A practical look
Stats: -03 Tacoma SR5/TRD V6 (3.4L) 4x4 Xtracab -"Real world" MPG 19-20 (around 315 miles/tank) (I drive back roads to work 40 mi round trip) -Drove very well in the rain and snow (I'm originally from MI so I know bad snow conditions) -NO unpleasant noises (squeaks/rattles/etc.) -Very comfortable to drive (to me: 5'8" 155 lbs.) -Only maintenance 69k-85k: oil changes -Would carry cu. yard of mulch w/o a problem -Wrecked at 85k, rolled 3 times and walked away without a scratch. I bought the truck April 2009, in May 2011 I was broad-sided by a drunk driver, rolled 3 times and walked away without a scratch. I absolutely loved my Tacoma and am trying to find another one just like it. I would highly recommend this vehicle. My only complaint is price, but I suppose you get what you pay for.
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 3.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 3.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 4.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
03 Toyota Tacoma
First of all let me say that before this truck, my last one was a rusted out 1991 Mazda B-2200 with a manual transmission. Anything would have been a huge improvement. It held up pretty well except for the rust. The Toyota Tacoma is a 2003, 2 WD, SR-5, TRD, double cab short bed, with about every option. Exterior wise the truck looks very sharp, it?s all jacked up and looks like a 4 WD even though it's 2. There are 3 exterior options I would suggest, S.S. running boards, to help short people/kids get in. In the channel, window rain guards, Rain comes in from the roof if the window is cracked open a little. The third is a bug shield for the front hood just because the truck looks naked without one. Interior wise, everything is well organized, with the exception of the clock placement, the steering wheel blocks your view. The driver?s seatbelt spring is sort of wimpy; you have to almost feed the belt in to get it to retract. Seats are a little stiff on your back and bottom but I'm OK with it. My only real complaint is dealer parts, and repair prices. I would definitely find a mechanic who works on Toyotas and stay far away from the dealer. I think I would buy one again. Overall, I?m very satisfied.
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 4.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Does recommend this car
Good value with all the little pieces I need
I needed a Truck(read not R.......e) to tow 5000lbs. I needed more interior space.( I purchased a double cab). I needed a bed with space for tools(with cap). I needed 4wheel drive. I need decent highway mileage (eh +/- 20mpg). I need to not have to pay big bucks for repairs. Tons of these out there with 150-200 thousand miles.(mine has 70K miles) OK- so it has a brand new frame (Toyota 15 year guarantee). The 2005 up design is too big for my needs( I don't believe the advertised mileage) I'm adding an after market back-up camera. I believe me and my Tacoma will be very happy together. Oh, TFS financed it for me.
- Comfort 3.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 4.0
- Exterior 4.0
- Reliability 4.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Does recommend this car
best truck on the road
This truck combines looks, speed & reliability. Worth every penny. The only fault is that the door pockets are not easily accessed. The interior actually feels smaller than my '93. If you want a good looking truck that will last forever, look for one of these.
- Comfort 5.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
Never ever quits
Bought a 2003 extended cab automatic 2.4liter tacoma in 03. Now has over 400,000 miles and didn't require its first major repair till it hit 400k (broke a ball joint). Original engine and transmission and was not taken care of very well. Changed oil every 10-20k miles. Beat the heck out of this truck driving in the mountains seven days a week (snow in the winter) and it starts like new every day. a little under powered with the 2.4 engine but the 3.4 picks up well enough when i tested it. Consistintely get more than 20 mpg. Will buy Tacomas for the rest of my life.
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 4.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
Reliable and Rugged, 2003 Tacoma SR5 Xtracab
2003 Tacoma SR5 Xtracab 2.4L, 4 cylinder, 5 speed manual I've put 99,800 miles on this rugged little truck. I bought it new in 2003, changed the oil every 4,500 miles, got the 30,000 mile service done, and then went back to changing the oil every 4,500 mile again. It's required nothing but replacing normal wear and tear items since then. It's a rugged, somewhat rough ride, but I believe that's what has aided in it's reliability. The parts are built to last. I just got the drive belts replaced, and it's given new life to the engine. Mine is a base model, and even then it comes with some nice features. It would be a very good work truck, but I don't use it much for work. It does get decent (23 mpg) gas mileage in mixed driving.
- Comfort 3.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 4.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Used for Commuting
- Does recommend this car
Replacement truck didn't disappoint.
Having lost my 2001 Toyota Tacoma in an accident, I found the 2003 Tacoma with the help of Cars.com. The replacement truck has low mileage and a V6 engine which so far gets poorer gas mileage than the previous I4 (15 vs 17 mpg), and the off road package may be the reason for the harsher ride. On the plus side, the V6 hauls my trailer more effectively, and the off-road package gives me peace of mind in the woods. Overall, I'm quite happy with the replacement.
- Comfort 3.0
- Interior 5.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Does recommend this car
I love this truck!
Toyota Tacoma 4X4 V-6. I owne this truck for a 4 years. And I love it. No problems at all. Get one , you will not be sorry .
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 5.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a Used car
- Used for Having fun
- Does recommend this car
Hope it goes 300,000 miiles
Its got 85,000 mi now. Dbl cab 4X2 limited. EVANS waterless antifreeze at 10,000 miless, so I won't be needing to change the radiator, water pump or hoses for a good bit longer (no water, no pressure buildup, no mineral buildup, and protects up to 350 degrees). Installed a K&N fuel injector performance kit, for more power. Uses synthetic oil, and rear gear oil from AMSOIL. The SCAN gauge gives all kinds of readouts, so I'm never in doubt as to how it's running. Has a roll top aluminum cover for the bed, side steps, and a bed extender. Its impulse red but I call it cherry red because it is a real cherry of a truck. Sound awesome when punched.
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 3.0
- Performance 4.0
- Value 5.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car
not the best but starts everyday
i'm used to camaro's and 4.3 blazers so i guess i'm sort of biased but i feel sexy, sleek, and handicapped when i drive my 2003 tacoma. looks good, handles good, but is soooooo slow. gotta push it to get it over 70, and forget about passing quickly. funny thing is i can tow about 1000 lbs and barely feel it. its a mule that looks good.i like the interior alot! wish it had more leg room though! i,ve had to change front rotors and pads twice and rear shoes once. thats all i've had to fix on it! started every time i turn the key!!!
- Comfort 4.0
- Interior 4.0
- Performance 1.0
- Value 4.0
- Exterior 5.0
- Reliability 5.0
- Purchased a New car
- Does recommend this car