1994 Toyota Pickup DX review from North America

Cylinder head gone at 110-120K miles.

Radiator replaced twice.

Several thermostats replaced.

Timing chain snapped at 148K miles.

Small items like starter and alternator replaced at 100K miles.

First I will be fair, and say that this truck has serviced me well over the years since I bought it knew.

Why I am writing this review is that I feel compelled to offer a counter point to the ubiquitous "Toyota is so incredibly reliable" mantra, heard everywhere you turn.

Based on my experience, I don't find this to be the case. Yes, it's an OK vehicle, but not an extraordinary vehicle.

I bought this vehicle, paying more than for a comparable American or Nissan, giving up nice options like AC, because I believed from prevalent testimonials that this would be the most reliable vehicle I could ever own, going 200-300K miles without major engine trouble.

A new cylinder head at 110K miles?? A timing chain at 148K miles?? These are major service expenses. In my opinion these run counter to popular opinion.

I took very good care of this vehicle,

changing oil constantly and performing all the requisite services.

What happened to the "run forever", "lowest cost of ownership" ideals? What happened to the 200K+ miles everyone brags about on his or her Toyota?

Plastic guides for the timing chain where they once used metal? Single row

timing chain where they once a double row?

Let's be honest. Toyota made incredible vehicles at one time that really did support popular opinion with fact.

But more significantly they did an incredible job of weaving the Toyota legendary reliability into our folklore, leaving an indelible influence on our popular perception and reaping the benefits of legions of us unquestioning, multiplying buyers paying more for less. while they started scaling back and cheapening design, materials and overall costs.