Used 2003 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews
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The Competiton is Not an Option
Don't waste your money on the TuRD package. Get aftermarket suspension - For cheap get coil spacers, slightly more go "Old Man Emu", or the bucks get coilovers. Aftermarket lockers and your unstoppable.
Boy toy that doubles as family vehicle
Very well built truck. The pros in my opinion: super reliable, great built quality, very fun to drive, the look of 4x4 without the downsides (bad mileage, maintenance, insurance). A great poser 4x4 look/feel for yuppies who'll never leave concrete. I get up every day and enjoy driving this truck, it's just fun to drive. Note: It also has a lot of room in the backseat compared to other extended cab full-size trucks. The cons: short wheel base makes for bouncy ride, it's a smaller interior, and pretty spartan inside. Overall I'm happy with this truck and it also works for throwing the kiddos in the back- seat.
Dont Pass this one up!
I gave up a Chevrolet to drive this. I only regret not doing it sooner. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. Its a 4 cylinder that has similar performance to a V-6 Mustang. Don't believe me, go race one! The ride is very solid and it has no squeaks or rattles. I paid a higher price for it, that other trucks of the same size, but option for option it really cost about the same. Toyota only builds what it needs, so therefore you will not find a "stripped down" Toyota on the lot unless they were special ordered for fleet purposes. The bottom line.... pure quality!
One Tough Truck
This is my second Tacoma. Traded in 2001 extra cab for double cab as I needed more room, which I love. Toyota's reliability and fact that I had no problems on 2001 with over 35000 miles on it was main reason for trading. Dealer made an offer that was much better than I expected. I considered other trucks and some SUV's, but Toyota's quality and chance of fewer problems was deciding factor.
250K miles and still running like new
I bought my 2003 Tacoma (extended cab TRD Off Road Package) in September of 2003 brand new with 500 miles. I have taken it everywhere, towed boats, 4 wheelers, jet skis. It has safely transported my family up snowy hills in the mountains in the winter. Nothing can stop these things off road they are champs. Toyota trucks are legendary and this is no exception. I have always taken good care of mine and changed oil every 4-5k miles with Mobil 1 full synthetic oil. The transmission shifts perfectly at 250k miles. I would say the downside to these trucks is the rough ride and lack of comfort. But nobody buys these to be comfortable and luxurious. The newer models have improved with this too. Only issues I've had: -Spark plug wires went bad at 130K miles. Easy fix. -AC Compressor went out at 150k, then again at 175k. I think the second time was the shop's fault. This wasn't a cheap repair but still it didn't leave me stranded on the side of the road. Also was partly my fault for never changing cabin air filter and living in very humid area of the country. - This truck has been a big part of my life for 16 years and I don't plan to ever sell it. There is a reason people are so loyal to Toyota and these trucks. I haven't had a car payment in over 10 years. It's worth it to buy these vehicles.
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nice truck/unconfortable pedals too high
pedals too high make a little unconfortable to drive,other than that is good truck(trusted "toyota" owner)
It's a good truck
it's a good solid reliable truck all the way around.
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.
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.
Srunner Rocks
What a great truck. The Handling is super and the engine is great. The V6 with 3100 pounds can really make this truck move. So far I've clocked over 27K miles and no problems... haven't visited the dealer other than oil changes.