2003 Toyota Tundra Review
Fuel Economy
14 - 16 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The 2003 Toyota Tundra is a fine full-size pickup suited more for the general consumer than commercial use.
Pros
Silky V8, Toyota build quality and reliability, less-than-full-size maneuverability.
Cons
Lacks wide range of choice offered by domestics, somewhat uncomfortable front seats, meager rear cab room on Access Cab, chintzy interior trimmings.
What's New for 2003
Toyota has expanded the Tundra's body style variety by adding a new StepSide model. Its distinctive styling includes flared rear wheel arches and special tail lamps. If you want to make the StepSide even sportier, there is a new sport suspension package available. All 2003 Toyota Tundras have a restyled front fascia, standard antilock brakes and a center console similar to the one found in the Sequoia SUV. For the top-line Limited trim, Toyota has added a power sliding rear window.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Nicest car I have ever owned
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Tundra 4dr Access Cab SR5 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Greatest vehicle ever. Incredible power, not too shabby mpg for a V8. When I first bought it, I drove from Utah to Nebraska and back climbing through Wyoming, fighting strong headwinds and side winds traveling 85 to 105 mph. This truck never missed a beat and got 18 mpg. The only other time I calculated mileage was 2 years ago hauling a 4,000 lb. trailer from Utah to Indiana. I got 10 mpg, but I had no trouble keeping it at 80 to 85 even going up steep inclines. Other than the fact that it needs a new windshield now and the shocks aren't brand new, it still drives like a brand new truck even with 105,000 miles on it. Only regret: not buying leather interior. I never want to sell this truck!
Favorite Features
Still feels, sounds, accelerates, and cruises like a brand new truck with more miles on it than I ever got out of any vehicle made by the "Big 3." Has never needed anything other than routine maintenance and a new heater control knob. Extremely comfortable in the front seats even on long trips.
Suggested Improvements
More comfortable back seat, bigger towing capacity (both of which are available in later models). Also, would like full-sized 8-foot bed with access cab model. And of course, it seems that no review of a V8-powered vehicle would be complete without a request for better gas mileage. So, improved MPG.
130,000 and Going Strong
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Tundra 4dr Access Cab SR5 Rwd Stepside SB (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Review
WOW...I'll never buy another brand! This truck is phenomenal! Hands down the best vehicle we have ever owned! Our Toyota Sienna ain't bad either by the way! This truck has just over 130k and I am not joking, NO MAJOR REPAIRS...Tires, Light Bulbs, Belts, Hoses and Oil, THAT"S IT! Also...18 + mpg around Houston Texas, and I'm not lying! I had a Toyota approved cold air intake installed at the dealer before I took it home. Well done Toyota!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
A truck to depend on
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Tundra 4dr Access Cab SR5 Rwd SB (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Review
This truck has been reliable 100%. It's been used and abused, but still runs like new. The bad: the engineer that designed the back seat was probably 4 feet short, fuel efficiency, this truck was not designed with fuel efficiency in mind. But If you don't have a big family is ok. My dogs love the back seat. I'm looking forward for many more years of driving this truck.
Favorite Features
Smooth ride , feels solid, reliable.
Suggested Improvements
I think they already did.
Colorado 2003 Toyota Tundra Great
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Tundra 4dr Access Cab SR5 4WD SB (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Review
I've pulled a 4 horse trailer (loaded) from Colorado to Virginia and back, loaded up another adult and two children, plus a dog and had plenty of room left over. This is the best truck I've ever owned and will never have anything but a Tundra as a work truck ever again. It has comfort and performance. After 4 years, it still burns rubber if I have to get going quick. The TRD is great. I love it.
Favorite Features
Towing ability, TRD package, comfort and performance
Suggested Improvements
If we could ever get good mileage out of any V-8 truck it would be the greatest improvement of all time!
The Perfect Pickup Truck
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2003 Toyota Tundra 4dr Access Cab SR5 Rwd SB (4.7L 8cyl 4A)
Review
Never repaired in 59,000 miles, fits in a standard garage w/ walk-around room, quieter than most cars, powerful, great towing capacity, 18-20 mpg driven gently on Michelin tires and Amsoil 2000, amazing paint job, outstanding seats - more comfortable than my wife's Lexus. I towed a 5500 lb trailer all over Colorado and came down every pass except the single steepest one in the state. Did it in first gear hardly ever touching the brakes. 10-10.5 mpg towing @ 55. Burns zero oil in one year (13,000 miles). Be sure to change diff fluid. Mine had some metal shavings determined to be from mfg, not wear. Better than other trucks.
Favorite Features
Size - I'm never selling because it's no longer available. Quiet cabin, seat comfort, gas mileage, reliability, exc A/C, driving stability, payload, towing capacity, 2WD ground clearance (10 inches), smooth controls. I had a neighbor who kept his Chev pickup over 20 years. I plan to do the same.
Suggested Improvements
Smoother ride, make limited slip and floor mats standard. Smoother shifts on very light acceleration. 1-2 is a little abrupt. Visibility to rear - all pickups need rear camera. Spring assist tailgate.
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