1996 Toyota Tacoma 2.7

Summary:

Like a Tercel with 4WD -- and as a Tercel lover, I consider that high praise

Faults:

The starter went out at about 95,000 miles, the shocks were replaced at about 100,000 miles, and the engine light has been on intermittently for the past 50,000 miles.

General Comments:

Excellent truck with no repairs needed for the past 80,000 miles. I have the 2.7L 4 cylinder, which has decent torque, but I suspect that it may have inadvertently been mated to the gearbox for the V6, as first and second seem to be spaced too far apart.

That aside, this truck is just how a truck should be -- no frills (no power windows, locks, or seats), great utility, and extreme reliability. Off road capability is excellent, and the truck is so light that it can successfully navigate terrain that will swallow trucks with twice the power.

MPG is okay -- 21mpg hwy -- but I kind of expected better MPG from only 150hp. That said, I still love it and would not replace it with anything larger.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th November, 2009

22nd Apr 2013, 15:34

This is my truck, just providing an update. It now has 230,000 miles, and 15,000 miles ago I converted it to run on CNG (bi-fuel). Still runs like a champ. It does leak oil, and the front bench has started to fall apart, but other than that, no issues -- it's still pretty bullet proof.

I still have a bit of a wandering eye for a full size truck, but I would miss the combination of great mileage (with the CNG), good utility, manual transmission, windows, and locks, maneuverability, etc.

1996 Toyota Tacoma LX 3.4 6 cylinder

Summary:

Fantastic 4wd small Japanese truck

Faults:

The biggest scariest things that went wrong twice was the harmonic balancer came loose. I caught it in time twice, your average Joe may have paid no attention to the bearing squeal and had to go for a motor. That happened probably with 120 k on it and never again.

I had to replace all 6 of the coil packs (normal maintenance), starter, alternator, battery, brakes, all the usual.

The rear chrome bumper began to rust badly, but I'm around lots of salt air and salted streets.

General Comments:

The best small pickup you can own. I beat the crap out of it in 2 and 4 wd, and it keeps on going.

The engine just started ticking before Toyota bought it back for 10 k in 2008. OK, I'll take it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th April, 2009

1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 V6

Summary:

Awesome

Faults:

Have had this truck since new and the only I have had to do is regular maintenance. This truck has NEVER broken down or had anything wrong with it.

General Comments:

This the greatest truck that ever has been built.

Very reliable truck and you don't ever worry about being broken down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th July, 2006

1996 Toyota Tacoma LX 2.4

Summary:

A great, reliable truck!

Faults:

Virtually nothing, just routine maintenence and new tires at 78,000 miles.

General Comments:

A completely reliable, maintenence only vehicle! Great on gas, peppy, great little truck. After 112,000 miles, truck still feels like it's solidly built! Would never hesitate to buy another Toyota product, this is my 3rd and each has been an exceptional owning experience!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th May, 2005

1996 Toyota Tacoma LX 3.4L

Summary:

Truck is excellent quality and worth the extra money up front

Faults:

Leaf Springs Left and Right broken from overload. All my fault, but still quite expensive to replace.

Valve Cover needed replacement... was done free via factory warranty.

Paint stripped away from bottom of frame after washing truck while one year old... has shown no signs of rust.

Has traveled halfway across the U.S. multiple times with soreness in shoulder only after hundreds of miles per day.

General Comments:

Truck is the V6 Extended Cab and used to pull a camping trailer with a family of five. Truck is very strong and stable. Front 60/40 bench seat not designed for three passengers with comfort. Shift is in the way of middle passenger.

Truck is nearly a decade old and would like to keep forever, but family has outgrown it... bought as single, now have wife and three kids.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th March, 2005