Page Loading

2013 Toyota Tacoma

2013 Toyota Tacoma

Select another year: 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995
Select another model: 4RunnerAvalonAvalon HybridCamryCamry HybridCorollaFJ CruiserHighlanderHighlander HybridLand CruiserMatrixPriusPrius cPrius Plug-in HybridPrius vRAV4RAV4 EVSequoiaSiennaTacomaTundraVenzaYaris

Overview

The Toyota Tacoma consistently ranks high in comparison to similar midsize trucks. It holds the top position for best resale value among midsize trucks, indicating its enduring quality and reliability. It also ranks first for having the longest beds, providing ample space for cargo. Furthermore, it is considered the best midsize truck for the money, offering excellent value for its cost. These rankings demonstrate the Toyota Tacoma's superior performance, durability, and value in the midsize truck category.

Overview

The 2013 Toyota Tacoma is in its second generation of production. The Tacoma was first introduced in 1995 as a compact pickup to compete with models like the Mazda B2200, the Chevrolet S-10 and the Ford Ranger. Starting in 2005 it was remodeled for the second generation, bringing a new style and substance to its looks and performance and turning the B2200, Ranger and S-10 into distant past memories. The 2013 Toyota Tacoma follows in those competition-crushing footsteps. The most noticeable difference for the 2013 model of the Tacoma is the restyling of the front grille, headlights and bumper, but that's not where it ends.

Expert Reviews

Experts seem to agree that there isn't much to find wrong with the 2013 Tacoma. It is steadily listed as the top choice among all compact and midsize pickups available this model year. "With multiple configurations and ample ability on- and off-road, the 2013 Toyota Tacoma remains one of the top choices among midsize trucks." (Edmunds) "The Tacoma is among the best of a nearly extinct species: the mid-size pickup." (Car and Driver) Reviewers compliment its off-road abilities, rare for a pickup of its size. The most common point of praise, however, is its impressive build quality. Toyota has put a full-size attitude into its midsize pickup.

That doesn't mean it is without its minor issues; it is a machine after all. "Good steering, but soft brake feel and weak performance are disappointing. Jiggly ride and an equally jiggly structure." (Car and Driver) If you're looking for a highly comfortable feel in the cab of your pickup you may want to try something other than the Access Cab model of the Tacoma. "Access Cab has very little room, even with the front seats well forward. The rear jump seats have low cushions and bolt-upright seat backs, so even those who fit will grumble." (Consumer Guide) The bucket seats in the front leave something to be desired in the area of comfort as well. They could leave drivers longing for the return of the Ford Ranger after a few hours behind the wheel.

Owner Reviews

The praise from 2013 Toyota Tacoma owners comes in the way of fuel efficiency and performance. Several owners comment on the Tacoma's off-road ability to handle terrain that is more suited to bigger trucks. Even over steep inclines carrying a load the steering and suspension remain tight with a firm feel. The automatic transmission exhibits smooth shifts and maintains a high standard of torque in the low gears. The manual transmission is fairly standard (no pun intended), with clutch throw at just the right amount.

If there are downfalls for customers they seem to be with both the braking power and the seat comfort, much the same complaints as the experts. Several owners claim the seating to be too low or too stiff for longer journeys or off-road driving. There is currently no recall information available for the 2013 version of the Tacoma, but that can always, and usually does, change over time. The interior is filled with hard plastics, but that's quite common for this class pickup. The plastics are hard but the quality is still sturdy. The front bench seat of the 2012 model had a middle headrest that could be somewhat troublesome at times. If you're a driver that lined up just right, the middle headrest could actually interfere with the full visibility of the rearview mirror. Thankfully, the front bench seat has been changed over to buckets. This seems to be a hit with most owners.

Lineup

The 2013 version of the Tacoma sticks with the 2.7L four-cylinder as its base model engine, kicking it up to the 4.0L V6 option available in the Double Cab and Access Cab versions. Any of those variations can be paired with either the 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmissions. As with most pickups, the varying bed sizes are also an option, with the 5-foot bed being the short version and the 6.1-foot bed being the long-bed option. If you don't mind a kick up in price there is also the choice of four-wheel drive. The MSRP on the 2013 Toyota Tacoma ranges anywhere from $17,525 for the standard base model to $26,585 for the high-end Double Cab model.

Interior

The interior of the 2013 Toyota Tacoma is marked by a fairly simple cab that features well-placed controls and only minor gadgetry. The dashboard features the three-eye Toyota display, with the speedometer directly in the middle, shrouded by an RPM gauge and fuel gauge. Most models come standard with two 12V power outlets just above the center-console gearshift. Radio and heater controls are fairly standard, and an additional cup holder has been added to the center console.

The Access Cab allows for a rear seat but as we said before don't expect much in the way of comfort here. Known as the "X-Runner" rear seats, these have more resemblance to a pilot's jump seat in a 747 than they do a comfortable rear bucket seat in a pickup truck. The in-bed 110-volt outlet is a nice additional feature to have if you're going to use the Tacoma for work or for camping. Kicking up to the Double Cab will get you a nice rear seat storage compartment, but don't expect to hold much more in it than a few small tools and a flashlight.

Performance

If there is a section where the Tacoma shines more than any other it has got to be in performance. In power, torque and off-road prowess it shines brighter than any truck in its class. The standard 2.7L four-cylinder engine rattles off 159 horses and 180 ft.-lbs. of torque. Moving up to the 4.0L V6 will garner you 236 ponies and 266 ft.-lbs. of torque. The V6 version feels strong in most instances, but it does feel like it's more comfortable on the back roads of mountain ranges than on highway streets. At times, it can feel choppy and shaky on perfectly paved roads.

The transmission performance is actually quite mentionable, no matter which version you choose. The shifts are smooth and timed perfectly. Again, it does feel more comfortable when it is hauling a load than when simply cruising down the highway. The hauling factor doesn't change much if you stick with the 2.7L four-banger either. It handles up to full towing capacity with a gliding ease. Base models can handle a towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. Properly equipped, however, the Tacoma can handle a tow load of 6,500 lbs. with a hauling capacity of 1,535 lbs. Not too shabby for the little brother of the Toyota pickup fleet.

Safety & Reliability

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety rates the Tacoma with a Good rating (the highest available) in front, side and rear impact crash tests. The roof strength test yielded a result of Marginal, which is average for the truck class. Obviously you can up the safety factor of the Tacoma by choosing the four-wheel drive option, but that isn't going to improve any impact weaknesses.

Standard safety equipment on the 2013 Toyota Tacoma includes a driver's side air bag, four-wheel disc brakes with brake assist, passenger air bag, rear-head air bag, electronic stability control, traction control, and four-wheel ABS. The initial J.D. Power reliability rating has the Tacoma at 3 out of 5 stars, giving it an average score, but the Mechanical subcategory is rated at 4 out of 5 stars, so any problems you may come across with the 2013 Tacoma would probably be in the brake/suspension or electrical areas. Overall, the past five years of reliability for Toyota's midsize pickup have been very good and the 2013 model looks to follow in those tracks.

Toyota Tacoma Trucks for Sale

Similar Trucks for Sale