2003 4x4 Trucks And SUVs - The Four Wheeler Guide To 2003 Trucks And SUVS

MIDSIZE SUVS

SUVs In This Category Include:
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet TrailBlazer
Chevrolet TrailBlazer EXT
Dodge Durango
Ford Explorer
Ford Explorer Sport
GMC Envoy
GMC Envoy XL
Infiniti QX4
Isuzu Ascender
Isuzu Axiom
Isuzu Rodeo
Jeep Liberty
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Sorento
Land Rover Discovery II
Range Rover
Lexus GX470
Mercedes Benz G500
Mercedes Benz ML320
Mercedes Benz ML500
Mitsubishi Montero
Mitsubishi Montero Sport
Nissan Xterra
Nissan Pathfinder
Porsche Cayenne
Suzuki XL-7
Toyota 4Runner

Chevrolet
This year the Chevy Blazer features a new fuel-injection system for its standard 4.3L V-6. Available in two trim levels, four- or two-door LS or two-door Extreme, the Blazer is now positioned between the Tracker and TrailBlazer.

Introduced last year, the TrailBlazer features a standard 4.2L I-6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic 4L60-E transmission. The 16-inch-longer TrailBlazer EXT has an optional 290hp 5.3L V-8, a third-row seat and room for seven adults. The LS, LT, LTZ and EXT trims all feature independent dual A-arm suspension with shocks and a torsion bar up front and a five-link solid axle with shocks and a 24mm antiroll bar at the rear. Four-wheel ABS and hydraulic-assisted rack-and-pinion steering is standard on all models as well.

Dodge
Offering seating for eight, Dodge's Durango comes standard with a 4.7L V-8, four-wheel disc brakes and 16x7 aluminum wheels. Durango R/T is fit with the 250hp 5.9L V-8, the largest engine in this class, a full-time four-wheel-drive transfer case and upscale interior appointments such as two-tone leather-trimmed high-back bucket seating. The Durango has a maximum towing capacity of 7,550 pounds and 1,670-pound payload. A limited-slip diff is optional on all models and standard on the R/T. The Durango rides on independent dual A-arms, coils springs, shock absorbers and an antiroll bar up front and a live axle with four-leaf springs, shocks and an antiroll bar in the rear.

Ford
Last year, Ford redesigned the Explorer from the ground up. For '03 the Explorer hasn't changed much. As with last year, it's offered with a standard 4.0L V-6 with 210 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. The 4.6L Triton V-8 is the Explorer's optional engine. The suspension consists of independent dual A-arms and coilover shocks front and rear. The Explorer Sport is the two-door model of this popular SUV. It's available in three trim levels, XLS, XLT and XLT Premium. Ford hasn't changed the Sport much, simply adding accoutrements such as a 12-volt power point and coat hooks to the cargo area. The Explorer Sport comes standard with a 4.0L V-6 mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Its suspension utilizes independent dual A-arms, gas shocks and an antiroll bar at the fore and a solid axle with leaf springs, gas-filled shocks and an antiroll bar at the rear.

GMC
The Envoy and Envoy XL are GMC's versions of the TrailBlazer. They come standard with a Vortec 4200 4.2L 24-valve DOHC inline-six, now with a claimed peak horsepower of 275, an increase of five ponies, and 275 lb-ft of torque. The XL offers third-row seating and is 16 inches longer than the regular Envoy. Also, the XL gets more low-end torque with its 5.3L V-8 and a 3.73:1 axle ratio, giving the 4WD XL a trailering capacity of 7,000 pounds.

Another nice addition is a 25-gallon fuel tank for the Envoy XL.

Infiniti
For '03 the QX4 comes standard with a 240hp V-6 mated to a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with overdrive. Four-wheel-drive models feature Infiniti's All-Mode 4WD system, which instantly delivers torque to the front wheels when slippage occurs, and a limited-slip rear differential. This year's model will come standard with features that were only available on the premium trim level last year, including 17-inch wheels, wood and leather-engrained steering wheel, driver's-seat memory and steering-wheel-embedded audio controls. QX4s ride on MacPherson struts with an antiroll bar up front and a solid rear axle with five-link coil-spring system that includes an antiroll bar.

Isuzu
The all-new Isuzu Ascender is a seven-passenger fullsize SUV that's being positioned as the company's flagship SUV. It replaces the much loved and very capable Trooper. The Ascender is based on the same platform as the Chevy TrailBlazer EXT and GMC Envoy XL, and it will be offered in three trim levels: S, LS and Limited. All models are equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, a roof-mounted luggage rack and body side moldings. A power moonroof will be found on all LS and Limited models. The Limited also features leather-trimmed bucket seats and a standard Bose audio system. Available with a standard 4.2L I-6 or an optional all-aluminum 5.3L V-8 mated to a four-speed electronically controlled transmission, the Ascender is offered with four-wheel ABS. It features independent double A-arm suspension with Bilstein shocks and an antiroll bar up front and a five-link solid axle with coil springs, Bilstein shocks and an antiroll bar at the rear. The Ascender has a trailering capacity of 5,500 pounds with the I-6 and 7,200 pounds with the V-8.

The Isuzu Axiom, first introduced as an '02 model, comes standard with a 3.5L V-6. It employs IFS and a solid rear axle with coil springs and an antiroll bar. There's nothing new to report for '03 on the Axiom, except this: The radio antenna was moved to the rear. Isuzu's other midsize SUV is the four-door Rodeo, which is delivered with the 3.2L V-6. The Rodeo shares suspension systems with the Axiom.

Jeep
For '03, the Grand Cherokee comes in three models: the Laredo, Limited or Overland editions. Both the Laredo and Limited come standard with a 4.0L Power Tech I-6, with the 4.7L Power Tech V-8 and 545RFE five-speed transmission optional. The Overland features the High Output 4.7L Power Tech V-8, which offers a 15 percent increase in horsepower over the standard 4.7L V-8. Also, Jeep engineers have teased out a 12 percent increase in torque. A Dana 30 front axle is standard on all 4WD models, while at the rear, a Dana 35 can be found on vehicles powered by 4.0L engines and a Dana 44 under those powered by the 4.7L V-8.

The Jeep Liberty, which was new for '02, has some cool new features for '03. Standard four-wheel disc brakes, a new programmable overhead console and new sliding visors are among the new amenities to be found on the Liberty. The Liberty is currently available in three trim levels-Sport, Renegade and Limited Edition. The Renegade comes with the new 3.7L Power Tech V-6 mated to an NV3550 five-speed manual transmission, while the Limited Edition features that engine mated to an automatic four-speed.

Kia
Traditionally a manufacturer of compact and sub-compact automobiles, Kia enters the midsize SUV market for the first time in '03 with the all-new five-passenger Sorento, which will be available in two trim levels. The Sorento comes with a 192hp 3.5L V-6 mated to an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Four-wheel-drive models feature a Torque-on-Demand full-time 4x4 system. The Sorento utilizes a body-on-frame construction and features independent front suspension and a five-link solid-axle in the rear. The upscale EX model features standard alloy wheels, power sunroof, foglights and other safety and convenience features.

Abbreviations:
4A = four-speed automatic
5A = five-speed automatic
5M = five-speed manual
6M = six-speed manual