2009 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews

This truck saved my life

Written by: jamie75 on 11/08/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

First off I loved this truck for the 6 weeks I had it. Gas mileage was about 20 mixed city/hwy. The seats made my low back feel better than my couch at home. Last week a guy ran a light and I t-boned him at full speed. The truck is a total loss but other than neck and back pain I walked away. I highly recommend this truck and as soon as the insurance works it out I'll buy another one.

Favorite Features

Safety and looks.

Suggested Improvements

My only complaint is the paint scratches easily.

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Automatic Transmission Problems

Written by: ben on 11/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

09 SR5 4x4 CC. The 09 with automatic transmission has design flaws which cause the vehicle to drop into low gear and race the engine. Not only dangerous, but maddening.

Favorite Features

looks nice

Suggested Improvements

Fix the transmission.

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Nice Truck

Written by: RP on 11/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 4dr Double Cab 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

Overall a well built truck, I wish seats were a little taller. Transmission seems to lag at times. Plenty of power, and smooth ride considering it's a truck. Brakes could be a little tighter, but a fun truck to drive.

Favorite Features

Backup camera, radio controls on steering wheel, and extra attention safety.

Suggested Improvements

Fix sluggish transmission, better tire options for a Prerunner.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A darn good buy

Written by: Mike on 10/31/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A)

Review

Don't think you can beat this one for the money. Good, strong engine and real driver comfort. The only pickup in this price range which gives you a full size spare tire as standard equipment. Installed aftermarket rain shields so I can leave the window open in the rain - very necessary and worth the cost. Only complaints: seems like exterior paint was applied with a microscope - scratches very easily; also problems with the radio/CD player, which will have to be replaced. However, the audio quality is quite good - no complaint there. Good gas mileage on the highway - this little truck feels like a flying bird at highway speeds. Overall, very satisfactory.

Favorite Features

Non-rusting composite bed, well designed dashboard controls and gearshift, sliding rear window, nice big glove compartment, map/cup holder sleeves on doors, tilt wheel steering, large bright headlights which are great in foul weather.

Suggested Improvements

Tougher exterior finish, variable speed windshield wipers.

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Good economical truck

Written by: Raymond on 10/15/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Tacoma 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M)

Review

Have had 3 Toyotas 2 Tacomas and a T100 all have been good reliable vehicles. This access cab 4cyl is great riding and handling. There is some wind noise but not as much as the previous trucks. It's a truck not a Lexus. For those who are concerned about MPG this may be a truck to look at. I read many reviews and went on www.fueleconomy.gov and read the mpg's individuals were getting, not the EPA rating. They all said 21-22 something. I questioned it,but this does get 21 consistently with all in town driving with much stop&go. I am not punching hard on take offs but am not babying it either. Use it carrying wood for winter and it does it easily. Great lite-medium duty truck.

Favorite Features

Well equipped for base model vehicle, p/w a/c overhead compartments, console, mp3/wma good sound. Composite bed. MPG is surprising for a 4x4 truck w/access cab. Good ride, between truck and car.

Suggested Improvements

Sliding back window on base models but I guess trade off for power windows. Intermittent wipers but is easy fix for relatively cheap. Look here if you want to change your 2 speed wipers to intermittent, did it and it was really simple http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/showt hread.php?t=188195

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Tacoma Transmission Problems

Written by: PreRunner on 10/12/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 4dr Access Cab 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

I purchased a new 2009 Tacoma in May of 2009. After purchasing, I began to notice significant transmission slippage when slowing to below 10 mph and then accelerating. I googled Toyota transmission problem and discovered many other Tacoma owners have the same problem. The dealership has been sympathetic, especially after they test drove my Tacoma and then discovered that every Tacoma on their lot had the same problem. They have told me that Toyota is working on a software "patch" to solve the problem. Please do not buy a Tacoma until this problem is resolved. It is dangerous to drive with this problem.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Toyota should fix the transmission problems with the Tacoma trucks.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Overall... decent!

Written by: Toe Knee on 10/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This truck is amazing. I got the TRD Off Road package and it rides like a champ. With the upgraded Bilstein shocks and better tires than SR5 model, the truck rides amazingly. Although I've only owned the truck for a very short time, I'm sure I'll be owning this very truck for many, many years to come.

Favorite Features

Reverse camera, rear locker, acceleration. For a truck, it really moves.

Suggested Improvements

A must have for all vehicles today... automatic windows. Up and down! Make it to where I can open and close my tailgate with ease. You should just have to pull the handle and walk away without fear of it slamming down.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Almost perfect, but the tranny!

Written by: Mike on 10/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Double Cab 4WD 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Only had the Taco for about 2 days when I noticed the transmission responds poorly. Usually when making a left or right turn, as you slow the motor revs. If you're still rolling (less than 10mph) then accelerate, even gently, the engine revs up to 2K before clunking into second. So I've been left essentially stopping mid turn before pulling away. IMO, a dangerous design flaw that's going to get someone T-boned or killed some day. Otherwise, a pretty decent truck. Some of the interior plastic is a little cheap, but it's a truck, so no big deal.

Favorite Features

Pretty good MPG, truck bed is long enough for me, looks good, GREAT turn radius for a truck.

Suggested Improvements

Acknowledge that the tranny is a major risk factor for a collision, and then find a fix. What's with this "drive by wire" garbage? You push the gas, the engine should go, the transmission should turn the wheels. Not rev but still slow down.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Safey Problems

Written by: befuddled on 10/01/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Tacoma V6 4dr Access Cab 4WD 6.1 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I would simply suggest anyone buying one pay particular attention to the automatic transmission. It is computer driven and you notice the transmission not engaging when it should after turns and when you start again say at a light and have not come to a complete stop. This could easily leave you in a vulnerable spot when you least expect it. Check Edmunds.com and read the complaints. Buyer beware as Toyota and the dealer will leave you high and dry with the phrase normal characteristic.

Favorite Features

It is a comfortable ride.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the transmission problems Toyota. Shame on you for ignoring it for 5+ years.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Poorly Functioning Transmission

Written by: Tacomashane on 09/30/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner V6 4dr Double Cab 5.0 ft. SB (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

Review

This truck has had transmission issues since the day I bought it. Toyota refuses to admit it is a problem, even though it is well documented on the internet. Transmission continually slips when accelerating after a turn or even going over a speed bump. There is a clunking/jumping effect around 30mph when letting off gas then getting back on the gas. Also have had an annoying buzzing sound from under my glove compartment and a rattling window control panel. Body dents very easily. Very worried that transmission will fail before my 36k warranty.

Favorite Features

Appearance, height, hood scoop.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the transmission!

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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