Used 2003 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews
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V6JUICE
The ride is excellent. The handling is excellent. The mpg could be a little better (17.05 over 7000 miles) but the larger tires give it a 6% error in miles driven (it shows less than it has actually gone). The clock cannot be seen by the driver w/o leaning over. The center console plastic scratches easier than other cars. Removing the oil filter is difficult unless done through the dr side front wheelwell. Draining the radiator requires taking off a large, heavy piece of brush guard underneath. But an excellent choice for a p/u. Should have side visors in front.
wind noise
since I drove off the lot my truck had a major wind noise coming from the drivers a piller where the door and the windshield meet. the dealer still can't find a cause so I guess I'll have to fix it my self!
- PreRunner Double CabMSRP: $10,999204 mi away
- PreRunner XtracabMSRP: $14,995292 mi away
- PreRunner Double CabMSRP: $14,900302 mi away
Fun Truck -Sharp
I went to an auto show in Dallas and loved the Tacoma the most out of all the trucks there. I went and bought one a month later and have been very impressed with it. It is very tight, sturdy and fun to drive. I love pretty much everything about this truck.
First Toyota
I previously owned a Dodge with such poor reliability, that I switched to Toyota. This truck is great for hauling my family of 4. Great offroad, fun to maneuver in traffic, and pulls ATV/snowmobile without trouble. Bed extender is a must! Truck handling is skittish at higher speeds, and too much wind noise. Otherwise, I love it.
excitement
Very very versatile whether offroading, moving big objects or just to have fun i think it's the best reliable truck on the market today
Awesome Power and Looks
The back has plenty of leg room and the A/C is nice and cool on those 100 degree Georgia day.
Fun at 40+
Plenty of power to pull my 17 foot boat in and out of the water. Big enough to haul and tow what I need and small enough to park anywhere and fit into my garage. It has the feel of a much larger truck and the quality and reputation of Toyota were big selling points for this purchase of my first Toyota.
Toyota Best Buy
I sold my 89 Toyota after buying my 2oo3 Toyota not because I needed $2500, but because I would never drive it after driving my 2003. The 89 toyota had 125000 miles and never saw a repair or service shop. I performed all service myself, valves,brakes,fuel filters etc. In other words I thought the 89 was the best. The 2003 is 100% better. What more can I say. Toyota is Best!
Great Ride, Poor MPG
Almost new, but mileage far below sticker numbers. Ride is solid and comfortable (with exceptions below). No squeaks, rattles or wind noise. Exterior styling second to none, interior style flawed. Clock positioned so you have to lean forward to see it through steering wheel, and console so far back that it's not accessible while driving. Seat back is poorly designed for me (6'2"), but might improve with time. Driver's seat won't slide forward like the passenger seat for rear access. Engine performs well, but if you try to drive faster than a little old lady you can almost here it drinking gas. The anti-lock brakes are excellent on wet pavement.
Killer Truck
Just purchased my new truck, so far I love it. Took it on a lengthy road trip with 2 other adults, quite comfy for such an off road beast. Gas Mileage averages around 18.5. Can't wait to get it off road.
Good truck, a few problems
This truck has 2500 miles on it now, and I have noticed a few problems. The steering wheel is in the way of the clock, and I have to lean over to see it. About half the time, the truck takes two tries to start. I have no idea why a brand new vehicle would not start on the first try. Since I bought the truck, a few rattles have developed in the interior. One is the cover for the passenger side airbag on the dashboard rattling. I haven't tracked down the other rattle yet. The clutch petal just started squeaking every time I press it down.
2003 Toyota Tacoma V6 4 Dr SR5
Overall I really like my Toyota. I has a firm ride (which I like) and the V6 has plenty of power when you need it. I am a car care fanantic and so far, everything appears easy to maintain. Washing and drying is easy and is fun. Sitting in the vehicle affords a great view and surprising there are very few "blind spots" when driving.
great truck
Truck is awesome. I had a sonoma before this, and believe me, the reliability on toyotas and performance is much better. Took truck on a 3k miles road trip and ran perfect the whole way. Bucket seats provide much comfort. Overall great truck
Lots of fun If you don't mind a toy
fun to drive for about 1 hour.... looks great truck... always gets the looks....good speed for the power plant...
TRD Model
Just drove off the lot and I am very happy with the initial performance. The truck feels great, rides high above traffic, and looks good! I brought the car home and my neighbors commented on how stylish it looked. The TRD suspension is pretty rigid, but I realize it is a truck. My previous car was a Jeep Grand Cherokee, which had a smoother ride. On the freeway it can get pretty bumpy..hold on to your morning coffee. The truck has good power accelerating onto the freeway.
Keeper
Previous vehicle was an 89 Toyota pickup. Hoping the new Tacoma will be as reliable. After 3 or 4 hours on the road, the firm seats get slightly uncomfortable and 19MPG is lower than I'm used to but it was expected. The ride (on and off road) is great even with the TRD package. Acceleration is OK. Recommend DrawTie hitch receiver and Line-X bed liner. Have towed light loads so far with no problems. Hope to enjoy it for 10+ years.
Don't have the feeling
This is my third toyota vehicle. For the first time I am concerned about the level of quality. What I am concerned about now were not apparent when I purchased the vehicle. However, now I notice the drivers side door panel doesn't fit flush with the side of vehicle, the temperature gauge sticks after an evening of subzero tempretures. Finally, the frontend makes uncomfortable noises when turning hard left or right when in four wheel drive. I am left hoping I can get many years of trouble free operation as I have experienced with my past toyotas.
great truck
fun to drive great styling lots of room
Best Little Truck
In the small pickup category the base model Toyota Tacoma can't be beat. Reliability is 100%. I've had no trouble @ all. I live in the Nort East & over the winter made several trips throuout Northern New England & Quebec during a Winter of record cold & snowfall & never once had any problems (pretty remarkable for a 2Wheel Drive ). I do however recommend weight in the back (I used sandtubes) & SNOW!!! tires on all 4 tires. I'm looking forward to many, many miles & years with this base model Toyota Tacoma
A Recent Convert
First change from Ford in 17 years. Am impressed with the looks, performance and tightness of the suspension. Agile in handling and braking. Spartan in the interior design, but functional except for the clock. Am very impressed overall and happy with the purchase.
depenable
this was an economical buy. it gets me to work, kids to school, and good gas mileage. It seems like it is a solidly built truck and is definately holding it's value so far this year.
Great Truck
The Tacoma is a great all-around truck. The only complaint I have is the high price, but you get what you pay for. I haven't had the chance to take it off-road yet, but on the street it holds its own.
Hard Ride
I drove a 1990 Toyota SR for 10 years & my son is still driving it at 201,000 Mi. I never thought that it had a stiff ride. My 2002 tocoma with the off road package rides very hard and stiff. You will feel every bump in a jarring manner. This is the only complaint I have. The V6 is a little weak at 190HP but provides adequate acceleration. The front seats could be a little longer for more leg support. Fit & finish is excellent. Basicly satisfied with the truck. Ps No recalls & have not been back to the dealer for anything.
Great Buy
I had 91 Nissan 4x4 that just rusted away The V6 was very thirsty and in town 4x4 driving was in minutes of driving not mpg. I needed an economical replacement with an xtra cab. A replacement 4x4 4 cyl was ~ $8000 more (Canadian) So my next choice was the pre runner 2.7 l having the same horse power as my Nissan V6 and better mpg. Would definitely recommend the 2.7 l if you want a 4 cylinder truck to boot around town cheaply. Reliability of Ford/Mazda was worrysome. Nissan was better equiped but 6.9%
Another GREAT truck
I work for plumbing contracting company and we have several Toyota pick-ups, one has over 400,000 miles! All are bullet proof tough and reliable. The 2002 4WD Xtra cab that I drive is no exception. I have had a dash rattle and that is it in the problem dept.
Resale value sells cars
We looked at the Subaru Baja and Nissan Frontier as well as the Ford Explorer Sport Trac. At initial impression of ride and interior, we both liked the Ford and Subaru better, but chose the Toyota because of its historically high resale value. Interior cloth that does not seem as durable or nice as our 1998 model. Both were SR5 models, I'm assuming it was some cost cutting by Toyota.
tacoma
Needed 4wd and this was best available w/ options that I wanted. Use to tow 18' boat and general hauling. Good power.
Great Truck!!
This is my first Toyota. What a pleasure to drive! Absolutely smooth as silk. Solid ride but very comfortable and rattle free. I love everything about it!
Tacoma 4x4 4 door
Great truck at a great price!
My 02 Tacoma 4x4
A great all around truck.The 4x4 with TRD package works great off road.High ground clearence,with skid plates protecting vital organs.The locking rear differential works great.The V6 has plenty of power,but sucks a little moore gas than I thought it would.A bit pricey.I think I payed to much for mine.If you think you can get a good deal on one,get it. don't hesitate.
I love it
The fit and finish is top noch. It's a pleasure to drive. I enjoy my truck very much. I would recommend this truck to anyone.
love it
I got rid of a Ford F-150 4x4 to get this and I haven't regretted it for one minute. i have plenty of space, plenty of power, and I'm getting about 20 mpg, which I never even approached in the Ford. The smaller bed took a little getting used to, but with the help of tiedown straps I regularly carry 4x8 sheets of plywood with no problem. I would recommend this truck without hesitation.
toy 4 trd
Perfect do it all vehicle with a great on and off road manner. Comfortable for four passengers yet able to tow, haul and achieve very respectable gas mileage. This vehicle is very reliable, looks good on the town and on the trail.
Great Truck
I drive a great truck. My Tacoma is an all around well balanced good 4wd. It has great ride quality. It is a fun vehicle to own.
2003 Tocoma
The more I drive it, the more I love it. It allows a man with a wife and kids to still own a serious truck and avoid the dreaded mini-van! The back seat is very comfortable with plenty of legroom, even for adults. It is comfortable on the highway and competent off-road. I am completely impressed with its off-road abilities, its height and locking rear differential have allowed me to go places my previous pickup could only dream of. To top it all off, it looks awesome too!
Taco Review
Outstanding vehicle, overall good quality, very user friendly. 21 MPG average with a v6 5 speed. Excellent safety features as well. Plenty of power, very responsive acceleration. Overall good price. A good looking "beefy" truck!
Only one complaint
I like this truck, I like it a lot. If this truck does not last me for 15 years I will be surprised. Just traded in my 1990 Toyota for the 2003. Love the rear differential lock, love the improved console. Why on earth they couldnt move the damned clock is beyond me. Its the only weak link in the whole damned thing.
It's a Toyota
You can't really go wrong with Toyota, and the safety that go's with it
Yoda
Very nice truck, needs more power they would not have the option for the blower if it was not a needed option. The various statements about the positioning of the clock is accurate. The only time the clock can be viewed is when your not in the drivers seat with your knee in front of it. Great truck though the clock is a minor detail.
I love what it does for me
My family has owned Toyota trucks for many years without a problem. Well I think I'll stick to the our tradition because I love this truck from it's rugged design and power of the engine when I haul my jetski. And with the TRD package I have no problem going off road when I go hunting. I love this truck and what it does for me.
Can't believe this is the highest rated
Traded in my wife's 1998 Tacoma XTra Cab to make it easier to move the kids in and out of. While roomier, the interior build materials seem to be of lower quality, especially the seats. The cruise control is over reactive often dropping two gears and adding 5 MPH on roads where I can maintain speed without downshifting. Shop others first. We only bought ours because of the resale value.
Performance
After comparing all trucks in this class the Toyota by far offers the most for your money. I own a 4-runner with a 3.0 and it has trouble with mountian roads. This Tacoma powers up the hills with no problem. Ride and handling is about the same as other trucks with an off road package.
Great Truck
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.
Toyota Tacoma
The plain Tacoma truck run okay. Not enough of power in the 4cyl. Just little more torque. Cheap seats and interior doors. Thin metal bed and box. The truck should be about 2" higher off the ground. Could be quieter in the cab while the engine is running/ 4cyl
i love it
my double cab tacoma has everything i wanted. trd suspension, premium sound, power everything, all with the convenience of cloth seats. i surf, snowboard and love the outdoors, and this truck, even without 4wd, is nearly perfect. it wasn't cheap, but my first truck was a yellow 1977 toyota that was first owned by my grandparents and now my sister and has never needed a major repair. i think it's worth the money
2003 Tacoma PreRunner V6
A truck even a girl likes to drive. Replaced a 2000 4Runner for the Double Cab Limited edition with TRD package. Added a hard tanneau cover (Snug Top) that I love. It's a must for saving gas and locking up gear. Heard Toyota is looking to offer it as an option. Everyone is right about the clock, you can't see it in the driver's seat. Dials and gadgets could be updated. The double cab is awesome and provides lots of room. Way better than an SUV.
Great Small Truck
For a small truck this is really comfortable to drive and easy to get into for large people. Your passengers are comfortable and at ease while riding in this truck.
A Good Recomendation
I use this truck for everday use. This includes towing, hauling, and some off- road use. The truck has performed nicely with no problems.
Great truck
This is the first truck that I've owned and don't regret my decision to buy it. The double cab bed is a little small but adequate. I had a spray-in bed liner put in versus the drop-in shell that Toyota offers. I drove an Accord for several years and its taking me some time to get used to the difference in gas mileage.
love my truck
love my truck. looks great and fun to drive. smooth acceleration and lots of power to spare on merge and passing. lucky on getting truck below invoice... bit pricey.