The Toyota Tacoma I Single Cab 2.7 (182 Hp) Automatic, produced between 1995 and 2000, represents the first generation of Toyota’s immensely popular compact pickup truck in the North American market. While Toyota had offered smaller trucks previously, the Tacoma was specifically designed to appeal to American buyers seeking a versatile, reliable, and relatively affordable vehicle. This initial iteration of the Tacoma established the foundation for the truck’s enduring success, becoming known for its ruggedness and longevity. It filled a niche between full-size trucks and smaller, more utilitarian offerings, quickly gaining a loyal following among both personal and commercial users.
Toyota Tacoma I Single Cab: A First Generation Overview
The Tacoma I Single Cab was a significant departure from the Hilux models that preceded it in many international markets. Toyota recognized the distinct preferences of North American truck buyers, and the Tacoma was engineered accordingly. The single-cab configuration, with its two doors and three-passenger capacity, prioritized functionality and affordability. It was offered with a range of engine and drivetrain options, but the 2.7-liter inline-four engine paired with an automatic transmission became a popular choice for those seeking a balance of power and fuel efficiency. This generation Tacoma was instrumental in establishing Toyota as a major player in the competitive North American pickup truck segment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tacoma I Single Cab 2.7 Automatic is 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 a powerhouse, the 3RZ-FE is renowned for its durability and reliability. The engine features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder, and utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system for efficient combustion. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The longitudinal engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. The power-to-weight ratio of 67.6 horsepower per liter reflects a focus on practicality rather than outright performance. This powertrain combination provided adequate performance for everyday tasks and light-duty hauling, making it a suitable choice for a wide range of buyers.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tacoma I Single Cab is a traditional pick-up truck in its body style, featuring a separate cab and bed configuration. The single-cab design emphasizes utility and compactness. The truck’s exterior styling is functional and relatively understated, reflecting the design trends of the mid-1990s. The interior is basic but durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury. Safety features for the era included standard seatbelts and a robust chassis designed to withstand the rigors of truck use. The Tacoma’s relatively small size made it easy to maneuver in urban environments, while its sturdy construction allowed it to handle off-road conditions with reasonable competence. The bed offered ample cargo space for its class, and the truck’s overall design catered to buyers who needed a versatile and dependable work vehicle or a weekend hauler. Available tire sizes included 205/75 R15 and 235/55 R16, mounted on 15 or 16-inch wheel rims.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I Single Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 2.7 (182 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| 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 | 57 l / 15.06 US gal | 12.54 UK gal |
| Length | 4585 mm / 180.51 in |
| Width | 1689 mm / 66.5 in |
| Height | 1549 mm / 60.98 in |
| Wheelbase | 2624 mm / 103.31 in |
| Front track | 1395 mm / 54.92 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1414 mm / 55.67 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 | 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 Single Cab 2.7 Automatic, despite its relatively modest specifications, proved to be a remarkably successful vehicle. Its combination of reliability, affordability, and versatility cemented its place in the North American truck market and laid the groundwork for the Tacoma’s continued dominance in subsequent generations. The truck remains a popular choice among enthusiasts and collectors, valued for its simplicity, durability, and enduring appeal.
