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
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.
Edmunds 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.
2003 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Xtracab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M)
I have to be honest that this is the best truck that I have ever owned. It does great on gas. I never have any problem with it. I use it for hauling, loading kayaks, mountain biking. And driving all over the country. In 5 years I have put 100,000 miles on it with no problem. I plan to put another 150,000 miles on it. I just keep the oil changed brakes and tires every two years and … she runs like a champ. Great looking truck to. Next time though I think I am going to buy the v6. Better for towing my motorcycle!!
TACOMA 4WD 2.7L 5 SPEED
4.63 out of 5 stars
KEEP-ON-TRUCKIN', 07/01/2004
2003 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Xtracab 4WD SB (2.7L 4cyl 5M)
I've always wanted a Toyota 4wd
pickup, and I bought one about a year
ago. It took me a while to get used
to the 2.7L engine and the 5sp. But I
was used to high reving engines, and
this one almost runs like a diesel.
Keep the revs low and change gears
early, and she runs great. This is
definitely a truck engine. You can
feel the torque on the low end. I had
an … old Mazda B2000 and Nissan
Frontier, and liked them both. But
they would bottom out if I carried a
heavy load. Not this baby! The
Tacoma is made for haulin'! But don't
get the 4 cyl if you're always in a
hurry. It has plenty of power to haul
and tow, but its not a race engine.
MPG: 21-22
Good combination of features
4.75 out of 5 stars
maxwellhammer, 04/08/2009
2003 Toyota Tacoma 2dr Xtracab Rwd SB (2.4L 4cyl 5M)
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.
I purchased this truck when I was looking for a 4x4 and ended up being happy even though it is a 2wd. Other than general maintenance I have yet to repair anything ( in fact most mechanics I've talked to have yet to make repairs on this model). I love my taco and I never had any problems with the interior but I think they had an access of clocks cause they used the same one in my 87 … 4runner.
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