1998 Toyota Tacoma Base 4 cylinder (large)

Summary:

The best truck if you can find one

Faults:

Clutch switch, $75.00.

Vacuum hose, cut the split end off, $0.

Battery.

General Comments:

The best truck for going all over town! I mow lawns and drive a lot, and this truck gets me there. I will drive this truck until the wheels fall off. Super truck.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th March, 2015

1998 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.7 inline 4-cylinder

Summary:

Great reliable truck with good gas milage for a truck, but underpowered when it comes to towing

Faults:

1st engine went at 100,000.

2nd engine went at 149,000.

3rd engine went at 327,000.

Radiator went at 310,000.

Shocks and struts went bad at 280,000.

Started noticing seat wear at 200,000.

General Comments:

This truck is awesome, gets 22 MPG HWY. But when it comes to towing and hauling, I would much prefer the V6 model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 5th January, 2014

6th Jan 2014, 09:05

How can the truck be reliable if it went through 3 engines?

29th Mar 2015, 03:04

What you said ;)

29th Mar 2015, 11:36

Those little Tacoma trucks are not made for towing!

1998 Toyota Tacoma SX 4x4 2.7 DOHC

Summary:

Best vehicle I have ever owned. Bar none

Faults:

Rear universal joint went at 175,000.

Ignition tumbler broke at 190,000.

Alternator at 210,000.

Starter at 240,000.

General Comments:

I purchased the vehicle with 170k, and while I was skeptical, I had 350,000 on my old 82 Toyota, so I went ahead with it.

Despite the few minor problems listed above, oil changes, tires, and brakes, the truck has been maintenance-free. The most expensive repair has been the starter for $130.

The truck has great power, even though it's only the 4-cylinder. It handles my 18' pontoon boat with no problems.

The 4WD works wonderfully; I've hardly gotten this truck stuck.

Overall it's a no-frills, tough-as-nails truck that can get the job done, and get you there in style. But what else would you expect from a Toyota? I expect this truck to go 300k and beyond.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th July, 2012

1998 Toyota Tacoma Xtra Cab 2.4L

Summary:

The definition of reliability! Great truck!

Faults:

The only thing that was ever wrong with the truck was the auto-sliding window broke. This happened when my father owned it, and he never bothered to have it fixed. Other than that, I have only had cosmetic repairs done due to minor accidents.

General Comments:

My father owned this truck before I did, so I know its full history, and I have been driving it almost since it was brand new.

It has been wonderful and has never given me a moment's trouble. It has never needed a single mechanical repair other than normal maintenance. It is comfortable and reliable.

This truck is everything you could want in a no-frills mid-size pickup. I'll probably be selling it soon, because I'm in the market for a more family-friendly vehicle, but if I ever own a pickup truck again, it'll almost definitely be a Toyota.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd June, 2010

1998 Toyota Tacoma SX 2.7L DOHC

Summary:

Everything I could want in a truck

Faults:

Rear driveshaft U-joint went out about 10,000 miles after I purchased it. Cost about $130 at a local shop with labor.

One night the key tumbler broke and I couldn't turn the key to start the vehicle. $80 and she's back on the road.

Experienced some pinging last summer. Attributed it to unusually hot temperatures (air temperatures, not engine) and running crappy gas. A switch to better gas and the temperatures cooling down fixed the problem.

A/C belt squeals if you don't let the truck warm up before turning on the defrost. I'm saving up to replace the belts, but in the mean time it's not that big of a deal.

General Comments:

I bought this truck when I was in a bind with my old 1982 Toyota and needed a vehicle immediately. I could not be happier with my purchase.

The 4wd works great, and I pass other, better equipped vehicles off road on a daily basis. I've driven in mud, 2 feet of snow, out on the dunes, and many other places, and the only time it gets stuck is when I mess up.

The 2.7L 4-cylinder has a decent amount of power, enough to tow my boat, haul loads, and be able to manage 70 on the freeway with absolutely no issues. Gets 27mpg highway.

Clutch is more stiff than in my 1982. Could be due to an aftermarket clutch, or the fact that the 1982 is just getting worn out.

Overall, it's everything I could want, good mileage, towing, hauling, off-roading, and good ol' Toyota dependability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd January, 2010

29th Mar 2015, 00:40

I am trying to work out how on one hand you can afford a boat, and on the other you have to save up for a $20 drivebelt.