BT17R

From corporate PR:

All-new in 2003, for 2004 the popular 4Runner adds a tire pressure warning system as standard equipment on all models. Additional features include an available third-row seat on Limited and SR5 models, providing seven-passenger capability. All 4Runners will also feature a back-up camera monitoring system on the optional navigation system. When the 4Runner equipped with the navigation system is in the reverse mode a video camera mounted in the rear door automatically displays a wide-angle view behind the vehicle to assist the driver in safely pulling out of parking lots or garages.
The SR5 grade 4Runner will carry a base MSRP ranging from $27,170 for the 4x2 V6 with a four-speed automatic transmission to $30,695 for the 4x4 V8 with a five-speed automatic, representing an increase of $115, or 0.4 percent. Prices for the SR5 Sport model will range from $28,410 for the 4x2 V6 with a four-speed automatic, to $31,935 for the 4x4 V8 with a five-speed automatic, an increase of $190, or 0.7 percent. The premium Limited grade 4Runner will carry a base MSRP ranging from $33,445 for the 4x2 V6 with a four-speed automatic to $36,970 for the 4x4 V8 with a five-speed automatic, an increase of $190, or 0.5 percent.

Hmm, still no 5A/T for the 1GR. No word on accessories yet.

EDGE

So how hard would it be to put that back up camera on a 03 Limited with Nav cause that would be cool

jx94148

Nissan Shift.

No manual transmition = no sale to me.

4 cylinders used to be enough to move a 4Runner. I guess old fashioned mirrors are lighter than video cameras and monitors.

What the hell are they thinking?

Vato Loco

People are getting so lazy, that they won't move their heads when they're backing up!

alanh

No matter how I move my head, I still can't see a whole lot out the back. There is a huge spot back there I can't see.

I also have my mirrors adjusted so I don't have the usual blind spot. Before I lose a car in the rear-view mirror, I can see it in the side mirror and it has to be right up beside me before I lose it in the side mirror. That makes it a lot better driving down the road, but makes it hard to see right down the side of the vehicle.

A video camera seems like a good idea, unless it doesn't work as well in practice as I think it will in theory.

Alan

EDGE

I don't understand the lack of manual trans but just think about it technology and cars is cool

The camera is cool, both my 2 Pathfinders and this 4Runner have major blind spots and Im not one to back into a persons car when Im parallel parking

jx94148

Technology and cars is cool. Idiot-proofing TRUCKS is not cool because now most idiots can operate them.

Any idiot could operate most new vehicles on the market including the 4th gen 4Runner. Some vehicles used to require skill and knowledge to operate correctly. The 4Runner used to be one of those vehicles. The 4Runner also used to be a truck, not a mini van with a rear driveshaft.

I had better quit. By any means, no offense meant for 4th gen owners. All intended offense is aimed at Toyota of America.

They didn't sell half of the ones they made for 2003. Thankfully they didn't inflate the prices too much for 2004s.

I hope Supercharged 5 speed XTerras sell really well next year so I can afford a used one in 4 or 5 years.

BT17R

Just to set the record straight, CYTD sales of '03 4Runner is 59,612 through 7/31/03. That's 135.6% of sales for the same period last year, and 114% of objective. Dealer stock is 44 days supply while industry average is 60. This month is on track to set an all-time record for 'Runner sales, and CY2003 will exceed forecast of 120,000 new unit sales.

From Toyota Sales And Stock Summary Report #100-21637 as reported from actual dealer retail sales and stock.

Hannerhan

Maybe Toyota did cut a little of the hardcore stuff in favor of what most consumers want, but I don't think you could really compare the 4Runner to a minivan - that's the Highlander. And I don't have much off-roading under my belt yet in the 4th gen, but by all accounts it seems to be just as, or nearly as capable as the 3rd gen. Give it a couple inches of lift, and it should run with anything.

And compared to the x-terra, it feels like a Bentley inside. That x-terra engine sucks, even with the supercharger...

I think the problem is, that the 4Runner has moved upscale so much that Toyota now needs to build a simple, smaller 4WD vehicle. Start it at $19K, and I think they would steal a lot of heep sales...

FirstToy

There is no way you can compare an Xterra to the 4Runner. The Nissan is ok for the $23K they are asking for it but consider the SC is around $26K and the 4Runner is only $2K more for a whole lot more truck. All the sudden the 4R seems like a bargain to me. Anyway, comparing the two is like comparing a Tercel to an ES300. The 4Runner is that much better for sure.

They offer the camera and assorted stuff for the Limited or optional.
They are appeasing a high-profit area of sales. That is something even the "everything you need nothing you don't" Xterra is doing. But you have the SR5 and Sport models so there is no reason to get the Limited if you don't like those options.

I didn't buy the 4Runner because it was a minivan with a driveshaft. I got it because it is about the only real suv on the market that is of high quality.
If you want a fair comparison to older 4Runners, go stock 1st, 2nd &3rd compared to a stock 4th. Or comparably modified/lifted. That's only fair. Just from looks, I think the 4th has a worse approach angle but otherwise seems ok (but I know Toyota is addressing the concerns with car-to-truck crashes with the lower bumpers).

I think Toyota should be commended for making it awesome on road as well as off road. I don't know how it compared to a 3rd gen but it's the best suv I've owned and it has done very well off road for me so far.

Sac State

Here is my take on the whole 4th generation 4Runner logic perhaps being used by Toyota of America.

Toyota Land Cruiser is the top-of-the-line Toyota SUV sold in N. America. When it first was introduced to the States, it was tough, basic, easy to modify and cheap. Over the decades it has grown and morphed into a very selective, overly capable and expensive luxury SUV/Freeway cruiser. Sales have steadily declined over the years from its first introduction. The LC is a very capable 4x4 off road vehicle, unfortunately, the average consumer cannot afford one and the price makes it unwise to attempt a challenging off road adventure in a $54K vehicle.

I have read that Toyota will discontinue the Land Cruiser in N. America after the 2005 year. The 4Runner is slowly creeping into the market share that is the Land Cruiser domain. Same 4x4 functions, but $20K cheaper and a smattering of techno gizmos. Yet, the price is slowly creeping higher and higher, limiting its mass appeal.

Which leaves Toyota in the N. American market without a tough, cheap, highly capable SUV. The RAV4 is not designed to the same standards, expectations and off-road prowness that the LC and Runner offer. The RAV4 will be discontinued here in N. America also in 2005.

The replacement for the off- road market share vacated by the old LC and old 4Runner (1st, 2nd and 3rd generation) will be the newly designed FJ Cruiser. This new FJ will be similar to the old LC and 4Runner in that it will be cheap, easily modified and built specifically for off-road use. The RAV4 was built for no none purposes.

I owned a '02 Sport 4x4 before trading for the '03. They are completely different vehicles. I feel the 4th generation's off road worthiness, for what I do, is comparable in ability and 'toughness' to the 3rd generation. Haven't done any major mods yet.

Toyota of America, are you hiring?

Slib77

The back up camera is a good idea. I have seen it applied on many vehicles. I have a cousin who runs a custom stereo shop. They have the contract for Hummer and Lexus in our area to install back ups and flip downs. The camera is also nice if you tow something.

Woodbert

They have offered the backup camera for years here in Japan on almost all model SUV's and large vans.

It was an option on the 03 in addition to four corner sensors.

EDGE

Japan has the coolest technology