Transmission, Cargo Space, Rear Window, Gas mileage

Suspension

$25K USED
Traded in Grand Cherokee due to transmission (torque converter) and other problems (A/C, Turn Signal, horn). Great decision -- transmission is fantastic (Jeep was horrendous, both quality and performance), power is same as Jeep 6, cargo space is much larger with spare under car, and roll-down rear window is great idea (great for quiet ventilation in cabin). Suspension is very tight (maybe too tight/rough), but when driving in Grand Cherokee, the GC seems soft. Stock tires are not good (Dueler H/T) and planning to upgrade soon to street tires. Expect grip (dry and wet) will improve (now quite slick in wet conditions). Gas mileage is very good for SUV (Jeep was low to high teens, whereas 4R is high teens to low 20s). Heard that Explorer is low to mid teens from friend that owns one.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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Grand Cherokee (1996 Laredo 6 cyl)

Resale Value

No Power, period. No Acceleration, period.

This car has resale value, thats it. As far as power, forget about it. For a V6 matched with an automatic, this thing is a slug. Perhaps the 1996 and newers are better, but for the price a 4Runner goes for, the least which one would expect is some power to pass.

Practical size, good clearance, adequate power, nice blend of off and on road duty.

ABS brakes are unacceptable. I live in mountainous snow country and the ABS kicks in long before the vehicle would skid which results in disastrous, dangerously long stopping distance. Our F-250 and my daughter's Subaru stop in 1/5 the distance on ice. The Toyota tech in Reno admitted the ABS is designed for "normal" driving condions ie dry pavement.

For "flatland" use believe this would be the perfect vehicle. For snow country, the ABS brakes make this unit unacceptable (We demo'd several other 4-Runners including a 2000and all share the same ABS flaw). We have tried the ABS from other manufacturer's and the flaw seem specific to Toyota.
The value rating (cost/function) is high so I gave it a 4. The overall rating would have to be unacceptable because people are going to die in this vehicle.

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Ford Bronco, Dodge Ramcharger

Toyota fit and finish.
Good looks
Power rear window for ventilation
Good off road handling
Resale value

6 cylinder does not have enough "go" for me. This vehicle weighs much more than a cherokee with similar power rating.
Too much noise from the sunroof. Had to always open rear window to reduce the amount of noise coming into the cabin.
Cramped - did not bother me too much at first but over time I just could not get used to driving with my left leg against the door. Clautrophobic. I am only 5 '10.
Part time 4wd. For a vehicle costing this much; not having a full time 4wd option (without paying thousands more for the limited) is crazy.
Note: I have never had a vehicle where the engine hood moved/vibrated so much at highway speed. (millenium silver colour)
Could not get the locking differential in the sr5 model in Canada(again only on the ltd.) This I found to be a joke. Could not picture in my mind a Ltd. model owner with all the pretty flares and mouldings, taking this truck where the locking differential would actually be needed.

Paid $300.00 over dealer cost in March 99. Drove till end of Nov. 99. Overall a good vehicle but:
Traded in on a 1999 loaded Yukon. The GM deals on this truck were too hard for me to resist. Good resale value on the Toyota. Main reason I bought it.
In the end the lack of driver space, power, lack of full time 4wd in the SR5 model, drove me to sell it.
Final note on 6cyl SUV's. I always drove with the 4 runner loaded down. wife, 2 kids, dog, cargo, sometimes a boat. The Yukon gets similar mileage (18-20mpg hwy) loaded down, with much better performance and ride on the highway.

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Jeep Cherokees (13 years)

Rock solid chassis, engine durability, smooth ride, nice looks, comfortable interior.

Engine output, electrical problems

I love Toyota trucks, the basic design is based on the Toyota Land Cruiser (the old one), and that is bullet proof as they come. My wife and I bought our current 4 Runner as a lease trade in at a local dealer two years ago and would buy another when the time comes.

I must admit that I did change a couple of things to make it run better. We changed out the stock exhaust for a Dyno-max cat back aluminized exhaust system, I dumped the stock fan for a Flex-o-lite fan. I also dumped the stock power robbing airbox and filter for a Downey off road unit.

Since our 4 Runner has a 5 speed manual transmission it is a little peppier that an automatic but in stock form our 4 Runner was to sluggish. The above modifications did make a big impovement and I would recommend them to anyone not satified with stock power.

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86 4 Runner, 84 Toyota 4x4 Truck,

reliability
good for towing

slightly underpowered
handles like a truck

Paid around 25k. Overall the 4runner is a good truck. It's reliable and has done a good job on road trips and hauling a hang glider (which is pretty heavy). Handles like a truck which is OK for an SUV. Only complaint would be that the V6 is slightly underpowered. Compared to the V8 Jeep or Explorer it lacks some HP. Overall a good, fun vehicle.

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explorer

Comfort, Durability, 4wd, heater,

A bit cramped if used to an American vehicle. If you plan on attaching a box to the roof (Thule or Yakima box) do not get a roof rack..neither company will guarantee the box if attached to the factory rack..must attach directly to vehice. Dealer did not know/tell me this, wasted money on the rack.

SR5 standard tran 4wd with leather, CD, sunroof, other extras. Paid just over 30k via autobytel.com, delivered door to door. So far so good, very comfortable ride (previous ride was an F150), great in snow, great storage in rear. A bit cramped for the driver, a bit of work to get an infant seat in through rear door. Overall, like the vehicle. A bit pricey, but probably sell in a few years and will hold value. If I had leased, would probably have gone with the Ford Explorer.

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Ford Explorer

Great Looks, Practical Engine Size & Power, Function as Advertized, Runs Like A Car -Works Like Tank, Will Never Fail You When You Need It. Great sound system too.

Could use a bigger gas tank, but mileage is fair. Would like to see it come with a V8 engine.

This car never let me down. I do a lot of long distance traveling and went through tough weather and road conditions. I must say, I only have good things to say about this SUV. It is very comfortable to drive and corners pretty good. I am used to driving my Mercedes rally car, yet this can take a lot of G's. I do not encourage people to drive like me, but it's there when you need it.

Paid $36K

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Mitsubishi Montero

Solidly built,very strong v6, Great reliability, and pretty much everything.

truck-like ride but its not bad.

I have been very, very impressed with my 4runner. Its very reliable, has a strong engine, and is a luxurious truck-like suv. If you are in the market for an suv, seriously consider the 4runner.

Awesome looks, realiable, and pretty much everything else

Low in horse power

Just bought it couple months ago, totally like it, awesome looks, and i have no problems passing cars on high way, it's a very great car, feel it has better braking than the mercedes SUV, and lot comfortable. A perfect car for everyone.

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