Was 2007 a good year for Toyota Tacoma?
A snapshot: 2007 was a solid year for the Toyota Tacoma, with the model continuing to deliver reliability, capability, and strong resale value in the midsize pickup segment, even as it faced fuel-economy realities and competition.
2007 Tacoma in market performance
The second-generation Tacoma, launched in 2005, remained the backbone of Toyota’s midsize truck lineup in 2007. Its combination of durable engineering, versatile body styles, and a range of configurations helped keep it competitive in a growing segment. Below are the high-level signals from that year.
- Sales momentum: Tacoma continued to perform strongly in the U.S. market as part of Toyota’s refreshed midsize-truck strategy, sustaining demand for both daily driving and off-road use.
- Model lineup: Available as Access Cab and Double Cab, with 4x4 options and the 4.0L V6 engine, the 2007 lineup offered a balance of everyday usability and capable off-road performance.
- Quality and reliability: The Tacoma remained a standout for dependability in its class, contributing to positive owner satisfaction and favorable resale values.
- Competition and market conditions: The midsize pickup segment included rivals like the Nissan Frontier and Ford Ranger, keeping Toyota focused on value, durability, and mix of features.
In this context, 2007 generally reinforced the Tacoma’s reputation for reliability and long-term value, making it a favorable year within its generation.
What made 2007 stand out for the Tacoma
These elements helped define the year’s performance and perception among buyers and reviewers.
- Performance and capability: The 4.0L V6 offered solid power for towing and payload, with transmission choices that supported both workhorse capability and on-road comfort.
- Ride quality and interior usability: Improvements in ride handling and a more comfortable interior contributed to a more pleasant daily driving and ownership experience for a truck in its class.
- Resale value and ownership costs: The Tacoma’s reputation for durability helped preserve resale value, supporting a favorable total-cost-of-ownership profile over the vehicle’s life.
Taken together, these attributes underpinned a positive reception of the 2007 Tacoma among buyers and automotive reviewers, reinforcing its niche as a durable, versatile midsize pickup.
Potential caveats and market context
Like any model, the 2007 Tacoma carried trade-offs typical of its era and class. Before weighing a purchase, consider these factors that affected ownership experience in 2007 and beyond.
- Fuel economy and operating costs: Midsize trucks of that era typically delivered mid-teens to low-20s mpg, depending on drivetrain and usage, which could be higher than compact cars but lower than more modern trucks.
- Technology and safety: While safe and well-equipped for its time, the 2007 Tacoma did not feature the advanced infotainment or driver-assistance systems common in later years.
- Regional considerations: Overall durability was strong, but buyers should be mindful of model-year specific recalls, maintenance history, and any region-specific corrosion or warranty concerns that can influence long-term reliability.
Overall, the 2007 Tacoma held up well within its era, offering credible capability and dependable performance, with caveats typical of mid-2000s trucks.
Bottom line and context
Viewed in the context of its generation, 2007 was a favorable year for Toyota’s Tacoma: it benefited from a mature, well-regarded platform, strong reliability signals, and enduring resale value, while facing the usual trade-offs in fuel economy and technology for that time.
Summary: In 2007, the Toyota Tacoma reinforced its standing as a durable, versatile midsize truck. It delivered dependable performance, flexible configurations, and solid resale value, making the year overall positive for the model despite common trade-offs like fuel economy and evolving tech compared with newer trucks.
Is the 2007 Toyota Tacoma a good truck?
In terms of handling, the 2007 Toyota Tacoma feels like a true pickup truck from behind the wheel. It excels in off-road situations and is decently comfortable on the street. But dependent on the load and type of suspension equipped, it can seem skittish or bouncy at times.
What are common problems with a 2007 Tacoma?
The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
- Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
- Climate System.
- Transmission Major.
- Noises/Leaks.
- Body Hardware.
- Brakes.
- Suspension/Steering.
- Transmission Minor.
What year to stay away from Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma years to avoid include 2006, 2009, 2016, 2017, and 2019 due to issues like frame rust, transmission problems, and engine issues. Other problematic years include 2005, 2007, and 2012, which also have known issues.
This video explains the Toyota Tacoma models to avoid: 39sShifting LanesYouTube · Oct 6, 2021
Second Generation (2005–2015)
- 2005–2010: Prone to significant frame rust due to poor drainage, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement.
- 2006: Suffers from frame rust, and has transmission issues such as slipping and hard shifting.
- 2007: Experienced a spike in complaints related to body, engine, and drivetrain issues.
- 2009: Had numerous complaints about the radio, and also featured frame rust issues.
- 2012: Saw an increase in engine stalling and hesitation, and issues with the electronic stability control system.
- 2015: Had a spike in complaints about transmission failures and faulty drivetrain components.
Third Generation (2016–Present)
- 2016: The first model year of the third generation, it has the most complaints, including transmission problems (rough shifting, slipping), engine issues (stalling, oil consumption), and infotainment system glitches.
- 2017: Continues with transmission problems, rough and noisy steering, and issues with interior material quality.
- 2019: Reports of sluggish and clunky transmissions with jerking and vibrating, and safety recalls for fuel pump issues.
Which Tacoma years are worth avoiding?
A: The years to avoid, specifically 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017, have reported significant issues such as body and paint problems, engine mishaps, faulty interior accessories, drivetrain and engine defects, and problematic transmissions.
