I have had this truck since Feb 05, this is just an unscientific reaction to it. First of all I have owned two other Toyotas (79 pickup and 99 Solara) and I am really satisfied with the overall quality.
I bought this pickup (05 Tacoma base model with 5-spd, standard cab) in February of this year. I bought it because it felt good and my wife and I were in the process of retiring and moving to Hawaii, and so far it has been an excellent choice. We are in a rural part of East Hawai'i (the Big Island) and we need a hauler - we live on an unpaved road and need to move stuff around.
OK, now as to what I like & don't like about the truck.
The engine is a jewel, a most excellent truck engine. It pulls well from 1500 rpm in any gear and also doesn't choke at high rpms. IMO you do not need a V6 with this engine, it's pretty strong unless you are pulling a big boat or the like. Gas mileage. Unscientifically, about 22-23 rpm in "rural" driving, mostly 55-60 mph highway. Things to like. It's quiet at highway speeds. The controls are right, no inconveniences or dumb things. The suspension. Car&Driver said (about a different model) that it's too soft. I think not, I've hauled stuff close to the truck's 1100 pound capacity and it's OK. The transmission. This is not-to-like. Although it's OK the gears need an adjustment in ratios - 1st is too high and so is 2nd. 4th & 5th are too close together. I suspect that the real solution is a 6-speed, available on some models. But the stock transmission is OK. Specifically: You don't have a gear for parking lots, 1st is too low and 2nd too high. 4th-5th gears, no difference really, If I downshift from 5th to 4th I want something to HAPPEN, it doesn't because the two gears are too close. I have to admit though that I like the 30 mph/1000 rpm of 5th gear.
Other items. Good radio considering it's the base (cheapest) version. I like the plastic bed, it has been scratched but not wounded. Excellent lights, I may not bother putting in aftermarket lights. Decent seats (and I have back problems). No mechanical or other problems so far
So, buy again - yes, exactly thhe right truck for this area, quality a plus, minor details not perfect but acceptable. Fun to drive - yes, a good truck.
JR