With options for a short bed or a longer cargo bed, the Toyota Tacoma is offered with both an extended cab and crew cab. A 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower is standard at the base of the lineup, but it may be upgraded for extra power and towing capacity. There are both manual and automatic transmissions available, and 4-wheel drive is an extra. It has a 6,800-pound towing capacity and a 1,400-pound hauling capacity. There are five different Tacoma versions available: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro.
The base Tacoma SR model for 2021 costs $26,150, with prices varying by model and trim. The base Limited model will cost $38,900 in 2021, while the most expensive TRD Pro, which comes with the Toyota off-roading premium package, will cost $44,000.
Considering purchasing a Tacoma on the used market makes sense because Toyotas are built to last. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can frequently find an older, higher-end Tacoma model with little mileage and excellent condition for a lot less money. It might still be under warranty depending on how old it is, but if not, getting an extended warranty from Olive won’t be an issue since the Toyota brand is known for its dependability and dependability. The 2011 to 2020 Tacoma model years’ typical retail costs are listed below.
- $18, 250 | Predicted Reliability: 5 out of 5 2011 $9,850
- 2012 $10,475$20,100 | Reliability Predicted: 5 out of 5
- 2013 $11,425$22,050 | Reliability Predicted: 5 out of 5
- 2014 $12,675$23,250 | 5 out of 5 Predicted Reliability
- 2015 $16,150$26,275 | 5 out of 5 predicted reliability
- 2016 $19,150$31,825 | 4 out of 5 predicted reliability
- 2017 $20,175$38,775 | 4 out of 5 Predicted Reliability
- 2018 $22,175$40,175 | 3 out of 5 Predicted Reliability
- 2019 $24,150$42,925 | 3 out of 5 Predicted Reliability
- 2020 $26,200$45,325 | 5 out of 5 Predicted Reliability
In This Article...
Are Toyota Tacomas Reliable?
Toyota trucks are renowned for their dependability, as are all of the automaker’s products. The Toyota Tacoma receives an above-average dependability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 on RepairPal’s scale and has lower-than-average ownership costs.
Maintenance Costs
Even though the Tacoma is a dependable truck, it will occasionally need to go to a repair shop. Toyota Tacoma owners have to take their cars in for unscheduled repairs on average 0.3 times a year, compared to 0.2 times on average for other midsize trucks and 0.4 times on average for all vehicle models, according to RepairPal.
The Tacoma has a 17 percent chance of having a significant or serious repair issue, compared to a 13 percent average for midsize trucks and 12 percent for all vehicle types. Major repairs are unusual for the Tacoma despite the fact that repairs frequently need to be more extensive than usual due to a small number of problems.
The Tacoma’s average annual repair cost is $478, while the average annual repair cost for other midsize trucks in its class is $548, and the average annual repair cost for all other vehicles is $652.
Common Tacoma Problems
These are the third-generation Toyota Tacoma’s most frequently mentioned issues. the newly built 2016 model years and later came with a new engine and transmission, which as a result had an influence on driveability even though the trucks were newer.
- malfunctioning crank position sensor The car stalls or stutters because the crank position sensor frequently malfunctions and fails to measure the rpms as the crank revolves. As a result, the PO335 probable fault code will appear on the check engine light. The 2016 and 2017 model years are affected by this issue, according to reports. There haven’t been many difficulties reported since 2017.
- leak in the rear differential
- A recall was carried out to at least repair the gasket in the rear differential since oil leaks were possible. The internal components will need to be changed as part of the recall repair if the differential is worse off as a result of the leak or the lube level has dropped below the minimum gear lube threshold.
- The idle surge
- Owners have noted that when the steering wheel is adjusted while the truck is in idle mode, the idling will increase. The truck then stalls, delaying its movement in either direction when it is time to moveeither in reverse or forward. The best course of action is to take your Tacoma to the dealership if you see idle surging in order to have the problem swiftly fixed because Toyota issued a recall for this problem.
- Transaxle difficult shifting
- This problem has only been documented in Tacomas with V6 engines and 6-speed transmissions. The symptoms include stalling or delayed shifting when moving from drive to reverse or from drive to parked. Additionally, owners have reported problems with the transmission shifting incorrectly on the freeway and when attempting to up an incline. The transmission may appear to be struggling to change ratios while traveling at a constant pace on the highway. It may be challenging to accelerate while climbing an incline if the transmission is not downshifting at the appropriate moment. Take your Tacoma to the dealer to have the cause determined; it’s likely just a calibration issue with the engine’s computer.
- defective blower motor
- There have been reports of the blower motor’s cage cracking, which results in dash sounds and insufficient airflow through the vents. Additionally, several owners have mentioned smelling burnt plastic. The above-mentioned symptoms are brought on by the blower not spinning effectively when the blower motor fractures.
What issues are there with Toyota Tacoma?
It’s hard to beat the Toyota Tacoma as an off-roader. The Tacoma is a reasonably priced pickup that is excellent for off-road excursions and rough terrain. One of its most significant flaws is its transmission.
Out of all the Toyota models, the Tacoma’s automatic transmission is among the worst. The truck is much easier to control because to its manual transmission, but it is still far from ideal. The automatic transmission has a tendency to slip, which is really aggravating while driving.
Some Toyota Tacoma vehicles with automatic gearboxes and higher mileage completely lose the ability to effectively shift gears. Steering problems may result from the lower ball joint of the Tacoma prematurely wearing down. The Tacoma can be a fun pickup to own, but it has several issues that are characteristic of Toyota trucks and frequently need to be fixed right away.
Do Tacomas have the best reliability?
You’ll have an unforgettable off-roading experience with the Toyota Tacoma. That is, provided you get one of the numerous reliable pickup truck models from past years and stay away from the problematic ones. We advise you to buy a used Toyota Tacoma from the years listed below without worrying about potentially dangerous flaws.
The most reliable year models of Tacoma:
- Toyota Tacoma from 1995
- Toyota Tacoma 1996
- Toyota Tacoma ’97
- Toyota Tacoma ’98
- Toyota Tacoma (1999)
- Toyota Tacoma (2000)
- Toyota Tacoma y 2001
- Toyota Tacoma (2002)
- Toyota Tacoma from 2003
- Toyota Tacoma from 2004
- Toyota Tacoma year 2005
- Toyota Tacoma 2010
- Toyota Tacoma 2013
- Toyota Tacoma 2014
- Toyota Tacoma 2015
- Toyota Tacoma year 2018
- Toyota Tacoma for 2019
- Toyota Tacoma 2020
Toyota Tacomas from 1995 to 2004 are incredibly dependable, with hardly any complaints ever being filed. Most of the reported problems are small flaws that typically don’t cause problems until 100,000 miles or more. It’s possible that a problem will surface in the truck’s first 50,000 miles, but even then, repairs should only cost about $500.
Although less dependable than the earlier models, the Tacoma models from the years 2014, 2018, and 2019 are still a good pick. Similar amounts of problems exist in each of these, although they manifest significantly sooner.
Under 40,000 miles, problems like premature seat wear or a busted A/C unit have been recorded, and both the 2018 and 2019 versions have vibration issues right away. Although they should be simple to solve, you should be aware of them. Similar vibration and drivetrain issues, as well as more complaints, are present in the 2013 Toyota Tacoma, making it less reliable.
There are a fair amount of complaints about the 2005 model, but the majority are about the paint peeling and chipping after 80,000 miles, so there is little need for concern. There is a remote possibility that early engine or braking issues, such as squeaking or worn pressure plates, may arise with cars from the 2010 and 2015 model years, but the likelihood is so remote that it shouldn’t be a concern.
It would be wise to buy any of these year models, but the 2020 would be the safest overall because it has no concerns. Regardless, CoPilot endorses each of these Toyota Tacoma model years.
What are the benefits of Toyota Tacomas?
The Toyota Tacoma serves its purpose as a small pickup vehicle. Particularly in TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims, it is more than capable of hitting the trails, and its towing and carrying capacities are typical for the class. Numerous standard amenities, like as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, are also available on the Tacoma.
Why not purchase a Tacoma?
1. Base Engine Lacks a Powerful Kick
For some truck fans, the Tacoma’s base four-cylinder engine may not have enough power. The rate of acceleration will be lower than usual. It is capable of producing 159 horsepower. The standard four-cylinder engine of the Chevrolet Colorado, in contrast, generates a more potent 200 horsepower. Driving performance will fluctuate when accelerating and towing a load. While switching to the Tacoma’s V6 engine may solve this issue, owners will have to fork over more cash.
2. Less Roomy Than Some Competitors
Tacoma crew cab models are available from Toyota. Despite the truck’s four full-size doors, some families will still require extra room to decompress. Some passengers may feel crowded in the Tacoma’s rear seat due to its constrained space. The full-size Toyota Tundra will be more comfortable for tall families.
3. Some range-topping trims are really expensive.
The Toyota Tacoma from 2021 is a top-notch pickup vehicle. Its higher trim levels are, however, a little on the pricey side. The new Tacoma Nightshade Edition has a starting price of more than $41,000. The exceptionally tough TRD Pro model is listed by Toyota at more than $45,000. Budget-conscious drivers will have to make do with a lower trim level.
4. Fuel Economy May Be Improved
Other midsize pickup trucks on the market now may provide higher overall fuel efficiency. Even with its smaller four-cylinder engine, the Tacoma only achieves 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the interstate. The Chevrolet Colorado, on the other hand, can achieve up to 30 mpg when powered by diesel.
5. Potentially Require a More Powerful Towing and Hauling Machine
With a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, the Tacoma can handle most jobs. But eventually, certain drivers will require a more powerful workhorse. There are some jobs that the truck’s bed is a little too tiny for.
One of the Tacoma’s toughest rivals is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The Colorado receives high honors from reviewers for its superb driving characteristics and exceptional towing capacity. Additionally, Chevrolet offers various Colorado trims that are very tough. Although the Colorado is a good option, the Tacoma has a minor advantage in terms of long-term dependability due to Toyota’s track record for producing dependable cars. The new Tacoma also includes more safety technologies as standard equipment.
There are certain advantages between the larger Tundra and the smaller Tacoma. The passenger space varies greatly. The big apartments at the Tundra are ideal for families. The Tundra can pull bigger weights because to its regular V8 engine. However, the Tacoma is a more effective everyday driver thanks to higher fuel economy. Truck customers have greater justification to choose the Tacoma because of its cheap pricing.
The 2021 Ford Ranger comes with a substantially stronger engine as standard equipment. Additionally, this pickup truck has a greater hauling capability. Even while the Ranger has an off-road package, it isn’t quite as tough as the Tacoma, which is intended for off-road driving. In addition, the sole vehicle with a manual transmission is the Tacoma.
The new 2021 Toyota Tacoma is perfect for motorists looking for a dependable pickup truck with exceptional off-road ability. Automatic emergency braking and Toyota’s Entune touchscreen are popular features that are included as standard. Despite not being a standard feature, the Tacoma’s 10-way power driver’s seat is unquestionably a worthwhile addition. The truck’s lack of rear passenger space is one of its main flaws.
Is Tacoma maintenance expensive?
Cost. A Toyota Tacoma’s total yearly cost for repairs and maintenance is $478, whereas the average for midsize trucks is $548 and the average for all vehicle types is $652.
Tacoma versus Ford Ranger: which is superior?
When compared to the Tacoma’s V6, the Ranger’s EcoBoost is by far the superior engine. The Ranger’s EcoBoost engine outperforms the Tacoma’s V-6 in terms of towing capacity, torque, and fuel efficiency.
The Ranger has established itself as the best-in-class for towing because to its 7,500lbs of towing capacity on each model (XL, XLT, and Lariat). When compared to the Ranger’s base model, the Tacoma TRD Off-Road can tow 6,400 pounds, whereas the standard Tacoma SR package can only pull 3,500 pounds.
The Ford Ranger benefits from the Ford EcoBoost engine’s fuel efficiency, which is 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined in RWD. Only a small drop in fuel economy is seen in the 4WD Ranger model, which gets 20 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg overall. The Tacoma only achieves 18 city, 22 highway, and 20 combined mpg in the V6 variant. This drops to 18 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the interstate, and 20 mpg overall in the 4WD variant.
With 278 horsepower and 270 horsepower, respectively, the Tacoma’s 3.5L V-6 engine marginally exceeds the Ranger’s 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The Ranger offers 310 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tacoma’s 265 lb-ft of torque, making up for the Ranger’s lack of horsepower.
What is the Toyota Tacoma’s typical lifespan?
How important is mileage? That really relies on how well the car has been maintained.
A properly-kept Toyota Tacoma will run far over 300,000 miles, although standard automobiles are known to endure up to 200,000 miles.
According to some sources, Toyota Tacomas have traveled more than 400,000 miles. The equivalent Chevy Colorado has an around 200,000-mile lifespan.
What distinguishes and distinguishes the Toyota Tacoma as the best is its capacity to last hundreds of thousands of miles longer than its rivals. Your brand-new Tacoma today might endure until your kids get their driver’s license in 15 years, provided you take good care of your car.
Do Toyota Tacomas handle snow well?
Thanks to several features like four-wheel drive that make handling challenging winter conditions easier, the Toyota Tacoma is well-suited to driving in the snow. It also boasts an excellent ground clearance, traction control, brake assistance, ABS, and electronic brakeforce distribution.
Is buying a pre-owned Tacoma worthwhile?
The generations also last a very long time on top of all that. For instance, the initial Tacoma generation was produced from 1995 to 2004. From 2005 until 2015, the following generation was in production. With the 2016 model year, the third and most recent generation got under way. The Toyota Tacoma 2021 now sports updates.
Because of these lengthy generations, a used Toyota Tacoma from the 2016 model year will remarkably resemble a 2021 vehicle. One of the key factors supporting the continued value of Toyota pickup trucks is this. It’s almost absurd to try to save money on a used Toyota Tacoma model because they maintain their worth so well. Consider your options carefully before just investing in a brand-new tiny pickup vehicle if you’re in the market for one.
Although you can make a small financial save, it might not be worthwhile to invest in a used model. More contemporary features are seen in more recent Toyota Tacoma pickup truck models. Yes, buying a used one might help you save a little money. You can decide that it would be better to spend the money on fresh merchandise instead.