1996 Toyota Tacoma 2WD 2.7 4 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A workhorse of a truck that will run forever

Faults:

Engine light stays on despite dealer turning it off. Fan clutch is starting to squeak at start up.

General Comments:

This truck has so far been nearly flawless. So far I have not had to replace anything except brake pads and wiper blades. The fan clutch is starting to squeak a bit, but that's to be expected for something with this many miles.

The positive aspects of the truck is the good fuel economy and a rather peppy quick engine. The reliability is key here as well. The sound system is surprisingly good for an economy vehicle.

The negative is the interior which is as bare bones as you can get with cloth covered bench seats. I am a small person, but even I get uncomfortable riding in it for long periods thus a larger person might find it uncomfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th November, 2004

14th Jun 2007, 17:16

Update on this truck. I STILL have it. I got a job that requires me to drive 60 miles a day. Since my last writing, the truck has acquired 55,000 more miles, bringing the total to around 216,000 miles. Since then, I had to replace a number of items. The water pump, fan clutch (which finally gave out) and a new set of belts have been replaced. But this truck is simple to work on so I've been able to do these things myself. Most recently, the plug wires fried on a hot summer day. This was due to me installing the cheapest wires from the last tune-up. The truck almost died on the way home, but I've since replaced the wires with high quality versions, along with the cap, rotor, and plugs. That took care of that.

The only thing that is starting to become a concern is what appears to be the formation of rust in some of the recesses. The windshield was replaced 10 years ago. It appears that the paint underneath it was scratched when the old pane was replaced. Hence it is rusting in the cracks. There's a small amount in one of the doors inside. No biggies. By the time they become major problems, I will probably have something else as the mileage would be pretty high by then. Who knows.

I still trust this truck as a daily driver and me and my wife are taking a 3,000 mile road trip in it in a few months. So it is time to change all the major fluids- radiator and tranny- and take off.

I've looked into the new Tacomas. I'm not horribly impressed with their gas mileage and I was hoping to get a V6. Guess I might have to hold onto this old one long enough to have Toyota go through one more design run.

1996 Toyota Tacoma LX V6 3.4 Liter DOHC from North America

Summary:

Other than the wimpy baby blue color, this truck is tops!!

Faults:

Starter stayed engaged with key turned off. Was $400 to repair starter.

Adjustments for caster, camber, and toe were not able to be performed, had to have frame shop straighten front end.

General Comments:

Very pleased with the 3.4 liter V-6 power. There is an electronic cutout at ~105 mph; wish I could defeat that.

4 wheel drive system works well.

Ride is a bit rough due to innate qualities of the truck.

I have the extended cab version, which is a world of difference over the regular cab.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st September, 2004

1996 Toyota Tacoma LX 2.3 from North America

Summary:

Best available pick-up

Faults:

Literally, nothing has ever gone wrong with this truck.

General Comments:

I will drive this truck until it dies. Then, I'll buy another one. We've already bought a Toyota Matrix because this truck is so reliable. It's easy to drive and park yet is big enough to haul furniture and my horses' stuff (although not the horses themselves). It's a 8 year old, but still looks very modern. Guaranteed to make anyone a Toyota fan.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2004