2006 Toyota Tacoma Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Written by Chris Teague

Published April 5, 2023

6.7/10

CarGurus expert score

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The CarGurus verdict

The Toyota Tacoma's 2005 refresh was good enough to put it at the front of the pickup truck pack. That remains true for 2006, despite the fact that the truck is mostly a carryover from the previous year.

The Tacoma's 2005 redesign brought a new style, a more comfortable interior, and a much improved ride that pushed the truck well ahead of its competition such as the Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon, and the Honda Ridgeline. Toyota's taking the "don't fix what isn't broken" approach for the 2006 model year, so changes to the Tacoma are minimal at best. Choice is the name of the game here, as the Tacoma is available in a wide array of trims and body and cab configurations. The truck can be ordered as anything from a stripped-down work truck to a double cab 4x4 off-road truck.

6.7

out of 10 expert review

Look & feel

8/10

The new Tacoma is a handsome pickup truck, but it doesn't have the style-forward profile that its competitors have adopted. The front end was redesigned last year to include larger headlights and a more prominent grille flanked with chrome accents. Fender flares and tasteful curves work together to give the Tacoma a muscular but friendly look that is much more modern and attractive than the previous-generation trucks.

The quality of interior materials feels and looks more expensive than it is, and it easily bests interiors of competitors like the Nissan Frontier. Even with the solid-feeling materials, however, there's no missing the fact that the Tacoma is absolutely a function-over-form vehicle.

Performance

7/10

The 2006 Tacoma is offered with two engine choices: A 2.7-litre four-cylinder engine that has power specs of 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque and a 4.0-litre V6 that produces 236 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine is the obvious choice for buyers wanting a truck with reasonable fuel economy, but the V6 powertrain does a much better job at almost everything else. The V6 matches perfectly with the five-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox shifts smoothly and is responsive, making in-town driving much more pleasurable. Acceleration, while far from breathtaking, is brisk, and the Tacoma has no issues pulling into traffic or reaching highway speeds.

The Tacoma feels sturdy and solid on curvy roads, and there's much less body roll and leaning than we might expect from a truck. The ride remains comfortable on most road conditions, but the truck does allow some crashing and vibrations over rough surfaces. Four-wheel drive (4WD) is simple to use and switching between settings is easy, and a limited-slip differential is available in the TRD Sport package.

Form & function

8/10

The 2006 Toyota Tacoma is built to a standard that not many other vehicles are, truck or otherwise. The interior is comfortable and well constructed, and even the lowest trim levels feature materials and build quality that make them feel more expensive than they actually are. The seats are shaped in such a way that they remain comfortable on longer drives, and even the back seats are usable by adults. (In Canada, all Tacomas come in either Tacoma Access Cab (extended cab) or Tacoma Double Cab (crew cab) body styles with bucket front seats; the regular cab sold in the US is not offered in our market.)

The Tacoma's level of customization is also a high point for the truck. There are up to 18 different body and trim combinations, from 15-inch steel wheels and fixed intermittent wipers to 16-inch alloy wheels, variable intermittent wipers, keyless entry, steering wheel audio controls, and everything in between. Options are simple, cleverly packaged, and affordable. The truck's bed is wide enough for most cargo, but longer items will require the tailgate to be lowered or will need to be tied down.

Technology

5/10

If you're looking for a truck that comes with a long list of standard features out of the box, look elsewhere. The Tacoma, despite its high-quality materials and solid build, is absolutely stripped down in its lowest trim levels. That means no standard air conditioning, no cruise control, no power windows, and no power door locks. The stereo comes with a CD player, an AM/FM stereo, and auxiliary inputs. If your expectations are reasonable, you'll be a happy buyer. Just keep in mind that the Tacoma won't make a tech-lover happy.

Safety

5/10

The 2006 Toyota Tacoma performed well in crash testing. It comes standard with antilock brakes, brake assist, and dual front airbags, and it was rated "Good" in moderate front overlap and side crash tests by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). But it didn't do so well in roof strength and head restraint testing, earning a "Marginal" score from the agency. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Tacoma five stars for both front- and passenger-side protection.

Cost-effectiveness

7/10

Don't let the Tacoma's price tag fool you. For the starting price of $22,635, there's not much included in that number. Models equipped with the four-cylinder engine can consume as little as 11.5 litres per 100 kilometres in city driving and 8.0 on the highway with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and a manual gearbox. Moving to the bigger V6 engine changes those numbers to 13.2 L/100 km city, 10.0 highway with the five-speed automatic, or 15.0/10.9 with the six-speed manual transmission.

Though it's a long way from well-equipped in its most basic forms, the Tacoma doesn't take a ton of money to add creature comforts and functional upgrades such as 4WD. All in, the Tacoma lands at just shy of $35,000, which makes it a whole lot of truck for the money.

Note: Images show a US model.

What owners say

AI Summary · 32 reviews

"Overall, Tacoma owners generally love their 2006 model for its durability, reliability, and stylish appearance. Many drivers appreciate its comfortable ride, decent power, and spacious interior. However, some reviewers are concerned about issues with frame rust and find the gas mileage lacking, particularly with the V6 version. While many believe the Tacoma is a great long-term investment, concerns about repair costs and rust can dampen their satisfaction."

4.7

32 reviews

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by Connie S

This was the truck I was looking for. It was a hard to find double cab, manual Tacoma. It was in great shape for a 20 yr old truck.

October 11, 2026

by Daniel B

It is a perfect midsize truck. Great gas mileage for a truck. Big enough for the family but small enough to get around. Love the way it rides and handles. Appearance is awesome. People always double take when they see it. It has many options that can make your trick unique. I haven't seen one like mine yet. Similar ones but no exact models.

September 28, 2008

by Anonymous

There are so many things that can be done to the Toyota Tacoma. Modifications are unlimited to your requirements. The Tacoma has been a very reliable truck for me when driving to and from work, or towing a trailer across the country and in rain or shine. I am definitely buying another Toyota Tacoma in the near future.

July 9, 2014