2003 Toyota Tacoma Reviews from North America

Nothing serious has gone wrong with the vehicle.

The only engine issue I had was a "check engine" light on because of a loose gas cap.

The parking brake cable kinks when it's released, and there is a small rain leak around the passenger foot area.

This truck is perfect and reliable transportation in all weather conditions. It doesn't have a lot of features and options, but it does everything I need a vehicle to do. It has power steering for easy handling, and high ground clearance for driving through heavy snow.

Fuel mileage is great. I recently installed Bosch Platinum/Iridium (4 electrode) spark plugs, and began using synthetic oil with 10% Duralube. Mileage increased from 26 to 33 MPG on the highway. The only thing I don't like about the design is the cheap plastic parts used in the interior.

The seatbelts have issues with retracting properly. Not much of an issue, but just enough to get annoying. I've accidentally shut the door on the hanging seatbelt numerous times.

There's a dash rattle that occurs more when it's cold outside. The easy fix is to buy some vinyl tubing and tuck it up between the front of the dash and the windshield.

The stock Bilstein suspension is pretty miserable. One of the first things I replaced.

The leaf springs wear out quickly. Again, one of the first things I replaced.

It's an incredible truck, and by far the most reliable car I've owned.

The engine will last forever if given the proper maintenance.

Off-road, this truck really shines even without any modifications.

Comfort interior, and you can hear the wind with the windows up.

This mini-truck is very easy and secure to drive.

Paint on the bumper (prerunner) is flaking off.

Ball joint replacement (recalled by Toyota).

Overall good truck. I would buy another.

Oh...and I hate the lock switches on the door. They are pretty freaking annoying. I wish the door lock switches would be flush with the door when locked.

Power steering pump replaced twice under warranty.

Water pump replaced once under warranty.

Clutch pedal assembly & clutch torsion spring & bushings all replaced at 60K miles due to severe squeaking with clutch pedal depression.

Front lower ball joint recall done.

Seatbelt retractors don't work.

Cup holder tabs worn & frayed (not a big deal since the cup holders are tiny anyhow)

Infamous dash rattle.

Headlights crappy & replaced with PIAA.

Fog lights not available, added PIAA fogs.

Severe windshield pitting; 3 cracks, 5 rock starbursts even with hood deflector since new.

Seats uncomfortable -- added my own lumbar support.

2003+ mirrors are larger and have much better rear view.

Spray-in liner highly recommended.

Paint quality is average despite polishing with Zaino products 6-10 coats per year.

Stereo pathetic & completely replaced -- no room for subs in extended cab without extensive cutting.

Truck is very reliable & fun to drive.

Back end is squirrelly on ice & snow -- always, always always weight down the rear axle in the winter!!!

Poor gas mileage -- 17 mpg in town, 18.8 on the highway -- makes me want to upgrade to a V8.

K&N FIPK reduced gas mileage by.5 mpg, would recommend drop-in K&N filter instead.

Good tire life, went to 17" Sequoia wheels & tires.