2003 Toyota 4Runner: First preview

[andrey]

Here are some of the first pictures of 2003 Toyota 4Runner: '03 Toyota 4Runner.

Unfortunately I do not have any specifications yet besides that now both V6 and V8 are an option.

What do you think about an overall appearance and the new look?

update: Here are some more much better pictures:
2003 Toyota 4Runner.

 

[NFS4]

It doesn't look so bad as the pic posted a couple of weeks ago with the grey plastic side cladding/wheel-well fenders.

 

[MichaelD]

Looks like they are going for the Nissan XTerra look. That roof rack is quite a copy-cat.

 

[Shantanu]

Let's just say that Ford won't be losing any sleep over it. LOL.

 

[andrey]

Originally posted by: NFS4
It doesn't look so bad as the pic posted a couple of weeks ago with the grey plastic side cladding/wheel-well fenders.

You mean this one: Toyota 4Runner? If that is the case, I agree. Those plastic fenders look way out of place. Without them new '03 looks pretty decent.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Shantanu
Let's just say that Ford won't be losing any sleep over it. LOL.

Hmmm, let's see:

Reports of the Explorer?s demise have been greatly exaggerated, to mangle Mark Twain, and the five millionth copy of Ford?s mid-size mainstay rolled off the assembly line in Louisville on Monday. At the height of the Firestone tire fiasco, some observers predicted the Explorer name was so badly tarnished the automaker might have to change it, but August sales soared to a record of more than 50,000, noted Ford President Nick Scheele. While Scheele told Louisville Truck workers he?d like to return for the roll-out of number 10 million, he later acknowledged Explorer sales likely will slow due to market fragmentation. ?With the niche-ing of the market, you?re not going to see the single big barn-burner? anymore, Scheele said during an interview. So Ford?s strategy will be to add more ute and crossover models to its lineup over the coming years. The automaker already plans to close its second Explorer plant, in St. Louis, sometime in mid-decade.

http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?article=5290&sid=173&n=156

Yeah, you need to quit while you've still got a piece of dignity left. But considering that the 4-Runner will be larger, have a more powerful V8, have a third-row seat, be more capable off-road, have a higher quality interior, and Toyota reliability, I think that Ford has reason for concern.

 

[N8Magic]

NFS4,

Don't forget pricing:

2002 Explorer Sport w/ Convienience Group = $33,295CDN
2002 4-Runner Badlands = $36,250CDN

Considering all of the incentives Ford has right now, an Explorer could be had for ~30-31,000CDN. Toyota Canada has an unwritten "no-haggle" policy, so you're looking at a $5,000-6,000 premium to own a 4-Runner. In todays price conscious market, that pulls a lot of weight.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: N8Magic
NFS4,

Don't forget pricing:

2002 Explorer Sport w/ Convienience Group = $33,295CDN
2002 4-Runner Badlands = $36,250CDN

Considering all of the incentives Ford has right now, an Explorer could be had for ~30-31,000CDN. Toyota Canada has an unwritten "no-haggle" policy, so you're looking at a $5,000-6,000 premium to own a 4-Runner. In todays price conscious market, that pulls a lot of weight.

First, Let me be BLUNT...I don't give a crap about what an Explorer or 4-Runner costs in Canada
Second, an Explorer Sport is a 2-door SUV that is being discontinued. The 4-Runner is a 4-door model.
Lastly, in the US, the base 2002 4-Runner 4WD starts at $28,875 but has a higher level of standard equipment. The base 2002 Explorer XLS 4WD starts at $28,815 with an auto transmission

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: N8Magic
NFS4,

Don't forget pricing:

2002 Explorer Sport w/ Convienience Group = $33,295CDN
2002 4-Runner Badlands = $36,250CDN

Considering all of the incentives Ford has right now, an Explorer could be had for ~30-31,000CDN. Toyota Canada has an unwritten "no-haggle" policy, so you're looking at a $5,000-6,000 premium to own a 4-Runner. In todays price conscious market, that pulls a lot of weight.

First, Let me be BLUNT...I don't give a crap about what an Explorer or 4-Runner costs in Canada
Second, an Explorer Sport is a 2-door SUV that is being discontinued. The 4-Runner is a 4-door model.
Lastly, in the US, the base 2002 4-Runner 4WD starts at $28,875 but has a higher level of standard equipment. The base 2002 Explorer XLS 4WD starts at $26,425

Pardon me, but let me be BLUNT.

There is still a $2,400 difference there, and considering that Ford has a $2,500 cash rebate on the Explorer right now, that makes for nearly an even $5,000USD difference. Factor in Ford's current 0% financing deal right now, and it's one HELL of a deal.

Say what you will, but price conscious consumers notice these things.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: N8Magic
NFS4,

Don't forget pricing:

2002 Explorer Sport w/ Convienience Group = $33,295CDN
2002 4-Runner Badlands = $36,250CDN

Considering all of the incentives Ford has right now, an Explorer could be had for ~30-31,000CDN. Toyota Canada has an unwritten "no-haggle" policy, so you're looking at a $5,000-6,000 premium to own a 4-Runner. In todays price conscious market, that pulls a lot of weight.

First, Let me be BLUNT...I don't give a crap about what an Explorer or 4-Runner costs in Canada
Second, an Explorer Sport is a 2-door SUV that is being discontinued. The 4-Runner is a 4-door model.
Lastly, in the US, the base 2002 4-Runner 4WD starts at $28,875 but has a higher level of standard equipment. The base 2002 Explorer XLS 4WD starts at $26,425

Pardon me, but let me be BLUNT.

There is still a $2,400 difference there, and considering that Ford has a $2,500 cash rebate on the Explorer right now, that makes for nearly an even $5,000USD difference. Factor in Ford's current 0% financing deal right now, and it's one HELL of a deal.

Say what you will, but price conscious consumers notice these things.

Not quite, I had to update the price ($28,815 with an auto transmission) b/c the Explorer XLS doesn't include an auto transmission as standard (among other things not included at that price). The 4-Runner SR5 is MUCH better equipped. Toyota is also offering 1.9% financing on the 4-Runner

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: N8Magic
NFS4,

Don't forget pricing:

2002 Explorer Sport w/ Convienience Group = $33,295CDN
2002 4-Runner Badlands = $36,250CDN

Considering all of the incentives Ford has right now, an Explorer could be had for ~30-31,000CDN. Toyota Canada has an unwritten "no-haggle" policy, so you're looking at a $5,000-6,000 premium to own a 4-Runner. In todays price conscious market, that pulls a lot of weight.

First, Let me be BLUNT...I don't give a crap about what an Explorer or 4-Runner costs in Canada
Second, an Explorer Sport is a 2-door SUV that is being discontinued. The 4-Runner is a 4-door model.
Lastly, in the US, the base 2002 4-Runner 4WD starts at $28,875 but has a higher level of standard equipment. The base 2002 Explorer XLS 4WD starts at $26,425

Pardon me, but let me be BLUNT.

There is still a $2,400 difference there, and considering that Ford has a $2,500 cash rebate on the Explorer right now, that makes for nearly an even $5,000USD difference. Factor in Ford's current 0% financing deal right now, and it's one HELL of a deal.

Say what you will, but price conscious consumers notice these things.

Not quite, I had to update the price b/c the Explorer XLS doesn't include an auto transmission as standard (among other things not included at that price). The 4-Runner SR5 is MUCH better equipped. Toyota is also offering rebates on the 4-Runner

In any case, you're preaching to the choir... I think the 4-Runner is a better vehicle as well.

BUT, price conscious consumers will still go for the Explorer... you know how American dealers love to dicker off of MSRP, and how Toyota/Honda dealers do not. There is a lot of markup on these vehicles, and American dealers are more willing to play with the numbers to make the sale.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: N8Magic

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: N8Magic
NFS4,

Don't forget pricing:

2002 Explorer Sport w/ Convienience Group = $33,295CDN
2002 4-Runner Badlands = $36,250CDN

Considering all of the incentives Ford has right now, an Explorer could be had for ~30-31,000CDN. Toyota Canada has an unwritten "no-haggle" policy, so you're looking at a $5,000-6,000 premium to own a 4-Runner. In todays price conscious market, that pulls a lot of weight.

First, Let me be BLUNT...I don't give a crap about what an Explorer or 4-Runner costs in Canada
Second, an Explorer Sport is a 2-door SUV that is being discontinued. The 4-Runner is a 4-door model.
Lastly, in the US, the base 2002 4-Runner 4WD starts at $28,875 but has a higher level of standard equipment. The base 2002 Explorer XLS 4WD starts at $26,425

Pardon me, but let me be BLUNT.

There is still a $2,400 difference there, and considering that Ford has a $2,500 cash rebate on the Explorer right now, that makes for nearly an even $5,000USD difference. Factor in Ford's current 0% financing deal right now, and it's one HELL of a deal.

Say what you will, but price conscious consumers notice these things.

Not quite, I had to update the price b/c the Explorer XLS doesn't include an auto transmission as standard (among other things not included at that price). The 4-Runner SR5 is MUCH better equipped. Toyota is also offering rebates on the 4-Runner

In any case, you're preaching to the choir... I think the 4-Runner is a better vehicle as well.

BUT, price conscious consumers will still go for the Explorer... you know how American dealers love to dicker off of MSRP, and how Toyota/Honda dealers do not. There is a lot of markup on these vehicles, and American dealers are more willing to play with the numbers to make the sale.

Most consumers don't purchase XLS Explorers anyway. The XLT is the high seller in the lineup. The XLS Explorers mostly go to fleets. The SR5 is better compared (feature wise) to the XLT which costs more than the 4-Runner.

 

[Keego]

I'm getting a '96 4Runner in march

 

[N8Magic]

Bottom line:

2001 Ford Explorer sales: 394,198
2001 Toyota 4-Runner sales: 90,250

I know how you love to quote sales figures.

 

[tigerbait]

I prefer the styling of the 3rd gen 4Runner, though I am stuck my underpowered '93 2nd gen model for now.

 

[SuperTool]

Originally posted by: N8Magic
Bottom line:

2001 Ford Explorer sales: 394,198
2001 Toyota 4-Runner sales: 90,250

I know how you love to quote sales figures.

Wow. I didn't know explorer sold this well. The new explorer seems like a nice ride. Still can't see myself blowing 30K on a truck tho. Give me a G35 over any of those.

 

[bolido2000]

Looks pretty good. Rugged looks not like the ghey looking Highlander.

 

[andrey]

Here are some more details which I found:

4.7L V-8 DOHC w/SMPI 240hp, 5 speed automatic trans w/OD, 4-wheel ABS, Brake assistance, P265/65SR17.0 BSW tires, Electronic stability, Automatic air conditioning, Deep tinted glass, AM/FM stereo cassette, single CD, Rear child safety locks, Dual power remote mirrors, Variable intermittent wipers, Silver alloy wheels, Dual airbags, Ignition disable, Rear window defogger, Tachometer, Reclining front bucket seats, 50-50 folding rear split-bench seat

 

[BD231]

Horrible looking car . Why is everything on these new car's getting so darn round?

 

[Shantanu]

Originally posted by: N8Magic
Bottom line:

2001 Ford Explorer sales: 394,198
2001 Toyota 4-Runner sales: 90,250

I know how you love to quote sales figures.

I was about to post the same thing myself. Here are some more sales stats:

Back to Market Report

Units Sold in USA, ranked by August 2002 Sales Volume

Make Model August 2002 August 2001 2002 YTD 2001 YTD
Ford Explorer 51,021 38,270 285,655 271,565
Chevrolet Tahoe 26,268 16,110 149,963 128,186
Chevrolet Suburban 24,127 10,882 105,465 95,126
Jeep Grand Cherokee 23,298 16,381 146,763 142,539
Chevrolet All New TrailBlazer 22,326 11,114 165,208 42,935
Jeep Liberty 21,511 11,458 108,739 32,506
Honda CR-V 15,197 10,768 103,406 74,637
Chrysler PT Cruiser 14,035 11,951 101,430 94,943
Ford Escape 13,871 9,922 95,484 102,604
Ford Expedition 13,133 15,464 101,620 122,927
Toyota Highlander 12,401 9,022 77,567 56,605
Dodge Durango 10,875 11,048 74,972 88,987
GMC Envoy 10,706 4,639 70,323 22,169
GMC Envoy XL 10,706 4,639 70,323 22,169
Toyota RAV4 10,304 7,912 60,932 58,850
GMC Yukon XL Denali 8,991 5,236 45,070 42,163
Toyota 4Runner 8,849 8,819 53,446 59,526

Toyota's SUVs are ugly junk. It's no wonder that they're hardly noticed in the marketplace.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: Shantanu

Originally posted by: N8Magic
Bottom line:

2001 Ford Explorer sales: 394,198
2001 Toyota 4-Runner sales: 90,250

I know how you love to quote sales figures.

I was about to post the same thing myself. Here are some more sales stats:

Back to Market Report

Units Sold in USA, ranked by August 2002 Sales Volume

Make Model August 2002 August 2001 2002 YTD 2001 YTD
Ford Explorer 51,021 38,270 285,655 271,565
Chevrolet Tahoe 26,268 16,110 149,963 128,186
Chevrolet Suburban 24,127 10,882 105,465 95,126
Jeep Grand Cherokee 23,298 16,381 146,763 142,539
Chevrolet All New TrailBlazer 22,326 11,114 165,208 42,935
Jeep Liberty 21,511 11,458 108,739 32,506
Honda CR-V 15,197 10,768 103,406 74,637
Chrysler PT Cruiser 14,035 11,951 101,430 94,943
Ford Escape 13,871 9,922 95,484 102,604
Ford Expedition 13,133 15,464 101,620 122,927
Toyota Highlander 12,401 9,022 77,567 56,605
Dodge Durango 10,875 11,048 74,972 88,987
GMC Envoy 10,706 4,639 70,323 22,169
GMC Envoy XL 10,706 4,639 70,323 22,169
Toyota RAV4 10,304 7,912 60,932 58,850
GMC Yukon XL Denali 8,991 5,236 45,070 42,163
Toyota 4Runner 8,849 8,819 53,446 59,526

Toyota's SUVs are ugly junk. It's no wonder that they're hardly noticed in the marketplace.

Since you LOOOOOOOOVE to quote JD Power and how well GM is doing, for 2002 the results are as follows:

Best Entry Sport Utility Vehicle in Initial Quality Toyota RAV-4
Best Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle in Initial Quality Lexus LX 470
Best Midsize Sport Utility Vehicle in Initial Quality Toyota Highlander

Not to mention the other categories Toyota scored victories in:

Best Compact Car in Initial Quality Toyota Corolla (tied with Toyota Prius)
Best Compact Car in Initial Quality Toyota Prius (tied with Toyota Corolla)
Best Full-Size Pickup in Initial Quality Toyota Tundra
Best Compact Pickup in Initial Quality Toyota Tacoma
Best Compact Van in Initial Quality Toyota Sienna
Best Mid Luxury Car in Initial Quality Lexus GS 300/GS 430
Best Premium Luxury Car in Initial Quality Lexus LS 430

NINE out of 16 categories....STHU

 

[brtspears2]

I'm still too scared to ride off road in Toyota. But then, 99% of SUV owners don't drive on dirt and mud anways.

Minus that lame grey plastic trim, and it looks like a king sized Rav4.

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Shantanu

Originally posted by: N8Magic
Bottom line:

2001 Ford Explorer sales: 394,198
2001 Toyota 4-Runner sales: 90,250

I know how you love to quote sales figures.

I was about to post the same thing myself. Here are some more sales stats:

Back to Market Report

Units Sold in USA, ranked by August 2002 Sales Volume

Make Model August 2002 August 2001 2002 YTD 2001 YTD
Ford Explorer 51,021 38,270 285,655 271,565
Chevrolet Tahoe 26,268 16,110 149,963 128,186
Chevrolet Suburban 24,127 10,882 105,465 95,126
Jeep Grand Cherokee 23,298 16,381 146,763 142,539
Chevrolet All New TrailBlazer 22,326 11,114 165,208 42,935
Jeep Liberty 21,511 11,458 108,739 32,506
Honda CR-V 15,197 10,768 103,406 74,637
Chrysler PT Cruiser 14,035 11,951 101,430 94,943
Ford Escape 13,871 9,922 95,484 102,604
Ford Expedition 13,133 15,464 101,620 122,927
Toyota Highlander 12,401 9,022 77,567 56,605
Dodge Durango 10,875 11,048 74,972 88,987
GMC Envoy 10,706 4,639 70,323 22,169
GMC Envoy XL 10,706 4,639 70,323 22,169
Toyota RAV4 10,304 7,912 60,932 58,850
GMC Yukon XL Denali 8,991 5,236 45,070 42,163
Toyota 4Runner 8,849 8,819 53,446 59,526

Toyota's SUVs are ugly junk. It's no wonder that they're hardly noticed in the marketplace.

Since you LOOOOOOOOVE to quote JD Power and how well GM is doing, for 2002 the results are as follows:

Best Entry Sport Utility Vehicle in Initial Quality Toyota RAV-4
Best Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle in Initial Quality Lexus LX 470
Best Midsize Sport Utility Vehicle in Initial Quality Toyota Highlander

Not to mention the other categories Toyota scored victories in:

Best Compact Car in Initial Quality Toyota Corolla (tied with Toyota Prius)
Best Compact Car in Initial Quality Toyota Prius (tied with Toyota Corolla)
Best Full-Size Pickup in Initial Quality Toyota Tundra
Best Compact Pickup in Initial Quality Toyota Tacoma
Best Compact Van in Initial Quality Toyota Sienna
Best Mid Luxury Car in Initial Quality Lexus GS 300/GS 430
Best Premium Luxury Car in Initial Quality Lexus LS 430

NINE out of 16 categories....STHU

Who cares about JD Powers? For all i care, Toyota can have a nice little JD Powers party in their backyard. It doesnt make up for the fact that Toyota's SUVs are not SUVs, they are minivans in disguise. At least the other SUVs on the list all had SUV qualities. Toyota just throws a tall body on a car and says its an SUV.

 

[vi edit]

Toyota just throws a tall body on a car and says its an SUV.

Highlander yes. RX300 yes.

The highlander and 4 runner are as competent, if not more so, offroad than a chevy trailblazer or a suburban. Now, if somebody actually chooses to do so is up for debate.

 

[NFS4]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: NFS4

Originally posted by: Shantanu

Originally posted by: N8Magic
Bottom line:

2001 Ford Explorer sales: 394,198
2001 Toyota 4-Runner sales: 90,250

I know how you love to quote sales figures.

I was about to post the same thing myself. Here are some more sales stats:

Back to Market Report

Units Sold in USA, ranked by August 2002 Sales Volume

Make Model August 2002 August 2001 2002 YTD 2001 YTD
Ford Explorer 51,021 38,270 285,655 271,565
Chevrolet Tahoe 26,268 16,110 149,963 128,186
Chevrolet Suburban 24,127 10,882 105,465 95,126
Jeep Grand Cherokee 23,298 16,381 146,763 142,539
Chevrolet All New TrailBlazer 22,326 11,114 165,208 42,935
Jeep Liberty 21,511 11,458 108,739 32,506
Honda CR-V 15,197 10,768 103,406 74,637
Chrysler PT Cruiser 14,035 11,951 101,430 94,943
Ford Escape 13,871 9,922 95,484 102,604
Ford Expedition 13,133 15,464 101,620 122,927
Toyota Highlander 12,401 9,022 77,567 56,605
Dodge Durango 10,875 11,048 74,972 88,987
GMC Envoy 10,706 4,639 70,323 22,169
GMC Envoy XL 10,706 4,639 70,323 22,169
Toyota RAV4 10,304 7,912 60,932 58,850
GMC Yukon XL Denali 8,991 5,236 45,070 42,163
Toyota 4Runner 8,849 8,819 53,446 59,526

Toyota's SUVs are ugly junk. It's no wonder that they're hardly noticed in the marketplace.

Since you LOOOOOOOOVE to quote JD Power and how well GM is doing, for 2002 the results are as follows:

Best Entry Sport Utility Vehicle in Initial Quality Toyota RAV-4
Best Luxury Sport Utility Vehicle in Initial Quality Lexus LX 470
Best Midsize Sport Utility Vehicle in Initial Quality Toyota Highlander

Not to mention the other categories Toyota scored victories in:

Best Compact Car in Initial Quality Toyota Corolla (tied with Toyota Prius)
Best Compact Car in Initial Quality Toyota Prius (tied with Toyota Corolla)
Best Full-Size Pickup in Initial Quality Toyota Tundra
Best Compact Pickup in Initial Quality Toyota Tacoma
Best Compact Van in Initial Quality Toyota Sienna
Best Mid Luxury Car in Initial Quality Lexus GS 300/GS 430
Best Premium Luxury Car in Initial Quality Lexus LS 430

NINE out of 16 categories....STHU

Who cares about JD Powers? For all i care, Toyota can have a nice little JD Powers party in their backyard. It doesnt make up for the fact that Toyota's SUVs are not SUVs, they are minivans in disguise. At least the other SUVs on the list all had SUV qualities. Toyota just throws a tall body on a car and says its an SUV.

I don't see your point. Toyota has all their bases covered with SUV's for EVERY market segment. Toyota has three car based SUV's and four truck based SUVs

Car based:

RAV4
Highlander
RX300


Truck based:

4-Runner
Sequoia
Land Cruiser
LX470