Overview & Reviews

Toyota's popular midsize SUV has been completely redesigned this year. Though it stays true to its truck-based roots, it comes with many new upscale features, including an available V8 engine and an optional navigation system.

• Powerful V6 engine, rugged off-road capabilities, many standard and optional features.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 372.00

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  NexGen SUV - Worth the wait - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JMU - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I was about to purchase my 4Runner earlier but waited until the appearance package on the SR5 that provides color keyed fenders and siding was available. Glad I waited. Dont know why Toyota put that grey cladding on in the first place. Major improvement in almost every way from the earlier 4Runner. I was almost going to get a Highlander but when I test drove the 4Runner I was sold. I thought it even had a better ride than the Highlander. If youre thinking about an SUV drive this one. It has the others in its class beat hands down.

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  I love it!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tr10x - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned and driven around all the other styles of 4runners over the years and this one is simply the best....there is no comparison to the difference in power and the smoother ride that all the previous year models had....I Love it!!! Great job Toyota!!

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  THE TRUE RATING - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By BSCOOBY - October 10 - 2:00 am

  FIRST OF ALL THIS VEHICLE IS A GAS HOG. I HAVE READ RATINGS OF GREAT GAS MILEAGE. MY COMBINED IS ABOUT 13-15 MPG. THIS IS AN UNSAFE VEHICLE TO DRIVE IN THE BRIGHT SUN. WITH SUNGLASSES ON ITS HARD TO SEE THE SPEEDOMETER AND ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO READ THE TEMPERATURE AND RADIO STATION READOUTS. THE POWER WINDOW IN THE BACK SHOULD BE A POP-UP LIKE ALL THE OTHER MFGS. THAT WINDOW IS ONE PAIN IN THE BUTT AND NOT USER FRIENDLY. OTHER THAN THAT WITH THIS BEING MY FIRST JAPANESE VEHICLE (IVE BEEN DRIVING DOMESTICS FOR 33 YEARS) IM SATISFIED WITH IT. I WAS TIRED OF GETTING NOTHING FOR MY DOMESTIC TRADE-INS.

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  2003 4runner limited - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By nedjacob - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Very smooth ride, nice sound system. A great improvement.

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  Drivers Seat Needs Work! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By lenripley - August 29 - 2:00 am

  The Drivers seat makes a clunking noise anytime you enter vehicle, hit a bump, or turn sharply. Dealer says this is the way it is. I dont believe it. If it is, there is a design flaw which needs to be resolved.

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  4-Runner Nothing Else Will Do - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By AAJoe - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is my favorite SUV I have ever owned. (99 Tahoe, 92 K-5 Blazer, 87 Cherokee, 82 CJ7) I tested the 2003 Tahoe, Discovery, Trailblaizer & Durango and I would have paid a $5000 premium for the powertrain and handling of the 4-Runner. New for 2003 increased size and V-8 option won me over. The best of the "real" 4x4 SUVs if you dont have a large family.

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  NO HEAT = COLD FEET @ -20 Degrees - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By northpolermike - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven this V6 Sport 9339 miles in 11 months. Its had 2 recalls, and now is back for 2 TSBs. The heaters blower quit due to the ice and moisture entering the plastic housing - what a poor design for Alaska. The Vehicle Traction Control/Stability Control has now disengaged 5 times, twice while driving on the hiway. Dealer has yet to get either problem fixed. Doesnt make me feel confident to drive on ice!

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  Fantastic 4.7L V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tartallini - January 10 - 1:21 am

  I was lucky enough to find my 2003 SR5 4Runner (with RWD, 4.7L V8) at a dealers auction; a friend has a dealers license. The vehicle had under 17K miles on it when I bought it for 17K 14 years ago, and was coming out of Florida. It had been a warranty return and fell under that states Lemon Law. Concerned, I called the seller prior to purchase and they told me that the reason for the return was a sulphur smell that they could never fully address for the customer - the one who purchased it new and apparently returned it during the first year. I decided to take a gamble on it and kept it 14 years - enjoying great reliability and comfort while driving it. After two timing belt replacements, brake jobs and basic maintenance Id planned on keeping it for another 100K, but then the dealer said it needed a new rear end to the tune of 4K. I really wrestled with whether or not to sell it or fix and keep, but ultimately traded it in on a Certified 2014 Toyota Rav4 AWD XLE to obtain the AWD capabilities and fewer miles. I will miss the 4Runners size, looks, and its ability to easily pull hills even when fully loaded, but the 2WD in the Pacific Northwest was an issue when it snowed, it had a terrible turning radius and visibility (large posts) was sometimes an issue. Its been a great ride though, and if you can do your own repairs when the big stuff happens and dont live in an area where 4WD or AWD is really needed- snap it up!

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  Quality after 70,000 miles - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By trevk56 - December 19 - 12:30 am

  I replaced a 2000 Toyota Tundra with this car and never keep a car for more than three years, but I am now starting my 6th year with this 4Runner. I have had the 45 and 60,000 mile maintenance +tires/brakes that ran about $1700 and the AC synchronizer went out ($238). I have worked the front rotors once and replaced them once in 70,000 miles and cant complain because the brakes are great (4 wheel disk) and the power from the V8 and all wheel drive make effortless stoplight to highway merging simple. The gas mileage has stabilized (with full time 4WD) at 15.9-17.5 and best ever highway mileage was 19 worst was 11.2 pulling a trailer. Can pull Jet Skis or Boat at 75 up hills no problem.

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  Best of the segment - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ffuser2001 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the 2003 4Runner since last November, and have continually been impressed with it. The price was fair, its built closer the way a SUV is supposed to be built (solid frame, sold axle(s), ground clearance, low range, limited slip, etc), and it can tow a decent amount. Ive been off-road a few times, and it performs well. Ive towed a good number of times, usually about 3500 pounds, and it does so without complaint. Its a highly recommended vehicle on my list. It should be noted that we did experience a length list of early- production problems.