2001 Toyota Tacoma Review

　　

zzdcar' Expert Review

by the zzdcar Experts

　　

What’s new

　　Toyota releases the Double Cab. A new StepSide version is available, and the S-Runner sport truck debuts. Revised front styling and new alloy wheels give the 2001 Toyota Tacoma a more rugged look. New exterior colors and option package content shuffling sum up the obvious changes for 2001.

　　

zzdcar says

　　A capable compact pickup with a variety of body styles to suit most buyers. The 2001 Toyota Tacoma has a reputation for reliability, but value in question due to high asking prices.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$183/mo  for Tacoma Base

　　Tacoma Base

　　2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $11,845 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A) - $12,565 MSRP2dr Xtracab 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M) - $14,485 MSRP2dr Xtracab 2WD SB (2.4L 4cyl 4A) - $15,205 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M) - $16,255 MSRP2dr Regular Cab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A) - $17,155 MSRP2dr Xtracab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M) - $18,375 MSRP2dr Xtracab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A) - $19,275 MSRP2dr Regular Cab PreRunner 2WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A) - $13,735 MSRP2dr Xtracab PreRunner 2WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A) - $16,335 MSRP4dr Double Cab PreRunner 2WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A) - $17,955 MSRP2dr Xtracab S-Runner V6 2WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 5M) - $17,905 MSRP2dr Xtracab PreRunner V6 2WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 4A) - $18,185 MSRP4dr Double Cab PreRunner V6 2WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 4A) (Most Popular) - $18,815 MSRP2dr Xtracab V6 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 5M) - $19,465 MSRP2dr Xtracab V6 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 4A) - $20,365 MSRP4dr Double Cab V6 4WD SB (3.4L 6cyl 4A) - $21,965 MSRP

　　vs

　　$218/mo

　　Avg. Compact Truck

　　

Vehicle overview

　　Toyota's sixth-generation compact pickup debuted seven long years ago with a new name: Tacoma. It's supposed to suggest the rugged outdoors, as well as strength and adventure, but a friend of ours once quipped, "Obviously, nobody from Toyota has actually been to Tacoma."

　　Regular Cab, Xtracab and new-for-2001 Double-Cab bodies are available, with either two- or four-wheel drive. Double-Cab models are exclusive to North America, and are not dressed-up versions of the company's four-door commercial truck sold in overseas markets. Double-Cab features 11 inches of ground clearance, and a 61.4-inch long cargo bed. Also new this year is a StepSide bed option package for 2WD Tacomas, and the sporty S-Runner model. S-Runners, offered only with 2WD, include special trim, wheels, a 190-horsepower V6 and a sport-tuned suspension.

　　Tacoma is aggressively styled, inside and out, and for 2001 a fresh front look ties the truck more closely to its larger Tundra brother. Available in base, mid-grade SR5, sporty S-Runner or upscale Limited trim, Tacomas can be dressed in chrome or body-color accents, as the buyer wishes. Interiors are industrial in design, failing to appear modern, but are constructed of high-quality materials. Seat comfort, however, is not best in class.

　　The PreRunner model is available with SR5 or Limited trim. It is designed to attract truck buyers who desire, but cannot afford, a 4WD truck, 4WD truck owners who don't use their 4WD as often as they expected, and 2WD truck buyers who take their vehicle off-road. Historically, a "pre-runner" is a truck that pre-runs an off-road racecourse. Toyota's PreRunner has benefited from considerable suspension tuning and development work with Toyota Motorsports desert racing truck program to produce a 2WD vehicle with 4WD capabilities.

　　Any of three potent engines go under the hood. Two-wheel-drive Tacomas get a 2.4-liter four-cylinder base engine, rated at 142 horsepower and 160 foot-pounds of torque. Tacoma 4x4s and 2WD PreRunners earn a 2.7-liter four with 150 horsepower and 177 foot-pounds of torque. Standard on Double-Cab and optional on Xtracab models is a DOHC, 24-valve V6 that whips out 190 horses and 220 foot-pounds of torque. With V6 power, the Tacoma can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. A supercharger is available from Toyota Racing Development (TRD) for the V6, boosting output to 260 horsepower. Ask your dealer for details.

　　All Tacomas have front coil springs instead of torsion bars, but 4x4s and PreRunners feature longer suspension travel to improve ride/handling qualities. Four-wheel antilock braking is optional on all Tacomas, and all pickups contain dual front airbags with a shut-off switch for the passenger's side.

　　Toyota hopes to attract buyers with the handsome styling and rugged image of its Tacoma as well as its reputation for quality and reliability. Generally, we like the Tacoma, but question the value it represents. Most of these Toyota trucks don't come cheap. Guess that's the price you pay for the peace of mind a Toyota provides.

　　

2001 Tacoma Highlights

Type: XtracabRegular CabDouble CabDouble Cab

　　Trim: PreRunnerPreRunner V6V6PreRunner

　　

Base MSRP	$17,955
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$207/month
Seating	5 seats
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Max Towing Capacity	3,500 lbs.
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles