1998 TOYOTA TACOMA, AMERICA’S BEST
COMPACT PICKUP TRUCK, IS REDESIGNED FOR 1998

Toyota's award winning Tacoma is redesigned for 1998 with an updated look and a more redefined interior. Lauded by its owners for its quality, value and performance, the Tacoma was rated the Best Compact Pickup Truck in Initial Quality in the 1997 J.D. Power and Associates survey for the seventh year running. Built at Toyota's New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI) production facility, in Fremont, Calif., the 1998 Tacoma compact pickup truck enters the new year with redesigned front-end styling on 4WD models, numerous mechanical refinements, an enhanced list of standard equipment and an expanded list of options across the lineup. Like all Toyotas, Tacoma makes safety a priority and for 1998 all models feature a new passenger-side airbag with a cutoff switch. All Tacomas are equipped with a driver-side airbag Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), ALR/ELR (automatic locking retractor/emergency locking retractor) three-point seatbelts in all positions except the center-front on bench seat-equipped models, side door impact beams and an energy absorbing urethane steering wheel. Tacoma 4WD models receive new front styling for 1998. With its more streamlined and aggressive look, the new front end features flush, aerodynamic headlights and flanks a bold new grille. Clearance lamps also are changed, and blend seamlessly with the headlights. Front styling on 2WD and 4WD models also benefits from a new, larger front bumper.

OPTION PACKAGES - Buy The Tacoma Here

Two all-new option packages also will be offered for '98. Inspired by Toyota's successful Desert Racing Program, a special Toyota Racing Development (TRD) OffRoad package is available on 4WD Xtracab models (excluding 4-cylinder 4ECT models). The package offers a rugged combination of front and rear Bilstein shock absorbers, locking rear differential, increased-rate front coil springs and rear leaf spring suspension, modified camber rear springs, a larger stabilizer bar, 31x10.5R15 white lettered Goodyear tires, overfenders (color key on Limited models) and a special Offroad graphics package. All Tacomas can be further customized with a new Color Key Package, that includes color keyed front bumper and valance on both 2WD and 4WD models and a color keyed grille on 2WD models. Tacoma is available in regular- and extended-cab models, with two- or fourwheel drive, manual or automatic transmissions and with four-cylinder or V6 engines. Grade levels include Tacoma, Tacoma SR5 and Tacoma Limited, while the SR5 package replaces last year's LX value package and the Limited grade replaces the former SR5. All models feature new tailgate and C-pillar badging. Toyota's revised SR5 model features air conditioning, chrome plate or color key package, chrome plated rear bumper, sliding rear window with gray privacy glass, Deluxe ETR radio/cassette with four speakers and spiral spring back antenna, sunvisor with mirror and pocket and special SR5 badging. Also available on Tacoma SR5s, models is a color keyed front bumper, valance and grille combination.

ENGINE - Buy The Tacoma Here

All 2WD Tacomas feature a standard 2.4-liter, 16-valve, twin-cam four-cylinder engine, that produces 142 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 160 lb./ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. 4WD models feature a standard 2.7-liter, 16-valve, twin-cam four-cylinder engine producing 150 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 177 lb./ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Optional on both 2WD and 4WD models is a 3.4-liter, 24- valve, twin-cam V6 engine which produces 190 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 220 lb.ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. The 2.4- liter engine is available with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic, and the 2.7-liter and 3.4-liter engines are available with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed electronically controlled automatic. For improved reliability and reduced maintenance, the 2.7-liter engine is fitted with Toyota's Direct Ignition (TDI) system which replaces the distributor with a crank fire sensor and uses an individual coil for each pair of cylinders. This results in more accurate ignition timing, and aids the On Board Diagnostic system (OBD-II) in misfire detection. In response to continued demand by serious off-roaders, Tacoma continues to offer manual locking hubs as standard equipment on 4WD models.

4WDEMAND SHIFT-ON-FLY SYSTEM - Buy The Tacoma Here

Optionally available is Toyota's 4WDemand shift-on-the-fly system for shifting into 4WD at speeds up to 50 mph. Also available optionally on Limited models is Toyota's one-touch Hi-4 selector switch for easy 4WD engagement. On all systems, the transfer case control lever is used to shift into 4WD Low range. The available locking rear differential aids Tacoma in low-speed, off-highway maneuvering. When 4WD Low is selected, the driver may lock the rear differential by pressing a dash-mounted button. When engaged, the locking rear differential evenly splits torque between both rear wheels, forcing them to turn in unison. Tacoma's suspension smoothes out the bumps, while providing excellent ride control both on and off the road. Both 2WD and 4WD models are equipped with an independent double wishbone front suspension with coil springs. A 1.02-inch stabilizer bar and hydraulic shock absorbers are featured on all 2WD models. All 4WD models now feature as standard gas-filled shock absorbers for additional ride control. The rear suspension on all models is a live axle located by leaf springs with staggered hydraulic shocks.

WHEELS - Buy The Tacoma Here

2WD regular cab models are ftted with 14x5 inch wheels with full wheel covers and P195/75R14 all-season tires. Xtracab models receive 14x6 inch wheels with P215/70R14 tires. For both models, an optional 14x6 inch alloy wheel is available. 4WD models are fitted as standard with 15x6 inch steel wheels and P225/75R15 mud and snow tires. Optional on Tacoma 4WD models are 15x7 inch alloy wheels with new smooth riding P265/75R15 tires.

BRAKES - Buy The Tacoma Here

Brakes on all models are front disc/rear drum, with the 4WD models offering larger units front and rear, and a larger brake booster. Four-wheel ABS is available. Tacoma's cargo bed is a double-wall design to minimize damage to the exterior skin in the event that a cargo load should shift, and is fitted with four inner tie-down points. Tacoma is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with the V6 engine and 3,500 pounds when powered by a four-cylinder, with a payload range of 1,664 to 1,914 pounds.

INTERIOR - Buy The Tacoma Here

Tacoma's standard interior features include updated fabric bench seat, full door trim with cloth inserts, dual armrests, two new power outlets located under the cigarette lighter, more conveniently located dual cup holders, new rotary-type ventilation controls, a driver-side foot rest and full carpeting and new felt headliner. The heavy-duty wiper motor, previously available only on Tacomas equipped with an optional cold kit, is also standard equipment for 1998. Xtracab models add a 60/40 split front bench seat with updated fabric, forward facing rear jump seats, rear child restraint system, fold-out table with integral cupholders, flip-out rear quarter windows and height-adjustable front headrests. 4WD Xtracab Limited models offer a long list of standard amenities, including front bucket seats (six-way adjustable for the driver, four-way adjustable for the passenger with fore and aft adjustable headrests), full door trim with armrest, front map lights, dual sunvisors with vanity mirror, tilt wheel, full instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer with new digital odometer and dual tripmeter, fuel and coolant temperature, digital clock, new Deluxe AM/FM Cassette with four speakers, illuminated cigarette lighter, cruise control, power package, variable intermittent wipers, sliding rear window and quarter window with privacy glass, exterior Chrome Package, new color-key overfenders, alloy wheels and Limited package-specific badging. The Tacoma is available in nine exterior paint colors, three new for 1998. New Copper Canyon Mica, Surfside Green Mica and Mystic Purple Mica complement the Tacoma's gray or oak interiors.

LIMITED WARRANTY - Buy The Tacoma Here

Toyota's 36-month/36,000-mile basic new vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month limited warranties are available and cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation. Toyota dealers have complete details on the limited warranty.

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