2003 Toyota 4Runner Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Owners Choice infoOutline
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
17 City / 21 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
245
Seats
5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Bill B
Toyota makes reliable and dependable vehicles
It is very reliable and dependable it is safe and no complaints
accountCircle Corinne H
Incredible mileage - seriously the best car for people who drive a lot.
Although my car is an older model (2003), my Toyota 4Runner still runs like it is brand new, despite its 250, 000 miles. As long as you take good care of the car and change the oil and rotate your tires often, this car will easily make it to 350, 000 miles.
accountCircle Gilbert P
This vehicle is very reliable even with 280k miles, comfortable and fun to drive.
1) Transmission Overdrive does not kick in over 65 mph at all times. 2) Breaks seem very soft but very save
accountCircle Sara C
I love my 4Runner, it is roomy and has space for the whole family and a large storage area in the back. I love the interior and the leather seats, however in my older model the drivers side seat is really worn out and expensive to repair/replace.
It is a great family car with plenty of space and great mileage!
accountCircle Diana S
It drives smoothly and is very reliable.
The performance of my vehicle is nearly perfect. It drives extremely smoothly. The brakes are amazing. It is my most reliable vehicle that I drive. The inside is very spacious. Up to 5 people are able to fit in the vehicle. The back seats fold down giving the back even more room that it already has. The vehicle has a sunroof, which is very enjoyable especially to get some breeze when I don't want so much air blowing in. The AC is incredible, very powerful. There are also two air vents in the back for the people sitting in the back seats.
accountCircle Pat W
The 2003 Toyota 4runner. Best SUV that is ever been made.
My Toyota 4runner is a smooth ride. It has 4 wheel drive and cruise control. I am able to play cassettes and CDs. Nice speakers. It is very easy to maintain and has been very reliable. It seats 5 people comfortably, with room in the back for grocery & luggage. The back seats can be moved into a flat position. I have transported two mattresses, a sofa, a piano, a tree, a bookcase and a dresser on different occasions.
accountCircle Joanna T
My 2003 4Runner was the first year when Toyota changed to the new body style
My 4Runner is very reliable. After 350k miles it is still going strong. No major problems with it since we have taken good care of it since we purchased it brand new. Toyota lives up to its reputation as having the most reliable and high performing cars out there
accountCircle Chris K
Does not break down and can go for many miles.
Drives well and does not have problems. Does not get good gas mileage. Has roomy inside. Looks really nice.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Laskin L
It's old but reliable enough for me to get where i need to go
Reliable until it really wasn't. The windows were nice. But it always had a problem with the engine and age.
accountCircle Tori H
Toyota 4runner always ready to go
I really love my 4runner. Very reliable, comfortable and low maintenance. We have had 3 years with our car and we have only had 1 minor issue with the AC and it was an easy fix. The interior has upheld 4 kids and camping. Perfect family car. I highly recommend to anyone wanting a long lasting car
accountCircle Stephanie H
It's a very reliable car because it is a Toyota , it's a nice car to have not over the top luxury but a good car for a small family
I like the make & model of the vehicle, I like that it is family friendly but I don't like that I doesn't have the 3rd row . I dislike that it's not a newer model & I dislike the interior I would've liked a little more luxury , but it drives well & is very reliable
accountCircle Brittany M
These cars last many miles.
It's almost paid off. I feel safe. But I do not like how much gas it takes compared to cars I have had is the past.
accountCircle Bridgette L
It works really well for it's age, It has tons of room and works well with kids
My vehicle works amazing, I've had it for many years and only had to change the oil and power steering fluid.

Toyota 4Runner Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
SR5
245 HP 19-19 MPG 5 Seats
car
SR5 Sport
245 HP 19-19 MPG 5 Seats
car
Limited
245 HP 19-19 MPG 5 Seats
Photos may not match model

2003 Toyota 4Runner Owner Reviews

4.56
73 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 63%
4 stars 30%
3 stars 7%
2 stars 0%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Rob on November 30, 2021
Reliable
304,000 miles, kept up with oil changes. It is best car I have ever owned.
accountCircle Andrea W on May 15, 2021
If you have a problem with it, buy me a new car.
It's old. But, it's still running. It was my mom's. It's a momentum.
View All Reviews (73) chevronRightAlternative

Ranks #2 Midsize SUV by Owners

The 2003 Toyota 4Runner has an average owner rating of 4.56 out of 5 which ranks it #2 of 16 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2003 Isuzu Ascender
4.67
2
car
2003 Toyota 4Runner
4.56
3
car
2003 Jeep Wrangler
4.52

Ranks #6 Midsize SUV by Fuel Economy

The 2003 Toyota 4Runner has a combined MPG of 21 which ranks it #6 of 16 other Midsize SUVs.

1
car
2003 Hyundai Santa Fe
27 MPG
2
Tie
car
2003 Nissan Murano
24 MPG
6
Tie
car
2003 Toyota 4Runner
21 MPG

Is The 2003 Toyota 4Runner A Good Car?

Great vehicle. Runs amazingly on little maintenance. Just need to have dealership change timing belt every 90,000 miles
Matt H.
Yes, it runs smooth and is very tough, gets great mileage too. It is a 4wd and I enjoy it thoroughly.
Courtney C.
Yes, we bought new. Have good quality. Until now it looks good and function well. I prefer to buy Toyota brand of car in the future.
Sarah R.

How Reliable Is The 2003 Toyota 4Runner?

Very reliable. Have had no problems since buying this as a 6 year old used vehicle. Have owned for 10 years
Santos C.
It is very reliable but I have actually had a few issues with the rear axle and now I am putting a motor in it.
Brandy L P.
So far no problem about the Toyota very good quality and so far the battery its work good. Very good cars .
Sam K.

Is The 2003 Toyota 4Runner A Good Value?

Bought mine used 10 years ago for $10,000. Probably worth $4,000 now. Still a good value as long as maintenance has been performed on time
Shannon L.
This vehicle costed me about 6500 plus interest and I consider it a good value. It has 225000 miles now.
Margaret T.
20,000$, Yes we bought that car brand new and we choose a good brand and make the right decision to bought that car
Tammy P.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2003 Toyota 4Runner yaw rate sensor location?

Answer: You'll find the yaw rate sensor on the 2003 Toyota 4Runner located bolted to the floor underneath the driver's seat. Need to perform a yaw rate sensor zero point calibration It's simple! First, turn the...

How to reset maintenance light on 2003 toyota 4runner?

Answer: To get started with resetting the maintenance required light on Your 2003 Toyota 4Runner You'll first need to put the key in to the ignition and move it in to the ON position. Next move over to the trip display...

What is the wheel bolt pattern on a 2003 Toyota 4Runner?

Answer: The 2003 Toyota 4Runner has a wheel bolt pattern of 6 lug, 5.5 inches. This is also written as 139.8 mm with a medium offset. The bolt pattern is the sequence one must follow if You wish to mount a new rim or...

2003 Toyota 4Runner: What is the oil type and capacity?

Answer: For the 2003 Toyota 4Runner the recommended oil iS5W-30 Synthetic in all temperatures for the 4.0 L V6 and the 4.7 L V8 engine. The capacity for the vehicle iS5.5 quarts with a filter for the 4.0 L V6 and 6.6...

Does the 2003 Toyota 4Runner have a timing belt or chain?

Answer: If You have the 2003 Toyota 4Runner with a V6 engine then You will have a timing chain but the V8 engine model is equipped with a timing belt. If You've got the belt then keep in mind that they will usually...
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Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety