2003 Toyota Tundra: Road Test
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2003 Toyota Tundra ▼
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- MSRP: $15,955 -$31,165
- Invoice: $14,438 -$28,203
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Our road test for the 2003 Toyota Tundra includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota Tundra from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota Tundra, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota Tundra help you decide if a 2003 Toyota Tundra is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 4.7 |
Toyota claims about 8 sec 0-60 mph for a 2WD V8 regular-cab. Our test 4WD Access Cab clocked 8.8 sec, which is fair going. We haven't yet tested V6 models, but they're just 10 percent of Tundra sales.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
Extended-use 4WD V8 Access Cab averaged 13.8 mpg over 10,633 mi. Comparable domestics post similar numbers in our tests. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel for both engines.
RIDE QUALITY
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.7 |
More comfortable than rivals with similar wheelbases, but still stiff and trucky, with plenty of jiggle and tire patter on broken surfaces and freeway expansion joints.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3.3 |
Feels assured, but suffers the usual big-pickup woes: marked cornering lean, clumsiness in close-quarters maneuvering, occasional rear-end hop without a load in bumpy corners; 4x4s add slow, numb steering. Credit Toyota for linewide-standard ABS; it gives top-notch stopping ability.
QUIETNESS
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 4.5 |
Almost carlike refinement, particularly with the smooth-running V8. But there's some wind rush at highway speeds, and coarse-pavement tire thrum is noticed.
CONTROLS
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Clear, simple, well-organized, though it's easy to trip the wiper stalk by accident on automatic models because the transmission's column-mounted lever is so close to it. Limited's new power sliding rear window is a useful innovation. Impressive cabin materials, workmanship.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
Class competitive for two adults but not three, due to relatively narrower cabin. Ride height little different on 2WD and 4WD models--and steep enough to make entry/exit a leg-stretching chore.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 4.4 |
Access Cab has limited leg room and entry/exit space, plus an uncomfortable seat with thin padding and bolt-upright backrest. Big Ford and GM pickups have more-comfortable extended cabs, while Ford, GM, and Dodge offer full 4-dr crew cabs.
CARGO ROOM
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4.8 |
OK in-cab storage, with big console bin and decent map pockets. Only Ford matches Tundra's standard tailgate lock, but all domestic-brand pickups have somewhat wider beds.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 6.9 |
Big domestic-brand pickups win for outright muscle and size, especially in their increasingly popular crew-cab models. But against direct rivals, Tundra is priced right and is tops in overall refinement. It also enjoys Toyota's enviable reputation for reliability and resale value.
Total Score
| SR5 Access Cab 2WD, V8 | Limited Access Cab 4WD, V8 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | 51 | 49.8 |
Total Score: 51
Scores for all Large Pickup Trucks
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