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Toyota Tacoma (2nd/3rd Gen)

05-23 · Toyota Tacoma

85out of 100

The truck that holds its value better than almost any vehicle ever made. 22% 5-year depreciation matches the Wrangler, and it's more livable.

Score breakdown

90/ 100Reliability×2.575/ 100True Annual Cost×2.060/ 100Safety×1.595/ 100Practicality×3.0100/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

The Tacoma is a body-on-frame midsize truck built on Toyota's F platform. The 4.0L V6 in the 2nd gen and 3.5L V6 in the 3rd gen are both proven to well beyond 200k miles. The 4WD system is mechanically simple and reliable.

Why it's on this list

26.7% chance of reaching 250k miles, top 4 in iSeeCars longevity data. 22% 5-year depreciation is exceptional. The Tacoma holds value because demand consistently outstrips used supply.

The honest trade-offs

The 2005-2011 2nd gen has severe documented frame rust in salt-belt states. A rusted frame is a total loss. NHTSA tipped the 4WD Tacoma in rollover testing at 28.3% risk. Highway NVH is loud. The 3rd gen 3.5L has gear hunting and headtoss complaints.

What to buy and what to avoid

For rust-belt buyers: 2012+ or 3rd gen only, full frame inspection regardless. For dry-climate buyers: 2nd gen with verified service history is excellent value. V6 only. The 4-cylinder is underpowered for a truck this heavy.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$1,980 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$478 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$360 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,176 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,400 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,134 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$2,358 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
20[5]
MPG city / hwy
16 / 21[5]
Tank
21.1 gal[5]
Engine
1GR-FE 4.0L V6 (2nd) / 2GR-FKS 3.5L V6 (3rd)
Horsepower
278 hp
Torque
265 lb-ft
Seats
5
Tow capacity
6,500 lbs
Ground clearance
9"
Stock tires
265/65R17
Body
Truck
Rear seats
One-piece fold

Safety

NHTSA overall
3/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
28%[2]
IIHS rating
Acceptable[4]
ESC standard
Yes

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Severe
Frame rust risk
Severe

2005-2011 2nd gen Tacoma has severe documented frame rust in salt-belt states. Frame inspection is #1 priority. A rusted frame is a total loss.

PPI deal-breaker

2nd gen in rust-belt states: frame inspection is non-negotiable before purchase.

Known issues by mileage

100,000-150,000 Miles (161,000-241,000 KM)
Frame rust — 2005-2011 in rust-belt states (frame perforates, total loss)Safety-critical
N/A
3rd gen 3.5L gear hunting in automatic, "headtoss" idle vibrationMinor

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$478 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
4.5/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.5[1]
Severe issue probability
6%[1]
250k-mile survival
60%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Halogen
DIY replacement cost
$45 (USD)
At major retailer
Yes
Headlight benchmark
10/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Toyota Tacoma?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

View options

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