zzdcar' Expert Review
by the zzdcar Experts
What’s new
The 1999 Toyota Tacoma gets new front seat belt pre-tensioners and force limiters. Optional on Xtra Cab models is an AM/FM four-speaker CD audio system while 4x4s get 15-by-7-inch steel wheels. The PreRunner adds a regular cab option to its model mix. Natural White, Imperial Jade Mica and Horizon Blue Metallic replace White, Copper Canyon Mica, Evergreen Pearl and Cool Steel Metallic as color options.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 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
$213/mo for Tacoma SR5
Tacoma SR5
SR5 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) (Most Popular) - N/A MSRPSR5 2dr 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 Extended Cab SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRP2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 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 MSRP2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPPrerunner 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 4A) - N/A MSRPPrerunner 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 4A) - N/A MSRPPrerunner V6 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 4A) - N/A MSRPSR5 V6 2dr Extended Cab SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPSR5 V6 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M) - N/A MSRPLimited 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 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 engines go under the hood. Toyota aimed for aggressive styling, inside and out, and Tacomas sport an excellent selection of interior fittings. Regular and extended cab bodies are available, with either two- or four-wheel drive.
A freshening of the front end occurred on both the two- and four-wheel drive models during the last two model years. Swoopy fenders, a larger bumper, aero-style headlamps and a new grille set this truck apart from its forebears. Two-wheel drive Tacomas get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine, rated at 142-horsepower. Tacoma 4x4s earn a 150-horspower, 2.7-liter four. Toyota claims that its four-cylinder engines are comparable to V6s from competitors. If those won't suffice, however, consider the V6 option: a DOHC, 24-valve unit that whips out 190 horses and 220 foot-pounds of torque. With V6 power, borrowed from the now defunct T100, this compact pickup can tow up to 5,000 pounds and soundly trounce most factory sport trucks in the stoplight dragrace.
All Tacomas have front coil springs instead of the former torsion bars, but 4x4s feature longer suspension travel to improve ride/handling qualities. Manual-shift trucks feature reverse-gear synchronization to reduce gear noise when shifting into reverse. Four-wheel antilock braking is optional on all Tacomas, and all pickups contain dual airbags with a shut-off switch for the passenger's side. In top-of-the-line Limited pickups, a One-Touch Hi-Four switch is available for easy, pushbutton engagement of four-wheel drive.
The PreRunner model is set to attract truck buyers who desire, but cannot afford, a 4WD truck, 4WD truck owners who don't use their 4WD as often as they expected, and 2WD truck buyers who take their vehicle off-road. Historically, a "pre-runner" is a truck that pre-runs an off-road race course. Toyota's new PreRunner has benefited from considerable suspension tuning and development work with Toyota Motorsports desert racing truck program to produce a 2WD vehicle with 4WD capabilities.
Toyota hopes to attract buyers with the style and image of its Tacoma as well as a lower price tag. We like the Tacoma, but question the value it represents. Most of these Toyota trucks don't come cheap. Guess that's the price you pay for the peace of mind a Toyota provides.
1999 Tacoma Highlights
Type: Regular CabExtended CabExtended Cab
Trim: BaseSR5V6SR5 V6PrerunnerPrerunner V6LimitedBase
Engine Type | Gas |
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Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
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Cost to Drive | $175/month |
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Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
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Max Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs. |
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