2003 Toyota Tacoma: Road Test
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2003 Toyota Tacoma ▼
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- MSRP: $12,200 -$22,420
- Invoice: $11,285 -$20,289
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Our road test for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota Tacoma from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota Tacoma help you decide if a 2003 Toyota Tacoma is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.4 |
Tacoma's 4-cyl engines are acceptable for light-duty work, but the V6 is the best choice for any model. Test 2WD V6/automatic PreRunner Double Cab did 0-60 mph in a respectable 9.7 sec. Tacoma matches domestic rivals in payload, but towing limits are at least 1000 lb lower. 4WD Tacomas are a favorite of serious off-roaders. However, the base 4WD system requires that the vehicle be backed up a few feet to fully disengage 4WD; that's not necessary with the "selector switch" option available on V6 Xtracab and Double Cab models.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Test V6 Xtracabs averaged 16.1 mpg with 4WD and manual transmission, 19.4 with 2WD and automatic. Test 4WD Double Cab averaged 17.3 mpg, test 2WD V6 Double Cab PreRunner 15.1. All engines use regular-grade fuel. Note, 2WDs have a 15.8 gal fuel tank, 4WDs and PreRunners have an 18.5 gal tank.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.6 |
PreRunners and 4WD Tacomas can get bouncy with their stiff suspension and big tires, but are no less comfortable than most rivals. Regular 2WD versions have a pleasant, almost carlike ride.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3.4 |
Slightly numb steering afflicts all models. Regular-cab 2WDs are fairly agile small pickups. High-riding 4WDs and PreRunners suffer expected extra body lean in turns. Test PreRunners made short, undramatic simulated panic stops, but with dull, heavy brake-pedal action.
QUIETNESS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.3 |
Class-average overall, but road roar, highway wind rush marked on high-riding big-tire models. V6 suffers boomy resonance at 4000-5000 rpm; 4-cyl engines are hoarse and coarse at full throttle.
CONTROLS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.7 |
Design seems dated compared with rivals, and pullout cupholder can block climate controls. But layout is basically handy and logical. Materials and assembly are OK, though recent test Double Cab had annoying squeaks at the base of the windshield.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
Good space in all models, though low seats not ideal for long-distance comfort. Tacoma's regular cab is somewhat tighter than Ford Ranger's or Dodge Dakota's. Steep step-in on 4x4s and PreRunners.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1.5 |
Xtracab's small jump seats best left to kids, and lack of rear doors dates this design. Double Cab has hard, bolt-upright bench and little leg room with front seats pushed more than halfway back. Small doors mean tight Double Cab entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.7 |
Little behind regular-cab seat. Longer cabs have good storage space, but folding up the rear seats exposes upholstered undersides; hard plastic would be less susceptible to ripping.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.5 |
Tacoma's is among the oldest designs in its class, and prices soar fast with just a few options. But this is still the best-selling import-brand compact pickup and a Recommended choice largely because of its toughness, Toyota reliability, and high resale value.
Total Score
| Base reg. cab 2WD, man. | PreRunner Xtracab, V6 | Xtracab 4WD, V6 man. | Double Cab 4WD | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 37 | 41 | 39 | 40 | 39.1 |
Total Score: 39
Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks
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