Tacoma can last over 350,000 miles, over 100,000 miles longer than a top competitor like the Ford Ranger. Regular annual maintenance costs are more affordable than rivals at only $350 per year, based on Repair Pal’s estimates.

Most Tacoma models from 2006 will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the starter for $400, the valve cover gasket costing $250, and the ignition coil which costs $500.

Michael H

Common water problems. Had pulley bearings making noise on serpentine belt. Replaced. Engine runs:smooth'. Very reliable, always starts right up.

Jack b

Very reliable, never broke down or left me stranded. Only a few glitches like temperature and compass reader went out. Brake light is on but brakes are fine.

Angelo C

This vehicle is super reliable and have had zero issues. I have driven the vehicle over 100,000 miles with no major repairs or issues just normal maintenance.

Colleen D

It runs great and has never presented with any mechanical problems. With basic upkeep, oil changes and mileage check ups I think it will last for many years.

Allie L

Yes very reliable, a great auto , I would recommend it to anyone wanting a great truck, we have never had any problems with it as of yet anyways

How Much Is the 2006 Toyota Tacoma Worth?

Blue book values range from $7,325 – $12,225, making prices $2,500 higher than other small trucks like the Honda Ridgeline or Nissan Frontier. When new, the price range was $13,980 to $25,815. Depreciation is much better than average, losing 3% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Tacoma?

There are three main models of the Tacoma available. Technology was last updated for the 2004 model year, with new safety technology features added in 2009.

Base is the entry-level model with:

16-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Power Windows & Locks
6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System

PreRunner is the most popular model and has:

17-Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels
Premium Cloth Seating
Keyless Entry System
Front Fog Lights
Upgraded Off-Road Suspension

X-Runner is the on-road performance model with:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Leather Steering Wheel
Unique Cloth Interior Trim
Lowered Suspension

PreRunner

236 HP 20-20 MPG

View Details

X-Runner

236 HP 19-19 MPG

View Details

Base

236 HP 19-19 MPG

View Details

What Engines Come In the Tacoma?

The base engine is a relatively weak 2.7L 4-cylinder with only 159 horsepower, which gets up to 21 MPG combined.
An available upgrade is the powerful 4.0L V6 with 236 horsepower getting up to 18 MPG combined. The towing capacity is up to 6,500 pounds.

What Colors Does the Tacoma Come In?

How Big Is the Tacoma?

The 2006 Tacoma is an average-sized compact truck, similar to the Chevy Colorado and Dodge Dakota. Three cabin configurations are available, the 2-door regular cab 4-door access cab, and larger 4-door double cab. Passenger space is cramped in the backseats of both 4-door models.

There are also two bed lengths available including a 5-foot short bed, and 6-foot regular bed.

How Does the Tacoma Compare to the Competition?

The Toyota Tundra is a popular competitor in the same price range. Passenger room and towing capacities are better on the Tundra, but the Tacoma is more capable off-road. We recommend the Tacoma since it is cheaper to own, but both are extremely reliable trucks.

The Ford Ranger is another rival that costs about $2,000 less. Where the Ranger stands out is with a higher bed payload capacity, but the Tacoma is better at everything else. We recommend the Tacoma since it’s more reliable and has a better 4WD system.

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4.48

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Tacoma?

Michael H

Yes. Reliable. Never broke down on me unless battery died. Minimal problems. Durable, with 4 cylinder engine, gets good gas mileage. Room for 4 in cab. Solid suspension. Comfortable driving on long trips. Hauled some very heavy loads. Nice 4 speaker radio with CD player. Alarm still works.

Jack b

Very good, not a bit of trouble in 13 years. Very dependable, I would trust it to go cross country if I had to.

Angelo C

The vehicle has been great. Very reliable, low maintenance, good power, plenty amenities such as long bed, good storage, and outlet plug in bed of the truck. Only downfall is that the rear seats only seat 2 and is pretty cramped but overall I love this truck.

Colleen D

It is a very reliable truck. Does good in all weather and all terrain. This truck is known for running for years and years and many miles.

Doug F

Yes, very good vehicle, we drive it everywhere everyday and never had any trouble with it, it's a very good truck, hope it last us along time

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Joe S on April 2, 2021

Most outstanding truck on the road, bar none.

I love my truck because it does not have any problems, its performance is amazing, reliability is on the next level, comfort is great and the features are great. Just a great family truck. We use it for our vacations and going to the beach and most of all it is a great work truck.

Vicky H on April 1, 2021

It's not as fuel efficient as some SUVs but I can haul stuff in it.

I like that I can haul stuff. I like that I sit higher than in a sedan. I like that it's red. I don't have any complaints.

Jennifer L on March 14, 2021

The handles are broke on the front doors.

I have always owned a Toyota. They are very reliable vehicles. It is the perfect size. Not too big not too small.

David L on March 3, 2021

I like my 2006 Toyota Tacoma.

This has always been a sturdy vehicle, I have had few problems with it. I did have excessive frame corrosion when it was about I years old but Toyota replaced the frame at no cost to me. I average about 16 miles per gallon around town and about 22 highway. It averages out to 19 miles per gallon.

Amanda K on February 24, 2021

The Toyota Tacoma is a high quality, durable vehicle that can be modded to your lifestyle.

The Tacoma has a lot of room in the front, but the back seats are fairly small. When you start it, the engine is a little loud. While you're driving, it can be loud too. The performance of the vehicle is great through and we've never had any problems with it, besides rusting. The best part is that there are so many mods for this vehicle. The options are endless.

Jack B on February 22, 2021

Reliable Toyota but too heavy to play in the mud without huge tires.

No problems after 13 years so high reliability, a few small problems with electronics and brake/abs lights on and don't know why. Truck is a 4x4 but it still fails in the mud, it is too heavy for its size, older Tacomas were lighter. Fuel mileage is ok for a truck and towing specs are respectable. Bed is small.

Craig G on February 13, 2021

Reliable and durable while still being a dream to drive.

Eric F on February 6, 2021

It gets good gas mileage for a midsize truck.

I like it's durability and gas mileage. Dislike it's wide turning radius.

John F on January 17, 2021

It's a great all round sporty pickup. With good towing and not too bad on gas.

The bed is big enough to fit an entire bike. The gas mileage is decent.

Yvonne D on January 12, 2021

They are both reliable, good on gas overall just great vehicles to own.

I haven't had any real problems with the Honda or Toyota. The normal wear and tear of the vehicle, new tires, new batteries, oil changes, and replacement filters.

Del W on January 8, 2021

2006 Toyota Tacoma suits me fine.

My Tacoma was purchased used. I love the interior space from the full 4 doors for easy entry to the flexibility of the fold down rear seats. My gas mileage has remained consistent at a disappointing 20 to 22 mpg. It has been very reliable, with only routine maintenance needed.

Michael M on January 1, 2021

It has a very compact design that makes it extremely efficient when parking.

My 2006 Toyota Tacoma is an outstanding vehicle. I have driven from Savannah, Georgia, to Clearwater Florida, on three separate occasions with no problems! It handles turns marvelously and drives as straight as a ruler's edge. Decent gas mileage and a very decent sized gas tank gets me where I need to go rather cost-efficiently. Overall my 2006 Toyota Tacoma is simply a spectacular vehicle.

helen m on December 26, 2020

That it has over 100,000 miles and is still going.

We really have not had any major problems, it has over 100,000 miles on it. It is 4 wheel drive, automatic, power windows, cd player and radio.

Bill B on December 15, 2020

Dependable, Tough and Looks Good. Very comfortable to drive.

Low maintenance cost. Very dependable. Looks good.

Robert S on December 15, 2020

Don't punch the gas, she has a lot of get up and go.

Great power for its size. Dependable Had a frame rusting issue but the manufacturer fixed it.

Sarah S on December 14, 2020

My truck is as reliable as I am.

I love my truck. I have kept up on maintenance (oil changes, fluid changes, tire rotation, etc.) and in return the truck has been very good to me. My truck is extremely reliable. I am close to 200,000 miles and I have never had an issue with it. I have owned this truck for over a decade. When it is finally time to purchase a new vehicle, I would purchase another Toyota Tacoma in a heartbeat.

Jason W on December 3, 2020

Long lasting truck and service history.

It is long lasting with almost 210, 000 miles with only an issue with the catalytic converters and a small power steering leak that has not caused any issues at this time. I have had it since it had 80, 000 miles and have only had to repair a head gasket leak which cost around $3, 000 otherwise I have only had to maintain the vehicle with oil changes, brake pads, and tires.

Jose G on December 2, 2020

That if you maintain your vehicle right. It will take care of you.

I have a 2006 Toyota Tacoma 4. 0 4x4. This vehicle handles great not only on the road, but in the mud. I maintenance this vehicle every chance I get. And the best part about it is that it's never broken down me yet.

Andrew J on November 6, 2020

The engine is long lasting.

I like that it is a truck. It also has a great long lasting engine. It is a manual which is easier to move in bad weather.

Dan K on October 6, 2020

Its dependable. It is reliable and gets you going.

Long lasting. Easy to maintain. Nothing to dislike. I do not have a lot of emotional relationships with vehicles to answer this in 100 or more characters.

Cynthia W on September 30, 2020

Very reliable, I have had my vehicle 12 years now with no major problems.

I love the way it rides it is got a very smooth ride. And I love the size of my vehicle. My only complaint is the paint job has faded real bad.

Don H on September 22, 2020

Toyotas last a long time.

My truck has been a good truck. It has nearly 200,000 miles on it and it's going. My only complaint is, I wish I had gotten a larger vehicle.

Bruce B on September 22, 2020

Well Made, Durable and Comfortable

Very reliable, durable, attractive, practical, comfortable, versatile.

Thomas D on September 17, 2020

Awesome value for off-road vehicle. Holds its value and low maintenance cost.

Reliable as hell! Low maintenance! Great for off-road and snow but also good in gas for it is size. My last car was the Tacoma and all future cars will be the same. If my last one was not stolen out of my driveway at 280, 000 miles I would still be driving it.

Kristina T on September 10, 2020

Reliable, easy to maintain and useful car.

This car is very reliable, comfortable and easy to maintain. In general I do not like to drive pickup trucks, but I got used to this one fairly easily. It is not too big and it is roomy enough. My husband and I keep up with all the maintenance so we never really had any problems with the car so far. I wish it had seat warmers, but I imagine newer cars of this model have it. To me the most important thing is reliability and I am sure that when we'll be buying a new car it will surely be another Toyota.

Ctg A on September 7, 2020

Even though it seems like just a sturdy and safe vehicle, it is also fun to drive.

I love the size of my truck. It makes me feel safe and stable on the road. However, the size also makes it difficult for me, a short woman, to do most maintenance on my own so I nearly always have to bring it to the dealership.

Pete L on August 18, 2020

Rugged and dependable truck good for what trucks are used for.

Christie J on August 17, 2020

I love my truck! My husband actually bought it for me as a 20 year anniversary present. It is very reliable, dependable and is great for traveling with our camper

It is very reliable. Dealerships are always on point with any recalls or repairs.

Trever B on July 29, 2020

Great little truck for a daily commuter

My Toyota Tacoma gets great gas mileage. It is the best running truck that I've ever had. I have only had one issue since I bought it and that is a radiator leak. It was easily fixed by replacing a hose. In the future I would definitely buy another Toyota Tacoma

Brody M on July 17, 2020

Gas efficient very affordable

My truck, when maintained properly, is a great vehicle that can go on any terrain and will run forever if taken care of

Ana O on July 2, 2020

That Toyota's are durable.

It is been 12 years and I have seen that Toyota is one of the most durable vehicles. I have always loved the look of the pickup. In fact I got the exact black model that I wanted with the engine intake. Being in a truck makes me feel more secure. The unfortunate aspect of my car is that it is not very fuel efficient.

Andres B on July 1, 2020

Toyota's are meant to last. 12 Years and 180k miles and it still drives like the year I got it

I love my truck. I have had it for almost 12 years and I have not had any issues with it. There was an instance where the transmission was acting up but it was taking care of by the dealership since I reported the problem early on. Other then that the truck is amazing

Mario Arauz on June 3, 2020

Securit!!!

No problem. I buy new. After 10 years I remplease the brake pads.only that the rest is original. Super nice truck . The best of the best

Amy K on May 20, 2020

It is very well built. They built it to last.

I love the dependability and safety features. I love the color and body style. I feel like this truck is going to run forever!.

Kristen J on May 14, 2020

Toyota s generally last a very long time, high mileage should not scare someone off.

I love the truck and the way it handles. I wish it had a navigation system.

Ariel S on May 8, 2020

It's silver a Toyota and it's gerat

My vehicle is great I would like a newer version but that's about it . It is actually really good it's silver and that's it

Bob C on May 5, 2020

Nothing stops it! Eighteen inches of snow on the ground and I didn't even have to put it in 4WD.

It's very dependable. I love all the room in the cab. Great for someone over 6 ft tall. It has like 28 cup holders!

Michael P on April 29, 2020

Great truck I have the power to work and go out.

My 2006 model Toyota Tacoma is a very good truck runs good it is 4 door v6 long wheel base it run and drives a lot of room hauls and tows great. It is automatic two wheel drive black in color no dents or dings very good truck I depend on my truck very much so to get back and forth to work also take my wife out on the weekend haven't had no major issue with it since I have bought it.

Christopher J on April 28, 2020

Easy to drive, not intimidating. Reliable. Easy to maintain.

Very dependable and runs smoothly. Constantly told by professional mechanics how if routine maintenance is done, vehicle will "run forever"

Gina R on April 21, 2020

Overall a good truck for many uses.

Overall, my Tacoma is the perfect car for me. There has only been minor, usual maintenance for it. I expect to have this car last a very long time and Toyota is known for that. I am very pleased with it. I would purchase this car again if mine were need to be replaced.

Eddie S on April 20, 2020

Toyota Tacoma is a great buy!

The Toyota Tacoma is the most comfortable truck I have ever own. It gets great mileage and looks very sporty.

Anthony N on April 19, 2020

She starts every time with no worry.

It is a very reliable truck with decent fuel efficiency. It's a truck that I don't have to worry about getting beat up because it is a solid dependable truck that will start every time. The only issue I have ever had with the truck is the sun visor broke.

Kyle R on April 15, 2020

The safety and dependability.

I like the compact style of the truck and how cheap the parts are to fix it. I do not like how much the truck costs on gas. I also like the dependability of the truck.

Brad B on April 6, 2020

I love the vehicle. I wish it was newer. Also, I wish t had less miles

It is a great all-around truck. It takes care of all my needs.

Eddie F on April 3, 2020

Very good truck, so dependable.

I have had this Toyota for a long time now. So dependable, you know this truck will not break down on you. Of course you have to do the regular maintenance of the truck like oil changes and such. Overall, it's been a great truck. The look is very classic and stylish too. So glad to bought it in 2006, and 13 years later it is still going strong.

Debra I on March 23, 2020

The 2006 Toyota Tacoma is a well made truck with just some minor repairs

The 2006 Toyota Tacoma is such a reliable vehicle. Very well made and very few problems . The only thing is the paint on the vehicle fades severely. I have a dark blue color and it is very faded due to the sun. I've noticed the dark blue, and black trucks fade very badly. The engine is strong and the body of the vehicle is very well built. This 2006 Toyota has been very reliable with only minor transmission issues in the past. The other only thing that may break is the glove box and the inside compartment breaks pretty easily. But otherwise very well made truck .

Ken S on March 12, 2020

It runs faithfully without breaking down.

A medium-sized pick up. It runs faithfully and allows me to convey whatever I need to move about. The interior is comfortable and it contains what I need to move about my area.

Miranda R on March 6, 2020

All around nice truck, its 4WD.

A few things I like about my truck. It is 4WD, it handles good, it is low maintenance, and it has 4 doors. I wish it got better gas mileage.

Kyle R on March 5, 2020

It is very expensive to fill it up with gas. For a compact truck I was surprised how much it costs to travel with it.

Reliability is great along with the comfort. Performance can fluctuate, but parts are affordable. You can also add many new features to the truck.

Larry K on February 28, 2020

The truck is the best dependable truck made and also retains its value !

I love the dependability , it is very quiet , goes anywhere , well mad , and has a very high resale value ! The only thing I can complain about it the radio is awful , poor reception and sound !

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.