The Toyota Tacoma I Double Cab (facelift 2000) represents a significant iteration of Toyota’s popular compact pickup truck, specifically tailored for the North American market. Introduced as part of the first-generation Tacoma (1995-2004), the 2000 facelift brought updated styling and refinements to an already successful formula. This model, equipped with a 3.4-liter V6 engine and automatic transmission, offered a compelling blend of capability, reliability, and passenger comfort, establishing the Tacoma as a leading contender in the mid-size truck segment. While not initially designed for the European or Asian markets, the Tacoma’s success in the US paved the way for Toyota’s broader global pickup truck strategy.
Toyota Tacoma I Double Cab (2000-2004): A Detailed Overview
The Tacoma I Double Cab facelift of 2000 was a response to growing demand for a pickup truck that could comfortably accommodate both work and family needs. Prior to this, extended cab options were limited in rear passenger space. The Double Cab configuration significantly increased interior room, making the Tacoma a viable option for those requiring a second row of seating. The facelift also included minor cosmetic updates to the exterior, enhancing its appeal. This generation of Tacoma quickly gained a reputation for its durability and off-road prowess, becoming a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts and tradespeople alike.
Engine & Performance
Powering the 2000-2004 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 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 features a V-configuration with 6 cylinders, a 9.6:1 compression ratio, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port manifold injection system. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. The power-to-weight ratio of 8.3 kg/Hp (120.6 Hp/tonne) and torque-to-weight ratio of 5.3 kg/Nm (189.1 Nm/tonne) provide adequate performance for both on-road driving and light-duty hauling. The 4-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth gear changes and contributes to the truck’s overall usability. Fuel economy is rated at approximately 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg) in urban conditions and 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) on the highway.
Design & Features
The 2000 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab is a four-door pickup truck designed to accommodate five passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a robust platform for both on- and off-road driving. The Double Cab configuration offers significantly more rear passenger space compared to the standard extended cab models. The exterior styling of the facelifted model features subtle refinements, including updated headlights and a revised grille. The truck’s dimensions are 5138 mm (202.28 in) in length, 1781 mm (70.12 in) in width, and 1715 mm (67.52 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 3096 mm (121.89 in). Ground clearance is a respectable 215 mm (8.46 in). Safety features for the era included ventilated disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. Standard tire sizes were 205/75 R15 or 235/55 R16, mounted on 15 or 16-inch wheel rims. The Tacoma’s interior focused on practicality and durability, with comfortable seating and a functional dashboard layout. The truck’s maximum load capacity is 739 kg (1629.22 lbs), and it boasts a fuel tank capacity of 70 liters (18.49 US gal).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I Double Cab (facelift 2000) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.4 V6 (190 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 8.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 1576 kg (3474.49 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2315 kg (5103.7 lbs.) |
| Max load | 739 kg (1629.22 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal) |
| Length | 5138 mm (202.28 in.) |
| Width | 1781 mm (70.12 in.) |
| Height | 1715 mm (67.52 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3096 mm (121.89 in.) |
| Front track | 1461 mm (57.52 in.) |
| Rear track | 1455 mm (57.28 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm (8.46 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Type of gearbox | Automatic 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 Double Cab (facelift 2000) with the 3.4 V6 engine and automatic transmission remains a popular choice in the used vehicle market. Its combination of reliability, practicality, and off-road capability continues to appeal to a wide range of buyers. The truck’s enduring legacy is a testament to Toyota’s engineering prowess and its understanding of the needs of North American truck owners.
