The 2003 Toyota Tacoma is available in 17 different versions,
based on three cab types, standard, extended Xtracab with
rear jump seats and the four-door Double Cab (ABS). Tacoma
standard-cab and Xtracab models feature a 74.5-inch long
bed. The Double Cab comes with a bed length of 61.5 inches.
The V6 engine powers 6 models in 2003.
Also this year, all Tacoma models get a standard four-wheel
anti-lock brake system. Child restraint system (CRS) anchors
have been added to the front passenger seats in standard
and Xtracab models and to the rear outboard seats in the
Double Cab models. Factors like this attention to family
safety and reliability in general have proven successful
for the Tacoma line-up. It's in its sixth generation in
North America, built now in Fremont California, and it represents
10% of Toyota sales.
Available Models
The 6 V6 Toyota models are the 4WD Xtracabs (manual and
automatic), 2WD PreRunner Xtracab and Double Cab (automatics),
2WD S-Runner Xtracab (manual), and 4WD Double Cab (automatic).
Interior Features
The 2003 Toyota Tacoma line is designed to be affordable
and versatile and as sushc the list of standards is small
and the options packages are extensive. This allows buyers
to choose the amenities that work best for them. For example,
the SR5 options package air conditioning, 3-in-1 audio,
tilt steering wheel, tachometer, digital clock, sunvisors
with vanity mirrors, and a chrome or color-keyed appearance
package. Other packages, like the Chrome Package, for example,
offers air conditioning, 4-in-1 audio system, tachometers
and various exterior detailing.
The S-Runner is a slightly different story. Its sporty
interior is features front sport seats, leather-wrapped
steering wheel and shift knob, white-faced instrument gauges
and other amenities.
Exterior Features
The Toyota Tacoma has bold exterior styling, and its many
permutations add up to a wide variety of different looks.
For example, a sporty StepSide bed /SR5 option package combination
is available for all standard-cab and Xtracab models. This
distinction sacrifices just under 9 inches of width and
makes a loud and stylish statement.
The Tacoma S-Runner is another example of a different look
and feel. This "customizing" alternative features
a dealer-installed TRD color-keyed body kit. This 4X2 Xtracab,
powered by the V6 engine with a five-speed manual transmission,
has a performance-tuned suspension, which lowers the S-Runner
by an inch and sharpens handling response. The S-Runner
comes in Black Sand Pearl and Radiant Red. The StepSide
bed can be combined with the S-Runner to make a muscular
sporty truck with a custom look and feel.
Performance
The V6 engine choices developed by Toyota for the Tacoma
are a brawny but smooth DOHC 3.4-liter capable of pumping
out 190-hp and 220 lb-ft. of torque. This engine can tow
up to 5,000 pounds. Adding to this, a TRD supercharger kit
for the V6 mentioned above boosts horsepower to 260.
Perhaps more important though, is the fact that these are
true off-road vehicles. The 4WD models have 2-speed transfer
cases, skid plates, tow hooks, manually locking hubs, mud
guards and ample ground clearance.
Safety and Security
Safety is a key design priority for Toyota and the Tacoma
is a safe vehicle because of its height and the extensive
visibility allowed by the truck seat position. However,
this safety is enhanced further with dual-front airbags
and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes.
|
2003 Toyota Tacoma Highlights
 Outstanding
power-to-weight ratios help give Tacoma models impressive
performance and fuel efficiency. Toyota dealers offer
a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) supercharger kit
for the V6 that boosts horsepower to 260. The system
carries a full factory warranty and is EPA-certified.
Tacoma
offers both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models
in all body styles. Forty percent of all Tacoma's
sold are 4X4 models, which feature a two-speed transfer
case and a heavy-duty chassis. A locking rear differential
is available as an option.
A
sporty StepSide bed is available for all standard-cab
and Xtracab models in conjunction with the SR5 option
package. The steel StepSide cargo box provides the
same functional bed length, overall exterior width
and cargo box depth as the regular bed. The cargo
floor width between the wheelwells also remains the
same. The interior bed width is reduced by just under
nine inches, but payload remains the same.
The
Tacoma offers a wide variety of interior and exterior
upgrade options, as well as a large selection of dealer-installed
accessories to personalize the truck. Many buyers
choose the sporty SR5 package to add the most desirable
options at a high-value price. The SR5 package includes
air conditioning, 3-in-1 audio, tilt steering wheel,
tachometer, digital clock, sunvisors with vanity mirrors,
and a chrome or color-keyed appearance package.
|
 Get
a Free Price Quote on a 2003 Toyota Tacoma.
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Fast Stats
|
| Seats |
3 / 5
|
| MSRP
from |
$12,610
|
| Engine |
2.4L 4-cylinder
|
|
2.7L 4-cylinder
|
|
3.4L V6
|
| Horsepower |
142 hp @ 5,000
|
|
150 hp @ 4,800
|
|
190 hp @ 4,800
|
| Transmission |
4-speed auto
|
|
5-speed manual
|
| MPG:
City/Hwy |
2.4L auto 22/25
|
|
2.7L auto 19/22
|
|
3.4L auto 17/19
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Car Reviews
Save
by getting a new car price quote online
2003
Toyota Tacoma I4 - Review
