2003 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews

Best Car I've Ever Owned

Vehicle

2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

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.
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Best vehicle I've ever owned

Vehicle

2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

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.
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BAD AC unit on this year 4runner

Vehicle

2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

$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.
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What a great vehicle!

Vehicle

2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

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!
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My 03 4runner

Vehicle

2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought my 2003 4runner in 2005, its one of the best cars I've every bought. The ride is very comfortable and smooth theirs a lot of room in the front seat same with the back seat, its very roomy. I bought the car with about 50,000 miles on it and now theirs 130,000 miles on it. I'm very happy with the gas millage, I get about 18.6 mpg. The only problems I've had was with the back window, it went down very slowly but has started working fine now, and the driver window makes a cracking noise when i put it down, also the left and right headlights have gone out three times on me since I've had it, but other then that the car runs perfectly! I hope to have this car another 130,000 miles!
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Love it!

Vehicle

2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

I bought this car w/121,000 miles on it - I use it basically for winter driving and to tow our boats, sea-doos etc. - I have a summer car - but you know what - I prefer an SUV. It now has 131,000 on it and I hope, hope, hope it lasts for 300,000 miles...!! :) V8 power is great, gas mileage, well its a v8, what can I say, but that's ok - I don't know about the snow yet, will be my first winter w/it but sure it will be just fine. - need to learn about downhill assist and vsc.
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2003 SR5 4WD V6

Vehicle

2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought this car new in 2003 to be our family truckster. While it had a rattle here and there, it was always reliable and well-mannered on the road through 125,000 miles. Pretty early on in had an ABS problem, which was quickly fixed under warranty. No problems since. Good cargo space and lots of room for rear-passengers. I could just fit 2 kids in boosters and a grandmother in the backseat. I moved up to a BMW 5-series, and less than a month later I am considering moving back to a 4runner.
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2003 4Runner after 6 years of ownership

Vehicle

2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Overall I've liked the truck. I have close to 100K miles now and have taken good care of it. It still looks like a new truck when I get it all cleaned up which I think is due to the quality of paint and components used. I've been disappointed by the reliability. Among those things gone wrong are: AC compressor clutch relay, Heated mirrors don't work, Lights in several areas of the dash don't work, Front brake calipers froze up. Had to be replaced Transmission or rear end has a whine that I'm afraid is the beginning of a big bill. Would I buy again? Maybe, but I would want to look at other trucks first. The harsh ride of the vehicle tends to make those sitting in the rear get car sick.
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Not bad for a Japanese car

Vehicle

2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I bought one of the first 2003 4Runners, SR5 with V8, before the V6 became available. Main reason for the purchase was the great powerful V8 and silky smooth ride. I still like it, but wished I had waited a couple of years and bought a used one, since the value dropped so quickly. The car is so reliable and well built, even after almost 7 years it seems like new, so I think that picking up a decent pre-owned one seems a pretty safe bet. Anyway, the 4Runner is not for tall people and it is not the most spacious SUV out there. If you have a big family, I would go for it's big brother, the Sequioa, or the Honda Pilot, if you don't need the V8 power.
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After 7 years, still strong!

Vehicle

2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Just drove 2300 miles from California to Atlanta without a hiccup! No worries on long road trip when you have a reliable Toyota with you. Oh, and this is with 97K total miles.
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