Tacoma

2001 Toyota Tacoma Pickup Has Something For Everyone

By Kemel Cereceda
The popular Toyota Tacoma compact pickup expands its lineup for 2001 with the addition of the all-new four-door Double Cab and S-Runner sport truck.
Toyota will be a serious contender in the compact pickup market with a value-packed lineup that is as diverse as the buyer. The versatile four-door Double Cab will combine cargo-hauling capability, passenger comfort and rugged styling - all essential ingredients for the truck buyer with an “active lifestyle.” The sporty S-Runner will combine radical styling with the ultimate in on-road performance to appeal to young truck enthusiasts.
All 2001 Tacomas share the same exterior appearance that capitalizes on Tacoma 4x4’s strong image. A new, more aggressive appearance is accomplished with a new front fascia that includes a vertical grille and raised hood character lines, new multi-reflector headlamps and jeweled tail lamps.
Tacoma is available in Regular Cab, Xtracab and Double Cab models in 4x2, PreRunner and 4x4, and with a manual or automatic transmission. In addition to existing Tacoma models, four all-new configurations include Double Cab 4x4 V6, PreRunner Double Cab, PreRunner Double Cab V6 and the sporty S-Runner.
All 2WD Tacomas (excluding S-Runner and PreRunner) feature a standard 2.4-liter, 16-valve, twin-cam four-cylinder engine, that produces 142 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 160 lb./ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. 4WD and PreRunner models feature the most powerful four-cylinder engine in a compact pickup with a standard 2.7-liter, 16-valve, twin cam producing 150 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 177 lb./ft. of torque at 4,000 rpm. Available on 4WD and PreRunner models is a 3.4-liter, 24-valve, twin-cam V6 engine, which generates 190 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 220 lb./ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. The same engine, coupled with a five-speed transmission, is standard on the S-Runner. The 2.4-liter engine is available with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic, and the 2.7-liter and 3.4-liter engines are available with either a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed electronically controlled automatic.
For added excitement, The 3.4-liter V6 offers a fully warranted, dealer- installed supercharger from Toyota Racing Development (TRD). The TRD blower boosts output by 40 percent to 260 horsepower.
To provide improved reliability and reduced maintenance, all three Tacoma engines are fitted with Toyota’s Direct Ignition (TDI) distributorless ignition system, which replaces the distributor with crank and camshaft position sensors, the Engine Control Module and individual coils for the cylinders. This results in more accurate ignition timing, and aids the On Board Diagnostic system (OBD-11) in misfire detection.
A locking rear differential aids Tacoma 4x4 and Tacoma PreRunner in low-speed, off -highway maneuvering. The driver may lock the rear differential by pressing a dash-mounted button. When engaged, the locking rear differential evenly splits torque between both rear wheels, forcing them to turn in unison for extra traction.
Tacoma’s suspension smoothes out the bumps, while providing excellent ride quality. Both 2WD and 4WD models are equipped with an independent front suspension with double wishbones and coil-over springs, gas-filled shocks and stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a live axle located by leaf springs with staggered shocks. Featured on the new S-Runner is a special performance- tuned suspension with a larger front stabilizer bar, rear stabilizer bar, tuned coil and leaf springs and Tokico shock absorbers that provide great handling by reducing body roll.
Inspired by Toyota’s successful desert racing program, the TRD Off-Road package is available on 4WD, PreRunner Xtracab and Double Cab models (excluding 4-cylinder 4ECT models). The package offers a rugged combination of front and rear gas shock absorbers, locking rear differential (V6 only), progressive-rate front coil springs, modified rear leaf springs, a larger stabilizer bar, P265/70 R16 BF Goodrich tires on five-spoke aluminum wheels, overfenders and TRD graphics.
Brakes on all models are front disc/rear drum, with the 4WD and PreRunner models offering larger units front and rear, four-piston calipers, and a larger brake booster. Four-wheel ABS also is available.
The Tacoma cargo bed is a double-wall design to help minimize damage to the exterior skin in the event that a cargo load should shift, and is fitted with four inner tie-down points and stampings for bed partitions.
All Tacomas are equipped with a dual Supplemental Restraint System airbags (SRS). The Tacoma airbag SRS also includes a passenger-side cut-off switch (excluding Double Cab). Additional safety features include front seat belt pretensioners and force limiters, passenger ALR/ELR three-point seat belts in all positions, side door impact beams and an energy absorbing steering wheel and column. New for 2001, all Tacomas will feature tether anchor brackets to supplement child restraint systems. Tacoma’s standard interior features include new sculpted door trim, a panel that features orange color illumination and white-faced gauges on SR5 and Limited grades (or as option), tachometer, fabric bench seat, full-cut pile carpeting, door pockets, two auxiliary power outlets located under the cigarette lighter, dual cup holders, a driver-side foot rest, tinted windshield glass, auto-off headlights and adjustable front seatbelt anchors. In addition, all 2001 Tacomas have new electric rotary climate control, a new four-spoke steering wheel and new seat fabric.
All Xtracab Cab models offer a 60/40 split front bench seat (excluding S-Runner), forward-facing fold-up rear jump seats with outboard three-point seatbelts, a fold-out table with integrated cupholders that also helps accommodate a child restraint seat, flip-out rear quarter windows, and AM/FM/Cassette audio with six speakers.
All Tacoma models are available in seven exterior colors. For 2001 Tacoma offers four new exterior colors - - Super White, Mystic Gold Metallic, Radiant Red and Impulse Red. Tacoma exteriors are complemented with Charcoal or Oak interiors.
Limited Warranty Toyota’s 36-month/36,000-mile basic new vehicle limited warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items.
Additional 60- month limited warranties are available and cover powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion perforation with no mileage limitation.