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2003 Toyota 4Runner Limited
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| A true SUV for true SUV fans |
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| Updated |
Jun 10, 2004 22:14:09 |
| Rating |
 1523 ( -34 -2.23% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description:
2003 Toyota 4Runner
A true SUV for true SUV fans
Writer's Notes
2003 Toyota 4Runner
Base price: N/A
Fuel economy: V6 -- 18/21 (2WD), 17/20 (4WD) city/highway; V8 - 17/19 (2WD), 16/19 (4WD) city/highway
Safety equipment: ABS, 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes, headrests and 3-point safety belts for all seating positions, front airbags
Engine: 4.0-liter V6 or 4.7-liter AV8
Transmission: Four-speed automatic (V6) or five-speed automatic with overdrive (V8)
Drive: 2WD or multi-mode 4WD (V6); 2WD or full-time 4WD (V8)
Maximum horsepower: 245 @ 5,200 rpm (V6); 235 @ 4,800 rpm (V8)
Maximum torque: 283 lb.-ft. @ 3,400 rpm (V6) 320 lb.-ft. @ 3,400 rpm (V8)
Suspension: Independent double wishbone (front); four-link rigid type with coil springs (rear)
Wheelbase: 109.8 in.
Length: 189.0 in.
Width: 73.8 in.
Height: 71.6 in. (with roof rack)
FAQS:
Toyota 4Runner
What is one of the best features in the 2003 4Runner? Its torsen-sensing limited slip differential, which is the first application in the world for this technology in this segment. Four-wheel drive models also get a boastful bevy of new electronic technologies.
How is the 4Runner's ride and handling improved? New technologies include traction control systems and an available sport-enhanced suspension system that aid adhesion on the road and many traction and control enhancing systems that improve handling and reliability in the back country.
What is one thing that stands out about the new 4Runner? This is a true SUV, as these vehicles were originally designed to be-- for work and play. It has a body-on-frame design with a tough engine and a suspension that allows it to navigate the backcountry with success and a true low range set of gears.
How many models does the new 4Runner come in? The 4Runner comes in three trim levels: SR5, Sport and Limited. The SR5 is a well-equipped base model; Sport versions are a bit more aggressive in their styling with a non-functional hood scoop and bigger wheels and tires; and Limited models get a monochrome exterior and on leather inside.
How much does it cost? Prices are expected to range between $24,000 and $35,000.
Comments or suggestions about this review? Send an e-mail to: editor@autobytel.com
Autobytel Inc. operates the popular automotive websites Autobytel.com, Autoweb.com, Carsmart.com, and Autosite.com.
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Entering its fourth generation with the 2003 model year, Toyota's 4Runner offers a fresh perspective on an old standby, with new styling, improved horsepower and better cargo room.
This best-selling import in its class boasts a 17-year history of respect as a cargo and passenger carrier--on the paved road and off-and occupies the middle spot in Toyota's utility lineup, in between the full-sized LandCruiser and the pint-sized RAV4, and right next to the mid-sized Highlander. Sharing a platform with the new Lexus GX470 and DNA with Toyota's truck-based sport ute heritage, 4Runner combines creature comforts with SUV road manners and capabilities.
While drawing on its two-decade heritage, Toyota's mid-sized ute also borrows new technologies for its current iteration, such as its Torsen-sensing type limited-slip differential (a world-first application in this vehicle segment) to a bevy of traction control systems and an available sport-enhanced suspension system.
The new 4Runner is available in three trim levels: SR5, Sport and Limited. Customers at all trim levels can choose between a 4.0-liter V6 or 4.6-liter V8; the V6 can be matched with rear-wheel 2WD or multi-mode 4WD and the V8 with rear-wheel 2WD or full-time 4WD. The six cylinder is mated to a four-speed automatic, while the V8 gets a five-speed automatic with overdrive- Toyota's first use of the five-speed automatic in a light truck.. The 4.0-liter V6 delivers 245 horses at 5,200 rpm and 283 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,400. The 4.7-liter offers 235 hp at 4,800 and 320 lb.-ft. at 3,400.
The exterior is crisp and modern, with an architectural look that counters the rounded fenders and back ends of 4Runners past. Styling cues in the front the include a grille with bold, color-keyed horizontal slats. A wide mouth defines the lower front bumper, while trapezoidal wheel wells cap standard 16-inch tires and wheels (17-inch tires and wheels are standard on Sport and Limited versions).
On SR5 models, bumpers, fender flares and body cladding are gray metallic; the Sport edition gets a silver-painted grille and door handles. Limited models receive a more refined treatment, with color-keyed front and rear bumpers, cladding, grille, door handles and sideview mirrors. Running boards are standard on all versions, and illuminated on Limited 4Runners. The Sport edition also gets a hood scoop and special 'Sport' badging.
Like its GX470 cousin, 4Runner is equipped with next-generation all-wheel drive, which the company calls a 'total off-road management system."
Like its GX470 cousin, 4Runner is equipped with next-generation all-wheel drive, which the company calls a 'total off-road management system." The system includes an alphabet-soup of ride- and safety-enhancing acronyms, including: anti-lock brakes (ABS), Active TRAC (traction control - on 4WD models), Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Brake Assist (BA), Vehicle Skid Control (VSC - on 2WD versions), Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Adaptive Variable Suspension damping (AVS).
Two of these, Downhill Assist Control and Hill-start Assist Control, are firsts for the SUV segment. The DAC system assists engine braking to improve directional control during descent on steep or slippery surfaces. When in 4WD low range and with DAC activated, the system controls throttle or brakes to keep the vehicle straight while going down a hill. HAC helps prevent the vehicle from rolling backward or slipping sideways during transition from a stopped position to climbing an upgrade. The system is automatically activated when the transmission is in any forward gear.
In addition to these technologies, Toyota's latest sport utility has a X-REAS sport suspension system, a first in the mid-size segment. Standard on the Sport edition and optional on the Limited, the system includes a cross-linked compression chamber design that operates via a central control, which contains a free piston that pushes against a low-pressure nitrogen charge. An orifice below the piston passes small motions across the vehicle from front to rear creating increased overall vertical shock damping, and improving handling on the highway, especially with more aggressive driving situations.
On SR5 and Limited models, the standard suspension is a double wishbone in the front, with a four-link rigid type suspension in the rear. A rear air suspension is available on Limited models, equipped with a V8 engine for improved ride and performance, when towing or hauling heavy loads. The air suspension uses linear height sensors to automatically adjust the ride height, in accordance with the vehicle load.
Inside the cabin, one improvement is immediately noticeable: substantial increases in passenger shoulder room and hip room and cargo capacity. Other interior upgrades include a centrally mounted driver information display and AM/FM/CD audio system with easy-to-reach buttons (6-CD changer is optional). A large center console includes storage room, a flip-out tray and fold-out trash bag holder. Power windows and locks are standard on all models, as are tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a rear center console with cupholders. The cabin also has two 12-volt power outlets.
Having driven past generations of 4Runner, the new model's upgrades were a delight to experience, but, despite its more contemporary styling and the latest in bells and whistles, the most exciting thing is that this truck is still trucky. Although it borrows much of its electronic gee-wizardry from its city mouse cousin, the Lexus GX470, 4Runner retains its country mouse flavor. What exactly does this mean? You will feel like you're in an SUV! While its ride is smooth and its handling is competent in all areas, you will experience more jounce on uneven pavement and more body roll in tight corners on the road. You will feel like you're driving a true SUV. And what does this mean? It means that when you want it to do work-not just look at the view-in the backcountry, you'll have more competency to navigate the tough stuff and to carry heavy loads without bottoming out on the bumps and burms.
The SR5, Sport and Limited trim levels offer three levels of features and finish for 4Runner's cabin. SR5 has a black and silver trim, cloth seats, automatic climate control and manual eight-way adjustable driver's/four-way adjustable front passenger's seat. Sport adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio and cruise control, silver-topped shifter knob and sporty-styled cloth-trimmed seats.
Limited versions bring the highest level of luxury, including power-adjustable heated seats, leather trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear seat audio controls with headphones and a 115-volt AC power outlet. A double-decker rear cargo system with cargo net is a unique feature on Limited models.
In the safety department, four-channel ABS on four-wheel ventilated disc brakes are standard, as are EBD and Brake Assist. Front impact bags can be supplemented by available side curtain bags. All five seating positions have three-point safety belts.
Revolutionary in its upgrades, but evolutionary in retaining its character, the new 4Runner isn't for everyone, but will please many-especially those who are looking for a true SUV.
--Story by Sue Mead
Sue Mead works as a photojournalist and features writer for more than two dozen publications. She has written for Parade, Popular Science, Open Road, the Road & Track Buyers Guide, Men's Journal, Popular Mechanics and Diversion and she has worked as an auto editor for CNN/fn. Sue has co-driven in two of the world's toughest off-road races, the Baja 1000 and the Paris-Dakar Raid. She attended four Camel Trophy adventures for Land Rover North America and has participated in several long-distance adventure drives. She recently completed her first book, "Monster Trucks and Tractors" published by Chelsea House. Sue lives in New England. |
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