1989 Toyota Truck Deluxe 4X4 review from North America

The power steering pump leaks.

It needs new boots.

The fan stopped working on all but high speeds when it was 3 years old.

A plastic disc in the manual shifter had to be replaced at 40,000 miles and again at 80,000 miles. When it went bad, it would not shift to 1st gear.

The cardinal red paint (non-lead) is fading on the hood and roof.

I've replaced the muffler twice.

This Toyota truck is still fun to drive! In 1989, it was Motortrend's truck of the year, and in my eyes, it still is.

The body is in great shape, other than the faded paint. It has real chrome bumpers. There is no rust. The interior is still in great shape, too. There are no rips in the upholstery and none of the plastic is cracked. I live in a hot part of the country, but I've always used a sunshade on my truck.

It has 189 HP and a 5 speed manny. In 1989, 189 HP was pretty high! The truck is light and can really take off.

Of course, it has none of the safety features available now - no 3rd brake light, no airbags, no anti-lock brakes. I drive it very carefully, especially turning corners and in bad weather. It has a high center of gravity and RWD.

Very little has gone wrong with it over the years. I've changed the timing belt/water pump out twice, to be on the safe side. I've also changed some hoses out as preventative maintenance. I've learned that if someone careless or uninformed works on your car (even at a dealer) you will leave with more problems than you came in with.

Now that I'm thinking about it, I don't think I've had the spark plugs replaced since 1994. I remember getting the high-dollar ones; I guess they're holding up.

I get offers to buy this truck all the time. It's not for sale!