1996 Toyota Tacoma Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 1996 Toyota Tacoma got a few upgrades, including an optional off-road package. The 4WD system was improved, and the 4WDs also got a few more amenities, like bucket seats and a center console.
The 1996 Toyota Tacoma was available in three trim levels: the Regular Cab, the Xtracab, and the SR5 Xtracab. The Regular and the Xtracab were available in 4WD, and the SR5 came standard with it. The base engine was a 2.4-liter, 142-horsepower four cylinder; and a 2.7-liter, 150-horsepower four-cylinder; or a 190-horsepower V6 was also available. Fuel economy varied depending on the engine and cab, and ranged from about 17/19 to 22/28.
Drivers like the 1995 Toyota Tacoma because it is a basic, reliable truck that does what it is supposed to do. Owners of the 95 Tacoma say that that the compact size is good for those who don’t anticipate having to haul huge loads. Some driver say the seats can be uncomfortable and the ride bumpy, and those with the extended cab say the seats are cramped.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1996 Toyota Tacoma
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Jorge C
Feb 16, 2023
The 4.0 engine make good miles for gallon.
I got mine three years ago for u$ 4.500 .
Now it worth 8.000Feb 16, 2023
by Anonymous
Nov 08, 2013
I would recommend for work and casual driving. Fun to drive and long lasting. Great for first time drivers (especially teens). Not too expensive to own or insure. Inside comfortable. Amazing work... Been driving this car for about 10 yearsNov 08, 2013
by Anonymous
Nov 03, 2012
I really have nothing negative to say about my truck, I love it! I bought it brand new back in '96, and I wouldn't trade a thing or take any amount for my truck. It's been shipped oversea's with me, and brought back home to Kentucky. Though I have had many vehicle's since owning this truck, I have always preferred it over anything else i've owned. Nov 03, 2012
User rating:
by Jorge C
Feb 16, 2023
The 4.0 engine make good miles for gallon.
I got mine three years ago for u$ 4.500 .
Now it worth 8.000Feb 16, 2023
by Anonymous
Nov 08, 2013
I would recommend for work and casual driving. Fun to drive and long lasting. Great for first time drivers (especially teens). Not too expensive to own or insure. Inside comfortable. Amazing work... Been driving this car for about 10 yearsNov 08, 2013
by Anonymous
Nov 03, 2012
I really have nothing negative to say about my truck, I love it! I bought it brand new back in '96, and I wouldn't trade a thing or take any amount for my truck. It's been shipped oversea's with me, and brought back home to Kentucky. Though I have had many vehicle's since owning this truck, I have always preferred it over anything else i've owned. Nov 03, 2012
by Terry A C
Jan 13, 2010
This was a very reliable little pickup truck. I had to put a clutch in it, an alternator, and a few other small things. But....these were its only problems in a matter of 250,000 miles. I put only one star for appearance because after I smashed it off a guardrail, it didn't look too hot. It wasn't the fastest thing, but she was fun in the snow.Jan 13, 2010
by Ben B
Nov 28, 2009
The truck is great. It handles well and has more power than you might think. The truck is in great shape for a 96 and the interior is as clean as the exterior. Great gas mileage and low maintenance costs.Nov 28, 2009
by Adam G
Sep 22, 2009
Stuff its got
-k&n cold air intake
-custom magnaflow exhaust
-15x10 craiger steel rims
-33x12.5x15 bfg t/a ko
-3" suspension lift
-3" body lift
-Doug Thorley header
-12" 800 watt pioneer sub
-800 watt mono amp
-2 jbl speakers front
-2 pioneer speakers rear
-2 toyota tweeters in front doors
-200 watt 4 channel pioneer head unit
-camo seat covers
-rubber floor mats
-rear differential breather extensionSep 22, 2009
by Alexander J
Sep 03, 2009
Its a bad ass off-road truck, we use it all the time for wake skate lol and its good on gas milage. The exaudt the i have on my truck is pretty loud for a V6 and i can get through about anything Sep 03, 2009
by Dustin L
Jun 25, 2009
I would tell anyone that wants a pickup to go anywhere buy one of these pickups four wheel drive of course. They last a long time and are really reliable. They get really good gas mileage to. Go out and get yourself one of these pickups.Jun 25, 2009
by Sean L
Jun 24, 2009
My Tacoma is a blast to drive and tough as nails. i drive it like i stole it but make sure to take good care of it too. i would recommend the 3.4 V-6 if you have the option.Jun 24, 2009
by Anonymous
Nov 24, 2008
I bought this truck with 92000 now has 211000 spent about 200 in parts to maintain running operation of the truck. Replaced rotors twice a starter part and a thermostat. Still runs strong but I am getting nevous. I told the father in law who I bought it from "hope it makes it 100,000 for me". Its made it and then some. Cant afford a new one but love the body all the way up to 04. he 05 and up are ugly with the fenders bugging out. Would definatley buy another if the price was right.Nov 24, 2008
by Baron J
Oct 06, 2008
Sweet truck. will not go over 80 to save its life. awesome mileage, like 35/40, awesome offroad, build quality was fantastic, cheap to own, never breaks, sweet bumper does well against oldsmobile aleros lol only down side is the lack of power but what do u expect. got it off an oil co in town for like $500 and its in near perfect condition. tough to beatOct 06, 2008
by Alex S
Aug 27, 2008
My 96 tocoma is the truck i have always wanted. It has real good acceleration for a stock 3.4 liter v6. It brakes good except it tries to lock up on really hard braking. It handles really good considering it has an 6 inch suspension lift and 33 inch bfgoodwich mud terrian km2 tires. It runs great never had a problem doesnt shake or squeak. Its interior is just like brand new. The exterior is really good shape also. It gets around 14 mpg with the lift and bigger tires. The truck is really fun to drive it looks good sounds good and has a bad system with two solo baric kicker 12's and a 1800 watt kenwood class d mono amp.Aug 27, 2008
by J-F M
Aug 19, 2008
Great handling with modified suspension, but towing could be helped with more horses. Inside could be better but i'm too tall and have to lean forward to see above . Off-road this is great and not affraid to push it to the max. Maintenance wise ?? nothing to do on it, it dont break and it's not like i dont try.Aug 19, 2008
by Tom H
Aug 01, 2008
Build Quality -- Like all my Toyota vehicles, very low maintenance and easy to repair.
Appearance -- Anything looks good with shiny paint and wide tires.
Cost of Ownership -- Cheap Maintenance, great gas mileage.
Fun Factor -- Oh yeah, it's fun for sure. Especially on long drives to the beach or out of town.Aug 01, 2008
by Alex C
Jul 08, 2008
the tacoma was a great reliable truck. i had a heavy right foot and loved
to pop the clutch. needless to say the only thing i had to replace the
clutch. the toyota tacoma was the most reliable vehicle i ever had. Jul 08, 2008
by Ryan M
Jun 22, 2008
it had 6" of lift with 33"s on 15 x 10" mickey thompson classic locks, and had a 2.7 with a 5 speed...Jun 22, 2008
by Brianna P
Jun 01, 2008
It was what a Toyota truck should be.Jun 01, 2008
by Cory K
Apr 19, 2008
This truck is amazing. It has almost 190,000 miles on it and still runs like it was just out of the package. Easy to fix, easy to drive. It's manual which makes driving it that much more fun.Apr 19, 2008
by Philip P
Mar 30, 2008
Fun to driveMar 30, 2008
by Juan M
Jan 04, 2008
bestest car evaJan 04, 2008
by Robert T
Dec 14, 2007
none right nowDec 14, 2007
by Anonymous
Aug 21, 2007
I like this truck a lot. It is mechanically durable and dependable which are my priorities. The 4wd is also great and it is very capable in the snow and off-road. I wish the 4 cylinder had a little more power. I wanted a 4 cylinder to get better gas mileage than the V-6 but I still only get around 17 in the city and 21 on the highway, and it doesn't accelerate very happily. I'm not sure what MPG the V-6 gets. The truck also looks good and tough. Aug 21, 2007
by Anonymous
Aug 09, 2007
great truck low maintence Aug 09, 2007
What users have asked
1996 tacoma fuel injector signal trigger cam or crank
What controls the fuel injector signal cam or crank
14 views
in the early morning, my truck will start without any problems. But as the day heats up, and i go to the store or something, when i come out it won't want to start. Its not the fuel pump or fuel filter, so what other problems could be causing it not to start when its hot, but only when it cools down.
My truck is a Toyota tacoma, 1996. 4 wheel drive. i have changed gas, changed the fuel filter, and have tried injector cleaners etc. What else could be causing it to not start in hot weather, and only when my truck cools. It seems to vapor lock or something.
759 views
can i tow my 1996 Toyota Tacoma lx 4wd
can i dolly tow my 1996 Toyota Tacoma lx 4wd
40 views
1996 Toyota Tacoma -- Rough Idle
I have a 1996 Toyota Tacoma 2.4L 2WD. In the last couple of months, the idle has been rough when the engine is warm. Idles at approx 700 RPM. When RPM is increased, engine smooths out. No OBD error codes. I've checked cylinder compression (ok), replaced spark plugs, cured leaks in exhaust, sprayed throttle body cleaner into the throttle body, pulled spark plug wire from each plug while engine running (all seem to make the engine idle equally rough), checked for vacuum leaks (none found), and replaced fuel filter. Any ideas on what to do next?
275 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1996 Toyota Tacoma?Compare this car
1996 Toyota Tacoma Pricing
Original MSRP
$12,448 to $22,648Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Seats
Front seat type: bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: split-bench · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Airbags
Driver side front airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Front bumper color: chrome · Pickup tonneau cover: soft · Rear bumper color: chrome
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: jumpseats
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: manual horizontal
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent