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1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
Date Published: 11/23/08

1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
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Price Range:
$1,300 - 16,400

Class:
Compact Pickup Truck
1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
Expert Rating Summary
Category
Toyota Tacoma Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto Rating
Performance 4
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 5
Steering/Handling/Braking 4
Quietness 5
Controls/Materials 6
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 44
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
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1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma Review
Toyota's sixth-generation pickup finally got a proper name of its own--Tacoma. The all-new model ha a driver-side airbag, and featured aggressive new styling, both inside and out. Propelling the new Tacoma were three engines--two 4-cylinders and a V6. The new engines included a 142-horsepower dual-overhead-cam 2.4-liter, a 150-horsepower dual-overhead-cam 2.7-liter, and a 190-horsepower dual-overhead cam 3.4-liter V6. The Tacoma also rode on a redesigned chassis and suspension and came with rack-and-pinion steering in place of the previous recirculating ball system. Also, 4-wheel ABS was now optional on all Tacoma models. The 4WD models were visually differentiated from 2WD models by a distinct grille treatment and an elevated chassis.
Year to Year Changes
1996 Toyota Tacoma: For '96, Toyota's Tacoma pickup is provided with a new off-road package that includes a locking rear differential. The new unit is available only on regular-cab 4WD models with a manual transmission. On 2WD models it includes a rear differential locking system, 31-inch tires on alloy wheels, and a tachometer. On 4WD models, Toyota charges a little more, but adds bucket seats, a center console, and 4WDemand, the more sophisticated of Toyota's two 4-wheel-drive systems.
1997 Toyota Tacoma: For 1997, 2WD models get a new grille and flush headlights. Also, the base 2.4-liter engine gains a new ignition system and a more sophisticated sequential multipoint fuel-injection system.
1998 Toyota Tacoma: Tacoma finally gets a passenger-side airbag, and the SR5 models get a new name--Limited.
1999 Toyota Tacoma: Seatbelt pretensioners topped the short list of changes for '99.
2000 Toyota Tacoma: Intermittent windshield wipers became standard, and models with ABS now had daytime running lights. Four-wheel-drive trucks got numerically higher axle ratios for quicker takeoffs.
2001 Toyota Tacoma: New for 2001 were 4-door Double Cabs with four front-opening doors and a 60/40 folding rear bench seat. All models got a restyled front end with a raised hood and prominent grille. Also added for 2001 was a new S-Runner model--a manual-transmission V6 PreRunner Xtracab with stiffer springs, premium shock absorbers, color-keyed exterior, and special interior appointments.
2002 Toyota Tacoma: There were no significant changes for 2002.
2003 Toyota Tacoma: Antilock brakes were made standard on all models for 2003.
2004 Toyota Tacoma: The Tacoma loses its optional flare-fender StepSide cargo box in 2004.
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