- build quality
- reputation for long lasting vehicles
- fully boxed ladder frame
- strong drivetrain
- factory available electric rear diff locker (bargain at ~$350)
- excellent appearance
- retractable rear window
- good visibility
- highest ground clearance of any vehicle within $10K of its price (and yes, I was crawling around dealer lots with a tape measure)
- Toyota has a good aftermarket (on-road performance and off-road)
- coil springs on all 4 corners
- fairly comfortable interior with good controls

- should have a larger gas tank
- simple engine - below average HP. NEEDS the TRD supercharger (got it).
- I'm 6'3" and had to order it without a sunroof for comfortable headroom.
- About $3000 more than competitors (although it retains its value better)

I was looking for a comfortable daily driver that I could take on camping trips and day trips into the mountains of Colorado. But I also wanted a 4x4 that's very capable on hard trails off-road. I am absolutely delighted in the 4Runner, since it is meeting all of my goals.

Aftermarket support is decent and growing for '96-'01 4Runners. TRD supercharger gets the engine to 265 HP. Several 1"-3" lift options available.

The 2001 model has new features such as vehicle skid control and traction control, but Toyota dropped the electric rear diff locker. Fortunately, an ARB rear locker is available.

Stock tires are 31"x10.5". I added a 2.5" lift from Sway-A-Way and Old Man Emu and fit 33"x11.5" off-road tires. Articulation RTI index on a 20 degree ramp is an excellent 774 (great for IFS). Performance is incredible off-road now. I've done several 4+ rated trails, such as Moab's Golden Spike with no breakage or assistance. Awesome! I love it!

Similar Products Used:

Other vehicles I researched and test-drove: Isuzu Rodeo (2nd choice), XTerra, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Land Rover Disco II, Isuzu Amigo, Montero Sport, S-10 Blazer ZR-2.
The 4Runner was about $3000 more than Rodeo, XTerra, and Montero Sport. It was about $2000 LESS than Disco II and Jeep GC.

Actually test drove some of these off-road up steep moguls. The 4Runner walked right up with the rear locker. Jeep GC failed with Quadra-Track II, as it acted like a basic LSD. Would have needed $38K JGC with Quadra-Drive to make it up. Disco II was very impressive off-road but needed stronger engine. Isuzu Amigo awesome off-road with only LSD - it even made it up the moguls. Blazer ZR-2 with torsion rear locker failed the moguls but made lots of noise in the process.

ground clearance, reasonable performance, reliability, looks

Stick shift is somewhat balky

The Toyota 4 runner has always been an impressive vehicle to me. My 97 has been pretty impressive so far. Gas mileage 18-22 mpg, while not great is better than what friends explorers and pathfinders have done. The ground clearance has allowed me to go places most other suvs would have been stuck. 4runners carry the same Toyota quality all the other models have been known for.

Similar Products Used:

'01 Chevy s10 Blazer, nicely equipped, but parts and panels inside vehicle rattled with only 10k on odo.

Love the engine as is, wait till I have my supercharger installed.

None

This vehicle impresses me everyday. It is tough and powerful. Build quality is high. This is my daily driver. Floor it and it will GO!

Similar Products Used:

None

Plenty of torque, appropriately compact (but not too small), can easily be modified and worked on by a home mechanic, good ground clearance, longevity of service

MPG 18 in city & 22 on highway

Excellent quality!!! Compared to many other SUVs, I find this Toyota product is superior in mechanics, looks, and finish. It is a bit more expensive than others but well worth the $$$$. It handles great on the road and off-road as well. It can be used as 4x4 were intended - off-road. I intend on keeping it for quite a while.

Similar Products Used:

Izuzu Trooper - drives like a tin can!!

Rugged, built very well

Stock Power - But I've taken care of that

My overall impression is an A+. The vehicle has only given me pleasure. I wish I could say the same thing about every vehicle I've owned. For example, my Dodge Intrepid deserves to be sent to the junk yard.

I only hope Toyota does not discontinue the 4Runner.

Similar Products Used:

None

Looks, Toyota reliability, off-road abilities

im not a fan of the "hatchback"

Best SUV in my opinion. I also had an 86 that was great. Looks are great and Toyota quality. Good onroad and off. I have the TRD supercharger in mine and it really helps the acceleration and makes it really sporty. Very worth comparing to other SUVs in the market when you are ready to buy.

Similar Products Used:

Jeep Grand Cherokee..4Runner topped it easily

Great looks, Toyota quality (need I say more?) Go anywhere 4x4 performance, comes from a long line of well-built Toyota trucks, shift on the fly t-case (ADD) makes it effortless to put it into 4wd while on the go. I have owned the truck for 1 year and 4 months and I have done nothing to it but replace the brakes and an blown axle seal, which only set me back $180. Did I mention Toyota quality?

A little bit more expensive than the competition, but it is well worth it. The 180 horse 3.4 could have a bit more get up and go, but it really is fine for me. I really can't complain. The placement of the oil filter makes it difficult for home oil changes. Lack of the 11th and 12th body mount on the cab. Did Toyota forget to put these on? Now I have to weld on 2 more body mounts to do a body lift. But these are all very minor setbacks.

The best vehicle I have owned yet is my 4Runner. It was my first truck and my first Toyota. My dad used to have a 1984 Toyota camry and it was the best car he has ever owned. So I figured what the heck, I can't go wrong with a Toyota. From the minute my friend bought a 98 4runner I had to have one. I still stop and stare at it in my parking lot admiring it's beauty.

Similar Products Used:

Well, this is the first 4x4 truck I have ever owned, but I have a few friends that have blazers, cherokees, and other pickup trucks and I can go further than any of them. I don't think any other SUV can compare with the 4runner for quality and performance.

Gas milage, repair access, low maintenance needs, good ride for a SUV, feels solid.

A few more horsepower would be nice.

Excellent quality!!! Compared to many other SUVs, I find this Toyota product is superior in mechanics, looks, and finish. It is a bit more expensive than others but well worth the $$$$. It handles great on the road and off-road as well. It can be used as 4x4 were intended - off-road. I intend on keeping it for quite a while.

Similar Products Used:

Pathfinder

Off road ability, relieability, resale value

Could use more power

A very high qualtiy SUV. Only one problem in 60,000 miles - the auto antana motor burned out. Very good off road. Good on road. A little under powered. Interior a little cramped. Excellent interior and exterior.

Similar Products Used:

Blazer, Explorer

With the SC power is plenty!
The interior is comfortable, and the components are easy to get to.
Fun to drive, very responsive for an SUV.
Looks the best in my opinion

Wish another option for Lockers and gearing were available.
I would like a different option other than the hatchback!
Other than that, it is great!!

My overall impression is very nice, I opted for the SC, which absolutely blew the standard 3.4 off the road. I highly recommend anyone buying a 4Runner to get the SC. The ride is very smooth and comfortable. I like the transmission shifting points, smooth transition between gears!

Similar Products Used:

My previous 3.0L V6 Toyota truck is no where the ride or power of the newer 3.4's. I took a 00 Jeep Grand Cherokee for a vacation to Orlando, with my wife and kids. The back seating area is pitiful!! NO leg room for anyone over 5 foot tall. That is a major design flaw with the Jeeps. My Toyota 4Runner has plenty of leg room! The 3.4L engines are more reliable than other SUV engines my friends own. Jeeps are constantly in the shop as much as on the road!