Large pickup truck; Built in Japan
  • ext. cab
  • reg. cab
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $1,000 – $5,000*


1995 Toyota T100 regular cab


1995 Toyota T100 XtraCab extended cab


1994 Toyota T100 regular cab


1995 Toyota T100 XtraCab extended cab interior


1995 Toyota T100 V-6 engine

Pros:
  • Reliability
Cons:
  • Acceleration (4-cylinder, early V6)
  • Price

The bottom line is this: If you want more than a compact pickup, don’t need a V8 engine, and think getting added refinement is worth paying a little extra to get, the T100 is a great way to go.

Overview

The T100 looked like a full-size truck next to Toyota’s compact, but actually slotted in between the midsize Dodge Dakota and the true full-size trucks. Toyota’s 150-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 was the only available powerplant. Limiting appeal of early models was the fact initial T100s were only available in the regular-cab format. Two trim levels were offered–Standard and SR5–both available in either 2WD or 4WD. Standard models came with a 60/40 split bench seat as does the SR5. T100s came with a small storage box behind the seats, and SR5s provide a built-in tool box. Power steering and rear antilock brakes were standard on all models.

Yearly Updates

1994 T100 Pickup
A driver-side airbag and the addition of a 4-cylinder as the new base engine are the major changes for the T100’s second model year. A 150-horsepower, twin-cam 2.7-liter 4-cylinder bows in a new entry-level T100 model, available only in 2WD format. In addition to the driver-side airbag, all T100s gain the requisite side door-guard beams and a center high-mount stoplamp. Among the other changes, there’s a new 2WD DX V6 model, plus a One Ton model.
1995 T100 Pickup
Toyota finally adds an extended-cab model to its T100 lineup, and drops the previous V6 for a new 190-horsepower V6. The T100s new Xtracab is available in both DX and SR5 grades, and provides an extra 21.7 inches to the cab. They come equipped with a 60/40 split front bench seat, forward-facing 50/50 split jump seats for three, with accompanying safety belts. The new V6 is available with either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, in 2- or 4-wheel drive.
1996 T100 Pickup
The T100 One Ton with its 2480-pound payload capacity is discontinued.
1997 T100 Pickup
Bucket seats and 16-inch-diameter wheels are new features available this year on Toyota’s nearly full-size pickup.
1998 T100 Pickup
T100 sees no changes for ’98. But an all-new model would be ready for ’99.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive

At introduction, Toyota’s 3.0-liter V6 was the only available powerplant for the T100. It provided 150 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 3400 rpm. For ’94, a new 2.7-liter 4-cylinder became the new base engine, and provides the same 150 horsepower at 4800 rpm, and 177 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The 3.0-liter remains standard on DX and SR5 models until ’95, when the arrival of a new dual-overhead-cam 3.4-liter V6 replaced the smaller V6. Output for the new V6 jumped to 190 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 220 pound-feet of torque at 3600 rpm.

dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.7/163
Engine HP 150
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 177
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
20/24
19/22
21.8
18.7
ohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.0/181
Engine HP 150
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 180
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
16/21
16/20
15.7
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.4/181
Engine HP 190
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 220
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
17/21
17/20

Road Test

The 4-cylinder model delivers only modest performance and has been added to the line to serve primarily as a price leader. The 3.4-liter V6 provides adequate acceleration in 2WD models, but in the heavier Xtracab 4WD versions, the manual transmission is necessary in order to maintain lively acceleration for passing and climbing hills. With the automatic, the V6 gets off the line quickly and maintains strong acceleration if you keep the throttle wide open, but feels lethargic when a quick burst of power is needed in the 30-55 mph range.

The 2WD models absorb most bumps easily, but there’s too much bouncing on wavy roads with an empty cargo bed. However, it tends to be more stable than a lot of big pickups. Steering and handling are better, too. The stiffer suspension of the 4WD models produces a choppier ride, and the added ride height results in extra body lean when navigating turns. The T100’s refinement is noticeable in the lack of cabin noise. The engines make themselves heard only during hard acceleration. Wind and road noise are both moderate.

The big Toyota pickup earns high marks in most areas. It’s wide enough for three adults to sit in front, but the middle passenger is required to rest their feet on the transmission tunnel and sit with knees only an inch or so from the stereo. The Xtracab’s front passenger seat slides forward nicely, but it takes some twisting to climb into the rear seats. Once aboard, there’s adequate leg and foot room for adults, and the slightly reclined backrest is a nice touch. But the rear-seat padding is quite thin and the lower cushion is uncomfortably flat. The T100’s dashboard is modern and convenient, though when the dual cupholders near the top of the dash are being used, the climate controls are blocked.

Ratings

Model Tested: 1996 Toyota T100 3.4-liter ext. cab

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 3
30%
Fuel Economy - 3
30%
Ride Quality - 3
30%
Steering/Handling - 3
30%
Quietness - 3
30%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Front - 4
40%
Room/Comfort Rear - 2
20%
Cargo Room - 2
20%

Other

Value - 4
40%

Total: 31

Specifications

ext. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
121.8 209.1 75.2 68.2
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
2150 24.0 6
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.6 37.8 42.9 29.6
reg. cab
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
121.8 209.1 75.2 67.2
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
1650 24.0 3
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
39.6 NA 42.9 NA
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 1998 T100 reg. cab

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision 89
Injury 62
Theft 80

Trouble Spots

Automatic transmission
Description: A-40 series automatic transmissions may shift harshly because rubber check balls become smaller, blow through the plate, and get dislodged. (1993-97)
Exhaust system
Description: In compliance with emission-control regulations, the oxygen sensor will be replaced free at the 80,000-mile maintenance. (1993-95)
Oil consumption
Description: Excessive oil consumption caused by sludge buildup on the cylinder heads. Company is extending warranty. (1993-98)
Water pump
Description: The water-pump seal may leak. (1993-94)

Recall History

1993-98
Description: If steering wheel is repeatedly turned under high-effort conditions, fatigue crack may develop in steering relay rod, which could eventually fracture.
1998
Description: Some wheel lug nuts are defective, causing loss of torque, fatigue fracture of wheel, and possible loss of wheel.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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