Verdict
A
Pickup · Japan · 1996-present
Toyota Tacoma
Best-selling mid-size pickup. Holds value insanely.
Years
1996-present
Generations
1
Segment
Pickup
The Tacoma has been America's best-selling mid-size pickup for 20+ years for one reason: they're indestructible. The 2nd-gen (2005-2015) is the cult favourite — basic, capable, manual gearbox option, V6 with low-range gearing. The 3rd gen (2016-2023) was a styling exercise that didn't drive better than its predecessor. The 4th-gen (2024-) finally moves to a turbo 4-cyl with hybrid option. Tacomas hold their value like nothing else — a 100,000-mile 2nd-gen TRD Off-Road still costs $25k. The Tacoma tax is real.
Generations
Click any generation for the deep dive
2016-2023
3rd Gen · AN130
The default mid-size pickup. TRD Pro is the cult variant with manual gearbox option.
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Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2016-2023 · 3rd Gen · AN130
- Lower ball joint wear
- Frame rust on early-build trucks (Toyota TSB)
- Differential breather contamination
- Leaf-spring squeak
Rivals
Ford Ranger · Chevrolet Colorado · Nissan Frontier · Jeep Gladiator