2007 Toyota Tacoma Review: Great Year For The Worry-Free Small Truck

Alex Showalter
May 6, 2022

The 2007 Tacoma lasts over 350,000 miles with only some minor paint and computer problems. At $5,275 – 14,352, it’s expensive, but worth it for the best compact truck.

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likeFilled The Good
Off-road performance is great, interior materials are nice  and the V6 engine is powerful.
dislikeFilled The Bad
There is a lot of road noise, the backseats are cramped and the suspension is firm.

Is the 2007 Toyota Tacoma a Good Used Truck?

  • Yes, 2007 is a good year for the Tacoma. Reviews from owners praise the truck’s build quality, durable engines and ability to hold its value.
  • Reliability ratings are great. Tacoma’s from 20052015 all have excellent reliability, with more complaints on the 2016
  • Performance is weak from the 4-cylinder, but the V6 offers great power for a small truck.
  • The Tacoma is a safe truck, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests.
  • Fuel economy is okay, getting up to 22 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle tammy s
My vehicle is good on gas and has a lot of room / spacious
I like my vehicle because of the room it has. My vehicle is also good on gas
accountCircle Jeremy S
That it is built to last. Has 190,000 miles and still runs great.
Like that my truck is reliable. My truck is well built. I dislike all the scratches.
accountCircle Brian Y
It has lots of power. It looks great. It has lasted a long time.
Great to drive. Looks great. Classy. Powerful. FWD when needed.
accountCircle Joshua M
It's very reliable. I feel like my truck will last forever.
It's very reliable. High resale value. Decent on gas.
accountCircle Bridget M
It's paid for and it's reliable. It's a good vehicle, because Toyota makes reliable vehicles. Would buy it again.
It's Reliability and dependability. Good vehicle. That's all.
accountCircle Jacqui C
Love my Tacoma! Better than a sedan, and higher up.
Had transmission rebuilt at 100, 000 mi. Had frame, shocks, and springs replaced by dealer. Engine has been great - give regular oil changes. Driver's seat cover needed cover added. I was doing paper routes so was sliding into and out of seat 50 - 60 times every morning. Drive and ride both smooth, much like driving a comfortable sedan. Turning radius is excellent. Now has 163, 000 mi on it, and I hate the thought of ever giving it up for another vehicle 1.
accountCircle Gail S
Very dependable and comfortable.
Tacoma is very dependable. Riding at pioneer makes me feel safe. I also feel like it is built very well. Long lasting miracle.
accountCircle Frank V
Dependable well made and safe
Very reliable and trustworthy low maintenance costs and great in the snow

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle john smith
Frame issues
Yes. 176,000 miles. Fifth Toyota truck. Love it. Too bad Toyota can't hire qualified engineers to solve their frame issues. Second one . Recalls are a time inconvenience. You don't get paid for your time time spent in shop for recalls.
accountCircle Jeremy Hurtt
My truck just ran me into a tree.
I’ve had my 07 Tacoma for about six years, and I’ve always loved it. At least until just now – I was headed home from work, started to change lanes to pass a car, and my gas pedal stuck. I started fishtailing, hit a car in the left lane, and ricocheted off the road into a tree. I don’t have full collision, so now I’m down a vehicle, with no idea what to do next. So that really, really sucks.
accountCircle Carl M
Frame rust out and the manufacturers denial.
Like the size. Like the fuel economy. Dislike the treatment of me for frame rust out.
accountCircle Megan H
Cute car, too expensive...
The gas is so expensive and frequent. I have to fill it up once a week and it costs about sixty dollars. I love the car and am happy to have it but I would not buy again. Not ideal for a college student. If the gas wasn't so much to deal with I would want the car anyway if the week. Such a cute fun car but a big investment for sure.
accountCircle Stacy Summer M
It does not use that much gas and it is a great vehicle.
I love having a truck but the roof is rusted now and the vehicle is not in good working condition in comparison to previous years.

What Do Critics Say About the Tacoma?

  • Consumer Reports says the Tacoma is tough with an improved interior and high owner satisfaction scores.
  • Edmunds gives the Tacoma a 4.6/5 liking the off-road capabilities, and disliking the noisy cabin.
  • Kelley Blue Book users rate the Tacoma 4.7/5 and enjoy the outstanding reliability but say it rides rough.

What Common Problems Does the 2007 Toyota Tacoma Have?

Common problems with the 2007 Tacoma are fairly minor and include fading paint, surging engines, and 4WD engaging accidentally.

Fading paint is the most common complaint from owners at about 75,000 miles. When the paint is exposed to excessive sunlight, it begins to fail. The only way to fix the problem is to repaint the affected areas, at about $1,000 per panel.

Surging engines are another issue that shows up in the first 20,000 miles. The engine computer causes the surging and there’s an update from Toyota which reduces the problem which can be installed by a dealership.

Unintentional 4WD engaging happens on some Tacoma’s at around 150,000 miles. The transfer case software is the source of the problem and in some cases it will require a new computer, costing about $600.

There are 10 recalls on the Tacoma, with the most serious being for the rear driveshaft, which can cause an accident if it fails. Most of the other recalls cover air bags and reflectors.

How Long Will the 2007 Toyota Tacoma Last?

A properly maintained 2007 Tacoma can last over 350,000 miles, which is 100,000 miles longer than top competitors like the Ford Ranger. Regular annual maintenance costs are very affordable, according to Repair Pal, at $357 per year.

Most Tacoma’s from 2007 will have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace the intake manifold gasket for $500, oil pan gasket costing $300, and the suspension ball joints which cost $400.

accountCircle Toni H

It is very reliable, I have yet to have any problems with it. Short of oil changes, there has been no technical work done in order to repair my vehicle.

accountCircle Greg W

As long as you keep it maintained, it has only had a couple of major issues but that is related to the age and mileage of the vehicle.

accountCircle Cheryl G

It has been reliable for the past 12 years. I have had no major issues with it. All I have done is change the oil and put some fuel injector fluid in it.

How Much Is the 2007 Toyota Tacoma Worth?

Blue book values range from $5,275 – 14,352, making the Tacoma about $3,000 more expensive than other Japanese trucks like the Honda Ridgeline or Nissan Frontier. When new, the price range was $14,180 to $26,015. Depreciation is very low at only around 3% per year.

What are the Different Models of the Tacoma?

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

Base is the entry-level model with:

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

PreRunner is the most common model and has:

  • 17-Inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels
  • Upgraded Cloth Seating & Optional Leather
  • Keyless Entry
  • Off-Road Suspension
  • Chrome Exterior Accents

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

  • 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
  • Two-Tone Cloth Interior
  • Leather Steering Wheel & Shifter
  • In-Dash 6-CD Changer
car
PreRunner
236 HP 21-21 MPG
car
X-Runner
236 HP 19-19 MPG
car

What Engines Come In the Tacoma?

  • The base engine is a pretty weak 2.7L 4-cylinder with 159 horsepower that gets up to 22 MPG combined.
  • An available upgrade is the powerful 4L V6, which makes 236 horsepower and gets up to 18 MPG combined. It’s also capable of towing up to 6,500 pounds with the towing package.

What Colors Does the Tacoma Come In?

How Big Is the Tacoma?

The Tacoma is an average-sized compact truck similar to the Dodge Dakota and Chevy Colorado. Three cabin configurations are available including a 2-door regular cab, 4-door extended cab, and larger 4-door crew cab. Passenger room is cramped in all 3 models.

There are two bed-lengths available including a 5-foot short bed, and the standard bed is 6-feet long.

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How Does the Tacoma Compare to the Competition?

The Toyota Tundra is a popular competitor from Toyota which costs about $2,000 more. Towing performance and passenger space are better in the Tundra, but the Tacoma has better handling. We recommend the Tacoma if you don’t need to tow, but both are fantastic long-lasting trucks.

The Nissan Frontier is another compact truck costing about $3,000 less. Performance is a bit better on the Frontier with the more powerful engine, but the Tacoma is better off-road. We recommend the Tacoma since it’s a more reliable choice.

Ranks #1 Compact Pickup Trucks by Owners

1
car
4.63
2
car
4.52
3
car
4.5

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Tacoma?

accountCircle Toni H

Yes, it has over 180,000 miles on it and still runs great. It is really low maintenance, and has not had any work done besides the usual oil changes, tire rotations, etc.

accountCircle Greg W

Very good and easy to repair with not having to break the bank for common repairs. Gets decent gas mileage and is very good to drive off road for camping and other activities.

accountCircle Cheryl G

I love my tacoma! It looks tough and runs smooth. It is large enough to haul everything I need but not so large where it is tough to get into parking spaces. It's been a great, reliable truck for the past 12 years.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Robert on January 17, 2023
Plastic water pipe
I'm from sc took a trip to Virginia, truck ran hot, put water in it. 3 more times till I got to a parts store. Replace thermostat, water pump. Still ran hot. Next day took thermostat out, seemed to do better. Made it back to sc, and thought I blew head gasget, put sealer in radiator. 24 hours got under truck and saw silver running down engine block. Pulled everything again and found a pipe that runs from thermostat housing between the block and intake manifold. Put my finger on it and it crumbled and feel apart.IT WAS PLASTIC!!!! Its still running but I wonder how much life was taken out of my motor. OR WAS THAT THE PLAN SO ID BUY ANOTHER TRUCK..... NOW YOU NO MY STORY... SAD VERY SAD, AND YES MY YOTA IS FROM USA
accountCircle Gerald A on March 15, 2021
Good gas mileage, service provided by Toyota is outstanding.
Never had problems with it. Gets good gas mileage. Service at Toyota is excellent.
accountCircle Jeremy Hurtt on February 15, 2021
My truck just ran me into a tree.
I’ve had my 07 Tacoma for about six years, and I’ve always loved it. At least until just now – I was headed home from work, started to change lanes to pass a car, and my gas pedal stuck. I started fishtailing, hit a car in the left lane, and ricocheted off the road into a tree. I don’t have full collision, so now I’m down a vehicle, with no idea what to do next. So that really, really sucks.
accountCircle Katie M on February 8, 2021
My Tacoma is black, 4 doors, easy to take the dog in.
The breaks squeak when backing up, they have been looked at and the break pads replaced but it will not stop.
accountCircle Amy C on February 1, 2021
To take the battery out you have to take other parts off first.
It is great! Good mpg, drives like new with 110,000 miles on it, does not ride like a truck. I do not dislike anything.
accountCircle Carl M on November 26, 2020
Frame rust out and the manufacturers denial.
Like the size. Like the fuel economy. Dislike the treatment of me for frame rust out.
accountCircle Laurie K on November 10, 2020
Great truck, very dependable.
Very dependable, never any problems. Comfortable, has a backseat and short bed. Able to do everything I need a truck to do. Could get better gas mileage, but that's okay, the other features make it worthwhile. I keep it tuned up so it will maintain its resale value for sure.
accountCircle Axel A on October 19, 2020
It's a highly reliable vehicle that will be used for years to come.
The truck offers a smooth ride and decent power for towing and pulling cargo. My only complaint is the off feeling of the clutch.
accountCircle L W on August 30, 2020
Manual transmission single cab Toyota Tacoma with base trim.
My car does everything I want. I has minimum trim and a manual transmission, so there are fewer parts to break. It has yet to break down. It has a small efficient engine. I only wish it didn't have a bench seat, so passengers could adjust their seat independently of me.
accountCircle Barbara I on August 26, 2020
It is durable and will last you a long time at low cost.
It is great and really durable. Good on gas for a pickup truck. They hold up well with not too many if any issues and I have over 100, 000 miles on it. So they're pretty cheap to maintain as well. Good sound system. Any minor problems I have had I have been able to repair myself for very little cost.
accountCircle Jose R on August 20, 2020
It is very reliable, it has been hit and beaten up but is still hanging on.
I like my truck because it is very reliable and comes in handy when I need to move stuff. What I do not like as a fact that the gas mileage is not that great could be better.
accountCircle Joshua M on July 24, 2020
It's very reliable. I feel like my truck will last forever.
It's very reliable. High resale value. Decent on gas.
accountCircle Brad D on June 30, 2020
Tacoma is where it's at for quality.
Fun to drive super reliable, high quality vehicle. Perfect for driving long distance while still having off-road capabilities.
accountCircle Mike on June 16, 2020
Take care of the maintanance and it will last.
I have a 07 taco access cab v6 at sr5 with 152000 miles. Of coarse rust is an issue with this truck in maine the chemicals are eating through cars and trucks lessthan 4 years old. Serious damage that makes them uninspecable of coarse we have strict guidlines for inspections. This truck has held up well considering its 12 years old. I bought this truck used and it was taken care of be awareof these trucks in states where salt or chemicals are used in snow removal frames take a lot of brunt . 05 to 10 tacos now have no replacement options . Would cost 10000 or more to replace with that said I like the truck handles well I drive it like I stole it and it runs great. It's an older truck has some rust around some of the plastic moldings on the bed and some near doors where they close due to rubbing. Had to replace the headlamp assembles due to fading and burning plastic from the drl and blinker bulbs getting hot guess that is common. He frame needs to be recoated for protection . Other than that paint is still good most people comment it looks newer than it is. Hope to get at least another 100000 on it
accountCircle ROBERT G on June 10, 2020
TRUCK HOLDS VALUE AND STILL RUNS GREAT LITTLE UPKEEP
GREAT ON FUEL PAINT HOLDS NICELY. VERY DEPENDABLE. MAINT. IS SUPER. NO NOISE FROM SUSPENSION. RUNS ON REG. FUEL
accountCircle Joe A on June 8, 2020
It is affordable and get good mileage and is dependable
It is affordable and it gets good mileage and it is reliable.
accountCircle john smith on June 1, 2020
Frame issues
Yes. 176,000 miles. Fifth Toyota truck. Love it. Too bad Toyota can't hire qualified engineers to solve their frame issues. Second one . Recalls are a time inconvenience. You don't get paid for your time time spent in shop for recalls.
accountCircle Ellie J on May 27, 2020
This car is an excellent size for those who are not previously used to driving trucks and SUVs.
I like the smooth ride and all the room in the cab. The bed of the truck is an excellent size. However, I have not found a convenient cover for the bed.
accountCircle Maria V on May 25, 2020
It's the perfect size because it's not small like a car and not overly large like a full size truck.
My Tacoma provides a comfortable and safe ride for me. It allows me the convenience of having a vehicle I can move big items that might not fit in a car. It is great for travel and is not too bad on gas. I love it and will only replace it with a newer model.
accountCircle Brian Y on May 6, 2020
It has lots of power. It looks great. It has lasted a long time.
Great to drive. Looks great. Classy. Powerful. FWD when needed.
accountCircle Ryan H on April 14, 2020
This truck is great it's more than lived up to my expectations will purchase again
I love my truck it's reliable decent on gas mileage and has stood up to whatever I can throw at it I will be buying another Tacoma when I'm ready to let go of this one
accountCircle Robert S on April 8, 2020
Great quality and reliability.
Love it overall. The gas mileage is my only complaint since it is a smaller truck and only gets 19 mpg. It is a very good size, being slightly smaller than most trucks on the market. I've spent very little on repairs, just normal maintenance.
accountCircle Adam B on April 1, 2020
It is a quality vehicle and very versatile.
It is very dependable. My vehicle is low maintenance. It suits my lifestyle.
accountCircle Daniel M on March 21, 2020
Reliable vehicle that will last and hold value
Very reliable, excellent performance, never have any maintenance issues. I have put over 50,000 miles on it and it is around 130,000. It has not needed a single bit of non-routine maintenance for anything. It is a good size inside the crew cab and drives smoothly.
accountCircle Hiro I on March 20, 2020
Comfortable and good looking.
Cargo space and family space is perfect. Ok mileage. It needs to have many of the newer technical updates that cars of today come standard with.
accountCircle Gail S on March 11, 2020
Very dependable and comfortable.
Tacoma is very dependable. Riding at pioneer makes me feel safe. I also feel like it is built very well. Long lasting miracle.
accountCircle Jeremy S on March 9, 2020
That it is built to last. Has 190,000 miles and still runs great.
Like that my truck is reliable. My truck is well built. I dislike all the scratches.
accountCircle Tristan D on March 3, 2020
The truck gets done what it needs to get done. It can drive me to work & school, and help carry large things in the back of it if need be. I haven't many problems with it, other than the fact that the seats can be rather uncomfortable for my back if I sit in them for too long.
It bounces around like crazy. If you have some sort of disablement that makes it so you shouldn't bounce around in cars, this one isn't for you.
accountCircle Megan H on February 28, 2020
Cute car, too expensive...
The gas is so expensive and frequent. I have to fill it up once a week and it costs about sixty dollars. I love the car and am happy to have it but I would not buy again. Not ideal for a college student. If the gas wasn't so much to deal with I would want the car anyway if the week. Such a cute fun car but a big investment for sure.
accountCircle Stacy Summer M on February 24, 2020
It does not use that much gas and it is a great vehicle.
I love having a truck but the roof is rusted now and the vehicle is not in good working condition in comparison to previous years.
accountCircle Kody H on February 16, 2020
It is very reliable and haven't had a problem out of my truck.
Great truck all around. Great for off-road, haven't got stuck in it at all. I have the v6, and it has plenty of power. Pulls a trailer easily.
accountCircle Robin J on February 12, 2020
Mazda a car that keeps it is looking good with little changes since 2007.
I have had very few problems I love this car. It rides well and is not loud for a convertible I take it in for it is check ups and the Mazda dealer is close they look out for me and let me know if there is something we should take care of. A great car if you want to have fun and a car that you know will take you where you need to go.
accountCircle Frank V on February 4, 2020
Dependable well made and safe
Very reliable and trustworthy low maintenance costs and great in the snow
accountCircle Rachel S on January 26, 2020
Excellent value and minimal repairs. Would buy another Toyota again!
I love that it can accommodate my height, I'm about 6ft tall. It meets all of my needs as a passenger vehicle, yet allows me to move things since it's a truck.
accountCircle CARL S on January 8, 2020
It get me to work everyday and never has any problems
Very reliable and dependable and i will only drive Toyota vehicles
accountCircle Jen K on January 6, 2020
It is a reliable car that gets ok gas mileage. The paint is rusting however.
Love the crew cab.. Dislike the blind stops... Dislike that it is not easy to back up.. Wish it had a better sound system..
accountCircle Jessica M on December 29, 2019
The Tacoma is a good investment.
This truck has been amazing for the last 10 years. It is never broken down with proper maintenance and tune ups. The only issue we've had is with the paint on the hood and roof fading and peeling in some places but we have some acidic tree pollen in the spring that could be the culprit. We do not park our vehicles under cover.
accountCircle Holly B on December 15, 2019
Very good car. Great sync feature. Good gas mileage. Great body style.
I really like my car. It gets pretty good gas mileage and it's very reliable. I would definitely recommend my car type to others. I also really like the body style and that I can, turn on my Bluetooth on the cell phone and it connects straight to my vehicle. I think that's actually the nearest feature on it so I can be fully hands free when it comes to phone calls and just listening to my fave music playlist.
accountCircle dale c on December 7, 2019
Toyota makes the best quality vehicle you can buy. I have owned 4 different models and have loved every one of them.
It is very dependable. In the 9 years I have owned it and have only had to replace tires, battery, and brakes.
accountCircle Mary S on November 18, 2019
Toyota Tacomas age very well and hold their value as long as they are properly maintained.
I love the size. It is not a full size truck, but I am still able to fit plenty of stuff in the bed of the truck and back seat. I do have some issues with the radio, but that is only minor. It is easy to steer and has good visibility out of all windows.
accountCircle Kelly H on November 3, 2019
Great truck for weekend getaways with your loved one and dog companions.
The truck is very durable. It has last over 10 year with no major problems. Would love to have more room in the back seat. It is a great truck to use for camping and/or off reading. Features are pretty standard (automatic windows, CD player, air conditioning and heat). Seats in back are great for dogs.
accountCircle Sam W on November 3, 2019
My truck is more valuable to me than it is worth price wise. I use my truck for everything.
My vehicle has been one of the best investments I've made. I love that I can haul stuff in the back without having to ask for help. I've had minimal vehicle maintenance issues since I bought it. Toyota is a company I will more than likely purchase from again.
accountCircle Richard G on October 19, 2019
It is durability and cost. Paid for its mpg.
Like durability color no payment. Mpg like the ride construction an mpg. Like color. Like cost. Like seats.
accountCircle Timothy P on October 5, 2019
Reliable and durable, economical driving and low maintenance fee.
Good reliable and durable, almost maintenance free with good value and room for transportation. Economical use with less insurance.
accountCircle Richard U on October 1, 2019
Well made, reliable vehicle.
Solid performing truck. Safe, reliable and looks good. It is comfortable on long trips. Gets reasonable gas mileage. Powerful engine. It is a well made vehicle.
accountCircle Curtis S on September 30, 2019
It doesn't break, it always works! The durability is legendary.
I love it for many reasons - durability is prime. Over 155000 miles and only repaired once, the rest just scheduled maintenance. Very comfortable to drive, roomy cab.
accountCircle Nelson T on September 28, 2019
Wrong on one account: the Toyota Tacoma is a well built vehicle, I am very happy.
I have a used 2007 Toyota Tacoma, I was not happy with it initially, because it seemed to be built rather cheaply, it felt as if there was no weight to it, , well I was wrong on the first, this truck is put together very well, accelerates like a bat out of hell, but as for the weight, I do get blown around out here in the CA desert, winds are brutal.
accountCircle Jacob R on September 18, 2019
Overview of Base model 2007 Toyota Tacoma
It does not come with any bells or whistles, to the point that the windows are crank operated and there are no automatic locks either. It has been a very dependable vehicle, but does need weight in the back during the winter season. It does not have a lot of carrying capability, or very much space in the back. If you are looking for a high clearance two wheel drive vehicle, this is a good truck for you.
accountCircle Theodora P on September 10, 2019
Easiest car I've ever driven
The turning is very easy to handle. Manual roll down windows. Bench seat. Easy to handle sized truck. Good size cab. Good height. Good on gas. Comfortable seats. Bench seat can be an issue with bigger people and with larger numbers of people. Reliable easy for anyone to drive, easy to adjust.
accountCircle Stephanie F on September 4, 2019
My ownership story My truck seems to triple the life of anything that came on it.
This truck has had a few recalls but the local Ford dealer always gets it right in. This is the best truck we have ever had, and we have had 5 or 6. It is reliable and it seems like things last a long time on it. We just bought a new battery this year to replace the one that came with the truck. The paint looks brand new, no rust. A lit has to do with our care, but you need a good vehicle to start with.
accountCircle Robert V on September 1, 2019
It is so easy to drive and the AC works fast.
I like the great quality. It is very reliable and requires no maintenance other than oil changes. My only downside is it could do better on gas mileage.
avatar 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.