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2003 Toyota 4Runner consumer reviews

$27,055–$30,580 MSRP range
side view of 2003 4Runner Toyota
(66 reviews)
93% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 4.8
  • Value 4.8
  • Exterior 4.5
  • Reliability 4.8
Explore the 2003 Toyota 4Runner
Shop the 2003 Toyota 4Runner

30+ frame holes should be recalled like the trucks

I have mixed emotions on this vehicle everyone tells me how reliable Toyotas are I bought my 2003 with 110,000 miles & have cut out and welded over 30 holes in the frame along with replaced the entire suspension & all of the brake lines. I bought it expecting to do some repairs and saw five or six holes in the frame when I looked at it before buying it however there were many sections of the frame that completely flaked through and looked like they were painted with no rust I spent one week working 18 hour days on it with an air hammer to make sure the frame was safe for me and my family to ride in it. Toyota really needs to consider a frame recap on this car I have burly several cars from the 1920s-2010 and this was by far the worst frame rust I have ever seen!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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Highly reliable vehicle, and still stylish. 4.7L!

Our 2003 Limited had 4000 miles on it when we bought it. It was a dealer demo, and has the 4.7L V8, which we still like the torquey response from, and the whole vehicle has been the most reliable we've owned! We've been from here to GA, and to Texas many times in it. We've taken it to Corolla Beach, and through the worst winter weather this area can offer, and nothing stops it. The last year of the V8 was 2009, so if you want one, I would suggest finding one in V8, from 2003 to 2009!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Most reliable car I have owned

This car is so strong, confortable and meet all my need everyday. It has long legroom in the front, in the back and large space in the trunk.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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I drove for 12 YEARS!

Owners manual should just read - "Just Add Oil." This SUV has been a reliable and fun SUV to drive for 12+ years for me. Can't say enough great things about this vehicle.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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The car is built to last like the older Toyotas

Inherited the car from my father who passed away. It has 61,000 miles and rides like out of the show room. After going thru the car thoroughly including underneath I could not believe the quality. The thing is built like a tank. Would not sell.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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It is a beast on the road. Comfortable as heaven

Best vehicle I have had in quite a while. A V8 is an absolute necessity. No matter what anyone says, there is a big difference between a V8 and a V6. Long drives with heavy loads and beefy passengers make this a dream to drive. Simply put, I would rather drive my vehicle for 9 hours, than be a passenger in the back of someone's economical sardine box with low power. Today's vehicles at times have the same leg room as a plane. Currently looking for another one and when someone offers me a V6, I am turned off and insulted. When I am tired, my vehicle sleeps almost as good as a bed.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Best vehicle Around

This car is comfortable and very dependable. Been in our family for years and it still has lots of life in it. Beautiful sleek body style and rugged all at the same style. Toyota is the best value around.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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345,000 miles. Still purring.

Bought my 2003 Toyota 4 runner New. It has been my only mode of transportation. I chose it simply because of the size of the trunk space. Many road trips later, she is now 15 years old, wearing 345,000 miles like a queen. People ask me if this is my second engine. Nope..the first engine. Not a hiccup or a glitch in her ride. BTW my daughter drives a 1994 Toyota Camry. I LOVE TOYOTA.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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Plenty of room, reliability and comfort.

Great power. Solid ride, especially at hwy speeds. The interior stayed nice. The seats stayed comfortable. Reasonably quiet ride too. Drinks some gas, but I got 18 mpg consistently. The V8 is a winner.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Good SUV for the money

It is a good comfortable car for driving long distances but it has in-dash wiring problems. Short in wiring caused CD player and AC to short out. I am sure this was reason for the previous owner trading it in under 80,000 miles. This car may have been a single instance but who knows ?

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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