The Toyota Tacoma is designed and manufactured in Fremont, California. The name Tacoma infers strength and the rugged outdoors. That is a fitting description of this vehicle. Even though it is a compact truck, it is tough and ready to go. It has an aggressive exterior style with interior luxury. It is available in either a two- or four-wheel drive, with the choices of a regular or extended cab.
Toyota claims that the Tacoma’s four-cylinder engine is comparable to the V-6’s of competitive trucks. However, if that is not sufficient, it is also available with a V-6 engine. This compact truck can tow up to 5000 pounds. The base 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine produces 142 horsepower and 160 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful 3.4-liter, V-6 engine produces 190 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque.
The Range
Body Styles: regular cab pickup, extended cab pickup
Engines: 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 2.7-liter four-cylinder, 3.4-liter V-6
Transmissions: four-speed automatic, five-speed manual
Models: Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tacoma SR5, Toyota Tacoma SR6, Toyota Tacoma PreRunner, Toyota Tacoma Limited
What's New
The 1998 Toyota Tacoma gets a newly-designed front end and the option to add the new TRD Off-Road Package. The TRD package has hydraulic shock absorbers, a 1.02-inch stabilizer bar, and an independent suspension with coil springs. An additional new feature is a cut-off switch for the passenger-side airbag. Also, a new model has been added to the line. The Tacoma PreRunner is a two-wheel drive vehicle with four-wheel-drive performance. Otherwise, it is identical to the other Tacoma trucks. A pre-runner is historically the truck that pre-runs an offroad race course.
Exterior
The 1998 Toyota Tacoma offer fenders that slope downward, large bumpers, aero-style headlights, 14-inch wheels and a new grille, which set these trucks apart from the typical truck in appearance. It has a notable list of optional exterior features, including a chrome step bumper, running boards, a sliding rear window, and a bed liner. The bed liner is only available in an XtraCab model, which comes with a four- or six-cylinder automatic transmission. The measurements are 66.5 inches wide, 61.8 inches tall, and 184.5inches long. The wheelbase is 103.3 inches, and there is clearance ground clearance of a little over six inches.
Interior
The 1998 Toyota Tacoma has a nice selection of optional interior equipment, such as bucket seats, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, and power windows, steering, and door locks. Also optional is an AM/FM CD audio system with a CD changer.
Performance & Handling
The 1998 Toyota Tacoma gets a four-wheel drive that has a longer suspension to improve the ride and handling. However, it remains somewhat clumsy and awkward on asphalt. Nevertheless, it has no problem if it's in an off-road element and obstacles such as rocks, ditches, and steep climbs.
Safety
The 1998 Toyota Tacoma offers safety options that include a four-wheel anti-lock braking system, keyless entry, and an anti-theft system.
EPA Fuel Economy
Toyota Tacoma four-cylinder 2.4-liter, four-speed automatic: 19/22 city/highway
Toyota Tacoma four-cylinder 2.4-liter, five-speed manual: 19/25 city/highway
Toyota Tacoma four-cylinder 2.7-liter, four-speed automatic: 17/22 mpg city/highway
Toyota Tacoma six-cylinder 3.4-liter, four-speed automatic: 17/21 mpg city/highway
Toyota Tacoma six-cylinder 3.4-liter, five-speed manual: 17/22 mpg city/highway
Toyota Tacoma four-cylinder 2.7-liter, four-speed automatic: 16/20 city/ highway
Toyota Tacoma four-cylinder 2.7-liter, five-speed manual 4WD: 16/20 mpg city/highway
Toyota Tacoma six-cylinder, 3.4-liter, four-speed automatic 4WD: 15/18 mpg city/highway
You'll Like
- Toyota reliability
- Powerful engine
- Unique style
You Won't Like
- No third door on the extended cab
- Four-wheel drive is unyielding on asphalt
Sum Up
Rough, tough, and ready to go.
If You Like This Vehicle
- Nissan Frontier
- Isuzu Hombre
- Mazda B-Series
- Ford Ranger
- Dodge Dakota