Used 2003 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews
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2003 4Runner after 6 years of ownership
Steve, 09/29/2009
2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
Absolute Best Car
Rena Farrelly, 01/03/2017
2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I enjoyed every minute of the 14 years with my 2003 4Runner. AWD is great in the snow and also on the beach. Strong acceleration; never felt top-heavy. A truly reliable and comfortable vehicle. If my son was older, I'd save it for him, but we've got 9 years to go! I'll be shopping for a 4Runner for him when the time comes.
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2003 Toyota 4Runner for sale near you
3 of 91 listings
- SR5 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,90017 mi away
- Sport Edition 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,99520 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,252115 mi away
See all 91 listings
Very dependable and reliable - Great Truck
G.D., 12/24/2016
2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Brought this vehicle off the lot and only had one major problem (fuel lines replacement for $1,000) other than that I had no other major issues. Its great on highway at 25 or more per gallon driving 55 or 65 mph. I could go on but its a great truck. I currently have 198K and I have a second used 4runner (2004 V8 4x4) with over 250k that I bought with 203K and it still runs great.
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Great
Paul, 10/06/2008
2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We traded an '04 Envoy 4x4 for this because we trailer a dirt bike and atv. As it turns out, we can use this on the 4x4 trails near where we live. The gas mileage leaves a little to be desired, but the V8 wasn't purchased for amazing gas mileage. I get about 15 in the city and 21ish on the highway. With 1100 pounds of trailer in tow, we get about 19. I don't think that's too bad for full-time 4wd.
Fantastic 4.7L V8
Tartallini, 01/21/2017
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was lucky enough to find my 2003 SR5 4Runner (with RWD, 4.7L V8) at a dealer's auction; a friend has a dealer's 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 state's 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 I'd 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 4Runner's 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. It's been a great ride though, and if you can do your own repairs when the big stuff happens and don't live in an area where 4WD or AWD is really needed- snap it up!
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