2003 Toyota Tacoma: Overview
Archived Review
2003 Toyota Tacoma ▼
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- MSRP: $12,200 -$22,420
- Invoice: $11,285 -$20,289
Features & Specifications
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Previous Year's Reviews
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Pros
- Acceleration (V6)
- Build quality
- Exterior finish
Cons
- Rear-seat comfort (extended cab)
- Rear-seat entry/exit (extended cab)
- Ride (4WD models)
Vehicle Highlights
Antilock brakes go from optional to standard as the major change for Toyota's 2003 compact pickups. Tacoma offers 2-dr regular-cab and extended Xtracab models, plus crew-cab Double Cabs with four conventional side doors and a 3-place rear bench seat. Xtracabs have two forward-facing rear jump seats. A V6 and two 4-cyl engines are offered with manual or optional automatic transmission. Tacoma comes with rear-wheel drive or 4WD that must be disengaged on dry pavement but has low-range gearing. A flare-fender StepSide cargo box and various trim/equipment packages are available, as are specialty 2WD PreRunner models with 4x4 styling cues. Last year, ABS was a $300 option that required the purchase of various packages priced from $525 to $3625.
COMPETITION
Dodge Dakota and Ford Ranger (and clone Mazda Truck) are our Best Buys. Dakota is the only one to offer a V8 engine, full-time 4WD, and near-full-size cargo and towing capacity. Ranger is the most refined and probably the best daily use vehicle.
Toyota Tacoma is our Recommended choice. It's every bit as good as the Ranger in daily use, just a tad more expensive.
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Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Base reg. cab 2WD, man. Rating | Compact Pickup Truck Average Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Acceleration | 3 | 4.4 |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | 4 |
| Ride Quality | 5 | 3.6 |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | 3.4 |
| Quietness | 4 | 3.3 |
| Controls | 5 | 5.7 |
| Details | ||
| Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) | 3 | 4 |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 0 | 1.5 |
| Cargo Room | 1 | 2.7 |
| Value within Class | 6 | 6.5 |
| Total Score: | 37 | 39.1 |
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