Rock-solid frame (after simple $35 brace is added) for rugged 4x4 performance, excellent low range gearing, long enough to sleep in the back, nice shoulder room for this size vehicle, great visibility (pillars are in the right places), haven't had anything fail since I bought it 5 years and 99,000 miles ago.

Since moving east the tailgate is rusting. Not sufficient ventillation to get the moisture out from inside the gate. Mine has worm/roller steering, which is vague but truck-like and it IS a truck. New model rack/pinion is much better. Wish is gave heat as quickly as a German vehicle (past German stuff always gave heat right away). Has a huge turning circle.

This truck's been all through Baja Norte, SoCal, NoCal, Arizona, Colorado, Penn, and New York, and it is a rock. There is nothing serious that I would change. It rides nicely, is easy to maneuver off road, has plenty of clearance, and there are no delicate things hanging low underneath. Cargo is big, cubbys are sufficient, gearing is broad enough, luxury is high enough, and the sunroof is huge.

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Had an Explorer Sport before this and the tranny synchros died at 70k miles (but it sure had great torque!). Test drove everything; Pathfinder (ugly, cramped, poor details), Trooper (noisy chain-driven cams, top-heavy feel), Mitsu (flashy but no performance off road), Rodeo/Passport (underpowered, weak frame/body design, lesser-quality interior), Grand Cherokee (no standard tranny, lowest thing hanging down is exhaust so kiss your motor mounts goodbye after a big smack, cheesy interior plastic, spare takes 1/3 of the cargo area).

-Toyota quality and resale
-Excellent reliability
-Excellent snow car
-Tons of torque

-Under powered
-Mileage
-When actually needed, repair cost high
-Truck like ride (not as good as '96 or newer)

The truck can be very well appointed and if taken care will show almost no wear-&-tear. There is not so much a lack of power as the transmission is tailored to low end torque; this is usually only a factor at highway speed. The '96 and newer models remedy this slightly. Ride can sometimes be jarring but if you are driving this type of car that usually isn't a concern. Never had a problem with tailgate despite other reviews. Without a doubt one of the better cars I have owned/driven

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-1996 4Runner SR5

burley chassis, good power, looks good, 4wd rules, I like the removeable top

gas mileage (what did you expect), rough ride, AC is not that strong especially when sitting in traffic

burley chassis, good power, looks good, 4wd rules, I like the removeable top

gas mileage (what did you expect), rough ride AC is not that strong especially when sitting in traffic

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Cherkee

Good gas mileage
Nice looks
Rear window goes down into hatch
Toyota Quality

Engine is to small compared to the rest of the SUVs in its class
Rear hatch design fails often
To darn expensive! close to 40,000 for a loaded Limited?
No third seat

I must agree with the prior statement regarding the rear hatch problems. I have had mine replaced 3 times.
The 4 Runner does ride nice for an SUV. Those who complain about a truck like ride should look at the Lexus or Benz. Or buy a minivan...THATS WHAT YOU REALLY NEED! "Truck Like" is the new Nissan Xterra but heck, what do you want for 23,000?

Over all the 4 Runner is a high quality SUV but needs updating. The competion is stiff in this market.

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1995 Isuzu Rodeo
2000 Dodge Durango

easy to drive
will go anywhere

weak engine - no power to pass
no backseat room

i have been happy with my 4-runner. had a few weird problems but not the fault of the car. i think its really easy to drive. it would be nice if the engine was a little more powerful b/c its hard to pass when you're at highway speeds.

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Ford Bronco II

No engine problems
Good styling
Gas mileage good for SUV

Continuing problem with rear hatch
Rough ride, especially for rear seat passengers
Gas mileage not so great compared to a car

The luster has worn off for us after having it in the shop for about the 5th time because the rear hatch won't open. Got a Toyota because we've had such incredible success with our Previa, but the hatch problem is maddening. Engine seems to be rock solid though so at least we haven't been stranded anywhere. Although we didn't notice it too much at first, we've come to dislike the rough ride.

-Lots of torque off the line
-Roomy
-Great of trekking all over different turrain
-Feels stiff
-Goes anywhere

-Lack of power at high speeds
-No power for overtaking
-Feels stiff

The somewhat stiff suspension is nice at times and bad at others. There's lots of power off the line with torque values high in the low RPMs, but doesn't have too much power to attack a hill at 70+mph or for passing. Its sweet in the snow!

Reliability, reliability, reliability
Nice looking
Tight cockpit, feels more like a car than a truck
Plush interior, fully loaded with leather
Feels stuck to the road in all conditions, though I have heard from others that they feel like they're going to roll at high speeds on tight corners (I say, reduce your speed then, it handles the posted speed limit no problem)

The engineers at Toyota back in the early 90's when the scaled up 4-Runner came out, obviously didn't think much about the rear window design. The tail gate only drops down when the window is fully retracted. The problem with this design has obviously been ironed out for the newer models, but those of us with the older 90's models are stuck with an inherently idiotic design. Dirt and grit and water accumulate on the window and then trickle down to the rear window motor, which eventually seizes up and ceases to work. Now, I can live with out the use of the rear window, no problem and did so for over a year, until my rear tail light burned out. Guess what? The only way to change it is to lower the window and then lower the tail gate. So now, instead of a lightbulb costing me $1.59 to replace, it's an over $1200.00 major job to replace it. And yes, I could go ahead and replace the window, but three years down the road, I'm looking at another $1200.00 to replace the window motor again. Stupid, stupid, stupid design. Not real thrilled with that and it's practically enough for me to suggest you go out and consider buying either a new 4-Runner, if you can afford it, or consider some of the other SUV's, either way, be prepared to run into problems with the rear window.

Avoid the older models because of the rear window problems. That's pretty major.

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Ford Exploxer. My brother has a new model Explorer and after two years it looks way older than mine.

Toyota Name, reliablity, great looks.

Who would ever think of putting a 4cyl in such a big truck? The makers of Toyota of this truck should be ashamed of themselves. Pretty bumpy ride, I had a jeep that wasnt as bumpy as this.

Toyota 4Runner are great looking SUV's, they are dependable and will last you forever. DONT BUY ONE IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR POWER. They are weak in power and over priced. You'd be better off with a Tahoe, or the new Pathfinders.

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NOTHING, nothing has a weak engine like it.

Roomy, I'm 6'6" 240lbs. I fit with no problems!
The 3.4L is more than powerful enough for the average person.
Best looking SUV on the road.
Shifting is smooth.
Frame is rock solid and has a nice feel to it.
4x4 Components are strong and reliable.
Interior features are in comfortable positions and easy to get to.

Sometimes has a harsh ride if there is a heavy load in the back, or towing, but easily fixed with a 10$ ring spacer, best 10$ I've ever spent!
Other than that, not many weaknesses!

Absolutely the best SUV I have ever been in, driven, or owned! Great reliability and I know my family and friends will be safe in it! Drives smooth, shifts gears smooth, worth the money!

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I've been in and driven late model Grand Cherokee's, 97 Limited, and 00 Limited with the V8's. They do have more pick up, but the ride is not as smooth as the 4Runner. I've been in GMC Jimmy's, Envoy's and Chevy Blazers, old and new. The power is about the same, but again, the overall feel of the ride is no comparison! 4Runner wins hands down! The Xterra is an SUV on the outside, but does not perform like the 4Runner. I have two friends with Xterra's and neither one can go offroad and do things my 4Runner can! Xterra's make good grocery getters, but for total use of an SUV, the 4Runner is much better!