The Toyota Tacoma I Double Cab (facelift 2000) 2.4 is a compact pickup truck produced by Toyota from 2000 to 2004. This iteration represents a mid-cycle refresh of the first-generation Tacoma, offering a four-door, double-cab configuration that expanded its appeal to families and those needing more passenger space. While the Tacoma was already a popular choice in North America for its reliability and off-road capability, the Double Cab variant broadened its market reach. This model, powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four engine, provided a balance of fuel efficiency and adequate power for everyday use and light-duty tasks. The facelift brought minor cosmetic updates and refinements to the original design.
Toyota Tacoma I Double Cab (facelift 2000): Overview
The first-generation Toyota Tacoma, launched in 1995, quickly gained a reputation for being a durable and capable pickup truck. The 2000 facelift brought subtle styling changes, including revised headlights and a redesigned grille, along with improvements to interior materials and features. The introduction of the Double Cab configuration was a significant development, as it addressed a gap in the market for a compact pickup with genuine rear-seat space. This model competed with offerings from Ford (Ranger), Chevrolet (S-10), and Nissan (Frontier), establishing itself as a strong contender in the segment.
Engine & Performance
The 2000 Toyota Tacoma I Double Cab 2.4 is equipped with the 2RZ-FE 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 142 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 217 Nm (160.05 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4400 rpm. While not a powerhouse, the 2RZ-FE provides sufficient power for typical pickup truck duties, including commuting, hauling light loads, and navigating moderate off-road terrain. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain and multi-port fuel injection, contributing to its relatively smooth operation and reasonable fuel economy. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission, providing ease of use and convenience. The transverse engine layout contributes to a more compact engine bay, maximizing interior space.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tacoma I Double Cab (facelift 2000) is a four-door pickup truck with a seating capacity of five passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a robust and durable platform, well-suited for both on-road and off-road driving. The Double Cab configuration offers significantly more rear-seat legroom compared to the standard cab models, making it a more practical choice for families or those who frequently carry passengers. The interior features basic but functional amenities, typical of trucks from this era. Safety features were relatively limited by today’s standards, but included seatbelts for all occupants. The truck’s design prioritized practicality and durability over outright luxury. The exterior styling is characterized by a boxy shape, a prominent grille, and flared wheel arches. Ride height, or ground clearance, is a notable 215 mm (8.46 inches), enhancing its off-road capability.
Practicality and Utility
The Tacoma Double Cab’s bed offers a useful cargo-carrying capacity for various tasks. The truck’s four-wheel-drive system enhances traction in challenging conditions, making it suitable for navigating snow, mud, and gravel roads. The automatic transmission simplifies operation, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. While not designed for heavy-duty towing or hauling, the Tacoma can handle moderate loads with ease. The vehicle’s relatively compact size makes it maneuverable in urban environments, while its rugged construction ensures long-term reliability.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I Double Cab (facelift 2000) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4 (142 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2000 |
| End of production | 2004 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Power | 142 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 217 Nm @ 4400 rpm / 160.05 lb.-ft. @ 4400 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | 2RZ-FE |
| Engine displacement | 2392 cm3 / 145.97 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l / 5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt |
| Coolant | 7.8 l / 8.24 US qt | 6.86 UK qt |
| Max. weight | 1928 kg / 4250.51 lbs |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l / 18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK 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 (Back) track | 1455 mm / 57.28 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm / 8.46 in |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, 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) 2.4 remains a popular choice among truck enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable and capable pickup. Its combination of practicality, durability, and off-road capability has cemented its place as a classic in the compact truck segment. While newer trucks offer more advanced features and technology, the Tacoma’s simplicity and proven track record continue to appeal to a wide range of buyers.
