The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 3.4 V6, 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 versatile, mid-size trucks. The xTracab designation refers to the extended cab configuration, offering limited rear seating and storage space, differentiating it from the standard cab models. This generation Tacoma quickly gained a reputation for reliability, durability, and off-road capability, establishing a strong foothold for the model that continues to this day. It filled a niche between full-size trucks and smaller, more utilitarian offerings, appealing to both recreational users and those needing a practical work vehicle.
Toyota Tacoma I xTracab: A First Generation Icon
The first-generation Tacoma was a significant departure for Toyota in the American pickup market. Prior to the Tacoma, Toyota’s truck offerings were smaller and often perceived as less robust than domestic competitors. The Tacoma, however, was engineered with American preferences in mind, offering a more substantial feel and a wider range of features. The xTracab model, in particular, provided a compromise between the practicality of a standard cab and the passenger capacity of a full-size crew cab. This generation laid the groundwork for the Tacoma’s enduring success, becoming a benchmark for quality and longevity in the compact pickup segment.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tacoma I xTracab 3.4 V6 is the 5VZ-FE 3.4-liter V6 engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 190 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 298 Nm (219.79 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3600 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to a balanced weight distribution. The power-to-weight ratio of 152.4 Hp/tonne and torque-to-weight ratio of 239 Nm/tonne provided adequate performance for both on-road driving and light-duty hauling. The 5VZ-FE is known for its robust construction and reliability, a key factor in the Tacoma’s reputation. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission. The engine utilizes a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, contributing to its efficiency and responsiveness. The engine requires 5.2 liters (5.49 US qt, 4.58 UK qt) of engine oil and 9.5 liters (10.04 US qt, 8.36 UK qt) of coolant for optimal operation.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for five passengers, although rear seat space in the xTracab configuration is limited. The body-on-frame construction provides a sturdy platform for both on-road and off-road use. The truck’s dimensions are 5055 mm (199.02 in) in length, 1689 mm (66.5 in) in width, and 1560 mm (61.42 in) in height, with a wheelbase of 3096 mm (121.89 in). Ground clearance is a respectable 215 mm (8.46 in).
Feature-wise, the Tacoma I xTracab offered a relatively basic level of equipment compared to modern trucks. However, it included essential features such as ventilated front disc brakes and drum brakes in the rear. Tire sizes varied, with options including 205/75 R15 and 235/55 R16, mounted on 15 or 16-inch wheel rims. Safety features were limited by the standards of the time, but the robust construction of the truck provided a degree of inherent protection. The xTracab configuration added a small rear seat area and storage compartment behind the front seats, enhancing the truck’s versatility. The Tacoma’s design prioritized functionality and durability over outright luxury, reflecting its intended use as a work and recreational vehicle.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I xTracab |
| Type (Engine) | 3.4 V6 (190 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1995 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.6 kg/Hp, 152.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.2 kg/Nm, 239 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 190 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 56.2 Hp/l |
| 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 | 5055 mm / 199.02 in |
| Width | 1689 mm / 66.5 in |
| Height | 1560 mm / 61.42 in |
| Wheelbase | 3096 mm / 121.89 in |
| Front track | 1311 mm / 51.61 in |
| Rear (Back) track | 1440 mm / 56.69 in |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 215 mm / 8.46 in |
| Drivetrain Architecture | 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 3.4 V6 remains a popular choice among enthusiasts and those seeking a reliable, capable, and affordable pickup truck. Its enduring appeal is a testament to Toyota’s engineering prowess and the Tacoma’s ability to meet the diverse needs of its owners. The first generation Tacoma established a legacy of quality and durability that continues to define the model today.
