MSRP: $15,170 - $27,075
Invoice: $14,210 - $24,810
MPG: 20 City / 26 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:9.0
Performance:8.5
Exterior:8.1
Interior:8.1
Safety:9.9
Reliability:8.0
Research we analyzed for this review
Pros and Cons
  • Polished engine options
  • Strong off-road performance
  • Tacoma Double Cab seats five passengers comfortably
  •   Loads of standard safety features

 

  • Unrefined suspension detracts from on-road ride
  • Access Cab's backseat not suitable for passengers

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Toyota Tacoma - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is the U.S. News Best Car for the Money in the compact pickup class, thanks to its car-like interior and practical capabilities.

The Tacoma has long been an award-winning car, including recognition from J.D. Power as the "Best Midsize Pickup in Initial Quality" for 2007, and Truck Trend's Best in Class Compact Pickup for 2009.  Car and Driver says, "Toyota's compact pickup holds its ground in a segment hard hit by a lack of buyer interest and industry investment. There are three cabs, two box sizes, and two engines, plus numerous trim and driveline choices."

Despite the overwhelming praise, a few reviewers think the Tacoma's ride is too truck-like for daily driving. And although the Tacoma Double Cab has comfortable rear seating for three, the rear seats in the Access cab are almost universally disliked by reviewers. However, the Tacoma gets high marks for a simple interior design with a long list of standard convenience features and car-like amenities that people just entering the truck market may appreciate. 

The Tacoma was last redesigned in 2005.  For 2009, changes include standard stability control, some styling changes and more airbags throughout the passenger cabin.  If you're looking for a compact pickup, be sure to also check out the Nissan Frontier.  You may also be interested in the Honda Ridgeline.  Though the Ridgeline is an SUT, many reviewers compare it favorably to the Tacoma.

Before you buy, make sure to check out our Toyota Deals page to see what offers and incentives are available on a new Toyota Tacoma.

  • "With rising gas prices gluing full-size trucks to dealer lots, folks who still need a pickup's utility should find that the midsize and more fuel-efficient 2009 Toyota Tacoma is an ideal alternative."  -- Edmunds
  • "Tacoma leads its class in refinement, and is more than competitive in performance, accommodations, utility, and off-road prowess. The X-Runner handles like a sports car while sacrificing little utility. Overall, these are excellent compact trucks and easy Best Buy picks." -- Consumer Guide
  • "The base price for the 2009 Toyota Tacoma is a mere $15,170. That's almost $10,000 below class average. The fact is, as the sales numbers attest, if you want a small pickup and willing to give up the room, horsepower and hauling capacity of the bigger trucks, the Tacoma is hard to beat. " -- The Auto Channel
  • "The Toyota Tacoma may be the best pickup in its class." --Automotive.com
  • "Taken as a whole, this truck has a lot to offer: power, off-road abilities, comfort and convenience-everything you'd want in a work truck, even if you just work hard at playing."-- AutoWeek
  • "Tacomas have such a strong reputation for quality and reliability that late-model used ones often sell for almost as much as new vehicles." -- BusinessWeek

Tacoma Performance - 8.5 (Very Good)

"This is plenty of truck for 95 percent of truck buyers," says Car and Driver, and most reviewers agree. The 2009 Toyota Tacoma has a powerful V6 engine and refined five-speed automatic transmission, as well as adequate hauling capacity and impressive off-road handling. Nevertheless, some reviews say a rough ride detracts from the Tacoma's appeal. Read More

Tacoma Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)

When it comes to exterior styling, some say the Tacoma doesn't measure up to the competition, but manages to uphold Toyota's reputation for strong build quality. Kelley Blue Book says, "The overall exterior of the Tacoma is well done, and an impeccable level of fit and finish is a known characteristic of Toyota products." Read More

Tacoma Interior - 8.1 (Very Good)

Some reviews warn that not all truck buyers will appreciate the car-like seating, and most agree that the only comfortable backseat is in the double cab, but the 2009 Toyota Tacoma's interior impresses most reviewers thanks to its high-quality materials. "The Tacoma interior gets a higher grade than other compact trucks, with a simple but effective layout, supportive seats and attention-to-detail build quality," reports PickupTrucks.com Read More

Tacoma Safety - 9.9 (Excellent)

With a long list of standard safety features and government crash test scores that impress, it's no surprise that Automobile Magazine reports, "The Tacoma was built to passenger-car safety standards." Most reviews agree.  Read More

Tacoma Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Every new Tacoma comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty.  While Toyota has a great reputation for reliability, publications like Consumer Reports recently downgraded the company's reliability. Read More

Review Last Updated: 10/5/09