2009 Toyota Tacoma Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Toyota Tacoma:

Energetic response is a bonus of the Tacoma's V-6 engine when it teams with a five-speed-automatic transmission.

-- Cars.com

The new design is eye-catching, yet devotedly functional as it should be.

-- Cars.com

In terms of handling, the feeling behind the wheel is of a truck that is well planted at every corner, predictable when pushed and surprisingly agile considering its size.

-- Edmunds.com

With more room in every direction, the Tacoma has lost much of the claustrophobic feeling so typical of most compact trucks.

-- Edmunds.com

The Tacoma's new composite non-rusting and non-denting inner bed has a new sheet-molded compound deck and walls said to be 10 percent lighter than steel, but tougher and more durable.

-- MSN Autos

It was very carlike with quick steering, a comfortable ride on most roads, good handling and strong braking.

-- MSN Autos

When it comes to reliability in this segment, [the Toyota Tacoma is] it at the top of its class.

-- Kelley Blue Book

What reviewers liked least about the Toyota Tacoma:

...the back seat isn't fit for adults. The seats - which are reached via hidden doors that open rearward - are poor excuses for seats.

-- Cars.com

...the X-Runner is more "show" than "go," and it actually has a lighter steering feel than a regular four-wheel-drive Tacoma.

-- Cars.com

[The six-speed manual] is still typical of a truck - clunky and awkward through the gears with little incentive to use it more than you need to.

-- Edmunds.com

We found the bucket seats on the uplevel models comfortable, though the seat bottom could be bit longer and have more thigh support.

-- New Car Test Drive

Toyota Tacoma Comparisons:

No compact pickup is more refined, and the Double Cab's available side curtain airbags are an important safety plus.

-- Consumer Guide

With Toyota's excellent revamp, the Tacoma is now firmly planted in the upper echelon of its class.

-- Edmunds.com

All of the newest trucks in this class have decent interiors, but the quality of Toyota's interior materials seems just a little better than that of the other midsize pickups.

-- New Car Test Drive

...the Tacoma may be the best of .. [the compact pick-ups], with its comfortable cab, excellent handling, and rugged off-road capability.

-- New Car Test Drive

Best one-liner about the Toyota Tacoma:

The new Tacoma is far and away one of the best compact trucks ever offered to the American public.

-- Edmunds.com

Toyota came out swinging from the get-go with a huge a roster of truck variants.

-- Motor Trend

The Access Cab has rear seats, but they're pretty hopeless for humans.

-- New Car Test Drive