1996 Toyota Tacoma Review
Fuel Economy
16 - 22 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Most Reliable Vehicle I've Ever Owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2 Dr STD Extended Cab SB
Review
It has been a superb vehicle. Only things replaced: sensor inside catalytic converter; solenoid in starter; & manifold. I'm just now getting to the point that the clutch assembly needs replaced with almost 280,000 miles on the truck. Great lumbar support for my back. I'd like to change a few things inside the cab that were not well designed, but they are small issues compared to the truck's reliability and great gas mileage. I'll keep it until I'm too old to drive a stick shift!
Favorite Features
Reliability, gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
Better place for the cup holder. Seat belts handle poorly in going back in place when removed (hangs out the door a lot). Need a place to hang a trash bag.
Taco Ma is bulletproof
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2 Dr V6 4WD Extended Cab SB
Review
As with all Toyotas, this baby beast is hard to kill. I do all the maintenance on my vehicles and this one is a breeze to work on with easy access to "hard to reach" components. I get 20-22 mpg w/ the 3.4 liter V-6 because I don't abuse it; but when I need it to perform, it answers the call. It hauls rocks, gravel, mulch with ease and can yank out stumps like a fullsize truck.
Favorite Features
Favorite features: 1) 4x4. 2) Stock raised suspension. 3) Powerful 190 hp engine. 4) Cruise control.
Suggested Improvements
More aftermarket parts needed. Dual exhaust from engine.
My little truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2 Dr STD Standard Cab SB
Review
I bought my 96 from my father in law with 96000. He drove long distances to work every day and racked up the miles. It was factory serviced all the way up to the point I bought it in 2000. I have never owned a toy but always wanted one. It was a dream come true for me. This truck ran like a brand new car for a long time. I still own the truck and have replaced the rotors twice, pads, and a plate inside the starter. That is it maybe 300 dollars in maintenance. It has never left me hanging stuck some where looking for a tow truck. It now has 203,000 and still going strong, not bad.
Favorite Features
exterior appeal
Suggested Improvements
none
I will cry when I have to get ride of it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2 Dr STD Standard Cab SB
Review
This is my first very own vehicle and I couldn't have gotten any luckier! I have been driving this truck for 11 1/2 years and its still going strong. Gets around surprisingly good in winter. I replaced the starter approx 5 years ago and other than that I have only done preventative maintenance. I have been rear and front ended and the other vehicles came out worse off than the truck!! I am in the market for a new Toyota and would have no problems selling my truck to a friend or family and know that they would be taken care of!
Favorite Features
Its a zippy little truck!
Suggested Improvements
none
Nothing Less Than Amazing.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2 Dr STD 4WD Extended Cab SB
Review
I love this truck. I wanted it since my parents brought it home that night, after spending all day at multiple dealerships. After convincing my parents that if they wouldn't sell it to me I would just go and buy an identical one, they finally sold it to me for $5K. It's now 12 years old and still running strong with absolutely no problems. The muffler rusted itself a 3" gash in it, but I'm not at all upset. I like the sound, which kind of burbles like a Subaru Impreza, but I might buy a Cherry Bomb muffler, then a K&N FIPK Intake. Overall, the truck is flawless and I have no plans on selling it. If something breaks, I'll replace it, but there is no way I'd sell this truck without a fight.
Favorite Features
Everything about the truck makes me happy. I think that the gas mileage is good for a truck, and the truck's 2.4L is pretty zippy if need be.
Suggested Improvements
None at all, other than aftermarket parts. I plan on a 3" lift with a possible straight axle conversion, a K&N FIPK Intake w/ Snorkel, a roll cage (safety first), and some bigger wheels and tires, but other than that I like it the way it is. My daily driver.
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