- suv 213,824
- 1,797 below average
- 5,995 great
- Longwood, FL
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- autoshopper.com
- 1,797 below average suv 213,824 gasoline grey automatic
2003 toyota 4runner review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. All-new, it's the real deal, not a soccer mom's car. introductioncompletely new from the ground up, the 2003 toyota 4runner shares almost nothing with last year's model. In spite of that, its basic mission has not changed. While other suvs are becoming more and more like cars, the 4runner is, as toyota says, the 'real deal.' it's loaded with the latest off-road electronic technology. Electronic traction control and downhill assist control improve capability off road, while other features improve comfort and handling on the highway. Yet the new 4runner is built on a rugged ladder frame and uses a live rear axle, a design considered dated as many suvs move toward unit-body construction and independent rear suspensions. Toyota felt this design offered better off-road capability. the new 4runner is much larger and roomier than last year's model and ride quality has been greatly improved. Order a 4runner limited model loaded with leather and it feels like a poor man's range rover. Actually, it's more like a poor person's land cruiser. a new toyota v6 delivers more power than last year's engine for exceptionally good acceleration performance. And a v8 is also available for the 4runner for the first time. Optional for all models is a 4. 7-liter v8 that generates 235 horsepower at 4800 rpm and, more important, 320 pounds-feet of torque. sr5 is the most popular trim level, primarily because it's the least expensive. Sr5 comes with 16-inch steel wheels, the roof rack (120-pound capacity), and gray metallic bumpers, fender flares and lower cladding. It comes with a nice cloth interior. As mentioned, the 4runner is available as an sr5 v8 4x2 28,005) and an sr5 v8 4x4 30,280). (prices for the v6-powered models were not available at press time.) the sport edition comes with toyota's new x-reas shock-damping system, a clever yet simple hydraulic setup that improves stability and handling in sweeping turns. The sport comes with a special cloth interior and is distinguished by its hood scoop, a silver painted grille and roof rack, fog lamps, color-keyed outside mirrors, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 4runner sport edition v8 retails for $29,800 for the 4x2 and $32,075 for the 4x4. limited gets leather trim, power seats with seat heaters and is distinguished by silver painted running boards, and color-keyed bumpers, cladding, fender flares and door handles. It comes standard with the v6. Msrp for the 4runner v8 limited is $34,205 for the 4x2 and $36,480 for the 4x4 model. a class iii receiver hitch is standard on all models and is mounted to the rear frame crossmember. The 4runner is rated for a 5000-pound towing capacity. . walkaroundthe 2003 toyota 4runner is substantially larger than the 2002 model. It is 4. 5 inches longer in length and wheelbase, and more than 3 inches wider. It has larger wheels that are space farther apart. The roof is no higher than before, but the floor is lower through better integration of frame and body mounts. The floor is still relatively high, however, so loading groceries or gear demands some lifting. the exterior styling is all new for 2003, but the new 4runner is easily recognized with its low roof and high floor. The styling is muscular, if not distinguished, and conveys ruggedness. A wide, rounded front end features an aggressive horizontal grille and wide headlamps. Chunky overfenders and cladding on the rocker panels make the 4runner look ready to go off road. Backing up that contention are skid plates for the engine, transfer case and fuel tank. In fact, we think it does the opposite. 4runner's windshield, side windows, and side mirrors are hydrophilic glass and repel water like a waxed car or a window that has been treated with rain-x. The glass causes water to form large drops, which are quickly shed by gravity or wind. The side mirrors are angled out to increase the driver's field of view. The available moonroof includes a two-stage wind deflector designed to reduce wind noise when traveling above 55 mph. the back hatch is equipped with a power window. The hatch itself comes with a power opener that's especially useful in icy weather along with a power closer for a weather-tight seal. . interiorthe larger exterior dimensions of the all-new 2003 toyota 4runner translate to an interior that's roomier by every measure. Wind noise is the only sound heard because there is virtually no driveline or tire noise. the cloth seats in the sr5 and sport models are comfortable, with side bolsters to keep the driver in place when cornering or driving off road. The driver's seat adjusts eight ways. All five seating positions offer adjustable headrests and three-point seatbelts. About the only negative we noted was that the storage lid on the center console was flimsy. Otherwise, this is a quality interior. Gauges with orange illumination are set in three deep binnacles and can't be read by the front-seat passenger. The fuel gauge uses an inclinometer for accurate readouts when the 4runner is tilted on an incline. Automatic climate control is standard on all models. The limited grade comes with a his-and-hers dual-zone temperature control. A display located just above the climate control reveals time, ambient temperature, and trip data. It works on the same principal as one of those big convex mirrors mounted at a corner in an underground parking garage. They may prove helpful when backing up in a busy parking lot because they help the driver pick up on movement. Using them effectively takes some practice, however, and it's hard to distinguish details. the optional navigation system calculates routes six times faster than previous systems, according to toyota. The rear seat is roomy, but the bench itself is uncomfortable; it's raised slightly in the center position. The rear seat features a wide center armrest that folds down to provide two cup holders and a tray for french fries or whatever. An unusual feature, but perhaps a good idea, is a small trash bag holder for rear passengers. More appreciated are the rear ventilation ducts that bring comfort in the form of warm or cool air. cargo space is well designed. The rear seats can be folded down with the headrests in place, though we sometimes found it easier to pull them off. Then, pull the seat bottoms up and fold the seatbacks down. The rear seats fold nearly flat, flatter than a ford explorer's, and the seatbacks are reinforced to support heavy loads, again better than the explorer. The cargo area includes structural steel tie-down hooks on the floor with additional hooks on the sides. A clever double-decker rear storage shelf helps organize cargo in two levels. Using just one hand, the collapsible shelf can be folded flat or lifted up easily with one hand. When deployed, the sturdy shelf is rated to 66 pounds. A large storage box is provided on the right. the back hatch comes standard with a power rear window that can be operated from the key fob. If it senses a small hand in the way, the power rear hatch window will reverse directions and open. The rear hatch door also comes with power opener, great for icy weather. An electric power close function ensures the back hatch closes securely. . driving impressionthe toyota 4runner handles very well for a live-axle truck. We drove various models very quickly down twisting back roads along the oregon coast and found the 4runner is easy to drive and the suspension damping is excellent. We could tell it uses a live rear axle rather than an independent rear suspension, but the 4runner handles better than a chevy trailblazer. Rack-and-pinion steering gives the 4runner quick steering response. on unpaved roads, the 4runner provides a very smooth ride quality, thanks in part to well-tuned damping and progressive-rate spring bumpers. However, the 4runner really comes into its own when it gets gnarly. There's lots of suspension articulation for climbing over boulders and gullies, and a host of technology for handling steep, slippery grades. Cloth Interior✔ Power Seats✔ Climate Control✔ Air Conditioning✔ Navigation System✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Alloy Wheels
5,995 Longwood, FLLongwood, FL at autoshopper.com