1996 Toyota Tacoma Review
1996 Toyota Tacoma Review

Used Tacoma for sale
Appraise This CarToyota Tacoma model years
Toyota Tacoma types
- Extended Cab
- Regular Cab
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds 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 $3.12 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$172/mo for Tacoma Base
Tacoma Base
vs
$228/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.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1996 Toyota Tacoma.
5 star(67%)
4 star(29%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
49 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4 out of 5 stars
Not sure these trucks can be killed.
shelbert1, 09/04/2013
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I have owned 2 vehicles since 1985, my whole driving life.
My 1st truck at 15 was a 1980 toyota pickup, I ran it to 550k miles before giving it to my brother in 1998.
I purchases this 1996 Tacoma as a replacement.
Was hoping for half the life of my 1st.
It did not disappointed me yet.
Just turned over 350k miles and is still my daily driver.
Would not even think twice about heading … cross country.
I have replaced a starter,
clutch master cylinder,
and all bushings and ball joints (only one failed but I changed them all).
Have yet to even replace the clutch but it is starting to slip
I will buy another one if this one does give it up.
4.88 out of 5 stars
My little truck
timmybird, 08/14/2008
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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.
4.5 out of 5 stars
I Love My Toyota
joe, 06/12/2010
1996 Toyota Tacoma V6 2dr Extended Cab 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl naturally aspired 5M)
I bought my Toyota at 118,000 , and after replacing little things here and there, it still runs like new and looks good. It has seen mud and water door high and have not got it stuck yet. I will have this truck restored and give it to my son (maybe) I do love my truck..
4.75 out of 5 stars
Most Reliable Vehicle I've Ever Owned
BB, 05/14/2009
1996 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Extended Cab SB (2.4L 4cyl naturally aspired 5M)
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!
1996 Tacoma Highlights
Extended Cab
Base
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $172/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver2 / 5Passenger3 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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