The Good
The 1999 Tacoma shines in reliability and off-road performance, appealing to practical buyers seeking longevity and utility. Its compact size makes it maneuverable. Emotionally, owners appreciate its rugged, dependable nature and strong resale value, offering peace of mind and a sense of adventure.
The Bad
Frame rust is a significant concern for 1999 Tacomas, especially in colder climates. Check the undercarriage thoroughly. Other potential issues include ball joint wear, particularly on 4x4 models, and potential for engine oil leaks as the truck ages. Also, the interior can feel dated and basic by modern standards.
1999 Toyota Tacoma: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.4L Inline-4: 142 hp, 160 lb-ft of torque
- 2.7L Inline-4: 150 hp, 177 lb-ft of torque
- 3.4L V6: 190 hp, 220 lb-ft of torque
- Fuel Economy (estimated, varies with configuration):
- 2.4L I4: 22-26 mpg combined
- 2.7L I4: 20-24 mpg combined
- 3.4L V6: 17-21 mpg combined
- 0-60 Times (estimated):
- 2.4L I4: 10-11 seconds
- 2.7L I4: 9-10 seconds
- 3.4L V6: 8-9 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 lbs (with V6 and proper equipment)
- Trim Level Features:
- Base: Vinyl upholstery, basic AM/FM radio, manual windows and locks.
- DLX: Upgraded cloth upholstery, improved interior trim.
- SR5: Chrome exterior trim, alloy wheels, upgraded audio system, optional air conditioning, power windows and locks. May also include bucket seats and a center console.
- General Features: Available in 2WD or 4WD. Transmissions included a 5-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic. Bed lengths varied depending on cab configuration. Options included a sliding rear window, sunroof (rare), and various bed accessories.
1999 Toyota Tacoma Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 1999 |
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Trim | - |
| Style | Regular Cab 2WD |
| Type | Pickup Truck |
| Category | Small Pickup Truck |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United States |
| Manufacturing City | FREMONT |
Dimensions
| Doors | 2-Door |
| Curb Weight | 2600 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 4244 pounds |
| Overall Height | 62.00 inches |
| Overall Length | 184.50 inches |
| Overall Width | 66.50 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 103.30 inches |
| Standard Seating | 3 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 2.4-L I4 |
| Engine Size | 2.4L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 5-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | Non-ABS 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $12,698 |
| Invoice Price | $11,640 |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 1999 Toyota Tacoma Have?
Beyond frame rust, common issues include ball joint wear, particularly on 4WD models. Regular greasing and inspection are essential. Engine oil leaks, especially from the rear main seal, can develop as the truck ages. Power steering leaks are also relatively common. The check engine light can illuminate due to various sensor failures (O2 sensors, MAF sensor).
Other potential problems include worn suspension components (shocks, bushings), clutch wear (manual transmissions), and differential issues (especially with heavy off-road use). The interior plastics can become brittle and crack over time. There were some recalls related to fuel pulsation dampers, but these should have been addressed long ago. Ensure all recall work has been performed before buying any used Tacoma. While generally reliable, regular maintenance and attention to these potential issues are key to long-term ownership.
How long will the 1999 Toyota Tacoma last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features are also basic: driver and passenger airbags and standard seatbelts. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were an optional feature on some models. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) was not available. Crash test ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) were not comprehensive for this vehicle. The NHTSA gave the Tacoma a mixed bag of ratings depending on the specific test (frontal, side impact).
Optional features centered around comfort and convenience: air conditioning, power windows and locks (SR5 trim), upgraded audio systems, and bedliners. Don't expect modern connectivity features like Bluetooth or smartphone integration. The focus was on ruggedness and reliability, not cutting-edge technology. Aftermarket upgrades are common for those seeking enhanced entertainment or driver-assistance capabilities.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
1999 Toyota Tacoma Prices and Market Value
1999 Toyota Tacoma Cost of Ownership
1999 Toyota Tacoma Fuel Efficiency
1999 Toyota Tacoma Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
1999 Toyota Tacoma Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
1999 Toyota Tacoma Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 1999 Toyota Tacoma Compare to Other Pickup Truck?
The Nissan Frontier offers a similar blend of capability and reliability at a potentially lower price point, though it might not hold its value as well. The Ford Ranger is a readily available alternative with a broader range of configurations but may not be as durable long-term. The Chevrolet S-10 and Mazda B-Series are generally less desirable due to reliability concerns.
If reliability is paramount, the Tacoma is a top choice. However, if budget is a primary concern, a well-maintained Nissan Frontier could be a viable alternative. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual needs and priorities, and critically, the condition of the specific vehicle being considered.
Ranks #59 Truck
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Tundra | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2022 Honda Ridgeline | (5.0★) |
| 3 | 2023 Ford E-Transit Chassis | (0.0★) |
| 4 | 2020 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Cab Chassis | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD | (0.0★) |
| 6 | 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz | (5.0★) |
| 7 | 2023 Nissan Frontier | (5.0★) |
| 8 | 2024 GMC Sierra 2500HD | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Ram 4500 | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2022 Jeep Gladiator | (5.0★) |
| 11 | 2012 Suzuki Equator | (0.0★) |
| 12 | 2009 Mitsubishi Raider | (5.0★) |
| 59 | 1999 Toyota Tacoma | (4.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 1999 Toyota Tacoma a Good Pickup Truck?
Jude Medina on January 13, 2024
Best first truckI have a 99 prerunner with the 2.7 4 cylinder and it had 308k on the stock engine and tranny. It’s a really great daily
LorieMIl on July 8, 2020
Car one owner for saleIce Cold Air Conditioning, AM/FM stereo with CD player, Silver exterior & Clean gray interior. As with any truck this age, there are a few small blemishes, but overall in super condition. Towing Package and Bed Liner with A/C outlet in truck bed.
Aloha on May 31, 2020
Very reliableI've owned a king 99 2.7 4by for 15 yrs now.Very reliable with minimal issues!Yes I would by another yet with a larger eng. as 4cyls struggle to pull its rated payload and even far less,a turbo option would have helped immensely!
Bbtoyota fan on December 30, 2019
Truck made for the long haulI'm a retired auto/truck mechanic and decided to buy my first 99 Toyota tacoma prerunner. I love the dependability of the truck. The truck had 150K and to date I've replaced all shocks (age), and then performed a tune- up on the engine.
S on November 16, 2019
AwesomeBest vehicle ever. Easy to drive, goes anywhere, simple repairs, super practical. Used for work, driving forest and other dirt roads, and also long distance highway driving. Does it all.
Tacoma99 on November 15, 2018
Very tough truck. Very reliable.Have driven this truck many years. Other than the usual wear and tear items the only thing I have had to replace is the radiator. Have had a lot of fun with it. Tows well Drves great with a full load. A Chevy truck drove into the rear quarter with minimal damage to the heavy gage steel. The front of the Chev was demolished.
Jay P on March 26, 2018
Reliable Truck for a lifetimeI've had this truck for over 2 years now and never had a major issue with it. Accidently had a fire in the back with a fire pit and it still runs!! burned all the interior but still fixable.
GUNNYUSMC on March 15, 2018
It's a good Truck!It's a great vehicle, but it needs work, it's a project Car, but other than that, great little Truck! Toyota Trucks have a good reputation
Steve2017 on January 2, 2018
A Great Choice for Off Road ExplorationI've owned this truck for over 18 years. It's been a very capable and versatile truck. Much of my use has been camping, four wheeling, light towing, and extended trips around the western U.S. It has a four cylinder, 2.7 liter engine, with 5 speed manual transmission and 4WD. Gas mileage ranges from 21 to 23 mpg. Over the years it has been very dependable and very reliable. However, just recently, at 201,000 miles, it required a valve overhaul. It now runs better than new and can likely go many more miles with good reliability. Another reason to like this vehicle is the robust aftermarket that exists for improving the vehicle, such as suspension lifts, cat-back exhausts, etc.
Derek79 on September 5, 2017
Upgraded from single cab to extended cabMeets my needs for a great work truck. I like the model of this vehicle. It runs great and just needs a little talc.
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.