1998 Toyota Tacoma Reviews

Rear universal joint went at 175,000.

Ignition tumbler broke at 190,000.

Alternator at 210,000.

Starter at 240,000.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.