why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

Please enter a valid mileage

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.5

The 2011 Toyota Tacoma is the best selling compact pickup five years running. While some competitors, such as the Ford Explorer Sport Trac, are bowing out of the compact pickup segment all together, Toyota has expanded is presences by adding five new trims to the Tundra line up. Of course, the term compact doesn't necessarily mean small, as the Toyota dwarfs the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado in every area that counts. It's now more akin to the midsize Dodge Dakota and Nissan Frontier, and not all together much smaller than some full-size regular cab pickups. And, while the Frontier and Dakota are worthy competitors, neither can match the Tacoma's excellent resale value and overall history of reliability.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for a capable pickup larger than a Chevrolet Colorado, but not as massive as a Ford F-150, the 2011 Toyota Tacoma deserves your attention. Beyond its cult-like following, many consumer groups rank the Tacoma at the top of their reliability and repair charts.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Unlike many crossovers and car-based truck variants, the Tacoma still delivers very truck-like ride and handling characteristics. If you need less off-road ability and more on road comfort, the Honda Ridgeline might make a better choice.

What's New for 2011

Five new fuel-efficient models join the Tacoma lineup for 2011, all equipped with the 2.7-liter engine. New trims include the T|X and T|X Pro Package, both based on last year's SEMA concept trucks. New features for 2011 include standard air conditioning on Regular Cab models and satellite radio on all models equipped with the six-disc CD changer.

Driving the Tacoma Access Cab

Driving Impressions We tested a 2011 Tacoma Double Cab with a long bed and 4.0-liter V6 engine teamed to a five-speed automatic transmission. Our test vehicle was also equipped with four-wheel drive...

and the SR5 package that included an automatic limited-slip differential. On the highway, our Tacoma rode rather nicely, but it almost seemed out of its element when asked to negotiate city streets. Put the pedal to the floor, however, and the Tacoma's V6 engine roars to life, conveying a refined sort of ruggedness. Still, we couldn't escape the feeling that the Tacoma would be happier hauling or towing something or negotiating rocks in a river rather than running suburban-type errands. To be honest, that's exactly the attitude many buyers require for a truck. However, if you don't count yourself an off-road enthusiast or weekend rock warrior, the SUV-like ride provided by the Honda Ridgeline is probably a better fit.

Favorite Features

Supercharger Kit
The optional Eaton-Roots type supercharger kit increases the V6's output to 304 horsepower and 334 lb.-ft. of torque, and carries a five-year/60,000-mile warranty (or the remainder of the powertrain warranty at the time of installation) when installed by a Toyota dealer.

Functional Bed
All Tacomas feature a composite inner bed with built-in storage compartments and four rail-mounted sliding tie-down cleats.

2011 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab Details

Interior

The 2011 Toyota Tacoma's roomy interior includes a recessed, three-ring instrument cluster that looks handsome and is easily viewable from the driver's seat no matter what the driver's size. Most, if not all of the controls are easy to reach and adjust, and steering wheel-mounted controls for the radio are available. The Tacoma's firm seats include firm bolstering in key areas and numerous adjustable points to support most body types and sizes. Access Cab models feature a small rear seat area suitable only for short trips. Frequent four-passenger journeys are best suited for the Double Cab, which features big back doors that open wide for easy entry and exit.

Exterior

The 2011 Toyota Tacoma combines classic Toyota truck styling with some of the oversized features commonly found on full-size domestic trucks. A new grille and more trims this year expand the Tacoma's wide-ranging personality profile, touting oversized headlamps, chrome or black-out grille treatment and an assortment of wheel and tire packages. As with all Toyota products, the Tacoma's overall fit and finish are impeccable, with tight tolerances between body panels, glossy paint and doors the shut with a solid "thunk". Unique features include a class-first roof-rack system on Double Cab models and integrated bed deck rails that can be used to secure optional accessories, such as the fork-mounted bike rack and diamond-plate storage boxes. The Tacoma's bed features a protective composite bed liner that is both durable and light.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The two-wheel-drive Tacoma's base four-cylinder engine displaces 2.7 liters. Other standard equipment includes air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with single CD system, anti-lock brakes (ABS), front side-impact and side curtain airbags, traction and stability control, tachometer, two instrument panel powerpoints and rear mudguards. Regular Cab 4x4 models with the automatic transmission feature standard bucket seats. Access Cab X-Runner and Double Cab models include bucket seats with center console, power mirrors, power windows and power door locks.

Optional Equipment

Options for the 2011 Tacoma include a 4.0-liter V6, four-wheel drive, JBL audio with Bluetooth connectivity, and the SR5 Packages which adds color-keyed overfenders and front bumper, chrome grille surround and a chrome rear bumper. Double and Access Cabs can be fit with a rear backup camera while transmission upgrades from the base five-speed manual include a four-speed automatic, five-speed automatic and six-speed manual. Optional body configurations include Access Cab and Double Cab models, plus a long bed. Hill-start Assist (HAC) is available on V6 models with automatic transmissions. There are also a myriad of TRD parts available including the Big Brake Package and a supercharger. In addition, a limited run of T|X and T|X Pro Package features can be added to TRD equipped truck. The T|X trim adds 16-inch black bead-lock alloy wheels, black tube side steps and unique exterior graphics. The Pro Package takes it a step further, adding a cat-back custom exhaust.

Under the Hood

Both the four-cylinder and the V6 Tacoma engines feature Toyota's VVT-i technology (Variable Valve Timing with intelligence) that minimizes the compromise between low-end torque and peak horsepower. Combined with a choice of four available transmissions, two- or four-wheel drive, three cab styles and more, Toyota makes it easy to get exactly the pickup you want. Maximum towing and payload capacities are 6,500 pounds and 1,535 pounds, respectively.}

2.7-liter in-line 4
159 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
180 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/25 (2WD, manual), 19/25 (2WD, automatic),
18/20 (4WD, manual), 18/21 (4WD, automatic)

4.0-liter V6
236 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
266 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/19 (2WD, manual), 17/21 (2WD, automatic), 14/18 (4WD, manual), 16/20 (4WD, automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Toyota Tacoma Access Cab vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 1267 Ratings for the 2005 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.0/10

Styling

9.3/10

great truck

By welly (CA) on Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 251,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"i have this truck for 7 years and it runs like new i love my truck never left me on the street 10 star !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great truck

By jakep (TN) on Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 81,500

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "depenabiltiy, fun and easy to drive, gas millage,"

Cons: "price, interior feels a little cheap, plastic bed"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owed this 08 tacoma double cab 6 speed for 3 months now. Its a great mid size truck. I did alot of research before buying and the biggest gripe that i read was in the hauling/towing department it was not so great. And no its not meant to be really its not a dually. I've had large trucks all my life and i really like this truck. where it lacks in hauling it's definatlly fun to drive and alot more manuverable. I've been checking the gas millage since i bought it and have about a 5000 mile history and my average with the manuel is 19.6mpg the best ive got is 23 and the worst is 17. for someone like me with two kids and a couple acers of land its a great truck. I love this truck."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Not the best vehicle ever

By Giants (NC) on Monday, June 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Comfortable, reliable,great dealer service"

Cons: "Needs more grunt!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"I like this little truck. My biggest gripe is that it is geared too high! I guess they do that to improve gas mileage but I would rather have a little (or a lot) lower gearing."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

absolutely nothing wrong with this truck

By Jimmy (GA) on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 118,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought it new & have taken Pride in the upkeep /w scheduled Mobil 1 oil changes plus a trans. fluid & filter change at 110,000, all recorded. I'm just used to a full-sized truck"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Substandard frames on an otherwise great truck

By Rod&Ryl (PA) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 182,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great truck, nice handling."

Cons: "Frames rust out and become unsafe."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"We love this truck and expected to have it for another 7 years but the main support frame has rusted out from the inside of the box spring areas, places where the owner cannot apply rust preventatives. Toyota has had an ongoing issue with Tacoma frames since the mid-90s but still keeps using the same flawed design. Their frame rust proofing consists of only a layer of paint, to the exterior of the frame, that wears off and then you have to apply oil to the frame to prevent rusting. However you cannot apply oil to the interior of the box frame areas and this is where my frame has rusted through. At this point I have a truck that looks and runs great that can neither be traded in or ethically sold to someone other than the junk yard. Of course it should be noted that Toyota warrants the body against rusting for 5 years but only warrants the frame for 3 years. Toyota's response is only that it's not under warranty or recall so it's not their problem."

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Best truck out there

By reb1 (VA) on Monday, May 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 8,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, style, tough and maintains great value."

Cons: "17 MPG city, approximately 21 MPG highway"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned 3 Tacoma 4x4's and have loved each one of them. Each time I've purchased a new one for the upgrades. I've had my vehical off road and also on long trips and it performs superb in any environment. It drives very smooth on the road and open highway and yet it can keep up with the most rugged off road trucks and jeeps. I would definately recomend this vehical."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 1267 reviews