2003 Toyota Tacoma Review
Fuel Economy
16 - 22 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A capable compact pickup with a variety of body styles to suit most buyers. Has a reputation for reliability, but value in question due to high asking prices.
Pros
Flexible and refined drivetrains, competent off-road, multiple body configurations.
Cons
High price, most convenience features are optional, no third or fourth door on Xtracabs.
What's New for 2003
The 2003 Toyota Tacoma compact pickup is upgraded with standard antilock brakes on all models. Additionally, child restraint system lower anchors have been added to the front passenger seat on Regular and Xtracab models, and to the rear outboard seats on Double Cab models.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Good combination of features
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Xtracab Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
Review
2.4L automatic, extended cab 2WD SR5. So far, I'm getting 25 mpg. The smallest engine available, but has perfectly adequate power. This is the first year for standard ABS, which was a hard to find option. I searched forever for these features in a used truck, really glad I found it. I hear the '05 and newer Tacomas don't have as good build quality, they're larger and don't offer the 2.4L. If you're looking for great reliability and mileage, I'd get an '03 or '04.
Favorite Features
Extended cab. No extra interior room without it, but you still get a 6 foot bed with it, unlike the 4 door. Nobody will ever ride back there, but it's good inside space to put a few groceries, etc.
Suggested Improvements
Hard to find luxury options on Tacomas. Sun roof, Power locks & mirrors, and power heated leather bucket seats with lumbar adjustment as found in my '99 Avalon would be great.
Great Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Tacoma 4dr Double Cab PreRunner Rwd SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I have owned this vehicle for over two years. I bought it for myself, but it has now become my daughter's primary vehicle. I feel good knowing that she is in a safe vehicle that is unlikely to cause problems for her. Whenever I take it in for routine service the techs comment on how good of shape it is in mechanically.
Favorite Features
The locking rear differential has been handy. The ride height is good for traffic views. The short bed box is handy for the types of things I need to haul on occasion while keeping the overall length convenient for around town driving. Good power.
Suggested Improvements
None.
Surprising MPG
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Tacoma 4dr Double Cab PreRunner Rwd SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A)
Review
Just purchased a 2003 Tacoma Prerunner 4x2 SR5, 2.47L. I was pleasantly surprised that on a trip from Boise, Idaho to Lompoc, CA I averaged 23.5 mpg using the cruise control as much as possible and the Power ECT on long uphill grades.
Favorite Features
fun to drive; great visibility.
Suggested Improvements
That stupid clock position
Love it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Tacoma 4dr Double Cab PreRunner V6 Rwd SB (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Love this Tacoma! Thinking now of selling in order to get better fuel economy (steady 20 mpg now) great, reliable vehicle - only negatives are placement of the clock (behind the steering wheel basically) and interior picked up scratches on plastic too easily. Wish gas mileage was better and I could keep it!
Favorite Features
Reliable, functional, good looking
Suggested Improvements
Clock placement, durable interior plastic
Overall - NOT BAD
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Tacoma 4dr Double Cab PreRunner Rwd SB (2.7L 4cyl 4A)
Review
I've driven 4 dr sedans all of my life and this was my 1st pick-up. I bought a Snug-Top Tonneau cover for it immediately as I wanted to have a huge trunk. Overall, the truck was well-worth the money.
Favorite Features
The V6 offers plenty of power; the 4 dr cab is about as roomy as a small pick-up gets; the seat is at a comfortable height for entering/exiting (I am 6'0"), and the overall fit and finish is very nice.
Suggested Improvements
The fuel economy is this vehicles biggest downfall - I average 17 MPG. I have about a 300 mile range on a tank of gas. The rear-end is extremely light (especially in rain/ice/snow).
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