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Toyota 4Runner - 2003
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Comments
Strange about the hitch issue...
Here's a quote from Truck Trend about it:
"The full-length boxed section frame rails are connected with nine fully welded crossmembers, while a Class III tow-hitch receiver is built into the rear-frame crossmember."
So, where is that quote from Toyota University? I'm curious to get to the bottom of this.
You would think that would be stronger than an attached hitch. I don't get it at all. The tow rating on the 4Runner and GX should be at least 6000 lbs with that torque, body on frame, and live rear axle.
It says so right in the owner's manual. I drove a new '03 SR5 today, and checked the owners manual.
Bob
The interior I liked very well, as it was nice and cozy, cool compartments, nice trim, but did not like the amber-lit instrumentation.
The drive (my favorite aspect of the 4runner) was silky smooth. The V8 had a very quiet purr to it...NICE. The flawless ride was nice and very enjoyable and after punching the gas at the stoplight it roared (quietly) and dusted my neighbooring cars from a standstill. (my toyota guy was laughing) AWESOME. a lot of power uphill as well. A little soft-swaying however on suspension when we took a minor windy road, at about 35mph. still nice though.
Then came the sh*tty part. A sales manager came to me and said they would be selling these a $3000 over MSRP until the end of the year. UGH....sorry, NEXT DEALER!
SR5 4WD v8-running boards/moonroof $33,500
SPORT 4WD v8-running boards/moonroof/spoiler $35,800
oh yeah add $1295 for the SR5, and $3000 for the Sport...."They call it Market Adjustment Price" YUCK.
I will definitely wait for this spring. V8 limited---Pacific Blue Pearl with 20"+ rims.
Check the owner's manual of any vehicle you wish to buy, if you're not sure. I bet there will be some statement regarding trailer brakes restricting what it can tow.
I've also checked the Sequoia and Tacoma Double Cab, same thing there.
What they're saying, even thought the vehicle can tow much more, the brakes aren't designed to stop those extra (5000 lb.) loads.
Bob
The Limited clearly looks much better than the Sport & SR5. The cladding looks more integrated and doesn't have those goofy notches in them.
The leather seats seemed more comfy than the cloth seats. The cloth seats in the rear seemed a little stiffer.
The silver plastic on interior is overdone but it's the gray granite in the Limited that is disturbing. I'm sure someone will come out with a nice wood kit for it.
The ride was very nice and handled well. The cabin is very quiet and the build is tight.
The V8 is a monster and definitely screams. Very quiet.
Tranny is smooth as butter.
The 4 wheel disc brakes are just what it needed. Excellent stopping power.
Rear seat console is though out very well. The extra tray that folds out under the cup holder is great for drips and to hold extra stuff.
The cup holders in the front shift to different sizes. There is a movable bracket that slides in and out. Nice touch.
The increased interior room is highly noticed. Not as cramped feeling as the last generation.
Hood release is very handy.
The double decker cargo shelf will be very useful. Very nice.
The Galactic Gray color is very nice. It is more of a bluish-gray color, rather than just plain gray. Looks great.
The temperature rotary toggles are a little strange at first. They are not just buttons. When you press on one, the whole thing slides over to that corner. The plastic here felt cheap.
Telescoping & tilt steering wheel was also nice. Good combination.
In the brochure it states the Limited comes standard with wheel mounted audio & cruise controls. It only had audio. The cruise control was a stalk on the right side. What didn't make sense is that there were blank plastic pieces on the right side of the wheel for where it should have been.
Theat gray plastic cladding is still goofy, sorry. Knock on the rear bumper, go ahead. Not really the sound you want to hear.
The black roof rack looks better. The silver looks cheaper.
Oh, did I mention that V8 really is nice.
Very nice over all. Waiting to drive that new V6, then I'll make up my mind.
I've had steering wheel cruise control buttons on several vehicles (Hondas, Ford Explorer), and I also have them on the stalk (like the 4Runner) our Subaru Forester.
I prefer the stalk because:
• It's more intuitive. Push the stalk up to increase speed or resume, push down on the stalk to lower speed or set.
• Don't have to "hunt" for the right button to push. The stalk is easy to find.
Bob
Its very nice and much smoother and less prone to a bouncy and wandering drive than the old one.
The interior is very nice and the extra width much needed. The seats provided decent support and the driving position fit me well. I'm 6'1 and my head did not touch the roof , there was about 4" clearance (unlike a previous report) but this model did not have a sunroof.
The V8 Engine is very smooth and pick up is great for quite a large vehicle.
The glove box has a neat shelf for the manual and still has space for your other regular glovebox junk. I did not see a CD rack in the center box. Thats a shame.
The three center console buttons that control a/c are a bit odd, they look like faucet knobs, and the silvery plastic on the console and dash will probably date. I'd rather this was black.
I think the exterior looks good on the limited - I'm not so sure about the SR5 and sport - the cladding does look a bit cheesey, especially the funky pattern around the wheel arch. I'm also not keen on the hood scoop on the sport, it looks like a big nostril.
I'd buy one - it'd have to be the limited.
paul147 : I'm 6'1" and fit just fine with the sunroof. Did the seat move vertically at all? I didn't think to look at the time.
mackabee
I drove it at Champion Toyota South I35 Austin TX
TX Toyota Distribution is different from the rest of the states and its too hot here most of the year to open a sunroof so Distribution allways get sunroof-less models too. I would actually prefer a sunroof myself, for the couple of months you can use it.
http://www.pnw4runners.net/jon_03_4Runner_offroad_test/jon.htm
Just scroll down to the PICS and MOVIES!
Lights
------
For some reason you cannot get the brighter new xenon headlights. For
that you need to wait and pay for the Lexus GX470. I don't know what
they were thinking here. I like to keep vehicles a long time and like
being able to get all the new technology when I do buy.
Acceleration
------------
I asked about the 0-60 compared to a Jeep Grand Cherokee and the sales
guy quickly snapped: "7.1 sec. for the V8 4Runner and 8.1 sec. for the
JGC".
On the test drive I punched it many times and it certainly was not
clear to me that it was as fast as my JGC. I couldn't tell whether it
was slower or just so much smoother that it was hard to tell. The
transmission shifted velvety smooth also.
Definitely alot faster than previous 4Runners and all the V6 SUVs I
have driven.
Size
----
I like the size. The added width made it handle pretty well although
the unit I drove did not have the XREAS suspension that is supposed
to be even better.
Styling
-------
Seemed fine to me. The plastic fairings didn't bother me like they seem
to with other folks here.
Instrument Cluster
------------------
At the time of day I drove it (4:15PM) the instruments seemed a little
hard to see since they were so inset into the instrument panel. Not
a big deal really though.
Bottom Line
-----------
I was hoping to be blown away by the acceleration and was not. Despite
this, I might very well get one anyway for the higher reliability. I
may wait to see how the new V6 is. Of course the other benefits of
waiting longer include slightly lower price and letting them find/fix
any little early problems.
I thought you would have some "control" over the rear air suspension, but I guess it is totally automatic or couldn't find how to play with it.
Also, nice to have a moonroof of good size...worth
the $800.
What is the button to the left of the steering column...that has a picture of the 4 wheels with an X in the middle...is that to force rwd/2wd?
Also, the question (stumped the salesman and GM)...take that silver plastic trim piece on the rear of the center console and lift it up....it locks into place forming a square with nothing in the middle...it isn't a cup-holder, cause those are in the rear center armrest....stumped.
Anyone know what the manual specifies for gas?
Is 87 okay or does the v8 want premium?
After looking at for a while...limited is the way to go. It looks somewhat "squatty" with the square wheel arches...but color keyed is the way to minimize this, and is the way to go. GM was also skeptical of v6 Limiteds...anyone have any scoop?
I have to think it is something more than decorative.
A supercharged V8 Limited should give the X5 and Cayenne a run for its money.
Also, the sales person is 6'1" and he had no problems sitting in or getting into the 4Runner (which had a moon roof); he had room to spare, both in the front and back seats.
I was impressed with the features, but I did not drive it.
Ron
Just scroll down until you see post with lots of links to pics and videos.
Anyone with any answers, I'd really appreciate hearing from!
Thanks.
Anyone with any answers, I'd really appreciate hearing from!
Thanks.
I was very impressed with this, and that V8 certainly seems to me, like an added 5K would not be an issue for it.
Thanks again.
However, the above example is of the TLC, not 4Runner. The 4Runner's frame is probably smaller. In addition, wheelbase on 4Runner is significantly smaller. This all must be taken into consideration when towing stuff.
In my opinion, you will not be able to get around the 5000 lbs limit. Get a TLC if you need more.
As to the trailer brake issue, Toyota is not alone in their 1000 pound restriction. Most vehicles have a similar restriction. The vehicle can certainly "tow" 5000 pounds, however, the vehicle brakes can't stop an "extra" 5000 pounds, hence the need for trailer brakes.
Bob
- When will leather be offered with the SR5; it appears to be "greyed out" option on Toyota's website when I go to build it myself.
- Does Toyota use trans and/ or oil coolers on any of there trucks or SUVs? The 4runner does not have it as a towing option or standard equip. It does not look like the Sequoia has it either. If they do not offer this why?
- What does this mean from the towing capacity footnote for the 4 runner?
"The factory-installed receiver hitch on the 4Runner should only be used with weight-carrying hitch hardware, not weight-distributing hitch hardware. "
I am getting the 4runner only for this reason - because Toyota cant get their stuff together and make a V8 full size truck that isnt a joke --- and for the first time with the 4runner - it seems to be a valid contender. Its either that or get a ford or chevy ---- i was almost there - until i drove the V8 4Runner this wknd.
But where can we all find towing numbers ?? and who said 1000lbs originally ?? that has to be wrong. Im sure if i hook up my 2200lbs in the back of that new 4Runner I may forget I have anything behind me.
Curious about Towing.
The dealer should be able to have leather put in for you. I had a dealer offer it to me for somewhere between $1000 & $1500 with many color and grade choices. I didn't press the price any farther because I wasn't buying just yet.
They did mention they could not put in leather with the side air bag option because of some legality issues with the bags being in the seats themselves.
Bob