1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Reliability
Cons
- Engine noise
- Step-in height (4WD)
- Price
- Ride
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota's sixth-generation pickup finally got a proper name of its own--Tacoma. The all-new model ha a driver-side airbag, and featured aggressive new styling, both inside and out. Propelling the new Tacoma were three engines--two 4-cylinders and a V6. The new engines included a 142-horsepower dual-overhead-cam 2.4-liter, a 150-horsepower dual-overhead-cam 2.7-liter, and a 190-horsepower dual-overhead cam 3.4-liter V6. The Tacoma also rode on a redesigned chassis and suspension and came with rack-and-pinion steering in place of the previous recirculating ball system. Also, 4-wheel ABS was now optional on all Tacoma models. The 4WD models were visually differentiated from 2WD models by a distinct grille treatment and an elevated chassis.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Tacoma Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Toyota Tacoma:
For '96, Toyota's Tacoma pickup is provided with a new off-road package that includes a locking rear differential. The new unit is available only on regular-cab 4WD models with a manual transmission. On 2WD models it includes a rear differential locking system, 31-inch tires on alloy wheels, and a tachometer. On 4WD models, Toyota charges a little more, but adds bucket seats, a center console, and 4WDemand, the more sophisticated of Toyota's two 4-wheel-drive systems.
1997 Toyota Tacoma:
For 1997, 2WD models get a new grille and flush headlights. Also, the base 2.4-liter engine gains a new ignition system and a more sophisticated sequential multipoint fuel-injection system.
1998 Toyota Tacoma:
Tacoma finally gets a passenger-side airbag, and the SR5 models get a new name--Limited.
1999 Toyota Tacoma:
Seatbelt pretensioners topped the short list of changes for '99.
2000 Toyota Tacoma:
Intermittent windshield wipers became standard, and models with ABS now had daytime running lights. Four-wheel-drive trucks got numerically higher axle ratios for quicker takeoffs.
2001 Toyota Tacoma:
New for 2001 were 4-door Double Cabs with four front-opening doors and a 60/40 folding rear bench seat. All models got a restyled front end with a raised hood and prominent grille. Also added for 2001 was a new S-Runner model--a manual-transmission V6 PreRunner Xtracab with stiffer springs, premium shock absorbers, color-keyed exterior, and special interior appointments.
2002 Toyota Tacoma:
There were no significant changes for 2002.
2003 Toyota Tacoma:
Antilock brakes were made standard on all models for 2003.
2004 Toyota Tacoma:
The Tacoma loses its optional flare-fender StepSide cargo box in 2004.
Our road test for the 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration with the base engine feels brisk, particularly with the manual transmission. The 2.7-liter 4 cylinder in 4WD models has marginally more horsepower and torque, but feels more taxed in all driving situations. Tacomas with the 3.4-liter V6 have strong standing-start acceleration with either transmission. The 2001 test 2WD automatic V6 PreRunner Double Cab did 0-60 mph in a respectable 9.7 sec. And we averaged 16.1 mpg with 4WD and manual transmission, 19.4 with 2WD and automatic in our tests of V6 Xtracabs. Ride quality is poor. Tacoma pounds over bumps and bounds over dips in the pavement. Handling is nothing special either, but at least the brakes work well. Inside, the Tacoma feels rather spartan. There is enough room for two adults to stretch out in front, but the rear area, like in all compact pickups, is best left to cargo and not people. Controls are well-arranged, but are a bit on the small side--especially radio controls. Visibility is excellent and noise levels are only marginally higher than in comparable Ford or Chevy compact trucks. Tacoma's payload ratings are competitive with anything in this class, but even with the 3.4-liter V6, towing limits fall short of the Ranger and S-Series by about 1000 pounds. Note also that Tacoma has only a single 6.2-foot cargo bed length; while nearly all competitors offer a regular-cab model with a cargo bed of 7 or 7.5 feet.
Value for the Money
The only advantage a Tacoma might have over domestic compacts would be in reliability. This is one case where we would shop the competition despite Toyota's reputation.
The only advantage a Tacoma might have over domestic compacts would be in reliability. This is one case where we would shop the competition despite Toyota's reputation.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Tacoma Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 44 |
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.
Exhaust system:
In compliance with emission-control regulations, the oxygen sensor will be replaced free at the 80,000-mile maintenance. (1995)
Vehicle noise:
The heat shield over the exhaust manifold rattles due to cracks. (1995-2000)
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 |
|
|
|||
| 2004 | |||
| Double Cab 2WD | $12,700-15,800 | $11,400-14,200 | $7,400-9,200 |
| Double Cab 4WD | $16,000-18,000 | $14,600-16,400 | $10,200-11,500 |
| Tacoma 2WD | $7,500-13,000 | $6,800-11,700 | $3,800-6,500 |
| Tacoma 4WD | $10,300-15,800 | $9,300-14,200 | $5,500-8,400 |
| 2003 | |||
| Double Cab 2WD | $11,500-14,500 | $10,400-13,100 | $6,300-8,000 |
| Double Cab 4WD | $15,000-16,600 | $13,700-15,100 | $9,500-10,500 |
| Tacoma 2WD | $6,800-12,000 | $6,100-10,700 | $3,200-5,600 |
| Tacoma 4WD | $9,300-14,200 | $8,400-12,800 | $4,800-7,400 |
| 2002 | |||
| Double Cab 2WD | $10,600-13,500 | $9,500-12,200 | $5,600-7,200 |
| Double Cab 4WD | $13,500-15,000 | $12,300-13,700 | $8,000-8,900 |
| Tacoma 2WD | $6,100-10,500 | $5,300-9,100 | $2,600-4,500 |
| Tacoma 4WD | $8,300-13,000 | $7,500-11,700 | $4,300-6,800 |
| 2001 | |||
| Double Cab 2WD | $9,500-12,000 | $8,600-10,800 | $4,900-6,200 |
| Double Cab 4WD | $12,000-13,500 | $10,800-12,200 | $6,700-7,600 |
| Tacoma 2WD | $5,400-9,500 | $4,600-8,200 | $2,200-3,900 |
| Tacoma 4WD | $7,500-11,500 | $6,800-10,400 | $3,800-5,800 |
| 2000 | |||
| Tacoma 2WD | $4,600-7,500 | $3,900-6,300 | $1,700-2,800 |
| Tacoma 4WD | $6,300-9,200 | $5,500-8,100 | $2,800-4,000 |
| 1999 | |||
| Tacoma 2WD | $3,900-6,400 | $3,200-5,200 | $1,200-2,000 |
| Tacoma 4WD | $5,400-7,800 | $4,600-6,700 | $2,200-3,200 |
| 1998 | |||
| Tacoma 2WD | $3,300-5,500 | $2,600-4,300 | $800-1,400 |
| Tacoma 4WD | $4,700-6,800 | $3,900-5,700 | $1,800-2,600 |
| 1997 | |||
| Tacoma 2WD | $2,800-4,300 | $2,100-3,200 | $600-900 |
| Tacoma 4WD | $4,000-5,800 | $3,300-4,800 | $1,300-1,900 |
| 1996 | |||
| Tacoma 2WD | $2,300-3,800 | $1,700-2,700 | $400-700 |
| Tacoma 4WD | $3,500-5,200 | $2,800-4,200 | $900-1,400 |
| 1995 | |||
| Tacoma 2WD | $1,900-3,200 | $1,300-2,200 | $300-500 |
| Tacoma 4WD | $3,000-4,500 | $2,300-3,500 | $700-1,000 |
|
|
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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 | crew cab | ext. cab | reg. cab |
| Wheelbase, in. | 121.9 | 121.9 | 103.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 202.3 | 203.1 | 184.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.1 | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 67.5 | 62.0 | 61.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3430 | 2745 | 2560 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | -- | -- | -- |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | 1674 | 1759 | 1914 |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 15.1 | 15.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.8 | 38.4 | 38.2 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.8 | 42.8 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 35.5 | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.8 | 27.2 | -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||
Powertrain Options and Availability
Standard powerplants included 2.4-liter and 2.7-liter 4-cylinders, plus a 3.4-liter V6. The smaller 4-cylinder is standard on 2WD models, while the 4WD models offer the 2.7-liter unit. The new V6 is available for both configurations. The 2.4-liter dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder offers 142 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 160 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The larger 4-cylinder boosts output to 150 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 177 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. Finally, the Tacoma's V6 delivers a lusty 190 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 220 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 2.7 / 163 | 150 | 177 | 5-speed manual: 17/21 4-speed automatic: 18/21 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I4 | 2.4 / 144 | 142 | 160 | 5-speed manual: 23/28 4-speed automatic: 22/25 |
5-speed manual: 20.1 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V6 | 3.4 / 207 | 190 | 220 | 5-speed manual: 19/23 4-speed automatic: 19/22 |
5-speed manual: 19.2 4-speed automatic: 16.7 |
|
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 | 1999 Tacoma |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 2 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 3 |
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 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1995:
Battery may have defective weld inside positive or negative terminal, which can result in a no-start condition or explosion.
1995-96:
Under certain conditions, front suspension support can crack.
1998-99:
Some wheel lug nuts are defective, causing loss of torque, fatigue fracture of wheel, and possible loss of wheel.
1999-2000:
Trailer-towing wire harness may have deficient waterproofing and improper installation. An electrical short circuit will occur if water enters the converter housing.
2001-03 double cab:
If side impact occurs, the fuel inlet hose could be damaged, resulting in leakage and possible fire. Dealer will inspect and install a hose protector.
2001-04:
Surface of lower ball joint in front suspension might have been scratched; joint may eventually experience excessive wear and looseness, resulting in increased steering effort and possible loss of steering control.
2004:
Driver's seat belt may have incorrect markings.
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