What company makes Tacomas?

The Toyota Tacoma is built by Toyota Motor Corporation, the Japanese automaker known simply as Toyota.

About the manufacturer

Toyota Motor Corporation, founded in 1937, is one of the world’s largest automotive groups. It operates through numerous subsidiaries and regional branches to design, manufacture, and sell vehicles around the globe. The company’s North American operations fall under Toyota Motor North America (TMNA), which coordinates sales, marketing, and manufacturing activities for the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Below are key facts about Toyota as a global automaker and the parent company behind the Tacoma.

• Global automaker based in Japan with a vast portfolio spanning sedans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids, and more


• Parent company of regional operations such as Toyota Motor North America (TMNA)


• Headquarters in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan


• Founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda, with the Toyota brand name developed to represent the company’s identity

These points illustrate Toyota’s scale and structure, which in turn shape how the Tacoma is developed, marketed, and supported worldwide.

Tacoma production and assembly

Production of the Toyota Tacoma has historically shifted between major U.S. facilities and specialized plants to meet demand in North America.

Key production sites and milestones in Tacoma manufacturing are listed below.

• First-generation Tacomas (1995–2004) were assembled at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, California


• Second-generation Tacomas (2005–2015) and the current generation have been produced at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio, Texas


• The Tacoma’s production has benefited from Toyota’s North American manufacturing footprint, focusing on local assembly to support regional demand

These production arrangements illustrate Toyota’s emphasis on localized manufacturing in North America to serve buyers of the Tacoma while leveraging the company’s global engineering and supply-chain capabilities.

Latest generation and features

The latest Tacoma generation, introduced in the mid-2020s, represents Toyota’s ongoing effort to combine rugged off-road capability with modern technology and everyday usability. The lineup offers several trims and configurations to suit work, recreation, and daily driving needs, including off-road-oriented variants and improved in-cabin tech and safety features.

• Updated design and interior technology to enhance comfort and connectivity


• Multiple trim levels, including off-road-focused variants for rugged terrain


• Drivetrain and capability options aimed at balancing payload, towing, and performance

Even as styling and technology evolve, Toyota remains focused on delivering the Tacoma as a durable, mid-size pickup built for a broad range of uses, from daily commuting to worksite duty and weekend adventures.

Summary

In short, Toyota Motor Corporation is the maker behind the Tacoma. Production in North America is centered at Toyota’s Texas plant in San Antonio, with historical assembly at the NUMMI facility in California for earlier generations. The Tacoma continues to be a cornerstone of Toyota’s pickup lineup, reflecting the company’s global manufacturing network and local-market strategy.

Which Toyota Tacoma not to buy?

When buying a used Toyota Tacoma, you should avoid the model years with the most reported issues, such as 2005–2006 (frame rust, head gasket issues) and 2016–2017 (transmission, engine, and infotainment problems). Other problematic years include 2000–2004, 2009, 2011, and 2012 due to issues like frame rust, engine, and transmission problems. 
This video discusses the model years of Toyota Tacoma to avoid: 56sEveryman DriverYouTube · May 30, 2024
Model years to avoid

• 2005–2006: Prone to extensive frame rust and other issues like head gasket problems. 
• 2009: Had issues with the infotainment system. 
• 2011: Had various engine and transmission issues. 
• 2012: Saw increased complaints about engine performance and electronic stability control. 
• 2016–2017: These first model years of the third generation had a high number of complaints, including transmission and engine issues. 

Common problems to watch for across multiple years 

• Frame rust: Particularly in models from 2005 to 2010 due to inadequate drainage. 
• Transmission problems: Including rough shifting, slipping, and premature wear on the clutch. 
• Engine issues: Such as stalling and excessive oil consumption. 
• Infotainment system problems: Including crashes and connectivity issues. 
• Paint peeling: Especially on the super white paint option. 
• Water leaks: A common problem in the third generation (2016-2023) from the third brake light. 

This video explains common problems with Toyota Tacoma that you should know: 38sFuel ForceYouTube · Sep 7, 2024
Important inspection tips

• Inspect the frame and undercarriage: Look for signs of rust or damage. 
• Check the transmission: Listen for strange noises or shifting problems, especially on models known for these issues. 
• Test all electronic systems: Ensure the infotainment system is working correctly. 
• Inspect paint condition: Look for any signs of peeling. 
• Check for water leaks: Inspect the area around the third brake light for any signs of water damage. 

You can watch this video to learn about problems to look for when buying a used Toyota Tacoma: 1mYourCarAngelYouTube · Jul 13, 2024

Who manufactures Tacoma?

The Toyota Tacoma is a pickup truck manufactured by Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota since 1995.

Is a Toyota Tacoma a Hilux?

No, a Tacoma is not the same as a Hilux, although they share a common history. The Tacoma was developed specifically for the North American market after 1995 and is engineered with features like a more comfortable ride and modern technology, while the Hilux is a global model often focused on commercial and utilitarian performance, commonly available with a diesel engine. 
Key differences between the Tacoma and Hilux

Feature	Toyota Tacoma	Toyota Hilux
Market	North America	Worldwide (except the US)
Focus	Lifestyle and personal use	Commercial and utilitarian use
Engine	Primarily gasoline V6 and 4-cylinder engines	Often features diesel engines
Design	Engineered for comfort and ride quality	More focused on ruggedness and durability
Platform	Uses a different, more premium platform	Uses the IMV platform

(function(){
(this||self).Wufxzb=function(c,e,f,l,k){var d=document.getElementById(c);if(d&&(d.offsetWidth!==0||d.offsetHeight!==0)){c=d.querySelector("div");var g=c.scrollWidth-c.offsetWidth,h=Math.min(e?g:0,g);c.scrollLeft=e&&(l||f)?0:h;var a=d.getElementsByTagName("g-left-button")[0],b=d.getElementsByTagName("g-right-button")[0];a&&b&&(e=RegExp("\\btHT0l\\b"),f=RegExp("\\bpQXcHc\\b"),a.className=a.className.replace(e,""),b.className=b.className.replace(e,""),h===0?a.className="pQXcHc "+a.className:(a.className=
a.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("pA30Ne")),h===g?b.className="pQXcHc "+b.className:(b.className=b.className.replace(f,""),k&&c.classList.add("FpCCub")),setTimeout(function(){a.className+=" tHT0l";b.className+=" tHT0l"},50))}};}).call(this);(function(){var id='_iOwlae6RJ7OI9u8P_suk2AU_206';var rtl=false;var gecko=false;var edge=false;var soh=false;
(this||self).Wufxzb(id,rtl,gecko,edge,soh);})();
Shared history

• Before 1995, the Toyota trucks sold in North America were essentially the same as the global Hilux, though they were often badged as "Toyota Pickup". 
• Toyota launched the Tacoma in 1995 as a distinct model to better suit American preferences, separating its development path from the Hilux. 

Are all Tacomas built in Mexico?

Toyota Tacomas are built in Mexico at two plants: the Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California plant in Tijuana and the Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Guanajuato plant in Guanajuato. The company has exclusively manufactured the Tacoma in Mexico since late 2021, though engines for the latest models are made in Huntsville, Alabama. 
This video explains the manufacturing process of the Toyota Tacoma in Mexico: 1mUntamed MotorsYouTube · Jul 12, 2022
Plant locations

• Tijuana, Baja California: This plant has been producing Tacomas for almost two decades. 
• Guanajuato: A second, newer plant in Guanajuato has been in operation since 2019 and now produces the latest generation of Tacomas, including hybrid variants. 

Manufacturing details

• The shift to exclusively Mexican production was completed in late 2021. 
• The plant in San Antonio, Texas, previously built Tacomas but now focuses on the Tundra and Sequoia. 
• While the trucks are assembled in Mexico, the engines for the 2024 Tacoma are manufactured in Huntsville, Alabama. 
• To determine a vehicle's manufacturing location, you can look at the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). A VIN starting with "3" indicates it was built in Mexico. 

You can watch this video to learn about the history of Toyota Tacoma production in Mexico: 58sUntamed MotorsYouTube · May 10, 2024