4th Gen Toyota 4Runner Reviews

2003 Toyota 4Runner Reviews

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First Drive from CANADIANDRIVER.COM

First Drive:
2003 Toyota 4Runner
Story and photos
by Laurance Yap

Vancouver, B.C. - You can be forgiven for forgetting about the 4Runner, Toyota's midsize truck-based SUV. What with all the hoopla around the full-sized Sequoia, the successful car-based Highlander, and the sporty little RAV4, it kind of got lost in the mix. Last revised in 1996, the 4Runner languished in our collective consciousness -- and on the increasingly-competitive sales charts. As more and more trucks became based on more-nimble car platforms, its sitting-on-the-floor-up-high driving position, narrow cabin, and sturdy truck-like dynamics couldn't compete--Toyota's legendary quality and reliability notwithstanding.

Yet despite the trend towards car-like driving experiences, styling, and interiors, Toyota still believes there's a place in the world for a rugged truck-based SUV, with enough ground clearance, strength, and off-road capability to satisfy true truck enthusiasts, many of whom have become Toyota converts over the years thanks to their refined drivetrains and bulletproof performance. So enter the 2003 4Runner, with all the typical Toyota pluses, virtually none of the old 4Runner's vices, and a fantastic new V8 engine.

Sharing its platform and its optional high-end drivetrain with the U.S.-only Lexus GX470, the new 4Runner still rides on a full ladder frame, this time formed of hydroformed steel, and perched atop a newly-designed suspension, with an innovative cross-linked shock absorber system on V8 models; under cornering, hydraulic tubes linking the opposite shocks provides a more stable ride and better cornering. Cool.

Base models now have a 245 horsepower V6 (strangely; the V8 produces less horses but a massive 320 lb-ft of torque instead of the V6's 283 lb-ft) and a four-speed automatic (V8s have a standard five-speed). A dash-mounted knob controls a part-time 4WD system on the V6, and a full-time AWD system on the V8. Low range for extra traction is standard with both engines.

On the road, the new V8's extra power and refinement is noticeable. It's nearly silent in normal operation, only giving way to a muted growl when you're really gunning it. The automatic slurs near-imperceptibly between the gears and is notably responsive to jabs of the gas pedal. Braking is fine, and despite a stance that still has some of that tall, narrow 4Runner look, cornering is as stable and poised as any truck-based SUV with a live rear axle has a right to be.

Given the big hole it has to punch in the air, the 4Runner is also surprisingly absent of wind noise, even at high speeds. On the highway, the light steering has a tendency to wander a bit, requiring lots of little minor steering corrections, and on rough roads, the rear wheels can judder over bumps, but otherwise, there's little to complain about with this package.

Driving aside, though, where the 4Runner has really made huge strides is in the quality and design of the interior. Though the old 4Runner was nicely made, the pieces it was made out of -- the low-set seats, the climate knobs, even the window switches -- were clearly from a bygone age. No longer: the new interior has ritzy instrument graphics, big, easy-to-use controls, and high-tech finishes like brushed aluminum and black-stained wood. The shifter may not have a manumatic mode, but its gated design makes selecting the right gear a cinch; the optional leather smells and feels great to the touch; the optional 10-speaker JBL Synthesis stereo sounds terrific, with a 6-CD changer, quality that replicates movie-style surround sound, and rear-seat audio controls and wireless headphones.

Still, Toyota may have missed an opportunity here in not offering a third row of seats to the newly-capacious interior. With all the new headroom, and the cabin's extra length, a third row for small kids would have, if nothing else, been a good marketing point. Ford's Explorer, a full-frame SUV, has a third row, though admittedly its low-slung independent rear suspension doesn't offer the 4Runner's pretty amazing rock-hopping capabilities. This thing will go further into the wilderness than you likely ever want to go.

No longer based on the Tacoma pickup -- and thus liberated from its seat-on-the-floor driving position -- the new 4Runner is a clear step ahead of its predecessor in technology and safety. The throttle is controlled electronically, contributing to lower emissions and better response. Air suspension on limited V8 models allows the driver to select the rear ride height, for better departure angles off-road. Electronic brake-force distribution, ABS, and Brake Assist are standard along with a passel of airbags; four-wheel electronic traction control keeps power going to the wheels with grip, and VSC skid control uses the 4-piston brakes to pull the truck back onto line when it slips. Downhill Assist Control and Hill Start Assist Control help you go up and down hills a lot safer and easier.

The introduction of the new 4Runner coincides with a newly-invigorated push by Toyota to differentiate its truck business from its car business. Truck-specific showrooms will spring up across the country, and will allow buyers to build a virtual car with virtual accessories on-site using a DVD-based virtual-reality system. The idea? To create an environment where truck customers can feel at home -- something they haven't felt, evidently, in Toyota's current showrooms.

For all the 4Runner's capability, though, it's hard to make a case for it as a daily-driver when the Highlander is roomier, easier-to-drive, more fuel-efficient, and just as well-made. But for buyers that want a real truck, and a vehicle that has the looks of a real truck, the big new Toyota will be a fine choice. It's not like the world needs another V8 SUV, but at least this one's a Toyota.

Autoweek Review

2003 Toyota 4Runner
Not to be overshadowed

By CARRIE ROCA

For three generations the 4Runner has been Toyota

TRUCKWORLDONLINE.com Review

A NEW V8 SETS THE STAGE FOR
THE 2003 TOYOTA 4RUNNER

By Keith Burton

For 17 years, the 4Runner has been in the front of popularity for midsize SUVs with its rugged off-road abilities and dependability. In a sense, the 4Runner is almost in a class by itself. So, with the completely new 2003 4Runner, Toyota played its hand safe.

Truckworld's Editor, Duane Elliott quotes, "The 2003 4Runner is one of the tightest all-around SUV packages we've driven this year. The 4Runner's new 4.7L V8 delivers awesome power at the bottom and top end of the rpm range (we clocked a 7.9-second 0-60). The 4Runner's suspension is pliable enough to give it a smooth ride over a bumpy road, yet it is tight enough for performing nicely through a windy canyon. The transmission shifts beautifully and performs with authority. The interior of the SUV is roomy and the fit-and-finish for 2003 is beautifully done. Overall, this is one complete package not to overlook if shopping for a sport utility vehicle!"

While the new 4Runner is larger, more powerful, and more comfortable than ever before, it still remains true to its legendary off road abilities. Toyota also wisely kept the 4Runner's traditional roll down rear window, which disappears into the tailgate.

Toyota chose to introduce this 4th generation 4Runner with a 4.7 liter DOHC V8 engine though a brand new all-aluminum 4-liter V6 will be the standard engine. The V6 won't arrive until January 2003.

A V8 is a first for the 4Runner and it is a good choice for owners needing a lot of torque to pull a trailer. It provides 235 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque and gets 16- 20 miles per gallon. It is a fine engine and makes the new 4Runner one of the better performing SUVs on the market. And if you turn the standard traction control system off, you can relive your youth by burning a nice stripe of rubber on your favorite street.

The new V6 actually will offer more horsepower than the V8, at 245 with 282 ft.-lb. of torque. The V6 will also have a new linkless electronic throttle control system and variable valve timing.

A V8 engine option is new for the 4Runner. With 235 horsepower on tap, the 4Runner is torquey and fast.

Both the V8 and V6 feature a new cranking system whereby the starter is no longer controlled by the starter switch. What this means is that you don't have to hold the key until the engine starts. Just one turn to the start position and let go. The engine will continue to crank until it starts. No more will you mistakenly engage the starter while the engine is running.

On the Interstate, the V8 4Runner tracks stable at high speeds, and when you need to pass another vehicle, there is plenty of power to accelerate even at speeds greater than 70 mph. Wind noise is subdued with only a faint rush sound from the A pillars. The ride is well damped and steering feels smooth and linear. The overall impression is one of quiet refinement and stability. Those are big plusses when it comes to an SUV.

Toyota has packed their new SUV with a ton of new safety and drivetrain enhancements that improve both on and off-road performance.

In the 4x4 version, the 4Runner has the world's first use of a Torsen sensing type limited-slip center differential in a mid-size SUV transfer case. The new torque-sensing feature allows the torque to be split mid-point to be more biased toward the rear, which provides better stability control when accelerating and towing.

Normally, the torque is split 60-percent rear, 40-percent front. But the system can send up to 71-percent of the power to the rear wheels when the front wheels slip, and up to 53-percent to the front wheels when the rears are losing grip.

Both the 4x4 and 4x2 versions of the 2003 4Runner have Toyota's first use of a five-speed automatic transmission in a light truck. The transmission's computer has a type of artificial intelligence that controls the shift patterns according to driving conditions and driver intent.

We can tell you that after driving the new 4Runner, the transmission shifts with intuitive smoothness and always seemed to be in the right gear, regardless of terrain. Some new features off-roaders will like are Downhill Assist Control, or DAC; and the Hill-Start Assist Control, or HAC. Okay, if pictures of HAL from 2001 the movie is coming to mind, rest assured that Toyota hasn't gone absolutely techno crazy.

All 4Runners with 4WD get the systems as standard equipment. The DAC system assists engine braking when the 4Runner is in low range during a descent on a steep hill or slippery surface. When engaged by a pushbutton, the system automatically controls the throttle and brakes to restrict the vehicle's speed to maintain a straight course when going down a hill. DAC automatically disengages if the driver presses the brake or accelerator pedal.

The HAC feature is standard on both two and four-wheel drive 4Runners. HAC will keep the vehicle from rolling backwards on a hill or slipping sideways on slippery roads. The HAC system controls the brakes and is automatically engaged when the transmission is in any forward gear.

The 2003 4Runner will be sold in three very well equipped trim levels in both two, and four-wheel drive. These include the SR-5, Sport, and Limited versions. Toyota expects the big seller will be the SR-5 model, but all are stylish, roomy and come with a high level of features. To our editorial eyes the Limited version looked much like a Lexus vehicle inside and out. Base prices range from $28,005 for the SR5 4x2 V8 to $36,480 for the 4x4 Limited.

Those of you who have stayed away from previous versions of the 4Runner because you felt they didn't have the interior room you needed now have no reason to do so. This latest version is substantially larger in every dimension growing 4.5 inches in wheelbase and over three inches wider. You can now place a 4x8 sheet of plywood between the wheel wells. The extra width also means plenty of elbowroom for both front and rear seat passengers.

The 2003 4Runner Sport features a hood-mounted scoop, 17-inch wheels and a special sport suspension and shock absorber system as standard equipment. Well, Toyota has permanently coated the windows of the 4Runner with a chemical that is water repellent. The chemical causes water to form big drops, which are quickly blown away by the wind.

For folks looking for a more sporting 4Runner, the Sport version adds a hood scoop and bigger 17-inch wheels. But the best feature is an enhanced suspension system, which features cross-linked shock absorbers where the compression chamber of each shock is cross-linked to its diagonal mate. That is, the front left shock is linked to the rear right and front right is linked to the rear left. What this does is dramatically improve on and off-road handling and dampens body roll and pitch. The sport suspension is standard on the Sport version and optional on the Limited.

After a thorough drive on the highway and on some rough back roads outside of Fort Worth, Texas, we feel confident that the new 4Runner will be a hit from both the vehicle's existing fans, and certainly to new customers looking for a mid-size SUV.

Toyota has made finding a safer, attractive, and more rugged SUV among the hordes of others easier than ever.

The 2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited is completely new for this year. Lexus-like in both exterior and interior, the 4Runner Limited is a luxurious but capable 4x4 SUV
Base Price: $30,280 SR5 4x2
Price as tested: $36,480 4Runner Limited 4x4
Engine: 4.7-liter DOHC V8
Transmission: five-speed computer-controlled automatic
Layout: Selectable 2x4 or 4x4 with Torsen limited slip center differential
Curb weight: 4, 420 lbs.
Safety Equipment: Dual front airbags, side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Brake Assist and electronic brake-force distribution, anti skid control.
Standard features: AM/FM/Cassette/CD JBL system with 360 watts and ten speakers, adjustable steering column, cruise control, Automatic climate control A/C, power sunroof, power doors, windows and locks, roof rails and cross bars, leather upholstery, keyless entry, heated power outside mirrors, 17-inch allow wheels, fog lamps, color-keyed bumpers, eight-way electrically adjustable drivers-seat, four-way electrically adjustable passenger seat.

USA Today Review

New 4Runner: over-clad outside, but sweet inside

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J.

Road and Track Review

It would have been very easy for the Toyota Motor Corporation to go down the enticing road of making the new 4Runner more "carlike" and less "trucklike" in an effort to appeal to a broader audience. Fortunately, this is not the case

MotorWeek Review

2003 Toyota 4Runner
Program #2203

Sport utility vehicles used to refer to rugged trucks that were long on off-road ability, and short on creature comforts. Today, most newer SUVs are just the opposite, being much less capable in the dirt, yet boasting real luxury car amenities. With its 2003 4Runner, however, Toyota claims to have given its best selling, most rugged sport-ute model both "car-like comfort, and improved off-road prowess." A tall order. Can the new 4Runner deliver?

It better, because the Toyota 4Runner, which has sold over 1.2 million units since its 1985 introduction, is expected to maintain, and even improve, its sales. To that end, the 2003 Toyota 4Runner is all-new. But you might not realize that, since the styling is a subtle evolution. A smoother fender here, a new light there, it's all very handsome, with more flavor of the larger Sequoia, but not a real stretch. Get out the tape measure, though, and you quickly discover that the wheelbase is greatly stretched, by 4.5 inches, to 109.8, while overall length also jumps to 187.8 inches. The new 4Runner is almost 6-inches wider, as well.

Its new stiffer ladder-style frame , yes this is still a real truck , rides on a front double wishbone suspension, and 4-link solid axle at the rear, with coil springs at all corners. Rear air suspension is available for the Limited V-8, while a Yamaha developed cross-linked shock system is available on a new Sport Edition. Called X-REAS, it reduces body pitch, roll, and bottoming when off-roading by passing some of the front wheel motion to the rear.

There are big changes too in the 4Runner's engine bay. Last year's 4-banger is replaced by a new all-aluminum 4.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam V6 with 245 horsepower and 283 pound-feet of torque. To match domestic rivals, the Land Cruiser's 4.7-liter dual-overhead-cam I-Force V8, with 235 horsepower and a stump-pulling 320 pound-feet of torque, is a first time 4Runner option. V6 4Runners use a 4-speed automatic transmission, while the V8 gets a 5-speed auto. Both are smooth and crisp. All 4-wheel-drive units boast a full-time 2-speed transfer case with a Torsen sensing-type limited slip center differential. With a normal 40/60 torque split front to rear, in slippery conditions a maximum of 70% goes to the rear, or up to 53% to the front. Traction control and Vehicle Stability Control are standard on all models. Also standard are Toyota's Downhill Assist Control, and Hill-start Assist Control, which use the throttle and brakes to improve stability and reduce slippage on loose surfaces.

We first tried pavement in the new 4Runner in Oregon's scenic Depot Bay area. Ride quality was almost luxury car smooth, but the soft 4-link suspension produced a lot of body roll in corners. The variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering had a light feel, but still delivered reasonable feedback. Drivetrain performance, from both the 6-and-8, was impressive. The V6 was strong off the line, and yet still exhibited plenty of top end for passing. The V8, a proven unit, pumped out gobs of refined low end grunt.

The long list of mechanical upgrades is matched by new accommodations in the form of a larger, well equipped cabin. The dash is clean and sporty, with straightforward switchgear for everything from the standard automatic climate controls, to the optional GPS navigation system.

In back, the 60/40 split seat offers increased head, shoulder and hip room. No third seat is offered. It's reserved for the Lexus version, the GX470. 4Runner cargo space has decreased by 2.4 cubic-feet, to 42.2 with the rear seat up. With the seats folded, maximum available cargo space is 75.1, down 4.7 cubic-feet.

EPA fuel economy numbers have increased, however, with the V6 model registering 18 city/21 highway in 2-wheel-drive models, and 17 city/20 highway when equipped with 4-wheel- drive. Final pricing was not available when we went to tape, but look for base stickers to range from $27,000 for an SR5 4X2, to $37,000 for a Limited 4X4.

Sport-utes, and the demands of sport-ute owners, have come a long way. The new 2003 Toyota 4Runner looks well-equipped to meet those demands and deliver both the comfort and true off-road ability needed to grow sales, and make it a serious mid-size SUV contender for many years to come.

TheCarConnection.com Review

2003 Toyota 4Runner

Sort of old school, sort of new school.
by John Pearley Huffman

The term SUV is thrown around so loosely these days that it

FamilyCar.com Review

Here is the link:

FamilyCar.com Review

Here's a review from AUTOMOBILE

Reviews
2003 Toyota 4Runner

By Don Sherman

Gleneden Beach, Oregon

Click to expand...

Hey all,

Here is a good detailed review of the '03 4Runner:

2003 4Runner Review

(Note: there are FOUR review pages...remember to see them all!)

MotorTrend Preview

First Test: 2003 Toyota 4Runner
All new, still tough, and now with V-8 power

By David Newhardt

Body-on-frame sport/utilities seem to have taken a back seat to the latest, often car-based, unibody models. However, when the road morphs into a pack-mule grade or heavy-duty towing is part of the picture, the inherent strength of a separate frame is often an advantage.

The fourth-generation 2003 4Runner retains its separate frame/body configuration and is available in three trim levels: SR5, Sport, and top-line Limited. Offered in 2WD and 4WD, it boasts an optional V-8 for the first time. Using the same 4.7L/235-hp DOHC V-8 as in the Sequoia, the 4Runner has no trouble merging into traffic, as well as pulling a fair-size trailer. An all-new 245-hp DOHC aluminum V-6 is standard, and, frankly, it's all the engine most buyers will need.

Techno aids include Downhill Assist Control for inching down treacherous grades, Vehicle Stability Control, and Hill-Start Assist Control to maintain stability when climbing a slope. A diagonally cross-connected shock-absorber system (X-REAS) is designed to damp roll and pitch. The Limited models even offer an optional rear-axle air suspension. Improved NVH suppression gives the 4Runner a level of quiet usually found in higher-buck platforms. The increased cabin width is a boon to full-size Americans.

Given its higher feature content, solid off-road capability, and newly available V-8 power, Toyota shouldn't have a serious challenge meeting its sales target.

Link:

Car & Driver Review

THE VERDICT
Toyota 4Runner SR5 V-8 4WD

Highs: Solid build, good refinement, plenty of power.

Lows: A little heavy for serious off-roading, intrusive stability-control systems.

The Verdict: If you build 'em bigger, they will apparently keep coming.

Detroit News Review

He Drove, She Drove
New 4Runner lacks distinction

By Paul & Anita Lienert / Special to The Detroit News

2003 Toyota 4Runner

Anita's rating: *** (above average)
Paul's rating: *** (above average)
Likes: Torquey, responsive new V-8. Sturdy new chassis. Power rear window in tailgate. Standard ABS and stability control.
Dislikes: Optional rear storage shelf cuts down on usable cargo space. Climate controls are confusing, not intuitive. No vanity mirrors. Ride still harsher than car-based SUVs. Styling is more derivative than distinctive. Can lower, but can't raise power rear window from key fob. Lacked running boards. V-8 has less horsepower than V-6. Deep-set gauges hard to read (Anita). Digital readout in center console hard to read (Paul).
Type: Front-engine, four-wheel drive, five-passenger sport-utility vehicle.
Price: Base, $32,075; as tested, $33,594 (inc. $510 destination charge).
Engine: 4.7-liter V-8; 235-hp; 320 lb-ft torque.
EPA fuel economy: 15 mpg city/19 mpg highway.
12-month insurance cost, estimated by AAA Michigan: $1,428 (Rates may be higher or lower, depending on coverage and driving record.)
Where built: Japan

We have a friend who's been asking us for months about the 2003 4Runner. He's been driving a full-size Ford pickup, but really wants the popular Toyota sport-utility vehicle.
He may want to keep his Ford truck. Toyota has redesigned its mid-size, made-in-Japan SUV, and the result is a vehicle that looks more derivative than distinctive. We even see elements of the Ford Explorer here and there -- and that's not necessarily a bad thing.
We tested a 4Runner Sport Edition 4x4, priced at $33,594. It's pretty nice -- but definitely not best-in-class.
He: The first time I jumped into the new 4Runner was when you came to pick me up at the airport, around 8:30 at night. It was pretty dark out by then, and as we took off, I tried to find the climate controls to adjust the temperature and fan. I almost drove off the road trying to find them. Even in broad daylight, the fancy designer-look rotary dials are confusing. They are not intuitive at all. Once you decipher them and live with them for a while, I suppose it gets a little easier. I also noticed the digital display in the center console is hard to read in the daylight. Not a good start for a vehicle that has always impressed us as a solid, middle-of-the-road offering in the mid-size SUV segment.
She: I think the 4Runner is still solid. It just launches you on the freeway with that new 4.7-liter V-8, which gives you lots of torque. I was surprised to see, however, that the 4Runner's V-8 makes less horsepower than the standard V-6. My overall impression of the new 4Runner is that it is a very masculine product, clearly designed by men for other men, from the hood scoop on the Sport Edition to the glaring lack of even a plain, unlighted vanity mirror on the passenger side.
He: And, guys, we're talking about a real safety hazard here. Every time I went to check the rear-view mirror, it was twisted in Anita's direction. That was fine as long as she was driving. I think.
She: How could they forget something as basic as that when they put so many other cool features on the new 4Runner? Like that power rear window in the tailgate. What a blessing in today's world of airport checkpoints. If the guard asks to see in the back, you just hit the button to the right of the steering wheel, and the window rolls down. He sure looked surprised.
He: So did I when I discovered that you can lower that rear window from the key fob, but you can only raise it from inside the vehicle. Duh!
She: I have to say the 4Runner feels solidly built. That's a new truck chassis that Toyota says it will use for the new Lexus GX470. But I thought the ride was not as comfortable as on some of the car-based SUVs that we've tested, including the Toyota Highlander. And the 4Runner is more difficult to park than the Highlander. It feels so big and unwieldly, it always took me several passes to get it parked -- parallel or angle. I also found it difficult to climb in and out without running boards, which seems like another real oversight on a fancy SUV that costs almost $34,000.
He: I give Toyota credit for including antilock brakes, plus stability and traction control. But side air bags and air curtains are an extra-cost option that was not installed on our test vehicle.
She: The 4Runner, like the best SUVs, has a command seating position that puts you up higher than other vehicles and lets you see well ahead of you on the freeway. Toyota seems to have stuck with the classic SUV formula, in that regard. It just doesn't seem to have raised the bar much with this latest generation.
He: I notice that Toyota tried to add a few more family-friendly features, like a $625 rear-seat audio system -- but no DVD player -- and a $100 rear "double-decker" cargo shelf, that lets you stack more packages, but doesn't easily accommodate larger bags and boxes without removing the entire shelf. So where does that leave us? With a solid, well-built SUV that falls short in some areas and lacks distinction in a crowded field of powerful competitors.

Corey's Road Test

Actual Off-road Test by an owner

Remember to check out the PICTURES and VIDEOS!

Edmunds Review

Edmunds First Drive Test

Um Thai, I posted the same AUTOMOBILE review on page one of this thread - you're getting slow in your old age

Ooopss...deleted my post already!

Excellent RockCrawler.com Review!

RockCrawler Review of '03 4Runner

TruckTrend.com First Drive

http://www.trucktrend.com/roadtests/suv/163_0212_4rn/

This has 3 pages to it