1997 Toyota Tacoma standard cab from North America - Comments

Nothing has ever gone wrong with the truck. My grandfather owned it before me so I know exactly what is has been through.

I own a 1997 4X2 Toyota Tacoma. Its powerhouse is a 2.4L, 142-horse power engine with 160 feet of torque. I have it modified for highway driving and I obtain nearly 32 miles to the gallon on highway driving and about 25 miles per gallon in the city. I have owned it now for a little over 3 years and have acquired more than 64,000 miles. I have not yet had a problem with any part of the vehicle and don't expect to until I am well over 250,000 miles. It has great acceleration and the passing gears throw you back in your seat. I find that it is also easy to work on the engine. I have been in two accidents, and the truck held up quite well, better then the full-size fords. The only thing that the Tacoma lacks is the comfort that the seats give.

How did you modify your truck to increase MPG?

Kevin.

I am too is wondering as of how and what modification did you do to make the mpg of your truck to get that good?

Andy.

I did so by reducing excess weight. I took out the seat and sit on a bucket. I took out the dash and threw it away- all worthless weight. I took off the exhaust system as well the the bed and front fenders, tial lights, ect... It looks kinda funny- but is a lot lighter and saves a lot of gas!!!

I just posted a review of my 97 4x2 Tacoma, and I completely agree with a lot of what you said. It gets great mileage when running right, and even stock has more than enough power. The only thing I can advise is quite obvious. Make sure you tune it up right or your gas mileage will plummet. Mine was around 10-12 city for awhile. And also watch the 02 sensors, they have a retarded design, and if the bolts rust on, they need to be torched off. Parts are a little more costly, but work longer.

And also, I was hit at 3 miles an hour in a gas station parking lot by a senile old guy in an F250, and he did 2700 dollars in damage, to his minor scratch. So I'm not sure I believe that your Tacoma has held up better.