2000 Toyota Tacoma: Road Test

Archived Review

2000 Toyota Tacoma 

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  • MSRP: $11,528 -$25,278
  • Invoice: $10,508 -$22,520

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Our road test for the 2000 Toyota Tacoma includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Toyota Tacoma from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Toyota Tacoma, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Toyota Tacoma help you decide if a 2000 Toyota Tacoma is right for you.

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ACCELERATION

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
3 4 4 4

Four-cylinder Tacomas are quicker than most 4-cylinder domestics, but the V6 is our choice in the heavier 4x4s.

FUEL ECONOMY

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
6 5 4 4.6

We averaged 16.1 mpg in a test of a manual-shift 4WD Xtracab and 19.4 with an automatic 4x2.

RIDE QUALITY

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
3 5 4 3.3

The 2WD models are pleasant. Tacoma 4x4s can get bouncy with their stiff damping and big tires, but they're still more comfortable than most competitors.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
3 4 3 3.3

The 2WD models feel sporty, though steering is a little numb. The 4x4s ride higher than most rivals, but still feel stable in quick direction changes.

QUIETNESS

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
4 5 4 3.4

Noise levels are relatively low across the board, though 4x4s suffer marked tire thrum.

CONTROLS

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
7 7 7 5.9

The dashboard is logical and convenient, but climate controls are obstructed by the pull-out cupholders.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
3 4 4 3.8

Good head and shoulder space. Leg room is good, but low positioning forces a somewhat legs-out position. Regular cabs have less seatback-recline clearance than Ford Ranger or Dodge Dakota.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
0 2 2 .9

The upright backrests and short jump-seat cushions suit only children.

CARGO ROOM

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
1 3 3 2.3

Slim in regular cabs. Extendeds are not as generous as Dakota, but a good match for Ford and GM compacts. However, Tacoma is behind the times with only two side doors.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
4 6 5 4.6

Until the '01 crew cab arrives, Tacoma will be way behind in the door wars. It has higher base prices than most competitors, and gets quite costly with just a few extras. But a reputation for reliability, toughness, and high resale value help make Tacoma the best-selling import-brand pickup and a solid Recommended choice.

Total Score

Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Xtracab 2WD, V6 auto. Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. Class Average
34 45 40 36.1

Total Score: 40

Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score
27
Average Score
36
High Score
48

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