The 4Runner is Toyota’s midsize SUV that has retained its exceptional off-road capability, but has a
The 4Runner is Toyota’s midsize SUV that has retained its exceptional off-road capability, but has also evolved into a vehicle that offers many different variations including 7-passenger seating, luxury amenities and an optional V8 engine. The original 4Runner that was introduced as a 1985 model was really a version of the Toyota pickup with a removable hardtop and extra seat. The fourth-generation 4Runner which debuted as a 2003 model retains its original high-level of off-road capability, but also includes room, power, and luxury.
"There’s a reason that Toyota’s 4Runner has survived over 25 years and four generations — it just plain works and is a solid choice in a marketplace that is crowded with mid-size SUVs."
Summary: It's an overall great SUV. Solid acceleration (you won't be disappointed with the v6) and the stability controls work very well. A lot of room in the backseat for larger passengers. Looks very good with the hood scoop.
Strengths: Great engine. I've also been really impressed with the stability controls. When accelerating in the rain or wet patches on the road the car will correct itself instead of leaving you spun out on the side of the road. Same goes for breaking hard in the rain!
Weaknesses: Gas mileage could be better, but it is an SUV. Letting off the gas can give you some serious differences in mpg. I pushed it hard on its first few tanks and was averaging about 15.5 mpg city. Once I got it out of my system and started driving more normal the gas mileage started averaging about 18-19 mpg city. Highway is an easy 22 mpg.
Summary: This V6 model 4Runner is a quality rig. We looked at the Honda Pilot and 4Runner, but the style and quality of the 4Runner won out. It has just the right cargo carrying capacity, and gets slightly better fuel efficiency (city 16-20mpg, 22-25mpg highway) and handles better than your typical SUV. The eletric back window is nice when you have a big dog that likes to look out the back.
We have taken it on a number of mountain backroads in diferent weather conditions and never had a problem with traction or stability. I have never had any mechanical problems and it is a very comfortable rig to drive.
Strengths: Utility (handles well in all conditions) style, mechanical quality is unrivaled. The sun roof and hood scoop are both stylish and practical. Powers up hills without any problem.
Weaknesses: It is a little bit smaller than your typical SUV, but bigger than a cross over or hybrid.
Similar Products Used: Tahoe, Blazer, Expedition, Silverado
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Year / Model Reviewed: 2005 LIMITED 4WD V6 EDITION
Summary: Excellent 4WD SUV V6 engine from Toyota. I bought this spanking super brand-new. Comes with all leather seats, power seats, individual environment control, front and side airbags, rear audio control, rear seating collapsible, lots of room. Comes with sunroof, heated windows and mirror. This truck will do wonders for you. Easy to handle considering the size of this SUV. The body is based on truck frame so the handling is solid and tight. Comes with 6 JBL Synthesis speakers and a JBL 6 CD-Changer. Easy ON/OFF switch for 2WD and 4WD. Incline control. Michelin tires. Well worth the money I paid for this SUV! Drove it all across East Coast, USA! Of course...it's a Toyota!
Strengths: Excellent handling, fantastic interior design, solid construction, lots of room. XREAS suspension for that all-around driving. Durable. Oh and it's Toyota!
Weaknesses: Gas Mileage is bad. Loads up with 18 gallons of petrol. 17mpg on the streets, 21mpg on the highway. You need lots of money to keep this SUV loaded with petrol.
Similar Products Used: 2005 Toyota Rav4. H2 Hummer. 2005 Toyota Sequoia.
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Summary: I really thought I wanted the Highlander, but my husband talked me into test driving the 4Runner. To my surpirse it wasn't as big as I thought. I needed something to carry my dog around in and still have room for others. I knew I wanted leather, so that lead me to the Limited. Didn't really need the sunroof and heated seats, but that all came with it. I drove almost 70 miles out of my hometown to get the one I wanted, and haven't been disappointed yet!
Strengths: Drives well in both the city and on the interstate. I drove it thru an ice storm, without the 4-wheel drive on, and it still performed as I expected. Turning radius is much better than I expected. Folding down the back seats to increase the cargo area is very easy, not to mention spacious.
Weaknesses: When folding down the back seats to increase the cargo area, the front seats must be up, decreasing the leg room for the front seats. When the seats are down, the back vents are blocked, leaving only the front vents to heat/cool the whole truck.
Similar Products Used: 1998 Chevy Blazer
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Rating Reviewed by: tammy(Unregistered User)
Review Date April 2, 2009
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 1 to 3 months
Visitors rate this review 4.00 of 5,
3.00 votes
Review 5 of 273
Price Paid:
$11000.00
from C & C DODGE TOYATO
Year / Model Reviewed: 2004 TOYATO 4/RUNNER SPORT V8
Summary: THIS IS A GREAT SUV. VERY COMFORTABLE RIDE. LOOKS GOOD, RIDES GOOD, MADE GOOD, I LOVE IT.
Strengths: VERY COMFORTABLE SEATING, LOTS OF ROOM TO MOVE AROUND, GREAT SOUND SYSTEM, VERY SPORTY LOOK. LOVE THE STYLE.
Weaknesses: NOT CHEEP ON THE GAS.
Similar Products Used: FIRST SUV
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