2012 Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma is Toyota's compact pickup, the one you see everywhere from job sites to trailheads, and it's built to outlast just about anything else in the class. It's not quick, but the Tacoma's engine feels strong enough for daily driving, and the truck handles rough roads and trails with a sturdy, planted feel. The cabin is simple and a bit tight, especially in the access cab, but the front seats are comfortable and there are handy storage spots under the rear seats. Owners rave about the Tacoma's mechanical reliability, though some report a few common annoyances like fuses blowing and a driveshaft vibration at low speeds. The Tacoma PreRunner is the rear-drive version for buyers who want the truck's tough looks and ground clearance without the weight and cost of four-wheel drive, while the TRD Off-Road adds locking diffs and crawl control. Under the hood is a 4.0L V6 making 236 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic; it's smooth and torquey enough for highway merging and light towing, though the EPA rates it at 18 mpg combined.