1994 TOYOTA T100 Review
Introduction
Early advertising and promotional efforts proclaimed the T100 to be Toyota's entry into the full-size or "big" truck arena. The T100 has a 121.8-inch wheelbase, 209.1-inch overall length and an eight-foot cargo bed. While that represents a substantial step up from a compact truck, a big rig it ain't. Instead, the T100 finds itself competing with popular midsize domestics such as the Ford Ranger, the new Chevy S-Series and its GMC counterparts, and the increasingly popular Dodge Dakota.
Base retail price for our T100 SR5 test model was $18,168, which places it on the high end of other midsize truck offerings. Ours was loaded with creature Pleasers such as automatic temperature control air conditioning, an AM/FM stereo with tape and CD players, and power windows and door locks for a substantial bottom line of $23,715.
Interior
Sliding in through the seemingly oversized door opening, it became apparent that Toyota has gone out of its way to avoid the boxy, klutzy look and feel of more conventional truck designs. The instrument panel and dashboard were curved and flowed smoothly to the windshield. Analog speedometer and tachometer displays were easily readable through the steering wheel and were flanked by temperature, fuel, oil pressure and battery gauges.
Alongside, perfectly contoured armrests stretch nearly the full width of the doors and feature strategically placed finger inserts for easy door opening and closing.
The power door locks and power side view mirror controls of our fully equipped T100 SR5 were positioned on the front of the driver-side armrest. The same level of thoughtful placement applies to all of the controls as well as the bevy of map pockets and storage compartments. This includes the reasonably sized covered compartment in the fold-down center armrest of the 60/40 contoured bench seat.
Seats are comfortable and on the firm side, with good lumbar support and integral contoured headrests. Visibility all around is excellent. Map, entry/exit and overhead lighting is ample and nice positioned. Under way, the virtual absence of wind noise pays tribute to the quality of soundproofing and interior materials as well as to the integrity of the design and manufacture of the T100 SR5.
The capacious box affords 49.2 inches between the wheel wells so, yes, it will consume the benchmark 4-by-8 panel. Loading can be a two-tier affair and as mentioned earlier, the cargo box and tailgate are protected by a standard factory-installed liner The detachable gate also features an outside locking handle so lads can push right up against the inside of the tailgate without impeding opening.
Walk-Around
Our Nordic Blue Metallic T100 SR5 test vehicle greeted us with a refreshing and unmistakably Toyota front grille and bumper configuration. The center-mount chrome grille was backed by black crack-resistant plastic and flanked by dual halogen headlamps and wraparound amber side marker lamps, both covered by crack-resistant plastic lenses. The chromed front bumper was centered vertically and horizontally on the front facade and displayed integrated amber turn signal lamps. Aerodynamics include a large black air dam underneath the bumper and rounded front fenders flowing back to the most distinguishing characteristics of the T100 SR5s profile: boldly flared fenders with wheel openings that reflect truly inventive use of the designer's curve. That flaring and unique curvature are carried through to the rear fender treatments. Standard, monochromatic, styled aluminum wheels, chromed wheel opening lips and bold, raised-letter "Toyota T100" chrome insignia complete this pickup's eye-pleasing appearance. Our T100 SR5s cargo box was covered by a standard vinyl liner as was the detachable tailgate. A chrome bumper includes provision for a light-duty tow hitch. Rear mud flaps are standard.
Impressions
Thanks in no small part to the Hi-Trac independent front suspension, the Toyota T100 SR5 handled and rode-around town and on simulated light off-road terrain-better than most midsize pickup models we've driven.
Around town, the 3.0-liter electronic fuel injection V6 and four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission met all our demands. This engine generates 150 hp at 4800 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 3400 rpm. EPA fuel economy is 14 mpg city, 17 mpg highway. Lower-speed acceleration, engine response and transmission shift points were precise and extremely smooth.
Picking up the pace brought on some disappointment, however. Freeway passing and merging made us wish for more power. Engine performance peaked early in high-speed acceleration, and we detected a bit of chatter from the transmission as it dropped down two gears when we prodded the gas pedal.
On-demand, shift-on-the-fly 4WD is where the T100 SR5 delivers a world-class, state-of-the-art performance. Toyota's automatic disconnecting differentials took us in and out of the 4WD mode quickly and quietly. You almost disbelieve the 4WD indicator light the first time it comes on.
Our T100 SR5, with standard front ventilated disc brakes and an anti-lock braking system in the rear, proved to be sure and steady in stopping, further increasing our confidence in this pickup. There's a driver-side air bag imbedded in the impressive cushy steering wheel, plus lap belts and harnesses for three front seat passengers. Don't plan on anyone larger than a small child in the middle, however.
Summary
Though we feel the T100 SR5 is incorrectly positioned as a full-size pickup, it is a highly suitable, uniquely styled and desirable midsize. The legion of true believers in Toyota's consistently high standards of overall quality, fit and finish won't lose one iota of faith. In virtually every category except high-speed and/or heavy load performance, the T100 SR5 represents a quantum leap up for a compact truck owner and a ,"must see and drive" for anyone in the market for a midsize pickup.
Off the beaten path, the solid, nimble, independent front suspension and Toyota's innovative four-wheel drive system should provide more than a few very pleasant moments. If Toyota had opted to put a little more muscle under the hood and perhaps consider an extended cab version, you'd quite likely find the T100 SR5 considerably higher on the sales charts.
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