2003 Toyota Tundra SR5 Access Cab 4x4 review from North America
"Unbeatable quality and great value"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
The seat belts failed to retract properly right from the beginning. I addressed this to the dealer when I brought it in for the first oil change and they replaced all of the seat belts and retractor mechanisms immediately with no questions asked- now they work 100%!
The back seat is a little small for a 250-pound, six-foot-tall man, but then I don't have to ride in my back seat.
Other than that, I am not fond of Toyota's OEM tire on this truck (non-TRD-package equipped) a 265-70/16 Bridgestone Dueler H/T 689 tire which I must say is comfortable and quiet on the highway, but it wears quickly and provides poor wet and snow traction. These tires howl around turns as if I were driving twice as fast. With 16,000 miles on the truck I can see they may not make it much past 30,000 miles.
Other than that, this truck is outstanding, a wonderful value, and that resale value can't be beat. Of course I won't be selling it anytime soon. If it is like my other Toyota trucks the body will rust away, but the motor will keep on going.
General comments?
This truck rides like a Cadillac ought to. It handles the roads and dirt trails I drive equally well. The 4wd system is simple and bulletproof.
The interior is comfortable and I am happy to report the factory CD player won't skip even on gravel roads. The heated mirrors are a nice touch.
I firmly believe I will get over 200,000 miles out of this truck.
There have been no squeaks or rattles develop in 16,000 miles of hard use.
I just drove 485 miles on one tank of fuel and got 18.75 MPG- with the truck loaded heavily and the A/C on- which is still better than the EPA fuel economy on the sticker!
This truck is the perfect size and power. The V-8 is an authoritative monster and the truck is surprisingly nimble (for a truck!)
I am told Toyota redesigned the brakes for 2003 and newer models and it stops better than the 2000 model I drove. ABS is now standard and the brakes are awesome.
I tow 5000 pound trailers and this truck hardly notices it.
Recommended reviews
  | Safe, reliable and fun to drive truck |
| Stay away from this truck at all costs!!! LEMON!!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2003 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.7 iForce V8 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 10/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 330 miles |
| Most recent distance | 16000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Truck |
| Date of Entry | 24th September, 2003 |