You could pretty well argue that the V8 4Runner was one of the greatest trucks ever made. We have a 2003 4wd Limited. Has everything you could ever want comfort-wise and is totally bombproof. You forgot to mention the main difference. It's not just that the V8 has more torque than the V6; it's that the torque curve is totally different and you're getting almost all of it right down to idle. For the V6, you have to spin up fairly high RPMs before you're at max torque. The V8 wuffles around like an old Rolls Royce. Ours has, I think, all the options including X-REAS suspension. Every single thing on the car works 100% perfect. Drives the same as a new car. Has lived outdoors in New England for 18-1/2 years without a problem except that the paint is somewhat faded. I have the bottom blasted/rustproofed every 3 years or so and it looks almost like new underneath. Removed the running boards. Added 1/2" spacers up front to get a ~1" lift, which levels the whole thing out and gives you a little more ground clearance, and a bluetooth gizmo for hands-free phone and audio streaming. Put on more all-terrain-ish tires than stock. I've driven many cars over the years, including much more expensive ones, but other than the mediocre gas mileage I absolutely love the 4Runner. There is absolutely nothing it isn't suited for.
Actually, the 4th generation 4Runner Sport came with the V8 as well. Also larger front disc brakes. I am pretty confident about this because I own one.
This is a really good vehicle! It’s like basic everything someone need in his vehicle! Comfort and Toyota reliability! Would love to take it on a off-road areas! Great review man!
Earlier this year Doug demoro did a review on a 3rd gen 4Runner very clean has only about 28k miles and a 5 speed manual with 4x4 it has the factory stereo but with a aftermarket accessory so you can use aux
Loving your reviews man…and the sweet variety of vehicles covered. Another massive advantage of the 2UZ-FE power plant is its ruggedness/reliability. It’s a legendary engine.
You forgot to mention that these 4th gen 4runners were the first to have optional third row seats. The one you reviewed did not come with them, though.
I actually just bought a 2003 4wd V8 4Runner two days ago. I was specifically looking for a 4th gen model. It took awhile to find this one in good shape. The paint needs help but it's not that important.
@@l-Lucid-l so far so good. It just turned 202,000 miles. I looked seriously for about 4 months and ran across a bunch with serious rusted frame issues. I'm happy with it and slowly building it up for off road camping.
The dash can be replaced under recall. Toyota gave me a new dash a couple years ago. My interior still looks brand new. However I'm not sure if they're still replacing them, since it was a couple years ago.
You should try out a Lexus GX470. Same engine, same transmission, but you get better headroom and a better interior. However they both have the same issues, down to the cracked dashboards.
I have an 03 limited 4runner but mine doesn't have the knob that says 4wheel drive but it does say all wheel where the gears are and 4D or something like that
