2012 Toyota Tacoma Review: Refreshed Compact Truck That Outlasts The Competition

Alex Showalter

Apr 8, 2022

The 2012 Tacoma can last over 300,000 miles with some air pump and vibration issues. At $11,201 – 23,685 it’s expensive, but worth it for the reliable engine and transmission.

The Good

Interior materials are high quality, off-road performance is great and the towing capacity is high for a small truck.

The Bad

The cabin is very small, there’s a lot of road noise and the suspension is firm.

Is the 2012 Toyota Tacoma a Good Used Truck?

Yes, 2012 is a good year. Owners really like the truck’s 4-wheel drive system, comfortable seats, and low ownership costs.
Reliability ratings are great. Tacoma models from 2005 onward are all good, with some transmission issues in 2016–2017.
Performance is weak from the 4-cylinder, and not much better with the V6.
The Tacoma is not very safe, only earning 3 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
Fuel economy is good for a truck up to 22 MPG combined.

Positive Owner Reviews

Alex R

Most enjoyable vehicle. Toyota is the best brand of car out right now.

This truck was my first pick-up truck ever. The most comfortable vehicle I have ever driven. My family has always been in love with Hondas and also Fords. However, this truck is the most reliable piece of machinery I have ever owned. There is no another vehicle I would rather be driving right now than this Tacoma.

Don H

Toyota Tacoma pickup extended cab

Never had any problems with the truck it gets good mileage and has plenty of power comfortable ride I've Replaced one headlight bulb since new and the battery. Truck is reliable and well built. Minimal number of recalls, none serious good fit and finish no complaints at all. Excellent value for the money

Ken B

If you want to put it in four wheel drive, is to just turn a knob in the cab.

The only problems I have had with my Toyota Tacoma, is the rear main seal of the engine had a slight leak. The repair was covered by the warranty, so there was no charge. The heater fan went out, but it was a minor repair. So all in all that wasn't bad for eight years.

Kris F

My Toyota Tacoma is very reliable.

My Toyota Tacoma has been very reliable. It is 6 years old with over one hundred thousand miles and still have no trouble. I have installed backup camera and a sound system. The backup camera has been very useful. My Toyota Tacoma is big enough to fit 4 passengers comfortably but also small and compact enough so I do not feel like I am driving a big boat.

Marshall J

Its very reliable and you'll own it a long time.

I like that my Toyota Tacoma is incredibly reliable. We use the 4WD on a weekly basis and have never had any issues. It is easy to get in and out of and very maneuverable in traffic and off road.

stacy p

Great truck. Plenty of room for my family of 4. A nice smooth drive and has been very reliable. The 4 doors is fantastic and short bed makes it easy to park.

Great for a family car and hauling when needed. Great gas mileage

Mark D

It is extremely reliable, just like every Toyota is.

I love my Tacoma, it is just as capable as a bigger truck and is good off road. I use it for hunting. It is a great fuel efficient truck

duncan V

They don't make my model type any more

It the right vehicle for my winter driving. Wish it had more options available when I bought it. Will drive it until the wheels fall off.

Negative Owner Reviews

Billy j

Engine light an trac off light

If your Tacoma lights come on get ready it’s a $2000 fix for something that they know is a problem mine came on around 105000 an it’s the air injection pump an value box the tundra has the same problem but it has a recall I guess Toyota doesn’t think the Tacoma isn’t a big problem but according to what I have read and checked into it is a problem I have always had good service for Toyota till now guess it’s time to go to another brand if they want stand behind their trucks on a problem that they know is going to happen

Daryl G

2012 Toyota Tacoma issues.

The 4-cylinder engine is not powerful enough for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Therefore is lacks power and acceleration. Additionally, heated seats are not standard and can only be purchased in an option package. The design of the gas tank filler "door" is very poor. My filler door is barely hanging on at this point. I would not buy another Tacoma because of these issues.

Janice E

Our Toyota Tacoma is useful and reliable.

There has not been any problems so far so I consider it to be reliable. We change the oil regularly. There is not a lot of room in the cab, but the bed of the truck has plenty. There are warning lights and sounds for the seat belts and open doors. Also dual air controls.

Jerry S

My bottom basic truck is the modern day pos.

It is a base model, so the four cylinder engine is subpar at best. My truck has a very small extended cab so it is very cramped. The bed is made of cheaply made plastic covering. It has numerous faults from the lackluster color to the expenses of changing the oil.

JD D

Small Tacoma review, decent performer.

No mechanical problems at all in 80,000 miles. 4-cylinder engine is a tad weak. Gas mileage is quite a bit less than I expected, particularly with the less than stellar acceleration. Ride is acceptable, not elegant, but about what you would expect from a truck this size.

Tom H

Toyota is a reliable brand.

Truck with good performance no real problems. Moderate comfort and minimal features. I have had great reliability as far as Toyota is concerned. I have only had 2 minor problems in the lifetime of the vehicle. I am quite happy with my current vehicle.

What Do Critics Say About the Tacoma?

Consumer Reports finds the Tacoma to be a practically bulletproof machine with good owner satisfaction scores.
Edmunds gives the Tacoma a 4.2/5 liking the nice interior, but finds the brake pedal spongy.
Kelley Blue Book users give the Tacoma a 4.7/5 enjoying the off-road capabilities, but it can’t tow as much as bigger trucks.

What Common Problems Does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma Have?

The problems found on the 2012 Tacoma are minor for a truck and include air pump issues, vibration while driving, and some excessive rust.

Secondary air injector pump failures show up on some trucks at around 60,000 miles. When the pump fails a check engine light will turn on, and replacing the part costs about $1,500.

Excessive vibration while driving is mentioned by owners in the first 20,000 miles. Toyota issued a service bulletin to cover the issue, which can be caused by engine mounts, leaf springs, or a steering wheel damper.

Frame rust is another complaint from owners at nearly 65,000 miles. Owners in areas with a lot of snow and salt on the road often install undercoating annually to help protect the metal, costing about $300.

There are 7 recalls with the most serious being for the brake actuator which increases the risk of a crash. The other recalls are fairly minor, covering labels and accessories.

How Long Will the 2012 Toyota Tacoma Last?

A properly maintained 2012 Tacoma will last over 300,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles longer than top competitors like the Nissan Frontier. Regular annual maintenance costs are affordable for a truck at $513 per year, according to Repair Pal.

Most Tacomas from 2012 have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace axle shaft seals for $275, transmission mounts costing $200, and stabilizer bushings which cost $100.

Jonelle P

No mechanical problems or issues. Regular scheduled maintenance performed as recommended by manufacturer. New tires in early 2019.

Connor N

I have 120,000 miles on my Tacoma and all I have done is change the oil regularly along with one brake change.

Emily S

Very reliable... No issues for me in the past 8 years. Little things here or there were easy and affordable to service, best vehicle I have ever driven.

Mary E

Yes, reliable. I know when I turn the key it will start. Have had no problems, and in 9 years the only thing I have had to replace were the tires and brakes.

Nick F

The car is very reliable and I have not had any problems with the car considering I drive it everyday.

Annie F

There’s no problem at all it’s drive smoothly and it is reliable vehicle. We drove thousands miles away and we never have a problem

How Much Is the 2012 Toyota Tacoma Worth?

Blue book prices range from $11,201 – 23,685 making the Tacoma over $5,000 more expensive than other compact trucks such as the Ridgeline or Canyon. When new, the price range was $17,125 to $28,085. Depreciation does not exist in current market conditions and has increased in value.

What are the Different Models of the Tacoma?

There are three models of the Tacoma available with a lot of options for each. Technology was just updated for 2012, with the next redesign coming for the 2016 model.

Base is the entry-level model with:

15-Inch Steel Wheels
Cloth Seating
Limited Slip Differential
Power Locks And Windows
6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With USB and Bluetooth Connectivity

PreRunner is the most popular model, adding:

16-Inch Alloy Wheels
Premium Cloth Seating
Fender Flares
Locking Rear Differential
Hill Start Assist
Skid Plates
Off-Road Suspension
Rearview Camera

X-Runner is a sporty on-road model and has:

18-Inch Alloy Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive System
Lowered Suspension
Redesigned Front Bumper
Premium Stereo System

PreRunner

236 HP 19 MPG

View Details

X-Runner

236 HP 18 MPG

View Details

Base

236 HP 18 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 optional upgrade is a weak 4.0L V6 which only has 236 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG combined. Performance is okay, taking 7.7 seconds to reach 60 MPH, and the towing capacity is up to 6,500 pounds.

What Colors Does the Tacoma Come In?

How Big Is the Tacoma?

The Tacoma is a compact truck, similar in size to the Nissan Frontier and Chevy Colorado. Passenger space is cramped throughout the cabin with limited legroom, even with the 4-door double cab configuration.

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

How Does the Tacoma Compare to the Competition?

The Nissan Frontier is a small truck rival costing $10,000 less. Where the Frontier stands out is with a more powerful V6, but technology and reliability are better in the Tacoma. We recommend the Tacoma, which lasts longer.

The Honda Ridgeline is another competitor costing $5,000 less. Passenger space and interior materials are nicer on the Ridgeline, but the Tacoma is much better off-road. We recommend a Tacoma since it’s a more capable truck while the Ridgeline is closer to an SUV with a bed.

Ranks #2 Compact Pickup Trucks by Owners

2012 Honda Ridgeline

4.67

2012 Toyota Tacoma

4.66

2012 GMC Canyon

4.5

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Tacoma?

Jonelle P

Yes. I have owned for almost 8 years. Reliable, good on gas, plenty of room, fits my everyday needs.

Connor N

Yes, this is a vehicle that has just enough power to move when needed but can gear down and go wherever the driver pleases in any terrain.

Emily S

Yes, reliable and a good investment... Has held it is value for 8 years now. Safe for all terrains, runs smoothly and easy to service... Pretty good gas mileage for a truck as well.

Mary E

Yes, never had a problem with it, good economy, good handling, easy to maneuver, meets most of my needs both around town and on a trip.

Nick F

Yes I have put almost 60k miles on the car and nothing has gone wrong at all. Very reliable car whenever.

Jessica B

Yes, it is nice vehicle and also have a backup camera and runs beautiful. There’s a Bluetooth and it is 4 wheel drive

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Chuck Koontz (Muncie Toyota) on October 5, 2023

Frame Rust Problem and Toyota Made it Right. Paint Issue - Another Matter.

I current own three Toyota vehicles: 2012 base model Tacoma 4 cylinder (purchased new), 2016 Camry Hybrid (purchased new), 2022 RAV 4 Hybrid purchased used with 25K miles. I’ve owned two Honda vehicles (which I liked a lot - really liked) and too many American cars to complain about. All this is to say, I’m sold on Toyota. Final thoughts - Toyota took care of a frame issue on my Tacoma. I have “Super White” paint problems on the Tacoma which Toyota has addressed on other models, but not my Tacoma. Final thoughts; I don’t think there is a better car company than Toyota, but they are sure hanging me out to dry on the paint problem.

Lewis on April 8, 2023

Very reliable, showroom condition at 11 years of service

Very reliable basic work truck regular cab with 4 cylinder 4 speed auto roll up windows and minimal electronics. It does have 4x4 and bucket seats which are extremely comfortable and make up for the trucks rather harsh ride with a short wheel base. Now have 100k trouble free miles except for frame rust. Toyota replaced the frame a few years ago free of charge under a recall. Engine and transmission should last. With new frame the truck should last. Hope to keep it a very long time.

Derek M on June 24, 2021

Despite being 8 years old it is still running perfectly! No issues!

This car is great for me. Not too big, so it's easy to park. The mileage is pretty acceptable. But the most important part is that I have never had a single issue with it. No breakdowns, no engine issues ever (one item was recalled). It is black so it gets very hot in the summers (Texas here). I plan to drive this truck until the day it stops moving.

Liam E on May 29, 2021

2012 trd sport Toyota Tacoma: running like new.

I have a red Toyota Tacoma trd sport. The reliability of truck is insane as it is running like it is brand new at 135,00 miles, and has no signs of any major wear and tear. The cab is a 4 door making it spacious in the back when carrying passengers and the bed fits everything I need to put into it. The truck can go basically anywhere and has seen some serious off-roading action with no hiccups.

Caleb B on May 17, 2021

Silver 2012 Toyota Tacoma.

My Tacoma has over 250,000 miles on it and is still running great. It has aftermarket headlights, wheels, and transmission. The transmission was changed by previous owner but I do not think it was due to any issues. It is silver and I use it daily to go to work and back home. I also use it to go into the woods for hunting and have not had any issues with it.

Mi C on May 7, 2021

My Tacoma truck is very reliable.

My truck works well on road trips. I like how it rides on different types of roads. Paved or dirt roads. It is very comfortable and very reliable. I have traveled from east coast to west coast twice in it and it did a great job. I like the short bed as I can haul items without it feeling big.

Pamela L on March 30, 2021

It's a rugged little truck.

Awesome, sporty, tough. Wish it was a V8. No complaints.

Sonia B on March 30, 2021

Very good truck, have had it for over six years now and no major repairs have been done.

It's a great pick up truck, very sporty looking. It is awesome when it comes to hauling things in the bed. Very reliable truck.

Jean F on March 26, 2021

My amazing dependable pickup.

My pickup truck is reliable and performs great. It is very comfortable and it is features are good. I had only one problem with it and it was the air conditioner. It was easy to have it repaired and not very expensive. I will purchase another Toyota product in the future. I have taken many road trips with it and it has been very reliable.

Trent O on March 22, 2021

Amazing Tacoma! Buy now!

Very reliable and holds value! Great for everything not to big but not too small. Great for trips to the store or long road trips. Pretty quiet on the road and comfortable. The sound quality is good and the gas mileage isn't the best but it isn't terrible.

John Z on March 15, 2021

It is a very dependable vehicle with very few issues.

Good looking and versatile truck with four doors and comfortable seating for 5 people. Good technology and smooth ride. It's very dependable and has low ownership maintenance costs.

richard j on March 13, 2021

Awesome truck -no problems! Use every day and have not had a single problem mechanically or otherwise!

Its most dependable and good looking! Resale value is very good!

Meredith K on March 12, 2021

The seats are very comfortable for a person of smaller stature.

I love everything about my vehicle except for the fact it has 120,000 miles on it already. I have no complaints.

Andrew E on March 4, 2021

The bullet proof truck for beginners.

The Tacoma is a bullet proof truck. It hauls a great load and I have not encountered any mechanical problems with the truck. Good on gas mileage for a v6 engine. Would highly recommend this truck to anyone who wants a reliable vehicle.

Taylor P on February 28, 2021

It is a reliable vehicle that it great for people wanting to adventure outdoors.

Love it is size and its capabilities. It is big enough to be able to haul stuff but small enough to my comfort of driving. I dislike how much I have to pay for gas.

warren a on February 27, 2021

Great truck for work, play, and family.

I very much enjoy driving my vehicle. I use it to go to work every day and I am a musician so I use the truck bed to carry gear to shows. I have 4 doors to accommodate my 2 young children and they love riding in the truck.

KIMBERLY S on February 20, 2021

ROOMY, VERY COMFORTABLE PLENTY OF SPACE FOR RIDERS AND THROW YOUR STUFF IN THE BED

LOVE MY VEHICLE, GREAT FOR TOWING AND HAULING STUFF, BIG ENOUGH FOR ME AND MY DAUGHTER

Jayden S on February 19, 2021

Loving my Toyota Tacoma forever.

I love my Toyota Tacoma. I have not had any serious problems since purchasing the vehicle. I always keep the maintenance up to date as well as clean it regularly. The only issues I have had is the ac only working on certain settings occasionally. Overall love this vehicle and will eventually but another one when this one gets too old. I also have several upgrades I have added to my Tacoma.

Barb R on February 15, 2021

The Tacoma is a very reliable truck with great styling and is a delight to drive!

My truck has had (knock wood) no major mechanical problems since purchased in 2012. The body still looks good and it is fun to drive. No complaints!

Renee K on February 8, 2021

Great six speed manual transmission. Great all around truck.

I love the 4 wheel drive but the back seats are small and uncomfortable. The gas mileage is decent for a 4x4. I have a camper shell and love going camping with my husband. I love the look and style of my truck. I am only five feet tall and have no problem reaching the pedals with the seat all the way up. I love that it is a six speed manual although I live at the top of a steep hill it has no problems getting up the hill. I also had to go to training which was a six hour drive and had to go up the grapevine in California. I had no issues of lagging going up the mountain.

Hope F on February 7, 2021

It's a dependable vehicle that will last a long time.

My vehicle is a crew cab small pickup truck. I like how it drives. I wish I had covered storage space and that the backseat had more legroom.

Andrew S on February 7, 2021

It is a reliable vehicle, that is well made.

I think that it is reliable, and a good looking truck. I do not like the fact that it has a low fuel economy.

Tom H on February 4, 2021

Toyota is a reliable brand.

JD D on February 4, 2021

Small Tacoma review, decent performer.

Ryan E on January 27, 2021

Toyota trucks are simple and reliable

Had it for 3 years and put over 50,000 miles on it, have had to do nothing but oil changes and brakes. Very simple and reliable, will buy nothing but Toyota trucks.

Alysha C on January 25, 2021

Why my Toyota Tacoma is the best truck I have ever owned.

My Tacoma has survived the toughest roads in Colorado--including off-roading, ice, blizzard, and mountain driving. I have personally never had any issues with my truck as it is extremely reliable and performs suitably under mild and extreme conditions. My personal favorite part of the vehicle is the optionally covered bed, where I stored all of my belongings and drove from Denver to Orlando--roughly 1800 miles. Everything in the bed was safe and secure, and kept dry as well. Inside the cab there are cushioned seats that heat and cool, a five star radio system with Bluetooth, aux, and radio capabilities. Because mine is a 2012, I also love that it had a CD player on the rare occasion that I use it. My truck has 4wd, abs, and off-roading capabilities as well as comfortable, spacious and reliable.

Brittany E on January 25, 2021

2012 Toyota Tacoma truck review.

The best transmission ever. 2012 was the last year they used these particular transmissions. The new ones are not as hardy and do not run as smoothly. No problems. Runs amazingly. Pretty decent gas mileage and super smooth ride. Love everything about my trusty truck!

Matt S on January 21, 2021

2012 Tacoma rocks! Go get one!

Have had no issues in the 6 years that I have owned it. Great choice, & great looking! Texas edition has all the features I need. I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting a smaller pickup to go with the Tacoma. Over 100,000 miles and still truckin'!

Amanda M on January 19, 2021

The space is amazing in this truck.

My vehicle does not have any current problems that couldn't be fixed without some talc and the proper maintenance. It is very reliable, has the space I need and the power to get out of some interesting watery situations. I love that it has room for passengers to sit while it still has ample amount for space to store things. Is a very good truck to use for work.

Christiana O on January 18, 2021

The most amazing truck you will own!

I am obsessed with my Toyota Tacoma. It really has been the best vehicle I have ever owned. I haven't had any mechanical problems since I have owned it. I always wanted to own a Toyota since I was a little girl. It is roomy, and drives amazing. I have a tonneau cover on mine and it makes hauling groceries or luggage so easy. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. The safety ratings are so great. My husband owned a Tacoma and was in a head on collision. The front end took all the damage.

Lana M on January 16, 2021

Great truck would purchase another one.

I have not had any trouble out of this truck. Drives and rides good gas mileage is great very comfortable on long trips with lots of legroom very good for hauling anything I need to haul with the hooks for tie downs in the bed. Very good pulling a trailer.

Kris Y on January 13, 2021

It is reliable and easy to drive.

So far, there have not been any major problems. I maintain the vehicle as needs. The vehicle has been reliable. Gas mileage is okay, but not as good as newer vehicles.

Don H on January 13, 2021

Toyota Tacoma pickup extended cab

Shannon O on January 9, 2021

Wonderful and superior in every single way, shape, and form.

I have not had any issues with the performance, reliability, comfort, or features of my Toyota Tacoma base model made in the year 2012. I could not be happier with the performance, reliability, comfort, or features of my Toyota Tacoma base model made in the year 2012.

Vivian C on December 31, 2020

Most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

My vehicle has not given me any issues. It is probably the most reliable vehicle I have ever driven. I love this particular Tacoma because being that it is a 2012 it is a little on the older side but still has very updated features such as: Bluetooth radio, hands free calling, back up camera, airbags, power steering and, power windows and mirrors.

Manda L on December 30, 2020

Good gas but still hauls things like a big truck. The hidden storage compartments under and behind the back seats are very handy to store stuff since i don't have a lot of room in the cab.

I like the way my truck drives and handles on the road and on the Highway. It gets better gas than a big truck but we can still use it to haul and tow things. I do not like how low the seats sit. I feel like i need a pillow to seat up higher (i am 5'4)

Kim L on December 16, 2020

Multipurpose and versatility.

My Toyota Tacoma is a great vehicle because it is a double cab but also has a truck bed so it serves as a car and a truck. It gets great gas mileage and is very easy to drive, I can also pull smaller trailers with it when needed. I would recommend it to anyone that needs a multipurpose vehicle.

Erica R on December 7, 2020

It is extremely reliable and affordable.

I love that there is little to no maintenance, in 6 years, nothing has broken down and there have been no major repairs. It drives very smoothly. Also, very random, in my last car, my back used to hurt a lot on long drives but in this vehicle, I am able to drive long distances with little to no pain.

Journey L on December 3, 2020

The Tacoma is a great everyday truck!

The Toyota Tacoma is great! The v4 engine is not as powerful as a truck needs to be, but it still runs great considering. I have experienced zero problems with this truck and use it as my daily driver. It can do distance great, has decent gas mileage compared to other trucks, and is small enough to move around with ease.

Kenneth D on November 22, 2020

The gas mileage is 32 mpg or better on the highway, it's great for the utility we get out of this little pickup

It's a little red pickup and it's been great. My dad uses it for work and I use it around the property. My cousin borrows It for work and moving things a lot. It gets great gas mileage. Wish it had more cab room. We drive everywhere and haven't had any breakdowns but we've kept up on the maintenance with a local shop. I wouldn't say there was anything special about it that jumped out, it's really just solid all around as a utility pickup. The only complaint is the bigger models are too expensive.

duncan V on November 6, 2020

They don't make my model type any more

It the right vehicle for my winter driving. Wish it had more options available when I bought it. Will drive it until the wheels fall off.

LeDale W on November 6, 2020

Toyota is the way to go for a vehicle.

It is a very comfortable vehicle for long trips or just around town. The only real issue that I have had is that in the gravel the standard plastic mud flaps do not hold up and the plastic clips that hold your trim and other small stuff on tend to jiggle loose and fall out all the time.

Lacey B on November 5, 2020

Toughest truck I have ever owned.

It definitely is a good work truck, pulls trailers and car haulers super well. Comfortable, great gas mileage. Super reliable. Under warranty. Tough. Great for off roading. Kid friendly. Easy to work on, parts are easy to find, parts are easy to replace. Paint job is fantastic.

Sandra D on October 31, 2020

This is a very dependable vehicle. I would buy another one in a heartbeat, even though the quality has declined.

Good performance, safety. This is the 5th Tacoma I've owned. Love Toyota and my family has owned more than 10.

Adam W on October 28, 2020

Tacoma’s as expected, lives up to Its reputation.

I love my vehicle, hands down the most reliable and best performing vehicle I have owned. In the 8 years I have owned the vehicle there have been no serious problems or issues I have encountered. The trd off road performance package will provide all things needed and desired. It has performed without issue in pulling, off road performance, and reliability.

Andrew D on October 19, 2020

Very cool and compact truck.

It is very easy to perform oil changes on this truck due to the oil filter being under the hood near the top of the engine. It has Bluetooth connectivity and satellite radio option. The sound system is really nice. The backseat is very uncomfortable and does not have adequate space for passengers. The scratch resistant guards near the wheels of turned black over the years and look bad (they used to be clear). The stepping boards have plastic panels on the top that have dry rotted and falling off. Now water has got inside them and causing them to rust. The rims on the truck are very nice and stylish.

Mike R on October 18, 2020

That the newer models are significantly over priced.

I like the overall size and fuel economy. The look has always been one of my favorites. They are known for reliability and maintaining their value.

Bobby b on October 12, 2020

Toyota makes exceptional vehicles that drive well and are reliable.

It's a small truck, so I am able to get my job done while not worrying about paying a lot for gas. It has been super reliable for me. I drive for work and travel many miles a day. It's a workhorse and a dependable truck. It's very basic but has all the styling that I wanted in a vehicle.

Chris M on September 15, 2020

Highly recommend Toyota Tacoma.

We really love the 4 door extended cab, which allows 5 to sit comfortably in the vehicle. We love the 4-wheel drive option, especially living in the northeast where weather can be questionable. The bed, while shorter, gives us flexibility to haul things, as well as to carry sports equipment for a family of 7. It is great on gas mileage and has not had any issues. We are currently at 114,000 miles and still going.

Adam M on August 13, 2020

It is fun to drive and very comfortable. The double cab is very spacious.

The Tacoma is an awesome truck for anyone wanting a roomy midsize truck. I have owned several midsize trucks including a Ford ranger, Chevy Colorado, etc. And the Tacoma drives better and cost me less to maintain. I do tow around 12, 000 lbs. Distributed between the bed and trailer and the truck handles it no problem.

Tyler C on August 9, 2020

Buying a Toyota Tacoma was the best purchase I have ever made!!

My vehicle is 4-wheel-drive so that helps a lot when it comes to living in the desert and also being able to travel. I love camping and being able to hook my camper shell up to the truck bed, is an added plus. The gas mileage for Tacoma's beats any other truck, giving you the best of both worlds with a truck and saving on gas!! The drive is always smooth, and the inside of the cab has a lot of room, being that I'm a taller female, it is very comfortable!

Nicholas M on August 3, 2020

It's very clean and gets good gas mileage. All proper maintenance has been performed

I like the comfort and ride quality. The engine is a little underpowered. Gets good gas mileage.

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.