2003 Toyota Tundra Base Regular Cab 3.4L V6 from North America

Summary:

Good reliable pickup truck

Faults:

* Windshield wiper motor started to slow down and eventually stopped. Had it replaced.

* Air conditioner compressor squeals infrequently when the A/C is turned on. It doesn't happen often enough to get it repaired. A/C is used often in summer due to living in the Mojave Desert.

General Comments:

* This Tundra has been a reliable pickup. Nice to have a full size bed (4' x 8') to haul stuff with.

* I added a trailer hitch to the back and pulled a full size trailer without any problems.

* Had difficulty replacing the engine timing belt because there is no tool you can purchase to prevent the engine from rotating when you try to remove the harmonic dampener bolt that screws into the crank shaft. Turns out you have to get a steel bar and cut it to size and bolt it together. Basically make your own tool said the mechanic at the dealer. Once that was done, no problem. Changed at 100k miles.

* Even with smaller V-6 engine, gas mileage is not all that great. My guess is 15-20 MPG, but just a guess. Engine still has a lot of pull.

* No carpet in the cab. Easy to wipe down the floor. Cab has little room behind the bench seat, but you can put some tools back there. No room for passengers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 31st October, 2015

2003 Toyota Tundra SR5 4.7L V8 i-Force from North America

Summary:

The best truck

Faults:

Nothing has really gone wrong.

General Comments:

I have hauled 1500 lbs of bricks with some concerns, and it was a slow ride, but my truck never even hiccuped, and my truck pulled a 5,000 trailer in idle at 5 mph.

I have taken it 4 wheeling in a big sandpit, and it has never skipped a beat.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd May, 2013

2003 Toyota Tundra SR 4.7 from North America

Summary:

The 2003 Tundra was a good year!

Faults:

Toyota recall for lower arm joint replacement. I took my Tundra into the dealership where I bought it, the work was done in one day, no problem.

I have had no problems with my Tundra.

General Comments:

Because I have faithfully changed the oil every 2000 miles, far more often than suggested, and I have had all the recommended maintenance work done, I have had no major or minor problems with my Tundra.

This truck looks good, it handles well, has been outstanding in its reliability, has taken me to very remote areas for camping and hiking, has just been a fantastic investment.

I get work done at the dealership, where I bought it, except for oil changes. They are professional, prompt and courteous, always.

I wish gas mileage were better (13 city and 17 highway on a good day), but my other vehicle is a Camry, so I use that more often in town, and the Tundra to take me out to the wilderness or to haul things.

I love my Tundra! Never left me stranded, never have had a problem, but I have been an attentive owner as well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2008

2003 Toyota Tundra limited 4.7 V8 from North America

Summary:

Stay away from this truck at all costs!!! LEMON!!!

Faults:

What hasn't!

-water pump (2x)

-transmission started slipping and skipping in and out of gears, hose and pressure valve needed replacement

-constant brake problems, the last one being me not able to stop backing down my driveway in the morning, interesting

-numerous sqeaks and rattles

-tail lights needed re-wiring

-mass air flow sensor (2x)

-4 wheel drive transfer case went bad while in the mountains, driving through snow

-power steering pump failure 3 months after purchase

-windshield wipers stopped working intermittently, dealer fixed

-O2 sensors

-exhaust mounts broke resulting in some serious noise and damage to the fenders every time I hit a bump

-interior scratches easily and leather looks horrid despite cleaning and treating

-front end needed re-alignment after only 71000 miles

-now the check engine light is on, and the truck hesitates here and there.

General Comments:

As you can see, this truck as been nothing, but a giant hassle for me. I bought it brand new, thinking it was going to be reliable, and boy was I wrong! I thought it would be a nice addition to my plum purple 1999 dodge ram, which by the way hasn't given me and problems.

The inside is OK, not the plushest toyota could come up with, but it does OK, and its fairly comfortable, but the ride isn't the greatest. a lot like the tacoma.

I cannot trust this truck as far as I can throw it. also, I must mention that I really do maintain this truck. constant maintenance and oil and transmission fluid changes are always the order. right now I'm trying to do everything possible to prevent it from breaking even more, but that's already failed because my check engine light is on.

I am so NEVER buying a toyota truck again, theyre worthless and unreliable!

Ucky!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 6th January, 2007

8th Jan 2007, 15:53

It's great to finally see some HONEST Toyota reviews. Too many of my friends have been suckered into buying these things only to discover that all the "quality" hype is pure myth. Thanks for sharing your story. It's just one of many.

5th Feb 2007, 16:43

I looked at a new 2007 Tundra recently, and it looks like they have made some improvements in the build quality, but after all the bad press about major mechanical and safety issues with all Toyotas I think I'd feel more confident with a domestic.