1990-1994 Toyota Pickup: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1994 Toyota Pickup and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Reliability
Cons
- Engine noise
- Price
Vehicle Highlights
Compact Toyota pickups gained a restyling for 1989, with shift-on-the-fly part-time 4-wheel drive and rear antilock brakes. The new ABS system was standard on SR5 V6 models, optional on SR5 4-cylinder pickups. Standard powerplants in 1990 included both a fuel-injected and carbureted 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, plus an available 150-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. The two 4-cylinder engines provided 102 horsepower and 116 horsepower, respectively. Standard on SR5 V6 models and optional on Xtracab Deluxe pickups was the 3.0-liter V6. The carbureted engine offered a 4-speed manual gearbox, while the other two came standard with a 5-speed manual, with an available 4-speed overdrive automatic.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota SR5 ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 31 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1994 Toyota Pickup. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1994 Toyota Pickup.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Toyota Tacoma:
For '91 rear-wheel antilock brakes continue as standard on the SR5 models, but are optional on all other Toyota pickups. Standard on the SR5 V6 4x4--and newly optional on all of Toyota's 4WD pickups for '91--is a system the automaker calls 4WDemand. This system has automatic-locking front hubs. Shifting a floor-mounted transfer-case lever engages the front differential and drive shafts, permitting shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD High at any speed up to 50 mph. Gone for '91 is the carbureted 102-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine.
1992 Toyota Tacoma:
All models get a new front valance panel and a new grille that incorporates the Toyota logo; grilles continue to differ slightly between 2WD and 4WD models. Also added this year is a dashboard storage compartment below the radio.
1993 Toyota Tacoma:
Toyota shelves the heaviest-duty versions of its compact pickup in deference to its new T100 midsize truck and juggles some equipment on the remaining models. Gone for '93 is the long-bed 4WD model; all other models remain available with 2- or 4-wheel drive. Also dropped from the lineup is the 2WD long-bed workhorse, the One Ton model. It had a payload of 2520 pounds, just 50 pounds less than the new 2WD T100's One Ton. Also, new exterior graphics are added and cruise control is no longer available on the 2WD DX. Finally, the 4WD SR5 V6 now has 31-inch tires only when alloy wheels are ordered.
1994 Toyota Tacoma:
Toyota's line of compact pickups return for '94 without a long-bed body style, but with new safety features for the remaining regular cab and extended cab models. New safety features include side door-guard beams and a center high-mount stoplight, both now required on pickups.
Our road test for the 1990-1994 Toyota Pickup includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1994 Toyota Pickup and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1994 Toyota Pickup is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
When behind the wheel, we discovered that Toyota's 150-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 is a little smoother than its Nissan counterpart, though neither has nearly the torque of the sixes in the domestics, such as the Ford Ranger or Chevy S-10. Nonetheless, performance from our 5-speed 4WD Xtracab SR5 V6 was good: 13.1 seconds in the 0-60 sprint--not bad for the heaviest model in the line. Braking also was laudable, with short stopping distances and good resistance to rear-wheel locking. Cab comfort, quietness, and driving ease all rate high. Even the ride is comfortable, especially for a tautly sprung 4WD model. It provides stable cornering and feels confident and surefooted. Toyota's 4WDemand system is easy to use and much more convenient than the other Toyota system. Less impressive is the tighter rear-seat room in Toyota's Xtracab, versus the Nissan King Cab or Isuzu's Spacecab.
Value for the Money
While payload and towing capacities are better than the Japanese norm, they don't quite measure up to the domestics. When comparison shopping, Toyota may have an advantage in the fact they have perceptibly higher quality of workmanship, which might offset possible higher prices.
While payload and towing capacities are better than the Japanese norm, they don't quite measure up to the domestics. When comparison shopping, Toyota may have an advantage in the fact they have perceptibly higher quality of workmanship, which might offset possible higher prices.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota SR5 ext. cab Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 3 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 1 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 31 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota Tacoma includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota Tacoma .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
The column-mounted shift lever on trucks with automatic transmissions may bind requiring replacement of the shift interlock cable, end rod holder, and return spring. (1990-91)
Clutch:
If the clutch-throwout bearing squeals, it must be replaced with a redesigned one. (1990-91)
Exhaust system:
In compliance with emission-control regulations, the oxygen sensor will be replaced free at the 80,000-mile maintenance. (1993-94)
Transmission noise:
A high-pitched whistling noise at speeds below 50 mph may be caused by the driveshaft. (1990)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,315 |
| Alternator | $360 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,457 |
| Brakes | $190 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $915 |
| Exhaust System | $242 |
| Radiator | $520 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $210 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $200 |
| Universal Joints | $200 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota Tacoma details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| 2WD Pickup | $1,700-2,900 | $1,100-1,900 | $300-400 |
| 4WD Pickup | $2,400-3,500 | $1,700-2,500 | $500-700 |
| 1993 | |||
| 2WD Pickup | $1,500-2,600 | $1,000-1,700 | $200-300 |
| 4WD Pickup | $2,100-3,000 | $1,500-2,100 | $400-500 |
| 1992 | |||
| 2WD Pickup | $1,300-2,300 | $800-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 4WD Pickup | $1,900-2,700 | $1,300-1,900 | $300-400 |
| 1991 | |||
| 2WD Pickup | $1,100-1,900 | $700-1,200 | $100-200 |
| 4WD Pickup | $1,700-2,400 | $1,100-1,600 | $300-400 |
| 1990 | |||
| 2WD Pickup | $1,000-1,800 | $600-1,100 | $100-200 |
| 4WD Pickup | $1,400-2,100 | $900-1,300 | $200-300 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota Tacoma include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | ext. cab | reg. cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 121.9 | 103.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 199.0 | 180.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 61.4 | 61.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2740 | 2560 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1700 | 1860 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 | 13.7 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.4 | 38.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.8 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.5 | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 27.2 | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Standard powerplants in 1990 included both a fuel-injected and carbureted 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, plus an available 3.0-liter V6. The carbureted 4-cylinder engine provides 102 horsepower. The carbureted version provides 116-horsepower at 4800 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. The carbureted engine is dropped in '91, with the fuel-injected 4-cylinder engine becoming standard on the base model. Standard on SR5 V6 models and optional on Xtracab Deluxe pickups is the 3.0-liter V6. It provides 150 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 3400 rpm. The carbureted engine offers a 4-speed manual gearbox, while the other two come standard with a 5-speed manual, with an available 4-speed overdrive automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 181 | 150 | 180 | 5-speed manual: 18/23 4-speed automatic: 18/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 144 | 102 | 132 | 4-speed manual: 19/23 | 4-speed manual: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 144 | 116 | 140 | 5-speed manual: 22/26 4-speed automatic: 22/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan, USA
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota Tacoma include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Pickup |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 2 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1994 Toyota Pickup directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-94:
If steering wheel is repeatedly turned under high-effort conditions, fatigue crack may develop in steering relay rod, which could eventually fracture.
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