TOYOTA PICKUP/TACOMA

Toyota's no-name compact pickup finally finally got a moniker in the spring of 1995, one to go with a strong reputation for quality and reliability.
The name? Tacoma. And with that name came the first new styling and engineering for Toyota's compact pickups in more than six years.

Among the important improvements were two new engine choices, along with an upgraded third carryover engine. All three still had four valves per cylinder operated by dual overhead camshafts.

The new Tacomas also got styling changes that reached back into Toyota's truck history. In addition, the cab was made bigger, the steering sharper, the suspension revised for better ride and more responsive handling. Four-wheel anti-lock braking also became available for the first time and there was a standard driver's side airbag.

Strengths - This little truck has a reputation for being nearly as quiet and smooth as a car, yet, particularly in four-wheel-drive form, as tough as any pickup on the market. The most versatile used version is the Xtracab, not the rather tight-fitting regular cab.

For power, note that in '95 the 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine jumped to 142 hp., a 27-hp. increase over the previous year's version rated at 112 hp. 
The next step up in powerplants was the 2.7-litre four-cylinder producing 150 hp and 177 pounds-feet of torque. Again, the latter was a big jump. Compared to the '94 base 4x4, horsepower jumped 29 per cent, torque 26 per cent. 

Finally, the most muscle available with the Tacoma was and still is the 3.4-litre V6. Horsepower: 190. Torque: 220 lbs/ft. Not only was the 3.4-litre bigger and 40-hp. more powerful than the 3.0-litre it replaced, it was also more efficient thanks to sequential multipoint fuel injection and direct ignition. Toying capacity also went up to 5,000 lbs.

A noteworthy Tacoma strength is quality. From opening day it has ranked among the very most reliable pickups in everyone's quality and consumer surveys. Naturally, prices have remained relatively strong. But if you're looking for a dependable, pre-owned small pickup, the Tacoma is a good choice. Just note the big changes that were ushered in with the '95 model year.

CURRENT RED BOOK PRICING (avg. retail): Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Xtracab V6
1998-$20,575 ($25,118 original MSRP)
1997?$17,000 ($25,748)
1996?15,450$ ($25,398)
1995?$12,900 ($21,748)
1994?$10,500 ($20,698) 
1993?$8,175 ($19,398)


BUYER'S ALERTS: Among things to look for is a driveline engagement noise (TSB DL001?96, Aug. '96). Also note that some automatic transmissions were reported to have produced a chatter noise when shifted out of reverse into either neutral or park (980213001-98, May '98). Look for squeaking noises from the rear leaf springs on some models (COM040-1K, Nov. '96); and leaky head gaskets and valve cover gaskets (TC99-002, Jan. '99; TC99-005, March '99).

For recalls be alert to one for '96 and '96 two-wheel drive trucks specifying the front suspension support which may crack under severe driving and braking conditions (1996110).
(Service bulletins provided by Alldata Inc.) 

THE VERDICT: A well-built, comfortable and reliable small pickup.

CHECK THE SPECS
1995 1/2 TOYOTA TACOMA pickup
Market segment: Compact pickup. 
Typical market competition: Nissan Hardbody, Mazda B-series, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet S-series/GMC Sonoma.
Engine: (front engine/rear-wheel drive/four-wheel drive) 2.7-litre four-cylinder; sequential multipoint electronic fuel injection; 16 valves (four per cylinder) operated by dual overhead camshafts (DOHC); 150 hp at 4,800 rpm; torque rated at 177 lbs-ft at 4,000 rpm.
Transmission: five-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic on SR5 Xtracab V6; transfer case is two-speed with Automatic Disconnecting Differential (ADD).
Steering: rack-and-pinion variable power-assisted.
Brakes: power-assisted front disc/rear drum with available ABS (anti-lock system); standard ABS only on SR5 V6.
Tires: Front: P225/75R15 mud and snow radials.
Fuel economy: (litres/100 km) 12.8 city/9.7 highway.
Wheelbase: 2,625 mm. or 103.3 in; 3,095 mm (121.8 in.) for Xtracab. 
Curb weight: 1,445 kg. or 3,185 lbs for standard cab.
Payload: 825 kg. or 1,819 lbs. for standard cab
Towing capacity: 1,587 kg. or 3,500 lbs. for standard cab
Pros
* Strong in all areas, especially reliability
Cons
* Not inexpensive


ROAD TEST REPORT CARD for 1996 Toyota Tacoma V6 Xtracab
Access: C+
Driving position: B-
Instruments/Controls: B+ 
Visibility: B 
Climate Control: B
Steering: B-
Brakes: B
Handling: B+ 
Acceleration: B
Engine: B+
Transmission: B 
Interior space: B- 
Trunk/Cargo: B+
Noise/Vibration/Harshness: B+

DURABILITY/RELIABILITY REPORT CARD for
Overall: A-
Mechanical: B+ 
Hardware/Body/Paint/Trim: B+

SAFETY REPORT CARD
Anti-lock braking: Available 
Airbags (driver/passenger): yes/yes (later models) 
Traction control: no
Driver/Passenger Front Crash Protection (0-5 stars with five stars the best): two stars/three stars

INSURANCE HISTORY

Collision cost rating: worse than average
Comprehensive cost rating: worse than average
Theft claim cost rating: worse than average