Used 1996 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews
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Overall Great, Dependable and Fun
Broeheem, 07/31/2010
1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck about a year ago, and am pretty happy with it. The 3.4 has more than enough gusto for me, the trans feels solid, and the suspension is a perfect balance of smooth ride and tight handling. SR5 has nearly all the toys standard and the factory option packages take care of the rest. I was determined to find one with all the options that you could get (except auto - would never own an auto). Exterior is the last decent-looking one before the headlights got massive, interior is not as sweet as the last model (and that hideous exploding steering pillow had to go immediately), but at least Toyota figured out that the speakers ought to NOT be pointing at the floor.
Engine is worn out
christopherrum, 06/03/2013
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
10 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought this truck, have done front rotors, painted the truck and performed some routine maintenance. I am a mechanic by trade and expected this vehicle to hit 500,000 miles because of the reputation of Toyotas. I got it at 198,000 miles and changed some of the engine sensors, plugs wires and ignition coil trying to fix a power issue. Finally I found the engine is simply worn out, my compression is below the minium specification on two cylinders. The piston rings are worn out and the valves are worn as well. I have tried all kinds of chemicals including Zado. It runs well and crainks a bit long when cold but does run and is not noisy mechanically. Chemicals did help my transmission.
Nothing Less Than Amazing.
Izzy, 03/08/2008
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Reliable little truck
IAGuy, 01/13/2005
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am the original owner of this truck with 100k. The only non maint. item was the starter. 30mpg, tight turning radius. Downside: bland looks, cramped interior, terrible seats. Also has high wind/road noise and is easily blown about by high winds.
96 Tacoma
TNguy2001, 07/30/2003
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Two exhaust system replacements and one catalytic converter replacement. Squeeky suspension for about 7 of the 8 years of ownership.
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