2003 Toyota 4Runner Review

Name: 2003 Toyota 4Runner Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 5995 USD
Rating: 4.8 (382 reviews)

(382)

+140

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$5,995 - $11,990

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Toyota 4Runner model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Powerful V6 engine, rugged off-road capabilities, many standard and optional features.

Cons

No third-row seat, cargo capacity isn't much more than what many compact SUVs offer.

What’s new

Toyota's popular midsize SUV has been completely redesigned this year. Though it stays true to its truck-based roots, it comes with many new upscale features, including an available V8 engine and an optional navigation system.

Edmunds says

The 4Runner legend continues. This is one of the best midsize SUVs for 2003.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$276/mo

$192/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Vehicle overview

After keeping the 4Runner in its current form for nearly 10 years, Toyota will introduce a fully redesigned version for the '03 model year. Few technical details are known, but the design is said to be radically different from the current model.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Toyota 4Runner.

5 (87%)

4 (10%)

3 (2%)

2 (1%)

1 (0%)

4.8

382 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 382 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

BEST OF THE BEST

techman8, 01/28/2015

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

I've been a mechanic for almost a decade and my opinion of the 4th Generation 4runner is ..IF YOU HAVE ONE, KEEP IT. These things are incredibly well built. Toyota is know as the all-around most reliable brand amongst cars worldwide but little did I know that buying a used 4runner with 230,000 miles would of taught me a lesson in how a true SUV should be. It's rock solid body-on-frame …

Blown away by a used car

graves2014, 07/16/2014

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

I was a long time BMW owner. I've had at least 4 over the past two decades, but I really liked my friend's 4Runner. I couldn't afford a new one, so I looked for a used one. Not an easy task. There are just not that many for sale. I can see why. ...My 03 V8 4runner is faster than my BMW. It's still very sharp inside and out. The extra utility was such a bonus. 4 guys and our golf …

Best Car I've Ever Owned

abc66, 01/03/2012

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 …

By far, this is the best SUV ever built.

spacecowgirl, 01/29/2014

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

About to turn 170,000 miles and still going strong. The only issue we've had is with the catalytic converter but otherwise, it's been solid and reliable. It has started every time we turn the key. Everything in it still works as it should. It's hard to believe this is a 13+ year old car.

See all 382 reviews of the Toyota 4Runner

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2003 4Runner Highlights

Trim:

SR5

Base MSRP	$27,055
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$276/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	42.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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2003 Toyota 4Runner Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Vehicle overview

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Toyota 4Runner.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

BEST OF THE BEST

Blown away by a used car

Best Car I've Ever Owned

By far, this is the best SUV ever built.

2003 4Runner Highlights

Safety

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2003 Toyota 4Runner Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Vehicle overview

Most helpful consumer reviews

BEST OF THE BEST

Blown away by a used car

Best Car I've Ever Owned

By far, this is the best SUV ever built.

2003 4Runner Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2003 Toyota 4Runner info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research recent models from same make

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}