Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tacoma is the pickup Toyota created for North America in 1995 to replace the old Toyota Truck, and it's grown from a compact work truck into the midsize class's sales leader. In 2025 it had its best US sales year ever, with 274,638 trucks sold. Over four generations it's kept the same recipe: a body-on-frame truck that's tough, easy to live with and holds its value. Pick your year below to jump to the right generation, or read on for the history and which one suits you.
Toyota Tacoma at a Glance
First model year 1995 Replaced the Toyota Truck in the US
Generations 4 1995, 2005, 2016 and 2024 model years
Built in Mexico Baja California and Guanajuato plants today
Today's engines 2.4 turbo Gas, or i-FORCE MAX hybrid with 326 hp
Max towing 6,500 lb Current fourth generation
2025 US sales 274,638 Best year in the Tacoma's history
Toyota Tacoma Generations
Years shown are US model years. The Tacoma is sold in the US, Canada and Mexico, while most other countries get the Hilux instead. Pick a card to open its full guide.
1995–2004
1st generation
1st gen10 model years
The original compact Tacoma, with four-cylinder and 3.4 V6 engines, the PreRunner and, from 2001, the Double Cab.
Guide coming soon
2005–2015
2nd generation
2nd gen11 model years
Bigger midsize truck with a 4.0 V6, the X-Runner sport truck and a big frame-rust settlement to check.
Guide coming soon
2016–2023
3rd generation
3rd gen8 model years
A 278-hp 3.5 V6, TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road trims, and the longest-running modern Tacoma.
Guide coming soon
2024–present
4th generation
4th gen3 model years
Today's Tacoma: TNGA-F frame, 2.4 turbo, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid and the Trailhunter.
Read the 4th gen guide →
Toyota Tacoma History
The Tacoma started as Toyota's answer to a changing US truck market in the mid-90s. Since then, it's become one of the most popular used trucks you can buy. Here are the moments that shaped it.
- 1995 The Tacoma goes on sale in March 1995, replacing the Toyota Truck in North America. Meanwhile, the Hilux carries on in the rest of the world.
- 1998 The PreRunner arrives, giving two-wheel-drive buyers the lifted look of the 4×4.
- 2001 A facelift brings the four-door Double Cab, added in October 2000, plus the S-Runner sport truck with the 3.4 V6 and a five-speed manual.
- 2005 The second generation launches as a 2005 model in October 2004. It's larger and adds the X-Runner, a lowered street truck sold in the mainland US through 2013.
- 2008 Toyota gives frame corrosion on early trucks a 15-year warranty, buying back badly rusted 1995–2000 Tacomas and later replacing frames on 2001–2004 trucks.
- 2015 The third generation goes on sale in September 2015 as a 2016 model, with a 278-hp 3.5-liter V6.
- 2016 Toyota settles a class action over rusty frames for about $3.4 billion, covering 2005–2010 Tacomas plus some Tundras and Sequoias.
- 2023 The fourth-generation Tacoma is revealed in May 2023 on the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform it shares with the Tundra.
- 2024 The new truck reaches dealers in December 2023 with a 2.4-liter turbo, the 326-hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid and the first Trailhunter overlanding trim.
- 2025 The Tacoma posts its best US sales year ever, with 274,638 trucks, beating its 2021 record.
Which Tacoma Generation Is Right for You?
The right Tacoma depends on your budget, how much rust you can live with and whether you want a warranty. Also, the older trucks are simpler, while the newest one has far more tech. Here's how each generation lines up.
| Generation | Years | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 1st generation | 1995–2004 | Budget off-roaders and classic fans; check the frame carefully |
| 2nd generation | 2005–2015 | Value buyers who want a V6 4×4; confirm frame work on 2005–2010 trucks |
| 3rd generation | 2016–2023 | Used buyers who want modern safety tech and a proven V6 |
| 4th generation | 2024–present | New or nearly new buyers who want the hybrid, the Trailhunter or a warranty |
Our take: for most used buyers, a later third-generation V6 4×4 is the sweet spot. If you want new, the fourth generation's TRD Off-Road with the 278-hp turbo covers most needs without the hybrid's price.
Tacoma Owners Community
Tacoma owners love to talk builds, trails and maintenance, from first-gen restorations to fourth-gen overland rigs. Share your truck, ask questions and swap tips with other owners.
- Frame rust checks on first- and second-gen trucks
- Third-gen 3.5 V6 and transmission behavior
- Fourth-gen 2.4 turbo vs i-FORCE MAX hybrid
- Lift kits, tires and suspension upgrades
- Overlanding setups, bed racks and rooftop tents
- Manual transmission Tacomas
- Recalls and service campaigns
- TRD Pro vs Trailhunter vs TRD Off-Road
Toyota Tacoma FAQ
What years is each Tacoma generation?
The first generation covers the 1995 to 2004 model years, the second 2005 to 2015, the third 2016 to 2023, and the fourth started with the 2024 model year.
Is the Toyota Tacoma the same as the Hilux?
No. The Tacoma replaced the Hilux-based Toyota Truck in North America in 1995. Since then, they've been separate trucks, and the Hilux is sold in most other markets.
Does the new Tacoma have a V6?
No. The fourth-generation Tacoma uses a 2.4-liter turbo four with up to 278 hp, or the i-FORCE MAX hybrid version of it with 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. The last V6 Tacoma was the 2023 model.
Can you still buy a Tacoma with a manual?
Yes. For 2026, a six-speed manual is offered on 4×4 Double Cab short-bed versions of the SR, TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road.
Which Tacoma years had frame rust problems?
Early trucks are the ones to watch. Toyota offered buybacks on rusted 1995–2000 Tacomas and frame replacements on 2001–2004 trucks, and a 2016 settlement covered 2005–2010 Tacomas.
Where is the Toyota Tacoma built?
Today's Tacoma is built in Mexico, at Toyota's plants in Baja California and Guanajuato.
Keep Exploring
Explore Toyota's full lineup, the Tacoma's 4Runner and Hilux cousins, or see what Ford builds to take on the Tacoma.
Photo credits
- Header image: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Orange 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport Double…: Deathpallie325, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- White 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro at…: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Silver 2009 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab, a…: IFCAR, Public domain, cropped and resized.
- Red 2001-2004 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab, a…: Bull-Doser, Public domain, cropped and resized.