1990 Toyota Pickup SR5 Extended Cab review from North America

Replaced spark plugs, distributor cap, and spark plug wires.

Replaced transmission fluid.

Replaced front brake pads.

Re-set idle adjustment screw.

I was lucky enough to purchase this low mileage truck from a man who was stricken by severe arthritis in his shoulders, shortly after he purchased the truck... in 1996. Truck does not have power steering, so he drove it only once or twice a month, then finally decided to sell it. All repairs listed are due to the truck sitting for a long time without regular use.

Have driven since November 2004 with no issues - several 3 or 4 hour trips.

A little underpowered for hilly driving with the automatic.

Gas mileage is about 20 - 22 mpg around town and 27 - 28 mpg on the highway. You could probably get 30 - 31 mpg on the highway with cruise control if you do the speed limit and live in a relatively flat area.

The automatic with Overdrive transmission in this model has a quirk (I was told by a mechanic). The OD will not engage until transmission fluid reaches 250 degrees or so. This means in the wintertime, you will be running higher revs than normal for at least 8 or 10 minutes until the fluid warms up and the overdrive engages. A little irritating - a trans fluid heater would have been a nice standard feature.

This is my third Toyota, and I expect no major problems for at least the next 150,000. I do oil changes at 3000 - 3,500 mile intervals, change filters at recommended intervals, and ALWAYS replace the timing belt at the recommended interval - probably the most important thing you can do for a 4-cylinder vehicle.

May replace with a use Camry or Camry Wagon in the next year for space reasons - I have a baby on the way - but it's a great truck.