2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport 4.7 V8

Summary:

Great!... well until...

Faults:

X-REAS struts.

Brake master cylinder.

A/C.

Normal maintenance.

General Comments:

Don’t get me wrong, these 4 Runners, Land Cruisers and the like are stout in reliability. Yet like all vehicles, expensive problems can arise.

If you own a Sport or any model TOY with the X-REAS suspension (the hydraulic oil balanced strut system), I hope you have some $$$ in reserve. Cheap they are not. Neither the parts or the labor for installation.

But wait there’s more!

Ever change your brake master cylinder on your F150, Silverado or Dakota, MGB, Fiat, Buick or any other car or truck? $30-$400 for the part... maybe $200-$300 for labor if you feel like getting charged instead of doing it yourself?!? Not on your 4Runner/GX470. I dare you to find a used master cylinder for under $1200! You may have to second mortgage your house to buy a new one and have it installed. Oh, want to install it yourself to save a couple thousand?

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 25th August, 2018

26th Aug 2018, 17:37

Don't know a lot about the newer version of the 4runner. I do know that my neighbor was involved in a serious accident in his 2006 4runner version, and it held up well and no one was hurt. The 4runner was totaled. Not sure about the other car. Also recently the older versions have been going up in price in my area of Southern California. The older version that was from 1996-2002. Also saw a very clean low mileage 1997 Toyota 4runner for 8900.00 at the local Lexus dealership in Santa Monica CA. And thought that was a crazy price for it. Just too much. And they had it on the lot for 2 months and wouldn't reduce the price for it. It just sold a few days ago. So something is going on with the model and that version of the 4runner. My advice to anyone that has that 1996-2002 model is to hold onto it.

2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.7 V8

Summary:

Very capable, and a true off roader

Faults:

The 4Runner V8 is an excellent capable off roader, as well as a comfortable daily commuter provided that you are prepared for the gas costs for the V8. Fuel efficiency wise, the V8 is good on gas when compared to other V8s in the market. The V8 4Runner is also an AWD vehicle that can also be made a 4x4, through engaging the Central Differential Lock via a switch.

The huge problem with this generation of 4Runners is the acute and extreme rusting (build up of rust) at the top along and under the rear window's rubber seal. This rust completely eats away the metal, and is considered to be there as a result of a design flaw.

General Comments:

Overall the 4Runner is one of the best SUVs.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th December, 2013

11th Dec 2013, 13:38

I suggest you have a look underneath at the frame. You might find a far worse rust problem.

In reply to 11th Dec 2013, 13:38

14th Dec 2013, 08:32

There are no rust issues with the 4Runner frames, the frames are better than the frames of North American vehicle manufacturers in strength and durability. You might see rusty frames just because a 4Runner is still on the road and going strong, whereas other vehicles have ended up in the junkyard and are no longer on the road.

The rust issue is concentrated only under the rubber seal of rear window, due to a flawed design.

View 19 more comments

2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4.0L

Summary:

Flawless

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Great SUV.

I find it really quick for such a big vehicle. I drive it roughly, and I'm not always on time with the maintenance, but it never let me down. Great 4x4-off road car.

My family drives domestics and they all told me to get an American car. However, it turned out that I had to give them rides to work (when their cars were in the shop) in my Camry, which was older than their cars.

I love Toyota, and I will only buy that car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th June, 2008

12th Nov 2010, 13:50

Your Toyota was made in America by American hands. Your families American cars were made in Mexico. Thank you for helping employ 1000's of American and bringing business to American, and not exporting our American products.

9th Jan 2011, 18:59

Actually it was made in Japan... American Toyota plants are not as good as Japanese ones. I don't really care who and where it's made, as long as it is safe and reliable. American cars are crap, and always will be crap, no matter what people say!

In reply to 9th Jan 2011, 18:59

16th Dec 2013, 17:00

I love our 2014 C7 Corvette, Made in America.

Tremendous engineering, design, performance, and our last 2 were also bulletproof.

I also like the new Cadillacs. Doesn't matter who turns the wrench actually. It's where the corporation is located that gets the big profits on each car sold. After a plant gets lots of concessions and tax incentives, they can always pull out.

In reply to 16th Dec 2013, 17:00

19th Dec 2013, 21:32

I agree that recent G.M. engineering and design has been stellar. Corvette and Cadillac offer the best performance for their price range in the world.

In reply to 19th Dec 2013, 21:32

21st Dec 2013, 10:01

Our effort may be minimal, but we drive American made cars made in the USA. Corporate is based here, so the big profits remain here. I have been downsized twice. Hope that doesn't happen to you. My education bailed me out. But at my age, if it happens again, it will likely pull me out of the workplace. 20 or 30 years from now, maybe my advice won't be brushed off so lightly or forgotten.