2003 Toyota 4Runner Reviews

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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!

2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 from North America

Year of manufacture	2003
First year of ownership	2003
Most recent year of ownership	2004
Engine and transmission	V6 Automatic
Performance marks	10 / 10
Reliability marks	10 / 10
Comfort marks	9 / 10
Dealer Service marks	10 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	7 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	9.2 / 10
Distance when acquired	27 miles
Most recent distance	25000 miles
Previous car	Toyota 4Runner

Summary:

Worth every cent of the price

Faults:

I have not had any issues with this vehicle to date.

General Comments:

I love this vehicle.

We get as high as 27 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.

This vehicle is much roomier than previous years.

There are a few things I don't like. The first being the exterior temperature reading only goes down to -22 F. In the northern climate, where I am located, the temperature drops to in the -40's. Knowing the temperature is critical.

Along the same lines, I am unable to adjust the temperature of the defrost function. Six months out of the year I must travel with the defrost on to keep the windshield clear. When the temperature control is on automatic it does not go into the defrost mode. When in defrost the temperature is too hot. I must continually play with the temperature/heat settings to keep the windshield clear and not roast out of my vehicle. I am not sure if this is a problem in all 4 runners or unique to mine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th August, 2004

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24th Sep 2010, 13:31

There are 2 gallon units, US Gallon and IMP Gallon, the imp is bigger, therefore more mpg.

2003 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition V8 4WD 4.7 V8 from North America

Year of manufacture	2003
First year of ownership	2003
Most recent year of ownership	2003
Engine and transmission	4.7 V8 Automatic
Performance marks	9 / 10
Reliability marks	10 / 10
Comfort marks	8 / 10
Dealer Service marks	8 / 10
Running Costs (higher is cheaper)	9 / 10
Overall marks (average of all marks)	8.8 / 10
Distance when acquired	8 miles
Most recent distance	8150 miles
Previous car	Chevrolet Corvette

Summary:

Wanted 4Runner for years, finally a V8

Faults:

Tech forgot to plug wire in during maintenance causing 4WD Low/High range selector not to work. Easy fix for "qualified tech" at another dealership.

Hitch receiver wouldn't accept hitch that came with vehicle. Toyota apologized and replaced it immediately with one that fit.

Brakes could be better.

General Comments:

The vehicle performs flawlessly which I expect will continue long after the warranty expires. Gripes are minor. Exhaust smell upon mild to heavy acceleration is annoying. I followed my wife once and it stunk like rotten eggs every time she gave it gas. We both smoke cigarettes and find this vehicle to be smoker unfriendly. Wind always comes in window when open a small amount instead of going out (even with vent shades installed). If you're going to hit the gas, window better be closed as bad smell comes in drivers window making it stink inside vehicle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th August, 2003

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11th Feb 2004, 12:12

The 2003 4Runner does have a rotten egg smell when hitting the gas. As I have found in a recent report for consumers and through a dealer, using Amoco Ultimate gas helps eliminate the sulfer smell. Other than using Amoco Ultimate, try using any gas that is low in sulfer and your 4Runner will be the perfect SUV.

17th Nov 2005, 21:10

It may be that the federally mandated gas formulation in certain areas of the country is high in sulfur. I have read many posts that complained of the odor, and most of them seem to be in the East or Southwest. Here in the mountain West, I have never smelled it in my 4runner or anyone other. It would be interesting to take a survey and find out.

2nd Aug 2006, 19:20

If you smell a rotten egg smell, it is most likely a bad catalytic converter? The type of gas you use has nothing to do with it.

13th Jun 2007, 13:17

The smell comes from the catlytic converter unique to some manufacturers. The smell is a byproduct of the cat. Plain and simple.