2003 toyota Tacoma Prerunner V6

Our 2005 Truck of the Year showdown showcased some difficult competition, yet from the beginning, we understood the new Toyota Tacoma was mosting likely to be a major player: larger as well as bolder appearances, a strong powertrain, a large enhancement over the previous model. In the long run, it took home the well-deserved honors, which gained it an area in our lasting fleet for an one-year examination - 2003 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner V6.

We went with the PreRunner with a TRD package-it used the tough looks of a hard-core 4 × 4, sans the weight of a transfer situation, added driveshaft, and all the front-axle components that would certainly've included almost 400 additional pounds. The weight cost savings supplied a great quantity of added throttle reaction and also better general fuel economy. Remorses? Choosing the runningboard step rails ($ 369). They weren't sensible, didn't fit with the vehicle's stance, as well as left dust on the back of a driver's pant legs.


2003 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner V6


2005 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner V6

In its very first 6 months, our Radiant Red RWD Tacoma proved so preferred, the odometer clicked up another 5000 miles every 2 months, with trips to Reno and also Phoenix az, as well as it spent hours of torment obligation in Southern The golden state traffic. Testers noted the car really felt limited and strong from the start, with just a single remark made concerning the seals around the rear doors, a generally hard location in which to stop extended-cab air leakages. Past that, most logbook access focused on exactly how strong the engine and also transmission felt, noticeably increasing the front end when starting from a full stop. One chauffeur created that the PreRunner advised him of a sprinter at a beginning line, tensely awaiting the gun to fire. The indoor got high praise from all team member, with its various cupholders and huge lockable storage container, with also a few covert areas under the rear fold-down seats. Staff digital photographers liked the built-in 115V inverter, which allowed them to connect in their laptop computers to download and install images promptly complying with a shoot. It additionally assisted maintain electronic camera batteries charged-though a plug inside the taxi, along with the one in the bed, would've been much more handy.

The Tacoma executed several pulling jobs, encountering minimal tail waggle despite having a 3500-pound Fleetwood camper in back. The truck's soft rear springs suggested taking safety measures regarding tongue weights so about not point fronts lights right into approaching website traffic throughout night driving. Gas economic situation averaged 13.8 mpg when pulling, the center console shifter creating easy maneuvering between third and fourth gears to assist maintain the engine revs in the best part of the powerband-a good thing towing up grades at altitude. Other towables included a leased U-Haul trailer (from Sacramento to Los Angeles) and also a microsize foldout camper. Lots of outdoor camping equipment, colders, and mountain bicycle have been packed right into the bed, dragged and banged around, without making a considerable scrape, thanks to the weight-saving composite bed.

The Tacoma's initial solution at 5000 miles was routine, setting you back concerning $45; however at the 10,000-mile mark, a few problems should be handled under service warranty. First, some brake resonance as well as a mild "beat," then among the home window networks began to stick, and ultimately, the AIR CONDITIONER recirc light blinked, after that headed out entirely, making us presume the entire air-conditioning system (not a good thing throughout a Los Angeles summertime). Turns out the brake pole required adjusting, the window network needed some lube, and also it was only a burnt recirc light in the AIR CONDITIONER (which indicated the whole AIR CONDITIONER control system needed to be changed due to the fact that there was no other way to simply transform the recirc bulb). The 10,000-mile solution cost $45 also.

Not a surprises at 15,000 miles, either, although the home window channel once more had to be relubricated with the standard service setting you back $138.45, as a result of some much deeper maintenance checks. After 20,000 miles, the brake pedal vibration came back once again, yet after a front-disc resurface, all went back to normal. Price: $68.08.

Tires were turned at every service interval (5000 miles) and our BFGs looked like if they would last at least 40,000 miles. Regarding sustain economic climate, a great deal relied on who was driving (lead- versus featherfeet), however the Tacoma balanced just under 18 mpg, with a best long-haul highway travelling average of 22 mpg.

There's lots of truck right here for $25K: The Tacoma held up under considerable use and abuse as well as proved increasingly prominent with our staff throughout its time here. Not surprising that it's become the best-selling compact or midsize pickup truck in the U.S. Ford and GM, Nissan as well as Honda, are you keeping in mind?

From The Logbook
" I such as how they have actually slotted third and also 4th a very easy slide from each other on the shifter-makes it best for people who tow to maintain the engine accelerates. We maintained a continuous 75 miles per hour up Donner Pass (7500-foot elevation), with a 3500-pound Fleetwood not a problem."
- Brian Vance

" Chassis does a respectable job of keeping points peaceful underneath you on a long freeway drive (we took a trip to Arizona), but saw on some high-wind areas, the seals around the back doors obtain loud."
- James Dryden

" Can't really call this a small any longer. Tons of space. And also for the engine-what a great shock when you hop on the throttle. It truly rises and also runs. Weight financial savings on the 2WD appears in order to help. A lot of personality for $25K.".
- Julia LaPalme.

" Simply invested three days of prerunning for a future vehicle test-this TRD package is much more in your home on a truck-wide dust roadway compared to it is on a concrete freeway-you could nearly feel its sigh of relief when it leaves the sidewalk.".
- Mark Williams.

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