2003 Toyota 4Runner SUV

Great quality mid-size truck

by wheatonbama on Mar 8, 2014
Vehicle: 2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

I have had my 2003 4runner for 11 years now with 156,000 miles and only had one major mechanical problem, which was replacement of gas tank fuel lines. Other than routine maintenance and wear and tear, the truck is great. I get really good gas mileage on the highway between 23 and 25 mpg even driving 70 mph on the hwy. In some instances I can get 27 mpg just driving 55 mph on cruise control. Hope to keep it for 300k and another 10 or 11 years. Oh yeah I use synthetic oil.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

By far, this is the

by spacecowgirl on Jan 29, 2014
Vehicle: 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

I bought my '03 4Runner with about 80k miles in 2010 after my 2000 Blazer (which gave me nothing but grief, but that's another review) was totalled in an accident. I'd always wanted a 4Runner, but had settled for less expensive alternatives. When my Blazer died, I decided that my replacement would be a 4Runner, even if it had to be older. Four years later I am so happy with my decision. It now has over 140,000 miles, and still runs like new. It hasn't seen the inside of a shop for anything other than routine maintenance. It's comfortable, spacious but not too big, and capable in the city, off road and in snow. My only regret is not buying a 4Runner sooner!

6 of 6 people found this review helpful

Best car i've ever owned

by abc66 on Jan 2, 2012
Vehicle: 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

As others have opined as well, this is the best car I have ever owned as well. At over 203,000 miles, it still runs better than some other SUVs I've owned have at 50,000. Have had no mechanical issues, and have only performed routine maintenance. The Edmunds reviewer who placed the lack of a third row seat as a con is a fool. An SUV isn't a mini-van/people mover first. It is a utility vehicle first, and cargo capacity is a higher priority than carrying over 5 people! With the rear seats folded down, which they do completely, there is a ton of storage capacity in the 4Runner. Not sure what compact SUV he was comparing to, but I've never seen one that has half as much capacity.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Best vehicle i've ever owned

by rufus42 on Dec 9, 2011
Vehicle: 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

We bought this vehicle new in 2003. It now has 120,000 miles. It has been fun and comfortable to drive. The mileage is 20 mph highway and 17-18 city. There was a rattle in the moon roof and a squeak in the left portion of the front bumper when it was new. Both were repaired under warranty. The front brakes pads and calipers were replaced at 102,000 miles. Replaced burned out brake lights and yellow front corner lights at about 100,000 miles. A dash light burned out at about 118,000. The dash light cost about $97 to replace since I had it done by my shop. Other than these relatively minor repairs, it has been just routine maintenance. I plan to keep this vehicle for another 120,000 or more.

Bad ac unit on this

by ballinfur on Aug 28, 2011
Vehicle: 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

$3000.00 fix for parts and labor @ Toyota dealer to fix AC/Heat relay and blower related problem. Don't buy any 4runner from the late 90's to 03. Problems with AC unit, Heat, clutch relay, not cheap to fix at all. Problems are recurring too. 2004 and newer are fine. Other than those problems listed, this SUV would of been GREAT.

What a great vehicle!

by Headshaker on Oct 19, 2010
Vehicle: 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

My wife and I bought the v-8 primarily as her vehicle. Wow What a great car! Great in the snow, great all- wheel drive, great tow vehicle, and great kid hauler. My son finally talked my wife into selling it to him, so we've now bought a 2011 version. I hope it is as reliable, because we loved the 2003 model!