1998 Toyota Tacoma Reviews

1998 Toyota Tacoma SX 4x4 2.7 DOHC from North America

Model year1998
Year of manufacture1998
First year of ownership2009
Most recent year of ownership2012
Engine and transmission 2.7 DOHC Manual
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Dealer Service marks 10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 10 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
9.2 / 10
Distance when acquired170000 miles
Most recent distance252000 miles
Previous carToyota Pickup

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 from North America

Model year1998
Year of manufacture1997
First year of ownership2005
Most recent year of ownership2010
Engine and transmission 2.4L Automatic
Performance marks 8 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 7 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.0 / 10
Most recent distance90000 miles
Previous carToyota Tercel

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 from North America

Model year1998
Year of manufacture1998
First year of ownership2009
Most recent year of ownership2010
Engine and transmission 2.7L DOHC Manual
Performance marks 9 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Dealer Service marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 10 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
8.6 / 10
Distance when acquired174000 miles
Most recent distance193000 miles
Previous carToyota Pickup

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

1998 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2.4 Litre from North America

Model year1998
Year of manufacture1998
First year of ownership2006
Most recent year of ownership2008
Engine and transmission 2.4 Litre Manual
Performance marks 10 / 10
Reliability marks 10 / 10
Comfort marks 7 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)
9.0 / 10
Distance when acquired76000 miles
Most recent distance104000 miles
Previous carToyota Isuzu Pup 2X4 truck

Summary:

Great truck nice driver, but hate that frame rot!!!

Faults:

Nuts keep coming off the O2 sensor. Had to wire it on. No biggy.

Seat slider cable on passenger side seat broke.

Frame totally rotted out on both sides from cab back to the end. So far cost is up to $600. and the welding shop is not done yet. This is a PA truck. Anyone else have this problem?

General Comments:

Nice truck body wise. It has the TRD kit and goes super in the snow even in 2 wheel drive. I've driven in 9 inches of snow without kicking it in to 4X4. I did use the locking rear-end button once to get me out of a serious ice jam situation so kudos to Toyota for that little feature.

The 4 cylinder engine is a bit under powered especially for towing. It's hard to keep up highway speeds unless kept in 4th gear with the hammer down.

The frame leaves a lot to be desired. Even though it is boxed it is very prone to rust through. I did not know mine was bad until a trip to the car wash blew holes in it. Has Toyota cured this problem in later years?

I've hauled a lot of heavy stuff in and with this truck and the suspension never left me dragging my tail in the dirt.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th March, 2008

27th Mar 2008, 20:47

Yeah I live in Northwestern PA and I had the same problem. Talk to a local Toyota dealer... they are recalling all 1995-2001 Toyota Tacomas because the frames are rusting out, but they have not sent letters out yet.

14th Jun 2008, 07:51

I never got a letter either, but Toyota has already bought my truck back, and treated me more than fairly to say the least.

The whole deal went off without a hitch. I paid 12,500 in early '05 for my '98 Tacoma with 29,000 miles on it, and I sold it back to Toyota for over $14,000 two weeks ago with almost 90,000 miles on it, and bought a brand new car. Can't really beat that. Drove it for three years, put over 60,000 miles on it, and MADE money on it in the end.

Take yours in. The worst you can do is, you'll find out your truck is actually good and they'll give you 15 more years warranty on corrosion.

Average review marks: 8.3 / 10, based on 19 reviews