The T100 powertrain array has been expanded, as we said. Now, insteadof taking the 3.0-liter V6 or else, the T100 has a 2.7-liter four-cylinder
engine rated at 150 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, but it is
offered only in the budget-priced Standard truck, with the 3.4-liter V6--190
hp, 220 lb.-ft. of torque--standard in all other models. The 2.7-liter
engine is the only four-cylinder offered in a full-size pickup, an installation
made in 1994 to reduce the T100's basic purchase price, and its power doesn't
stack up all that well against the basic engines in its Big Three rivals.
The V6 is also short of the V6 power and torque of a Ford or Chevy pickup
for real work, but on the street, with only passengers to carry, it was
just fine, quiet, smooth and eager to perform, even with an automatic.
And don't forget, Toyota also makes some of the world's best manual gearboxes;
we mention this because a manual may be a better deal with this engine,
since it makes the most of the available power.