The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) 2.7 represents a significant iteration in Toyota’s popular compact pickup truck lineage. Introduced as part of the first-generation Tacoma (1995-2004), the 2000 facelift brought refinements to styling, safety, and features, solidifying the Tacoma’s reputation for reliability and capability. This model, powered by the 2.7-liter inline-four engine, was primarily aimed at buyers seeking a versatile and durable truck for both work and recreational purposes. While the Tacoma was a mainstay in the North American market, its development and initial design were influenced by Toyota’s global strategy for compact trucks, drawing on experience from similar vehicles sold in other regions.
Toyota Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) 2.7: A Detailed Overview
The Tacoma quickly gained popularity in the United States due to its blend of ruggedness, dependability, and relatively compact size, making it suitable for both urban environments and off-road adventures. The xTracab configuration, featuring a small rear seat and extended cab, offered increased passenger space compared to the standard cab models, enhancing its practicality for families or those needing to transport occasional passengers. The 2000 facelift specifically addressed some earlier criticisms regarding interior refinement and safety features, making it a more competitive offering in the increasingly popular compact truck segment.
Engine & Performance
At the heart of the 2000 Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 2.7 lies the 3RZ-FE 2.7-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 182 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 240 Newton-meters (177.01 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. While not the most powerful engine in its class, the 3RZ-FE is renowned for its durability and longevity. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system for efficient fuel delivery. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. The Tacoma’s powertrain is paired with a five-speed manual transmission, delivering power to the rear wheels. This configuration provides a direct and engaging driving experience, favored by those who prefer greater control over gear selection. The engine’s 9.5:1 compression ratio is a key factor in its efficiency and reliability.
Design & Features
The 2000 Toyota Tacoma I 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 demanding tasks and rough terrain. The xTracab configuration features a small rear seat, accessible through side-hinged doors, offering limited but useful passenger space. The exterior styling of the facelifted model included subtle revisions to the front grille, headlights, and bumper, giving it a more modern appearance.
Safety features for the 2000 model year, while not as comprehensive as modern standards, included front ventilated disc brakes and rear drum brakes. The Tacoma’s relatively short wheelbase (3096 mm / 121.89 in.) and manageable dimensions contribute to its maneuverability in tight spaces. Ground clearance of 215 mm (8.46 in.) allows for moderate off-road capability. The interior, while functional, prioritized durability over luxury, with hard-wearing materials and a straightforward layout. Key features included a standard audio system and basic instrumentation. The Tacoma’s design focused on practicality and reliability, making it a popular choice for both work and recreational use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I xTracab (facelift 2000) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 (182 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 | 182 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 67.6 Hp/l |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 4000 rpm / 177.01 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 3RZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 2694 cm3 / 164.4 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm / 3.74 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 95 mm / 3.74 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.4 l / 5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt |
| Coolant | 8.2 l / 8.66 US qt | 7.21 UK qt |
| 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 | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | 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) 2.7 remains a popular choice among truck enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable and capable pickup. Its enduring reputation for durability, combined with its relatively compact size and versatile configuration, ensures its continued presence on roads and trails for years to come. The 3RZ-FE engine, in particular, is highly regarded for its longevity and ease of maintenance, making it a practical and cost-effective option for owners.
