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2005 Toyota Tacoma

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

Toyota Tacoma
Pictured: Toyota Tacoma (N300) TRD 1X7A2438. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
Access P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD/V6, Access P/U Ext Cab S/Box RWD, Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto), Double P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual)
Engines
2.7L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
Horsepower
236 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Seats
4–5
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
21 combined · 18 city / 25 hwy
Length
208.3–221.3 in
Curb weight
3,455–4,129 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 21 MPG combined — 27% better than the average 2005 standard pickup truck (16.6 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 236 hp, versus about 300 hp for similar 2005 models.
  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 1). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 8 similar 2005 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2005 Toyota Tacoma is a standard pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.7L 4-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 208 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 128-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,949 lb (Access P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD/V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 25 highway), 27% better than the 2005 standard pickup truck average of 16.6 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 256 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the suspension.

Trims, performance & features

Engine236 hp4.0L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD
Seating4–5 seats · 2 rows

Trims

DLX

Built in: Fremont, California

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2005 Tacoma configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Access P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD/V6208.3 in74.8 in70.1 in128 in63.4 / 63.4 in3,949 lb58/42
Access P/U Ext Cab S/Box RWD208.3 in72.4 in65.7 in128 in63.4 / 63.4 in3,455 lb58/42
Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto)221.3 in74.8 in70.1 in140.6 in63.4 / 63.4 in4,129 lb58/42
Double P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual)208.7 in74.8 in70.1 in128.3 in63.4 / 63.4 in4,050 lb58/42
Prerunner P/U Ext Cab L/Box RWD221.3 in74.8 in70.1 in140.6 in63.4 / 63.4 in3,896 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tacoma 2WD2.7L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 24 / 21+27%$3,200423
Tacoma 2WD2.7L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive18 / 25 / 20+20%$3,350444
Tacoma 2WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18+8%$3,700494
Tacoma 4WD2.7L 4-cylManual 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 18+15%$3,700494
Tacoma 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 20 / 17+9%$3,950523
Tacoma 2WD4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive14 / 19 / 16-4%$4,200555
Tacoma 4WD4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 18 / 16+3%$4,200555
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
16.6 MPG2005 Standard Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2005 standard pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2005 Toyota Tacoma (this car)21 MPGNot rated5
2005 Ford F-15015 MPGNot rated1
2005 Toyota Tundra18 MPGNot rated8
2005 Chevrolet Colorado21 MPGNot rated1
2005 GMC Canyon21 MPGNot rated1
2005 Nissan Frontier21 MPGNot rated1
2005 Dodge Dakota Pickup17 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (5)

Suspension › Rear › Springs › Leaf Spring Assembly › Leaf · Sep 29, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V604000 · 710,711 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 vehicles manufactured September 14, 2009, to October 11, 2010. In the affected vehicles, one of the leaf springs may fracture due to stress or corrosion. While being driven, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components including the fuel tank, possibly puncturing the tank and causing a fuel leak.
Risk
If the fuel tank leaks fuel from being punctured, there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners and dealers will install new rear leaf spring assemblies. The recall began on January 29, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Seat Belts · Aug 7, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V337000 · 342,451 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured September 14, 2004, through March 29, 2010; and model year 2011 Tacoma Access Cab vehicles manufactured July 1, 2010, through September 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor.
Risk
If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during February 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Air Bags › Frontal · Mar 7, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V092000 · 495,470 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2009 TACOMA VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 2004, THROUGH AUGUST 29, 2008. OVER TIME, STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION MAY DAMAGE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY (CLOCKSPRING) THAT POWERS THE DRIVER’S AIR BAG MODULE. IF DAMAGE OCCURS, THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE AIR BAG MAY BECOME DEACTIVATED.
Risk
IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER’S SIDE AIR BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
Fix
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SPIRAL CABLE ASSEMBLY, FREE OF CHARGE. AN INTERIM LETTER IS EXPECTED TO BE MAILED TO OWNERS DURING APRIL 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles

Problem
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2005 Toyota Tacoma is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

256Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
8Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
140,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Suspension90
Structure › Body74
Unknown Or Other32
Steering28
Power Train11
Air Bags10
Structure › Frame And Members10
Engine9
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/04: 321/06: 121/07: 221/10: 121/11: 222/01: 122/02: 122/03: 122/07: 122/08: 122/09: 122/10: 123/02: 223/06: 123/07: 123/09: 123/10: 123/12: 124/02: 124/05: 124/09: 225/08: 125/09: 126/06: 121/0421/1022/0222/0823/0223/0924/0225/08max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2005 Toyota Tacoma buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Suspension — 90 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  3. Structure › Body — 74 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Steering — 28 owner reports. Turn lock-to-lock while parked and on the road; listen for noises and feel for heavy or loose steering.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 140,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Toyota Tacoma. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Tacoma years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Tacoma23213 inNot rated013
2025 Tacoma23213 in★★★★★5114
2024 Tacoma24226.4 inNot rated6154
2023 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★454
2022 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★359
2021 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★081
2020 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★190
2019 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★4219
2018 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★3209
2017 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★5243
2016 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★4324
2015 Tacoma22208.3 in★★★★★4100

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →