I've had my 03 for about 5 months and 10,000 miles and have been relatively happy with it. I've taken it back once for a rattle in the moonroof, a stuck moonroof switch and a missing screw from the roof rack (at the same time). All problems were covered under warranty.
To be honest, I'm a bit dissapointed with the fit and finish of the interior. While being better than a lot of manufacturers, it's not up to Toyota standards. The headliner especially feels cheap. In addition to a rattle in the moonroof, I have a clicking noise from the top portion of the windshield and a rattle in the rear driver's seat that only occurs when someone sits in it. To me, these are just minor annoyances that can be fixed.
It is a great truck to drive though, plenty of power, pretty good steering response for a truck and a really smooth ride considering it rides on a body-on-frame construction. It's also loaded with gadgets like vehicle stability control, hill start assist control, brake-force disribution, brake assist, the X-REAS sport suspension on the Sport Edition, a power-assisted rear hatch that doesn't make you slam it shut, auto climate control, a trip computer, a power rear window and a whole lot of other cool stuff, all standard.
To add on to GoodnClean's post, yes some people have had problems with the interior (like I have). The V6 has been recalled once. Some people have a problem with steering vibration at 60-65mph (also a problem on GX470) and a seat that doesn't stay at the adjusted height.
Check out
Toyota-4Runner.org There's a lot of information on there.
If I had to do it again, would I go for the 4Runner? Without a doubt! I'd probably opt for the V8 engine without a moonroof though. Hope this helps you out.
Oh yeah, it also takes twice the time to wash!
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