The Toyota Tacoma I Single Cab, produced between 1995 and 2000, represents the first generation of Toyota’s immensely popular compact pickup truck in North America. While Toyota had offered smaller trucks previously, the Tacoma was specifically designed to appeal to the growing North American market for smaller, more fuel-efficient, and versatile trucks. It quickly gained a reputation for reliability and durability, establishing a strong foothold for Toyota in the competitive pickup truck segment. The Single Cab configuration, featuring a two-door layout and seating for three, was aimed at buyers prioritizing utility and affordability. This generation Tacoma served as a crucial stepping stone for Toyota, paving the way for the Tacoma’s continued success and evolution into the mid-size truck it is today.
Toyota Tacoma I Single Cab: A Detailed Overview
The first-generation Tacoma was a significant departure from the Hilux models that preceded it in some international markets. Toyota recognized the need for a truck tailored to the preferences of American buyers, resulting in a vehicle that blended rugged capability with a degree of refinement not typically found in compact pickups of the era. The Single Cab model, in particular, offered a no-nonsense approach to truck ownership, focusing on practicality and work-oriented functionality. It became a popular choice for individuals and businesses needing a dependable and compact hauler.
Engine & Performance
Powering the 1995-2000 Toyota Tacoma I Single Cab was the 5VZ-FE 3.4-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated engine produced 190 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 298 Nm (219.79 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine featured a longitudinal front-engine layout, multi-port fuel injection, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration provided a good balance of power and efficiency for its time. The Tacoma’s weight-to-power ratio of 6.6 kg/Hp (152.4 Hp/tonne) and weight-to-torque ratio of 4.2 kg/Nm (239 Nm/tonne) contributed to its respectable performance. The engine displaced 3378 cm3 (206.14 cu. in.) and had a compression ratio of 9.6:1. The 5VZ-FE was known for its longevity and relatively simple maintenance requirements, further enhancing the Tacoma’s reputation for reliability. The engine required 5.2 liters (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) of oil and 9.5 liters (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tacoma I Single Cab was a traditional pick-up truck in terms of body style, featuring a two-door configuration and a separate bed. Its design prioritized functionality and durability over outright aesthetics. The Single Cab offered seating for three occupants. The truck’s dimensions included a length of 4585 mm (180.51 in), a width of 1689 mm (66.5 in), and a height of 1549 mm (60.98 in). The wheelbase measured 2624 mm (103.31 in), and the track widths were 1395 mm (54.92 in) at the front and 1414 mm (55.67 in) at the rear. Ground clearance was a useful 215 mm (8.46 in). The Tacoma I Single Cab boasted a kerb weight of 1247 kg (2749.16 lbs) and a maximum weight of 1928 kg (4250.51 lbs), with a maximum load capacity of 681 kg (1501.35 lbs). The truck was equipped with ventilated disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Standard tire sizes included 205/75 R15 and 235/55 R16, mounted on 15 or 16-inch wheel rims. Safety features were relatively basic by modern standards, reflecting the era in which it was produced, but included seatbelts and a robust chassis construction.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I Single Cab |
| Type (Engine) | 3.4 V6 (190 Hp) 4WD |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 3 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.6 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 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 engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 9.5 l (10.04 US qt | 8.36 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1247 kg (2749.16 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1928 kg (4250.51 lbs.) |
| Max load | 681 kg (1501.35 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.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| 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 Single Cab, despite its age, remains a sought-after vehicle among enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable and capable pickup truck. Its simple design, durable construction, and the legendary 5VZ-FE engine contribute to its enduring appeal. It represents a pivotal moment in Toyota’s North American truck strategy, establishing the Tacoma as a serious contender in a highly competitive market.
