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.
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!
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.
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.
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
For anyone who is considering buying one of these. The boots tend to fall off and the brakes tend to stick causing warped rotors. You can fix both of these issues by using 5th gen 4runner boot (comes in a kit, don't buy separately) and 5th gen caliper and rotor upgrades for the front and back. There are other small preventative maintenance mods that you can do, but those are the main ones if you like to mod your car the least as possible but want it to be functional!
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.
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.
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.
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
Hopefully you enjoyed the ride as much as i do every day!
hi dave
I used to hate the design of this generation but it's grown on me over time.
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.
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!
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.
So did the SR5s
Standard V6 and any trim could be ordered with the V8
Yea a lot of 2000s models had em
All you need is a third gen 4-runner and your done all of the 4-runners!
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.
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
For anyone who is considering buying one of these. The boots tend to fall off and the brakes tend to stick causing warped rotors. You can fix both of these issues by using 5th gen 4runner boot (comes in a kit, don't buy separately) and 5th gen caliper and rotor upgrades for the front and back. There are other small preventative maintenance mods that you can do, but those are the main ones if you like to mod your car the least as possible but want it to be functional!
The V8 was offered from 2003 to 2009.
I just bought a 2007 4 Runner with a V8. I love to drive it.
I have an '05 V8 limited with 275k km and I love her 🥰
Awesome review , you nailed it. I just did a review on one myself with more than double the miles. Totally reliable tanks!
You’re making me miss mine :((
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 love your Toyota 4runner truck limited I am big fan Toyota 4runner truck 👍
The surround sound feature was pretty cool tbh
4th gen V8 4x4 is a perfected mid size suv. Best color scheme is white with grey plastic bumpers, all silver, or silver with grey bumpers.
2003 toyota 4runner is not the only v8 4runner. I have a 2008 4runner v8
Love my v8 runner! Good review!
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.
How has your 03 been? I’m very interested in a 4th gen is the 03 just as good?
@@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.
Great review, thanks!
Yoo I was JUST looking at 4runner specs yesterday and found out they had a V8
iforce VVti is actually offered in 2005 for USA models not 2004
Gold badges are still amazing hwhat (maybe depends what color it is 🤔)
I don’t mean to be rude, but there is also a 2004. I have a 2004 limited edition V8, same color. She is a beauty! I named her Sheila
I think he mentioned that VVTi was added to the V8 for 2004, but that's not true. VVTi was added to the V8 for 2005 where it got more power.
Excellent review !
to me the dials look like flowers a little.
There is a second reason you choose this over the Highlander: you are a DIY mechanic and you do not want to deal with a transversely mounted V6.
Love these
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.
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.
I got the new frame and steering column stuff on my 09 taco
Thanks for the tip. This is actually my car so I'll call up my local dealer about it.
@@Idk_thoo any look on dash recall, I'm looking at an 04 with a cracked dash.
The recall ended in 2017, IIRC. You'll have to do it at a cost if you want to do it now.
@@damilolaakanni
Approx how much is it to replace the dash ?
What if I don’t replace dash ?
What can happen ?
Thanks
I like gold badges
Just wondering your size for the backseat review. Don’t think you mentioned in video.
Variable valve timing was available from 2005-2009 not 2004.
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
You missed the burger trays one in front and the back
Your data is incorrect the VV-TI didn't get upgraded until 2005
Ask David if I can buy that 4runner
There is a recall on the dashboard. I got mine replaced.
Even now, toyota is still replacing cracked dashes?
@@garybaugh8302 dash warranty ends when the car turns 10, which covers all of this gen by now
@@garybaugh8302no the recall ended years ago I tried to take mine in lately I think the warranty expired around 2019 or so
3rd gen is the true outdoors 👑
When's the FX37 review coming out lol
Sunday December 12th!
@@ShootingCars I've been looking forward to it!
My limited has a v6
Yay
The 05 v8 has 286 hp
Know where a 03 4 runner . One owner. For like 6k He offered it to me. 144k. I may do it now.
check the frame REALLY WELL for rust. If it's solid, buy it.
Did you buy it ?
@@chrisn262 getting close. Talked to him this weekend. He still on the fence. He seeing how expensive cars are.
@@TheGeorgiaMediaGroup haha. I would have looked at the frame and snatched it up. Indecisive people always lose.
@@treasurethetime2463 u got that right.
Unless you live in rustbelt
they're so ugly, but I might get one idk
I've said the same thing about all SUVs, then I ended up purchasing my first one in May. Practicality makes more sense.
Sport Edition FTW