The Toyota Town Ace Noah 2.2 TD Automatic, produced between 1998 and 2001, represents a specific configuration within the third generation of the Town Ace Noah line of minivans. This variant, powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 94 horsepower, was positioned as a practical and economical choice within the broader Town Ace Noah range, catering to families and commercial users prioritizing fuel efficiency and cargo capacity over outright performance. It was part of the larger Toyota efforts to provide versatile people-carrying vehicles for the Japanese domestic market, and increasingly, for export.
Toyota Town Ace Noah 2.2 TD Automatic: Overview and Positioning
The Town Ace Noah, and its twin the Toyota Master Ace Surf, were designed to fill a niche between smaller kei vans and larger, more luxurious MPVs. The 2.2 TD Automatic trim occupied a middle ground in the lineup. Below it were typically gasoline-powered versions with lower horsepower, aimed at budget-conscious buyers. Above it were higher-spec gasoline models, and potentially more powerful diesel variants (depending on regional availability), offering more features and performance. The 2.2 TD Automatic was a popular choice for those needing a reliable, spacious vehicle for both passenger and light cargo duties.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Town Ace Noah 2.2 TD Automatic is the 2184 cm³ (133.28 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine, typically identified by internal Toyota codes, utilized a precombustion chamber injection system. This system, common in diesel engines of the era, involved injecting fuel into a precombustion chamber connected to the main cylinder, promoting more complete combustion and reducing noise. The addition of a turbocharger significantly boosted power output to 94 hp at 4000 rpm and 211 Nm (155.63 lb-ft) of torque at 2200 rpm. This torque figure was particularly important for a vehicle intended for hauling passengers and cargo.
The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle. The automatic transmission is a four-speed unit, designed for smooth operation and ease of use. While not offering the most advanced gear ratios, it was well-suited to the engine’s torque curve, providing adequate acceleration for everyday driving. The transmission was chosen to appeal to a wider range of drivers, particularly those who preferred the convenience of an automatic over a manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The driving experience in the Town Ace Noah 2.2 TD Automatic is characterized by its practicality and ease of use. The 94 hp engine, while not particularly powerful, provides sufficient power for typical urban and highway driving, especially considering the vehicle’s weight of 1450 kg (3196.7 lbs). Acceleration is modest, but the readily available 211 Nm of torque allows for comfortable cruising and effortless overtaking, once momentum is established. The four-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, although it may exhibit some hunting for gears on inclines. Compared to the gasoline-powered Town Ace Noah models, the 2.2 TD Automatic offers superior fuel economy and a more relaxed driving experience at highway speeds, thanks to the diesel engine’s higher torque output. Compared to any potential higher-output diesel variants, this model prioritizes fuel efficiency and affordability over outright performance.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The standard equipment level of the 2.2 TD Automatic trim was generally geared towards practicality and functionality. Typically, it included features such as power steering, air conditioning, and basic audio system. Interior upholstery was usually a durable cloth material, designed to withstand heavy use. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, prioritizing ease of use over aesthetic flair. Optional extras available for this trim could include power windows, upgraded audio systems, and alloy wheels. Higher trim levels within the Town Ace Noah range offered more luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, woodgrain interior trim, and more advanced audio systems.
Chassis & Braking
The Town Ace Noah 2.2 TD Automatic utilizes a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable platform. The front suspension consists of torsion bars, while the rear suspension employs an independent coil spring setup. This suspension configuration provides a comfortable ride quality, capable of absorbing bumps and irregularities in the road surface. The braking system features ventilated discs on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear wheels. This configuration was common for vehicles in this weight class during the late 1990s and early 2000s. The vehicle’s relatively modest weight and engine output meant that the braking system was generally adequate for its intended purpose.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Toyota Town Ace Noah 2.2 TD Automatic was generally well-received by critics and consumers alike. It was praised for its spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and reliability. The diesel engine, while not the quietest or most refined, was known for its durability and longevity. Compared to other minivans in its class, the Town Ace Noah offered a compelling combination of practicality, affordability, and reliability. Its fuel economy was a significant advantage over gasoline-powered competitors, making it a popular choice for those who drove long distances or frequently carried heavy loads. However, some critics noted that the interior was somewhat basic and lacked the sophistication of some of its rivals.
Technical Specifications
| Engine Type | 2.2L Turbo Diesel |
| Engine Displacement | 2184 cm³ / 133.28 cu. in. |
| Number of Cylinders | 4, Inline |
| Fuel Injection | Precombustion Chamber Injection |
| Power Output | 94 hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Torque Output | 211 Nm @ 2200 rpm / 155.63 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm |
| Transmission | 4-speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Kerb Weight | 1450 kg / 3196.7 lbs |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 l / 14.53 US gal / 12.1 UK gal |
| Length | 4475 mm / 176.18 in |
| Width | 1695 mm / 66.73 in |
| Height | 1935 mm / 76.18 in |
| Wheelbase | 2715 mm / 106.89 in |
| Front Track | 1460 mm / 57.48 in |
| Rear Track | 1445 mm / 56.89 in |
Legacy
The Toyota Town Ace Noah 2.2 TD Automatic has proven to be a remarkably durable and reliable vehicle. Many examples are still on the road today, testament to the quality of Toyota’s engineering and the robustness of the diesel engine. In the used car market, this variant is often sought after for its practicality, fuel efficiency, and affordability. While maintenance costs for diesel engines can sometimes be higher than for gasoline engines, the 2.2 TD engine is generally considered to be relatively easy to maintain. The Town Ace Noah 2.2 TD Automatic remains a popular choice for those seeking a dependable and spacious minivan for family or commercial use, particularly in regions where diesel fuel is readily available and affordable.
