2008 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews

Nice, but strange things

Written by: Lelan Warren on 11/07/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

Great truck, this is my 5 Toyota. But with the 6 speed manual the throttle does strange thing. When you are stopped the RPS are ~ 900 when the truck is rolling and not in gear the RPM go up by them self to ~ 1300? When you are moving in gear and you let off the gas the throttle does not close very fast, it feel like it closes part of the way then in 2 sec it shuts completely. All of this I think hurts the gas mileage 16-17. May be the auto would be better. Yes the cd player need to play MP3s and the 4wd low in trick (but when you learn to push the clutch first it is fine) and the stock tires are low grip. One more thing the plastic bed is very slick. I still like this truck.

Favorite Features

Rides very smooth, lots of power. The Limited slip diff is great fun.

Suggested Improvements

MPG, Throttle, MP3s, slick bed

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life long ford owner

Written by: jim on 11/03/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

First Toyota truck, have driven Ford f150s all of my 52 years, the brakes on the Tacoma seem to be some what weak, should be disc on the rear and the transmission feels like it downshifts a little hard. Like the storage space and ground clearance. Like interior of the truck. Plan on keeping this truck a long time.

Favorite Features

All of the storage built into truck. Like the power of v6 engine.

Suggested Improvements

Make the truck ride better and brake system needs to be disc on the rear axle.

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2008 Toyota Tacoma

Written by: Mark on 10/19/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I am having an issue with steering wheel vibration between 50 and 70 mph and it started that way off the lot (7 miles). Tires were replaced and alignment completed and still having vibrations. So far everything else working ok and mpg is 20 which is better than my other truck was.

Favorite Features

Lots of space in the cabin.

Suggested Improvements

None so far

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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04 vs 08

Written by: joe on 10/14/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I owned a 2004 extended cab Prerunner prior to my 2008 4x4. What a big difference! The 2008 turns tighter [better u-turns]. The ride is way better even with the TRD offroad package my 04 did not have. The 04 wandered all over the road, the 08 stays centered better. Every gripe I had about the 04 seemed to be fixed by Toyota in the 08. Don't get me wrong the 04 was a great truck, with absolutly no mechanical issues in 38,000 miles of use. I'm sure this 08 will be the same. I just wish I had opted for the top line stereo. Was told it was only available in sport package. This truck tows my 2200 lb boat effortlessly. For the price, the towing package is a bargain for what you get.

Favorite Features

Towing package, composite bed, and excellent ride on and off road.

Suggested Improvements

Hood flexes a lot at car wash. A little better economy. Paint quality could be better.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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It's a Truck

Written by: King Zhong on 10/13/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought the truck in Greenville, SC. Moved 2 kayaks, boating & camping gear, coolers, etc., from our van into the truck at the dealership. My son and I headed off into the NC mountains in search of whitewater. The 4x4 system worked great. The truck had enough room for our 2 week trip. The double doors made the Access cab useful. The cab has great storage areas.

Favorite Features

Bed extender. Movable bed tie downs. Composite bed. Auto dimming mirror (opt). 28 mpg hwy! A lot of storage space in the cab.

Suggested Improvements

Front D rings in the bed MP3 input (added to 2009). Auto dimming mirror interior light off switch. Use GKN electronic torque transfer system.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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A Little Disappointed

Written by: Ward on 10/08/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my third Toyota. Although I have been sold on the overall quality of Toyota, I am somewhat disappointed with my present truck. I get vibration in the steering wheel between 55 and 70 MPH. After three trips to the dealership and replacement of two tires,I still have the vibration. Now the metal framework in the seatback on the driver's side is coming out through the fabric. The A/C fan motor would only work on high speed (resistor replacement required). The transmission shifts rough, the door speakers buzz when the bass is turned on step 5 (volume is only at medium). My best gas mileage so far is 20.2 MPG (hwy). Did I mention I only have 5200 miles since purchased new.

Favorite Features

I enjoy the firm Sport suspension, the convenient storage compartments, the V-6 power and the overall appearance. The interior colors are well coordinated and instruments easy to read.

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel economy and a smoother shifting transmission.Two additional deck mounted D ring tiedowns forward would by handy.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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TRD Sport

Written by: Brian on 09/26/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I was starting a job, and I knew I would be driving a lot of miles, so I went with the Tacoma. I live in Northern California, and like to go camping, and snowboarding. I went with the TRD Sport 4x4, and it drives like a car. No body roll, or jarring bounces like other trucks. Very smooth ride. I used to drive a Volvo, which is notorious for having the most comfortable seats, and the comfort factor is very similar in the Tacoma. It has tons of interior storage space, and is very well laid out. I also installed a new exhaust system, and it gave me an almost 20% increase in MPG. 17 to around 19 city, and 19 to 23~24 hwy. Overall, incredibly pleased, and would buy again.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling. Steering wheel controls. Seat comfort. Toyota maintenance plan (free maintenance and car wash). Easy acceleration, and nice kick when you need it on the highway. Driving 80 feels like 40 or 50. Easy to get a feel for the truck. Great cruise control.

Suggested Improvements

Start with the free flowing exhaust to get better stock MPG. Telescoping steering wheel > needs to go lower; Sometimes awkward driving position.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Update

Written by: Western Plainsman on 09/23/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

After 14,000 miles, the mileage @ 70 MPH is now up to 24 MPG. That's satisfactory for a 4x4. Pickup is smooth and the bench seat okay on long trips. Don't care for the Dunlap tires; they're smooth, but sure don't have the quality of Michelins. I added a factory cruise control and 2 factory 'D' ring tie-downs to the front of the bed. This little rascal ought to come stock (or at least available) with intermittent wipers & cruise. It rides & handles just fine. For a basic 4x4 under 20 Grand pickup, I don't see how you can beat it. Tight, no rattles, easy to do maintenance, pretty dog-gone good ride. I'm a bear to satisfy...and I'd buy this one again in a second!

Favorite Features

Ride & handling both very good; bench seat is okay, gas mileage okay; build quality great; good both as highway and off-road rig and maintenance is a snap!

Suggested Improvements

Need options list expanded to include intermittent wipers, automatic transmission & cruise control. The quality of the OE tires does not match the overall quality of the pickup.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Got Clutch?

Written by: Got Clutch? on 09/21/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I've had this vehicle for about 9 months, put 10600 miles on it so far. And just lost my clutch. Luckily my friend with a ram was following me and could tow me to a safe place. I'm disappointed. EXTREMELY! I had a rav4 before this which had the tranny drop in it. I just figured it was the luck of buying a used car. I bought new this time in hopes that it would be more dependable... not so much. I take long trips and take my truck off road. I can't be breaking down in the middle of no where when i don't have reception. I would suggest the tacoma... but good luck.

Favorite Features

4x4, 6spd, ac, seats are comfortable. This is my second review. Wanted to up date every one on the whole clutch situation.

Suggested Improvements

Back window should be auto, as well as all power windows should have power up. Clutch. Better clutch system! MPG!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Solid truck with good mileage

Written by: JJD on 09/20/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I finally sold my '91 Toyota Pickup for a new Taco after failing to find a used 4 cyl, manual, 2wd, extended cab one used for anywhere near a reasonable price. My old pickup was still getting 35 mpg highway when I sold it at 160000 miles. But the extra cab space and comfort is great. After almost a year with the new truck I really like this truck. With a camper cap on the bed and at 69 MPH I get a solid 30 MPG on trips. Around home I still get a respectable 25MPG, although I drive with efficiency on my mind. Performance is adequate and the handling is mushy compared to my old Pickup, but the ride is much better and the interior is much more comfortable.

Favorite Features

The gas mileage is excellent for a vehicle of this size. The 6'1" bed is important to me as I sleep there camping and on long trips. Most other small pickups have beds an inch or two shorter which is real important if you want to sleep back there.

Suggested Improvements

I would like to see a a more aerodynamic hood shape. That big truck look costs me MPG. A locking gas cap would be real nice too, I can't even buy an aftermarket unit because they can't grab in the filler pipe. The paint seems soft and I already have several shallow scratches parking lots.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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