2006 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews

Best kept secret

Written by: Gary on 08/01/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota Tacoma X-Runner V6 4dr Access Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Bought this X-Runner right off the showroom floor and it has been turning heads ever since. Incredible handling, drives like it is on rails. Fun 6 speed stick, comfortable, roomy interior, great sound system. Control panels easy to use, overhead compartment for garage opener, sun glasses Easy access reaching into bed due to low profile. Even has ac outlet in bed if you need to use power tools, vacuum cleaner, radio, etc. Great idea! Haven't had a single issue with this truck. Would recommend factory mud flaps due to road rash on bumped out rear wheel wells. Other than that, this truck is a home run!

Favorite Features

6 speed, comfy interior, handling, ac power feature.

Suggested Improvements

Mud flaps to control road rash in rear fender wells. Power rear window.

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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2006 Tacoma 4cyl. Auto Access Cab SR5

Written by: Ed on 07/22/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota Tacoma 4dr Access Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A)

Review

The four cyl. automatic has a tougher go of it in the Texas hills. Here on the coast it's a good deal. It will consistently do 28 mpg on the highway at 63mph speed. Do not go to the larger wheels/tires or you will lose 2 mpg fuel economy. The optional shift or automatic (2nd, 3rd or drive only) is fun to use. I would recommend the 5 spd. manual if you want to tow with the four cyl. This long bed with the access cab can haul a lot. The short second seat is perfect for your gear, tools, groceries, or a small animal carrier. As usual for Toyota, this truck is absolutely dependable (80,500 miles in less than 3 years, w/no issues).

Favorite Features

Convenient console storage, cup holders, storage compartments in bed, tie off rails and lock devices for bed are all good. I like the ease of shift from 2nd, to 3rd to drive as required with the auto tran. The automatic tire air pressure monitor is a great help.

Suggested Improvements

A little stronger 4cyl would help this truck take the hills better on cruise and still allow the good gas mileage. I was disappointed that it did not have a locking gas cap with port accessible only from latch inside cab. The SUVs have the inside latch feature at least.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Poor Suspension

Written by: CHRIS RICHARDS on 06/22/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Access Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I got my SR5 4x4 access cab and loved it from day 1, and after a few months of driving and hitting a few little bumps on pavement & dirt roads (even while empty and just me driving) the rear end would bottom out and the suspension is less then standard. I couldn't be. that Toyota would allow only 2 leaf springs in the rear of any of their trucks. Otherwise the truck runs great & I think they have since upgraded this after 2006 - or at least I hope so. Everything else has been perfect.

Favorite Features

I love the interior and over all fuel - easy to ride.

Suggested Improvements

Needs a rear box light - better tires at time of purchase and of course better suspension unless you get the TRD.

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Overrated

Written by: tacmot on 04/24/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 4dr Double Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

When I initially bought this 2006 TRD Tacoma, I was initially blown away with the styling and capability. Did a lot of bragging for Yota and probably sold a few vehicles for them. Fast forward 2 years, "the honeymoon is over" and it time for real solid engineering and time tested design to take over but I feel that this is not the one. This truck has not left me on the side of the road but is giving "indications of potential unreliable conditions" i.e. the tranny works but feels like it has begun a death march. The engine runs but sounds like it could have some problems in the not so distant future. learned my lesson, you be smart, learn from my mistake, buy an F-150, ford I'm coming home.

Favorite Features

styling, comfort, locking rear diff

Suggested Improvements

My full size truck gets as good MPG as this vehicle. This makes me question the point of a smaller v-6 truck. A v- 8 in the Tacoma would probably get equal MPG and provide more needed low end torque. This is not a truck motor, leave the Camry motor in the Camry.

4 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Loyal Tacoma Owner

Written by: DAVE T on 04/23/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is the second Tacoma that I've owned. I've never been brand partial until my first Tacoma purchase. It's the only truck I'll have now. Needed something small enough for just myself commuting to/from work, but also something I could take the family out in as well. Double cab fits the bill perfectly. 18-24 MPG is decent for a 4X4 truck. Stylish looks are sporty, ride is quiet and comfortable as compared to my '02. Had an unfortunate accident in the '02 when a driver pulled out in front of me causing a serious crash. Truck held up well and rec'd only minor damage as opposed to the Chevy Malibu that got what it deserved! Toyota makes a solid truck!

Favorite Features

Stereo system, sporty looks, storage space under/behind rear seats, composite bed with cleats, interior layout, nice ride.

Suggested Improvements

Offer leather interior, brakes are weaker than the '02-beef 'em up a tad, larger gas tank, power seats.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Not the truck i hoped and payed for

Written by: John H on 03/27/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota Tacoma 4dr Access Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A)

Review

As we all know Toyota Tacomas are very expensive in comparison to their domestic counterparts. You're hoping they give u at least 200k. Bought this truck brand new with 26 miles. I commute nearly 350 miles every 2 days. I changed both the oil and filter every 3,000 with Toyota's recommended oil, flushed the trans every 45k and had the rear end done every 50k. Cooling system at 65k and again at 118k. With 121,450 miles my 2.7L seized. Not what I expected. Toyota said at 120k it should be ready for an overhaul. Engine sludge. OK? I thought they lasted. My wife's 05 FX4 f150 has 188k on original drivetrain along with my 97 Jeep 4.0 with 294k on the original engine. Should have spent money elsewhere.

Favorite Features

24 mpg on the highway... which wasn't all that hot... nice interior quality, decent factory composite bed.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability, longevity... better engines, more rear seat room, better towing capability. A 2500 pound trailer nearly sacked my truck. Had better luck with my 85 Toyota pickup and 97 Tacoma SR5. Truck is not up to par. Domestics outlast them today.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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paint!

Written by: Mike on 03/13/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner 4dr Access Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Use the truck only for recreation; road trips to races, tailgating, a few cross-country road trips. I'm 6'5" and have plenty of legroom. Firm but comfortable ride, hiway mileage is acceptable. Have an automatic tranny and quickly learned to keep the truck in 4th in hill county. 5 speeds are nice for flatland mileage but it constantly shifts between 4th and 5th in hilly country. Only major complaint is that the paint is junk. "Impulse red" looks great but it chips if you look at it wrong. I've seen this complaint from other reviewers so I'm far from alone. Never, ever had a vehicle that chipped so easily. If it weren't for this I'd rate the truck as far and away the best in class.

Favorite Features

Mechanical build quality, interior room, performance, ride, appearance.

Suggested Improvements

Toyota needs to improve the quality of the paint big time. I love the truck but spend a lot of time with touch-up paint. I don't drive the truck off-road nor use it for commercial purposes. No excuse for the paint chipping so easily.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Oh What a Feeling!

Written by: TNRiverjet on 02/06/2009

Vehicle

2006 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 4dr Double Cab SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this truck as a demo with 8K miles. I now have 82K plus in about two years and it is still ticking strong. I do find the seats uncomfortable for long road trips, but every other part of interior design and layout is perfect. Storage is excellent. I had the rear leaf TSB performed to replace the original springs. The new 4 leaf springs handle weight much better than stock. I use Michelin LTX AT tires. This truck rides and drives like a car! It is sporty, powerful, nimble. It is also easy to maneuver in parking lots/garages and around town. Service has been minimum/standard and I have had no warranty issues. The transmission seems to seek gears esp. around 40 mph.

Favorite Features

110v power outlet in bed. Bed tiedowns. composite bed, crew cab, storage behind rear seats. tow package is worth the $$ with an extremely stout 2" receiver hitch. Fuel mileage (as recorded per every fillup) is avg. 20-21 over 82K mi.

Suggested Improvements

bluetooth, sunroof, sliding rear window like fullsize Tundra, more weight carrying capacity, more bulletproof transmission, locking tailgate

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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2006 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4 2.7L

Written by: SR5 on 12/24/2008

Vehicle

2006 Toyota Tacoma 4dr Access Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

It took a while to get used to the truck's dimensions. Steering is very responsive. Steering seemed quite free on freeway, like truck wasn't LOCKED into lane. Ride is smooth, great shocks. Brakes are light, not sensitive. Quite a bit of outside noise even with windows up. Can be difficult at times to see cars in blindspots. Great on rough or dirt-roads. Went deep into the forest, made my own road. Like I listed above, 86,000 miles on an '06 Tacoma. I'm on the same brakes, plugs, clutch, and feel I can reach 100,000 b4 any changes. Needed new set of tires at 60k and a wheel alignment. Got rear ended right rear corner, pretty hard, things did not shatter just bent (STRONG) no frame damage.

Favorite Features

Abundance of cupholders. Bed railings very useful. Bed compartments. Storage under the flip down rear seats. Bed has bolted down liner. Auto-shut off lights when key removed & driver opens door. Gotta love its 9 cupholders. clutchless start option. Deep center console. Good sound & bass.

Suggested Improvements

Make it easier to see blindspots. Reverse camera would help. Can't really think of more things. This is a truck. It maintained more of what a truck is, rather than becoming some gadget savvy vehicle with no muscle.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Should not have to get special Warranty

Written by: otherland on 11/26/2008

Vehicle

2006 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I drive the hell out of this truck. Not too many complaints. Does a funny thing at stops, acts like it wants to keep going even though I have my foot on the brake. Almost feels like someone bumps you from behind. Compass/temp gauge went out and the airbag sensor lights stayed on was covered by warranty do not think this should be happening to a new truck. Have not had time to find out how much the Compass/temp gauge is going to cost. But as a rule it runs a lot better than the other truck I owned

Favorite Features

The body style it really has a lot of class

Suggested Improvements

Fix all the little stuff like sensor lights, compass and gauges and the sound system. I purchased all the options on this truck these little things should not go out for the price it cost. Please check the braking system

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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