The Toyota T100 is the Forgotten Truck That You Should Buy

It's hard to imagine a time when Toyotas weren't ubiquitous on American roadways, but that was the case until fairly recently. In the early 90's Toyota decided it was finally time to enter the full-size truck market, and they did so with the Toyota T100. In this video I will show you why the T100 was so pivotal to Toyota's success in the U.S., and I'll also show you what makes it a great truck! Enjoy!

[zachc]

I have a 1995 T100. 3.4 six, long bed, 5 speed, and 4 x 4. The thing has 282k miles; It won’t die. This was the best 4 grand I ever spent on a car.

[mwgcubs]

I like how you stated that the Tundra success all Started with the t100. Very true man

[HeiloBrandes]

This truck is so underrated. I am glad I own one of them

[ypk]

Well said! The T100 is very much overlooked when people are in the market for a Toyota truck. We got a midspec 96 DLX 2wd and it pulls well for what it is. Without the extra weight of the front diff on the 4wd models, from a stop it has plenty of power to get up to speed. 295k miles and runs strong. Will be in need of a tuneup soon

[johnm]

I had two of the T100 pickup trucks. By far it's best pickup I've ever owned. The 3400 V6 engine was more then enough for me as a daily driver and doing work around the house. I had a DX, and then traded it in for SR5 extra cab and it was loaded. I liked the T100 old style look to it. I'd buy it again if Toyota put out new T100, My old truck is still on road with 235, 000 mile and going strong.

[heinzkitzvelvet]

Outstanding review. I have a 97, white SR5 4WD, just like this one, but automatic. Bought it at auction for $1800 8 years ago and I will NEVER get rid of it. First pickup truck I ever bought, first 4wd too. Had 267, 000 miles. Speedometer cable was broke for 4 years, then I finally fixed it. I'm sure it has well over 300, 000 by now, but doesn't show it on the ODO.

But today, TODAY I got, in the mail, a full set of OEM mudflaps!! In PRISTINE condition. I've been looking for them since I bought the truck and now I finally have them. I'm so excited to put them on.

[curtgomes]

I bought my T100 SR5 almost 30years ago. It's exact;y like the one in this photo, including color, except mine is a 2 wheel drive. I still own this truck and I absolutely love it. It has never failed me in 30 years.

[shigashide]

If you're out in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery, a friend can push the truck and then you pop the clutch with trans in 2nd gear to start the motor. That's why the button is labeled "Clutch Start Cancel". Thank you for the down to earth reviews of forgotten goodness!

[jasonrojas]

I had a 4cyl t100 stick shift 8ft bed, ohh how I miss that truck, got it free off of Craigslist, just had to pay for back taxes, clutch was slipping, I didn’t have money to fix it when I found it, nor did I know how to drive stick . Literally had to learn stick and started working in bee keeping, the owner paid for a new clutch so I could be a asset to his company 😢, was such a blessing. I fucking love humboldt county California, for that ! I currently have Toyota Sienna 2009 and I want a t100 now for off roading 😅, thank you for the video, brought back so many memories 😊

[drwisdom]

We moved to the Colorado mountains and I decided I could use a pickup truck, so I got an 88 Toyota Pickup off craigslist. I used it much more than I expected, but it was a stripper that had no features, not even a cigarette lighter. Its two problems were it was RWD so I couldn't use it in the snow and it didn't have cruise control and my right leg would get tired. So I got a green 97 T100 off craigslist like in this video (4WD, manual) and sold the 88 Pickup. It is really handy for my needs - carrying things, when we get a lot of snow, and Home Depot runs.

While the steering wheel is still in great shape, I got a nice leather cover so I don't have to touch plastic. After 25 years the driver's side of the split bench seat had sagged some. So I replaced the driver's side seat with a Recaro Style I had laying around. It gives me an excellent view and is super comfortable. I got a bluetooth dongle off Amazon for $18. It goes in the cigarette lighter and you tune your radio to it. Now I can stream and have hands free phone conversations (except you still have to use the phone to dial and pickup incoming calls). I also got a phone mount which sits just above the center vents. I scan the local pick-a-part junkyard and a few years ago a wrecked green T100 showed up. I got the matching Leer topper made for the T100, with Thule roof racks, in great condition for $90. I got a set of studded snow tires off craigsllist with about 67% of the tread on 3rd gen 4Runner alloy wheels for $175. Registration is $65/year. The T100 is cheap to operate! The only thing that really costs is gas, but it gets about 20 mpg which isn't terrible for a pickup, and it is my second vehicle.

[dsteward]

My old neighbor still has his 1997 T-100. It's a base model, blue, standard cab, 2wd automatic with the 3.0l V6. Such a cool truck

[kbug-bm]

I bought a ‘96 T-100, manual, 4x4 x cab in ‘99. I still have it. It does have a 2 hour back seat. Whenever I’m at a gas station, someone always asks me if it’s for sale. I always say “sorry no” ❤ 284, 000 + miles and runs like a top!
aww

[charlesbarr]

My 97 T100 has 309k+. She had 287k when I bought her. Everything works: A/C, power windows, etc... I'm trying to repaint it, one panel at a time. Hopefully by the time I get to the last panel, I'll actually know how to do it well... LOL

[davidschmitz]

I purchased my 1998 T-100 SR5 brand new from the dealer and still love it. It only has 171, 000 miles since I have a second better gas mileage vehicle that I drive as well.

[TheCO]

Have owned my '98 T100 SR5 4x4 since new and with 323, 000, it still runs great ! Have taken very good of it and it has returned the favor tenfold ! It was used as a heavy duty work truck plus hunting vehicle and am still using it for hunting plus light hauling.. Without a doubt it's worth it and truly one of a kind - hope to get 500, 000 and continued enjoyment from it !

[Kyle_AZ]

My father has a green model almost identical to this one, however he has the supercharger that was a dealer option. Only has ever changed the head gasket and oil with some smaller stuff that I cant think of as of now. Even the clutch is still factory lol. We went skiing in it as I was growing up every season with other camping/fishing and offroading mixed in. It has put on almost 289k milesand still counting. Runs like a champ and will (probably) never die.

[cember]

My 97 T100 is almost identical to that. Just 2wd and auto. Had it since new. Only about 70kmi. Yeah, great truck..looks nice, runs nice, not too exciting. Yeah, that motor is gaining quite a reputation. It's a keeper.

[sweetwilliam]

I own this truck in a 97 automatic, my second one actually! Can’t beat em! They are becoming very hard to find!

[BBQROCKSTAR]

I’ve got an all original 2001 Tundra SR5 w/ the 3400 engine. Bought it w/ 4 miles on it. Now about 274k…pulled a trailer for about 18 years too. I just cannot justify giving up on this truck when there’s so much life left, when my new target vehicles are around $80, 000.

[ThroughTheTreesTTV]

I'm currently working on a 96 sr5 t100 so the 3.4l 4wd. Honestly I'm in love and it's getting better every day. Soon to be an overlander.

My only complaint so far, everything works and is easy to be repaired the parts are cheap if you know where to look so it makes me feel like I'm not doing anything and I find myself scouting for some "project" to do to it