Used 2003 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews
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Not bad for a Japanese car
ToyotaGuy, 08/20/2009
updated 06/17/2024
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
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. UPDATE: I think Toyota must have made a mistake designing the 4Runner. If all cars were like this, they wouldn't sell anything anymore. I bought mine in 2003 and it has been going strong for 21+ years and 165k commuter miles, no rattles or squeaks. There are only two minor things outside of regular maintenance that I had to repair. The power door locks started failing after 10 years, and I was able to fix them by cleaning the little motors. And the lumbar support air bladder gave up at some point, don't even remember when, never bothered to look into that. The engine is strong and super smooth, so is the original transmission. The car is so quiet, sometimes people ask me if this is an electric car. Well, not quite. Gas mileage is about 16 in the city and 19 on the highway, right as advertised, and not bad for a big V8. I did change the timing belt etc. at 90k, but am still on the original spark plugs! The mechanic recommended to keep them. I heard that the early models had rust issues, but here in California that has not been a problem. I am convinced that this car will outlive me, as long as it is maintained properly. Keep watching the used car ads, it may go up for sale in 20-30 more years :-)
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Best vehicle I've ever owned
rufus42, 12/10/2011
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
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.
2003 Toyota 4Runner for sale near you
3 of 88 listings
- SR5 4dr SUVMSRP: $7,99996 mi away
- SR5 4dr SUVMSRP: $6,995119 mi away
- Sport Edition 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,800133 mi away
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237,000 miles and going strong!
Rufus42, 05/22/2019
updated 11/27/2023
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have now had this vehicle for 20 years. Since my last review I had a front drive axle replaced and the left front wheel bearing. Not bad for 237,000 miles and twenty years. It gets about 20 mpg Highway and 15 around town. But it is still great for taking the grandsons on outings (hikes, camping, fishing, and bicycling. Just routine maintenance (besides the radiator replacement and the items mentioned above.) Still the best vehicle I have ever owned. No plans to replace it anytime soon. Very happy with my purchase in 2003!
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Would buy another one today
Drivernator, 10/30/2003
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Having driven us built autos with the exception of a 1993 Mitsubishi, I would buy another 4Runner today. This is the best built, easiest to drive and park SUV I could find in the market after researching ALL mid-sized SUV's available. I paid a little more than I would have had to pay for a U.S. built SUV, but figure I will save the difference in maintance expenses.
TestOfTheNew4Runner-IMPRESSED!
JMErbrick1980, 10/17/2002
2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Went down yesterday to look at the new 4Runner. A BIG improvement over the third generation. Pros: new V8 is quite peppy in 2WD form, seats are extremely comfortable, transmission shits smoothly, respectable fuel economy, extremely smooth ride, peace of mind that it will last. Cons: Where's that 3rd row seat??? Not much space for cargo, a little noisy when sunroof is open, radio/climate ctrl. illumination not very bright at night; although instrument lights are bright. Looks like a winner to me.