2003 Toyota 4Runner

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Sought after: V8 All years One source so far

The only 4Runner generation with a V8. Enthusiasts are said to seek out a clean one.¹
Avoid: Frame rust All years Walk away

Both generations rust at the frame, worst where roads are salted, and rust can leave a frame unsafe. Toyota's frame rust program for its trucks did not include the 4Runner.^2,3,1,4,5
Avoid: 2003–2005 V6 2003–2005 Less sought after One source so far

Members of one thread split. Four steer buyers away from 2003–2005 V6s or shop only 2006 and later, while five owners of 2003–2005 V6s report no head gasket trouble, one at about 303,000 miles.⁶

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.