Used 2003 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews
Used 4Runner for sale
Still runs like it's new
Alex, 04/13/2021
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my 4Runner, his name is Bill, we bought him used with over 100K miles and he is over 200k now, you wouldn't know it by the drive. Very reliable, no mechanical issues. He has a V8 engine and that is a plus, would highly recommend.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My tank ltough uxury ride truck
Jimmy, 10/25/2019
updated 02/24/2021
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I got my 4Runner almost 3 years ago, the truck had 170K miles, and now is close to 194K miles. I love calling it "truck" for it's a real body on frame truck, not another ridiculous meh soccer mom SUV or minivan, this is a serious truck with the comforts and performance of a modern sedan. Besides my Fords, this truck had been also rock reliable, it's actually fast off the line for a truck this size, 0-60 in about 7.3 seconds, has nice torque and can even go off roading, of course it's a V6 2WD so I wouldn't say hard off roading, but for soft off road trails the truck is wonderful. I love it's power, handling, and looks despite many 4Runner enthusiasts insists on hating on this generation looks, but I happily say it's the BEST 4Runner generation, the ones with the best interior quality even better than newer ones hard dash plastics and confusing instrumentation, the only ones with a V8, and IMO the most reliable ones as well, with the exception of some 2004 ones with the HG issues. I actually LOVE how they do look when some upgrades are done t o them, I love the fact that mine being the base model it's more reliable, not intrusive AWD stuff and electronics, lighter, thus nimbler, and I can do my trips really relaxed due to the refined ride characteristics, cloth seats and room. You also don't have to worry for timing belt replacements, as on V8 models, only worry about the high prone to rust chassis, and idle issues. I have nothing on that because I live in SoCAl and moisture and humidity is low down here, hence got no rust issues, and the idling issue that most of us complain about, all it takes is taking off the MAF and the throttle body and clean them both, then resetting the ECU shall fix the low idle issue as I finally did. I'm planning on lifting it up a little bit, have it painted for Toyotas are known for the crappy paint jobs on their cars, and add some nice mean wheels. I know with the maintenance i do to it, my tank truck will last forever! Do not listen to magazine car reviews when they say these trucks are outdated dinosaurs, we love dinosaurs and true old fashioned trucks, I hope Toyota never stop making them the way they are TRUCKS for real MEN.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2003 Toyota 4Runner for sale near you
Showing 3 of 9 listings
- SR5 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,000500 mi away
- SR5 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,995544 mi away
- SR5 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,999747 mi away
See all 9 listings
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!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Proud and Happy owner!!!
mvh_888, 09/29/2006
2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
ever since I got my 4runner, ive never enjoyed driving as much as i have. Its the best suv so far and its from toyota.As a 27yr old prof. female, the 4runner is my ever reliable friend day or night!