1996 Toyota Tacoma Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　For the 1996 Toyota Tacoma, Regular Cab 4WD models can be equipped with a new Off-Road Package.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1996 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$167/mo  for Tacoma Base

　　Tacoma Base

　　2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) (Most Popular) - N/A MSRP2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRP2dr Extended Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPV6 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPV6 2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPV6 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSR5 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Toyota's sixth-generation compact pickup debuted in April, as a 1995.5 model, with an actual model name: Tacoma. It's supposed to suggest the rugged outdoors, as well as strength and adventure. Any of three potent new engines goes under the hood, and the pickup rides an all-new chassis. Toyota aimed at aggressive styling, inside and out, and Tacomas sport an excellent selection of interior fittings. Regular and extended Xtracab bodies are available, with either two- or four-wheel drive. A deep-sculpted grille/hood/fender structure imparts a sporty personality to the truck, to attract customers who select their 4x4s on non-utilitarian grounds.

　　Two-wheel-drive Tacomas get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine, rated 142 horsepower (26 more than the prior generation). Tacoma 4x4s earn a 150-horsepower, 2.7-liter four. Toyota claims that its four-cylinder engines are comparable to V6s from competitors. But if those won't suffice, consider the latest V6 option: a dual-overhead-cam, 24-valve unit that whips out 190 horses and 220 foot-pounds of torque. With V6 power, borrowed from the bigger T100, this compact pickup can tow up to 5,000 pounds and soundly whip any factory sport truck in the stoplight dragrace. In contrast, the V6 engine available in the prior-generation pickup delivered only 150 horsepower and 180 foot-pounds.

　　All Tacomas have front coil springs instead of the former torsion bars, but 4x4s feature longer suspension travel than before, to improve ride/handling qualities, whether on- or off-road. Track width has been increased, too, for a more stable ride. Rack-and-pinion steering replaces the old recirculating-ball layout, for better feel and response. Manual-shift trucks feature reverse-gear synchronization, to reduce gear noise when shifting into reverse. Four-wheel antilock braking is an option, but all pickups contain an airbag for the driver. In top-of-the-line SR5 Xtracab pickups, a One-Touch Hi-4 switch is available for easy, pushbutton engagement of four-wheel-drive. By redesigning and lowering the floor by 1.6 inches, Toyota makes 4x4s easier to enter.

　　Tacomas are produced at the NUMMI joint-venture facility in Fremont, California, having been designed in that state. Options include cruise control, air conditioning, a sliding rear window, tilt steering wheel, and moonroof. We like the Tacoma, but question the value it represents. These new Toyota trucks don't come cheap. Guess that's the price you pay for the peace of mind a Toyota provides.

　　

1996 Tacoma Highlights

Type: Regular CabExtended CabExtended Cab

　　Trim: BaseV6SR5Base

　　

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	22 MPG
Cost to Drive	$167/month
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive