The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) 3.4 V6 represents a significant iteration of Toyota’s popular compact pickup truck, designed to appeal to a growing North American market seeking versatile and reliable transportation. Introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, this version of the first-generation Tacoma (1995-2004) offered updated styling, improved features, and a robust powertrain. The xTracab configuration, denoting an extended cab, provided increased passenger space and utility compared to the standard cab models, making it a popular choice for both work and recreational use. This model solidified the Tacoma’s reputation as a durable and capable truck, establishing a strong foothold in the competitive mid-size pickup segment.
Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (2000-2004): A Detailed Overview
The facelifted 2000 Toyota Tacoma xTracab 3.4 V6 was primarily aimed at the North American market, where compact and mid-size pickup trucks enjoyed considerable popularity. While Toyota had a presence in the US market prior to the Tacoma, this model was specifically engineered to meet the demands of American truck buyers. It competed directly with offerings from Ford (Ranger), Chevrolet (S-10), and Nissan (Frontier). The xTracab configuration, with its smaller rear seats and doors, offered a compromise between the practicality of a full-size crew cab and the affordability of a standard cab. This made it particularly attractive to families and individuals needing occasional rear-seat passengers.
Engine & Performance
Powering the 2000-2004 Toyota Tacoma xTracab is the 5VZ-FE 3.4-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 190 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 298 Nm (219.79 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. The 5VZ-FE is known for its durability and reliability, a hallmark of Toyota engineering. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its smooth operation and respectable power output for its displacement. The Tacoma’s powertrain is coupled with a 5-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. This configuration provides a direct and engaging driving experience, favored by many truck enthusiasts. The power-to-weight ratio of 56.2 horsepower per liter demonstrates a reasonable level of performance for a truck of this class and era.
Design & Features
The 2000 Toyota Tacoma xTracab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for five passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a robust and durable platform, capable of handling both on-road and off-road conditions. The xTracab configuration features smaller rear doors and jump seats, offering limited but useful space for occasional passengers. The truck’s styling reflects the design trends of the early 2000s, with a relatively boxy silhouette and a functional aesthetic. Key features included standard air conditioning, a basic audio system, and power steering. Safety features, while limited by the standards of the time, included front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The Tacoma’s relatively high ground clearance (215 mm / 8.46 in.) enhances its off-road capability. The truck’s dimensions – a length of 5138 mm (202.28 in.), a width of 1689 mm (66.5 in.), and a height of 1715 mm (67.52 in.) – position it squarely within the compact pickup truck segment.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.4 V6 (190 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 56.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 298 Nm @ 3600 rpm / 219.79 lb.-ft. @ 3600 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 5VZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 3378 cm3 / 206.14 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93.4 mm / 3.68 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 82.04 mm / 3.23 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Max. weight | 1928 kg / 4250.51 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 68 l / 17.96 US gal | 14.96 UK gal |
| Length | 5138 mm / 202.28 in |
| Width | 1689 mm / 66.5 in |
| Height | 1715 mm / 67.52 in |
| Wheelbase | 3096 mm / 121.89 in |
| Front track | 1461 mm / 57.52 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1455 mm / 57.28 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm / 8.46 in |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Tires size | 205/75 R15; 235/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16 |
The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) 3.4 V6 remains a popular choice among truck enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable and capable used pickup. Its combination of durability, practicality, and relatively affordable maintenance costs has ensured its continued presence on roads and trails across North America. The 5VZ-FE engine’s reputation for longevity further contributes to the Tacoma’s enduring appeal.
