Fell in love with the 03-04 4Runner

[Xenon]

Oh my god, I saw the car on the road, than I saw it at the Toronto Autoshow and sat in it.. I had to go to the dealership and take it for a test drive, unfortunetly they don't have it in manual for a demo car..

But I seriously love the new look, it's very aggressive and very stylish!

I just had to share my excitment!

[Xenon]

So, I guess I'm the only one around here that likes the 2003 4Runner??

[Tex97]

I love it too

Its got great off road features finally, like HAC, and the Hill descent control

Now if only gas prices were to go down

[4A-GE]

but i still don't get it... why are they putting a V8 inside a 4Runner...!? ... Toyota already has so many big 4X4s now... the Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser etc....

[Xenon]

Good question 5SF-E! I personally don't know, but it would be a good question to ask! They have 4 SUV classes, why should they use a bigger engine on one of their medium size SUV while that engine exists on the other large size ones..

[Tex97]

I think the V8 option is a good thing. The 4Runner is toyota's only vehicle that can be used for true offroading. the RAV4 and Highlander are car based and the Sequoia is way too big and bulky.
That extra torque could be a big advantage to getting over that "one" rock or even just towing a few more pounds.

[4A-GE]

Originally posted by Tex97
The 4Runner is toyota's only vehicle that can be used for true offroading. the RAV4 and Highlander are car based and the Sequoia is way too big and bulky.

then why not go to the Land Cruiser..!? i don't think it's much cheaper if they want the V8.. mid $40k... if the consumer really wants true off-roder~!? it just competes it-self~!

[Tex97]

Todays Landcruiser is a freaking boat

You couldn't off road with one if you tried. The older ones, though, are great and are used a lot.
The majority of the people who buy a landcruiser today want comfort and luxury, not off road capabilities.

[Vato Loco]

Originally posted by Tex97
I think the V8 option is a good thing. The 4Runner is toyota's only vehicle that can be used for true offroading. the RAV4 and Highlander are car based and the Sequoia is way too big and bulky.
That extra torque could be a big advantage to getting over that "one" rock or even just towing a few more pounds.

Both the V6 and V8 only tow 5000lbs...

[DieselUV]

Toyota had to up the ante with the 4Runner b/c all the other makers have stronger engines. The 4Runner lags by at least 30hp behind all the rest of the SUVs in it's class.

[Xenon]

It's an upgrade that's offered with the car anyways, from what I know the truck still comes basic with a V6 on it..

[SteVTEC]

You can get the new 4Runner with a manual transmission?