1991 Toyota 4x4 SR5 XCAB review from North America

I want to start by saying that this truck was the best representation of what a truck should be and how it should be behave.

The BIGGEST problem I ever had with this truck was what later I found to be a piston ring defect. After a trip to Colorado I noticed a lack of power after I returned to the Midwest. I felt it could have been a bad emission sensor which wasn't letting the computer readjust to the denser air. I noticed and excessive amount of blow-by in the throttle body so that pointed to other things. After timeless research by technicians and mechanic friends that the problem was warped piston rings. Turns out that at any time the engine temperature was overheated (i.e. radiator/water pump failure) that the rings wouldn't recover and never seat properly again. This was due to the metal they were made from (as far as I know it was only 3VZE). Furthermore this problem was Toyota's and they had a low profile recall on the problem (V06 Campaign). Since this involved rebuilding the entire engine-they weren't exactly handing these out. With some inside help I submitted the truck for repairs and with only the cost of new gaskets, belts, and a few hoses it was fixed good as new. On one hand I was disappointed that it took the work it did to be accepted for this problem, but, I do understand the ramifications from it, and the other I was glad that they stood behind there product and made things right.

Other problems included:

Both front CV boots replaced but, could be expected with all the off-road torture.

Both doors developed blister rust around 165,000 miles.

Minor electrical quirks-A/C switch; speakers crackled in and out.

The "Pleather" steering wheel cover would wick itself off on your hands when the humidity got high or when it rained heavily.

Biggest gripe is that Toyota parts are seriously expensive from the dealer with no other cheaper alternative.

Overall this was by far the coolest truck! It always started every time and never got stuck.

Everything inside worked-the controls, cruise, levers, knobs-all of them took the abuse.

I treated it just like the commercials show it-full throttle over rocky roads, through creek beds, sand bars, snowy roads/parking lots. It also had no problems getting air-born and landing solid (IFS).

Towed my 3500 lb. boat with ease and control with no modification.

The suspension was excellent-never moaned or groaned always kept it well lubbed; shock mounts were tucked up nicely to avoid stumps and debris; only needed sway bar bushings.

I have seen these trucks with 250, 300, 350 thousand miles still running strong.

If you are looking for a truck that you want to treat like the ones in Baja 1000, mob sand dunes, pummel creek beds, and carve snow like an Arctic Cat then Toyota is the one.