The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab 3.4 V6, produced from 1995 to 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 Tacoma laid the groundwork for the model’s enduring success, becoming a benchmark for reliability and resale value in the compact truck segment.
Engine & Performance
Powering the 1995-2000 Toyota 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 features a longitudinal front-engine layout, a 9.6:1 compression ratio, and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. Fuel delivery is managed by a multi-port manifold injection system. This powertrain configuration provides a balance of power and efficiency suitable for both on-road driving and light-duty off-road applications. The engine’s robust construction contributes to the Tacoma’s renowned reliability. The 4-speed automatic transmission delivers power to the rear wheels, providing smooth and predictable shifts. The engine oil capacity is 5.2 liters (5.49 US qt / 4.58 UK qt), and the cooling system requires 9.5 liters (10.04 US qt / 8.36 UK qt) of coolant.
Design & Features
The Toyota Tacoma I xTracab is a two-door pickup truck with seating for five passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a sturdy platform for both on-road comfort and off-road durability. The xTracab configuration features a small rear seat area accessible via side-facing jump seats, along with additional storage space behind the front seats. The exterior design is characterized by a relatively boxy shape, typical of pickup trucks of the era. The Tacoma offered a range of features, including power steering, air conditioning, and an AM/FM radio. Safety features were relatively basic by modern standards, but included seatbelts and a driver-side airbag. The Tacoma’s design prioritized functionality and durability over outright luxury, reflecting its intended use as a practical work and recreational vehicle. Ride height, or ground clearance, is a notable 215 mm (8.46 in), enhancing its off-road capability. 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).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Toyota |
| Model | Tacoma |
| Generation | Tacoma I xTracab |
| Type (Engine) | 3.4 V6 (190 Hp) Automatic |
| 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) |
| 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 |
| Max. weight | 1928 kg / 4250.51 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 | 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 xTracab 3.4 V6 remains a popular choice among enthusiasts and collectors, prized for its reliability, off-road capability, and enduring appeal. Its success paved the way for subsequent generations of the Tacoma, solidifying its position as a leading mid-size pickup truck in the North American market. The first generation Tacoma’s blend of practicality, durability, and affordability continues to resonate with buyers today, ensuring its legacy as a true automotive icon.
