2008 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews

Best Truck of 2008

Written by: Mounir on 06/22/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I have been looking for a truck that can accommodate my family and my household items, and I did find it. My toyota Prerunner is the one. I trade my old Toyota 1995 to the one I have now. Now I own the most reliable and valuable truck. It is the smartest move I have made this year. It is the best buy if anyone consider a truck for a special needs.

Favorite Features

Comfort.

Suggested Improvements

May be adding bluetooth capability. GPS system, better dashboard with feature such as six compact CD system, and navigation system

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Excellent Little Truck!

Written by: Tommy on 06/12/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased this "mini-taco" 03-22-2008 as a way to downsize and conserve. Couldn't be happier with this truck. It is the 4x4 regular cab, the smallest tacoma. What a great design, big on features. Driving mildly, now averaging 23-24 mpg overall. Thats not great but consider its a 4x4. It handles the road much better than the older generation. The steering radius is another pleasant surprise. The performance is better than expected. The 4cyl engine will really move if you want it to. I did get the SR5 package which gives the reg cab truck bucket seats. Very comfortable and supportive. Many cup holders, using the 2 on the rear of the center console for reserve water bottles.

Favorite Features

Excellent overall styling. The utility features of the bed alone are worth a look. Mini-truck performs quite well, better than expected. 4cyl engine is great, darn near as strong as my older v6. Surprised these regular cabs are not more popular. I smile every time I look at my new truck!

Suggested Improvements

When new, 2 of the 5 tire pressure sensors were faulty. Dealer replaced at no cost, but required truck for 1 day. 5 spd transmission feels a little clunky. Passenger seat pressure sensor too sensitive, set off by a weekend to-go bag. Toyota refused to send mini 4x4 to southern California!!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good truck but I still miss my '90 Toy!

Written by: Sparky on 06/06/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Tacoma 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

We've had this for 6 months now. Had a '90 truck, so the size of this one put me off at first, but I've adapted and my wife has to the creature comforts lacking in the '90, which is the main reason I HAD to get a new truck! We just finished a 1400 mile trip to the Eastern Sierras. A mix of freeway, hills, mountains and dirt roads. As others mentioned, fifth is pretty weak to maintain freeway speeds on steep inclines, so used 4th for that and everything was fine. As for mileage, got 27.2mpg for the entire trip. Think we could beat that on an all freeway trip to LA. Unless you really think you need 4WD, V6,A/T why haul all that extra weight around? At $4.25 a gallon it all adds up.

Favorite Features

Mileage and the bigger gas tank ('90 was only 10g) allows you to buy at the cheaper stations when you can.The composite bed and cleat system. Plenty of room in the Access Cab to stow stuff with the flip down seats. Plenty of nice features with just the SR5 pkg.

Suggested Improvements

Road noise seems high. Would like the A/C to blow a little colder than it does. 12V outlet for the Access Cab rear seats, so I can charge stuff like my tools, etc.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Best truck I ever owned

Written by: Cody on 06/03/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I got this truck about a week ago after being on deployment in Afghanistan for around 7 months and am loving every second with it. It's fun to drive, and surprisingly good on gas. It's a gorgeous truck, and I have gotten many compliments on it. I got the TRD Sport Package, and the added hood scoop gives the truck a tough, offroad look. The 4 wheel drive is more than capable, and it rides really well on the street. The included Bilstein Suspension, makes potholes and bumps feel pretty much non existent. I don't think I could be more pleased with it, and look forward to driving it for 10 or more years, since of course it is a Toyota.

Favorite Features

Where to begin, I got the vehicle fully loaded. I love the look and feel of the steering wheel which is wrapped in leather, along with the shift knob. The convenience of being able to shift into 4 High up to 65 MPH is awesome. And the composite bed and cargo space inside and out is great.

Suggested Improvements

If they could improve the gas mileage then it would be absolutely perfect.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great investment!!

Written by: My BABY! on 05/29/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I purchased this truck as my 5th Toyota, I've had 2 4Runners, a rav4, and a camry. Not to include my families trucks. I drove 3 different models of Tacoma before purchasing mine, all different engines. I settled with the 6 speed manual. I love it to death. I've had it for six months and have nearly 7000 miles on it. I take it on trips often from Augusta, GA to Conway, AR. It does great! It is amazing off road, better than all the other Toyotas I've driven so far. Handles and climbs great. My dad and uncle went and purchased after me. They have automatics though. They love them.

Favorite Features

4x4 switch, radio controls on steering wheel, 6 speed reverse notification (beeps once when in gear as it is by first), cup holders! Storage behind and under the rear seats. Comfortable lumbar support for long drives as I have a bad back. 6 disc cd.

Suggested Improvements

MP3 adapter, more easy to read temp gauge, air vent below the steering wheel as they had in the 99 Rav4. This truck handles superb! I'm 22 and have put the truck through some stuff. She's great. Back seat is comfortable for passangers. Could be slightly improved. new model in 2010 :-)

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great Truck for the Money

Written by: Shane on 05/24/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 4dr Double Cab 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I had been looking at trucks for over a year when I finally took the plunge and purchased the Tacoma. It is a great truck for what I need it for. Adequate room for all the stuff I need for work and the children are comfy in the back seat. I added several options to the truck that I felt should almost come as standard features in this day and age (iPod hookup, all weather mats, hands free phone, etc.).

Favorite Features

Composite bed, and all the storage options, lots of cupholders, fold down passenger seat that can be used like a desk or table.

Suggested Improvements

Standard iPod hookup, less use of plastic on interior surfaces.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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little unhappy

Written by: cegamo on 05/08/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is my first Toyota I trade 2004 Nissan frontier great truck and get this Toyota with only 350 miles it was 6 times in the dealer, engine has a ticking noise and is getting worse, the transmission make a bell noise when is on neutral, and also makes a clunk when go to full stop, the dealer said everything is normal. I wish to have my Nissan back.

Favorite Features

looks very nice

Suggested Improvements

manual transmission

15 out 28 people found this review helpful

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Sweet Truck!

Written by: Hugh on 04/21/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 4dr Double Cab 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I moved up from my 03 Tacoma 2.4L engine for this one. This truck has all the "bells and whistles" my old truck lacked and I love it so far. Powerful V6 engine, tighter turning radius than my smaller 03 Taco had, smooth shifting automatic. It's very comfortable for me to drive although there seems to be a good amount of wind noise at freeway speeds. Around town it's quiet and seems to be rock solid so far. Keep in mind, I only have about 175 miles so far, but at this point I'm very happy with the truck.

Favorite Features

I like the hard plastic bed with the awesome cleat tie down system. The 5 spd automatic shifts very smoothly. Lot's of cupholders and storage space. The storage compartments under and behind the rear seats are a nice bonus. Great power and acceleration with the V6 engine.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe it's just me, but I have a hard time sliding my legs under the steering wheel when getting in the truck. Even tilted all the way up with the wheel telescoped all the way out. Not too fond of the freeway wind noise, but that's why I have a good stereo I guess.

27 out 29 people found this review helpful

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Really like this truck

Written by: Ronald Wilfong on 04/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This is my 4th Toyota truck and 2nd 4WD. I traded a 1993 SR5 manual trans in for the 2008 Tacoma with 5 speed auto transmission, due to knee surgery. I had a frontend alignment problem that was finally corrected by the dealership after I complained to Toyota, but they did fix it, under warranty. I have had to haul several loads so far and love the design of the composite bed and the fact I don't need a bed liner. I got the radiant red which is very sharp, the overall truck design is superior to anything else I have seen or checked out. The interior is very roomy and comfortable. I bought new off road floor mats and vent visor's and put a bug shield on too. Plan to keep it along time.

Favorite Features

Numerous cubby holes for storeage. CD player. Very roomy cab with the suicide doors. Temperature/direction guage is neat. Overall ride is alot smoother than my '93 SR5. I have the TRD Off Road/Tow package too, and have used the 4 wheel drive some without any problems.

Suggested Improvements

I miss the locking gas door that was on my '93 SR5 and the 4WD selector needs to be illuminated, hard to find in the dark. The rear cab underseat compartments aren't as big as the '93 either. There is no dip stick for the auto transmission. Gas mileage was almost 22 on trip, should get better.

20 out 20 people found this review helpful

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2000 miles later

Written by: Tacoma on 04/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

This is my first Tacoma, but I've been in love with this truck for years. It handles fine for me; it's just a truck, not a sports car. Off-road the truck handles well and performs better, but the stock tires need to go if you plan on doing some serious off-roading. Otherwise, I've been averaging over 20 mpg doing mostly highway driving through the Cumberland mountains (a 4spd automatic might have been a better choice since the 4cylinder needs to be in 4th gear to climb hills on the interstate). The base model comes with no frills, but I can handle crank windows and push mirrors--it's a truck plane and simple.

Favorite Features

The exterior looks; they made it huge for a small sized truck! The 4x4 rocks, no hubs to turn on the outside (I guess that's been done away with for a while now). I wish they hadn't changed the front grill though, the older models look meaner from the front.

Suggested Improvements

The bench seat and headrests aren't comfortable. Cruise control would have been a major plus (I do a lot of driving). The 4 cylinder doesn't have enough juice to get up big hills in 5th gear unless you're doing 80mph or more. But the most aggravating flop is the lack of intermittent wipers!!

11 out 13 people found this review helpful

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