I have a 2001 4X4 4D and I'm not confident about the vehicle starting all the time. In all the other cars that I have driven, the starting process takes the same duration. In this truck, sometimes I am holding the key 3 seconds, but mostly I am just holding it for a second, but it varies. Is this OK? I'm anticipating the thing not starting up in the winter already...

Hopefully not, but could it be something besides the starter?

 

If the engine is "turning over" and eventually starting then the starter is not the problem.
Look into things like a cap, rotor, plugs, wires, fuel and air filters. Beyond that will take you to timing and fuel pressure.