Ground clearance, exterior looks, transmission, v6 engine.

no garage opener, no digital compass/temperature lcd display, cheap looking interior, no damn elbow/arm resting space, cheap cheap cheap fan/ac control buttons and switches. SUN ROOF RE-TRACT SWITCH SHOULD BE ONE TOUCH AND I SHOULDNT HAVE TO HOLD THE DAMN BUTTON DOWN UNTIL IT CLOSES!!!

Overall i'm satisfied with the car. I was very pissed to find out that toyota put all the new features and improvements like Vehicle skid control and garage door opener and NEW NICE CLICK CLICK CLICK FAN SWITCH in the 2001 model. Toyota should have placed these features in the 2000 model and now I want to get rid of my 2000 model and trade in for a 2001 but its gonna cost me alot of money and now I hate Toyota for it. Just like all the Nissan Pathfinder owners who bought the 1999 cheesy 170 horsepower engine and then in 2000/2001 they put 3.5 litre 240 horsepower engine.

To all 4runner owners! BUY A WAAG GRILL GUARD, PIAA H4 / H3 PLASMA 5000K BULBS AND YOU WONT REGRET IT!!! I CANT WAIT UNTIL I GET MY PIAA ION CRYSTAL AUXILARY 520 SMR'S ON THE GRILLE.

Similar Products Used:

This is my first SUV.

Whats not to like? . The 2001 SR5 model finally has the FULL-TIME multi-mode 4WD system as standard (previous years only avail in LMT) and new skid/traction control brings the vehicles 4wd technology to the top in its class. Made for people who like to go OFF-ROAD, and will handle moderate-hard trails with ease. Sweet 3.4L V6 engine with adequate power for normal use, Very smooth shifting automatic transmission, exterior appearance is Awesome, Toyota Build/Reliability, Fit and Finish second to NONE.

-needs a larger capacity fuel tank (only 18.5 gal - 250 mile range)
-stock engine could use a few more horses (BUT) can easily add mods to increase HP for those who need to be timed in the 1/4 mile, while retaining MFG warranty.
-not made for (w i d e) people.

With the full time 4wd system as standard in all models, there is really no reason to buy the limited model, and opted for the SR5 w/leather. The limited version is WAY to pricy for what you get over a SR5 model. As far as people saying the SR5 is over priced is just BS. it is comparable with other high-end mid-size suv's and will give you ALOT more back in resale value. Try selling a JGC or explorer/durango in a fews years after purchase - say goodby to 10-15K, and that jeep and explorer will be in the shop many times for repairs, whereas the runner will be in only for oil changes. Add the supercharger (pushes engine to 265HP) as some of the professional reviewers have the PF, durango V8 and JGC ahead of the runner because of thier muscle car power, and you will have one bad ass SUV. Buy one now, the new Highlander and Sequoa are getting all the attention and dealers are selling at or below invoice.

Similar Products Used:

Jeep Grand Cherokee- will not touch it due to poor maintenance history Explorer- recalls, low resale, maintenance issues, poor workmanship
Durango- I hate the appearance, fuel economy sucks, does not handle well.

Traded a 1999 because we enjoyed it so much (but lease was up). Compares generally well to 1999. Held the price from '99 to '01, but at a cost in other ways. Having a couple of rattles that we didn't have in the '99, but overall quality is comparable. Will buy another in the future.Good looks still way up there, especially with the Black Sports model with gold package.

a couple of ratles not evident in the '99. The 4 wheel drive shifting of the '99 (a handle) was better than the button in 2001.

Great vehicle. Reliable...attractive...responsive...beefy...and agile.

Similar Products Used:

There is notheing out there that compares, in my opinion.

Large Cargo Space, Quick Pickup, Looks great, Black on Black Package is great, High off the ground. Stands out among the rest....Very Sporty!

Small gas Tank, Interior Design could have more flare for the price...Dashboard specifically.

I just purchased it. The Toyota Service is alot better from all the other dealers. That is everything to me! Price is a bit high, but when you ride it you will know why! It stands out among the rest. Frankly speaking, I dont like everyone to have something that looks like mine. I would recommend it... Its worth it!

Similar Products Used:

Infinity, Ford Explorer, Pathfinder, Isuzu Rodeo, Honda Passport

higher ground clearance, low interior noise (almost as good as ES300), great turning ratio (beats most of the cars)

heavy cargo door, horn mechanism is too soft so you end up honking for no reason.

Paid below $30,000 for SR5 1999 with roof rack, chrome bumper with running boards, CD package. Steven's Toyota in Aurora gave me life time oil change. Recommend TOYOTA 4 Runner to people tired of Jeep's and Ford's truck like ride but still wants sporty rough looking SUVs. Great vehicle on the highway and the city streets.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer: Truck feeling, bulky, noisy, larger tunrning radius.

RELIABILITY, never leaves you on the side of the road.
Great TAILGATE, VENT WINDOWS, NO POWER windows,
Bought in 91 with 29K miles has 260,000 now

If you have a bad head gasket, sell it before it turns into a shortblock!

paid 13.7K in 91 with 29k miles. best buy of my life!
I'd do it again but replace it before they got priced over 25K.
First time I had the AC serviced it needed to be replaced at 258,000K
Get the V-6.
Pick a color you like cause this one will be around a LONG time!

Similar Products Used:

xterra-no power
jeep-plastic Rattler
MITSUBICHI- to hard to spell
VEHICROSS- like driving blindfolded
Subaru- MAKE a truck!

Design, Reliability, Ride, Build Quality

Head and Legroom, Cup holders over CD player, Poor OEM Tires.

38,500 sticker but a good lease was found.
At first I hated this truck.. Power seats with limited range, no tilt, No remote locks, no trip computer or compass, cup holders that block dials and drip onto CD player and a poorly placed gas door release.... but then something happened (after the lease company would not take back vechile).. the more I drove it the better it got. Rear cup holders work great for driver and keep acidents away.. Stereo is FANTASTIC cranked up, HUGE sunroof, rear window goes down, rear door windows go all the way down and best off all.. after 55,000 miles in 2 years... NO SQUEAKS!!! Everything fits and works! I pull a 5000 lb boat no problem. I blow through 12 to 18 inches of fresh snow up hill no problem. Lots of cargo room, nice split seat and great cargo cover (never flaps) like the Jeep. I was ready to trade in for a new lease but for what?? The 2000 Jeep Limited rattles w/72 miles on it, The Ranger Rovers,,, well just turn and run away. So another year for the 98 and then maybe a Land Cruiser lease. Side Bar: A 2001 Sport Track leases for more than a new 4 Runner costing $10,000 more... The Toyota is worth more after 2 years than a Ford is NEW!!!

Similar Products Used:

Chevy Blazer (never again!) Audi Quattro (If I didn't need a truck) and Jeep Limited (Lucky it ran long enough to turn in lease)

Very reliable truck. Fun to drive in the snow or with all the windows down in the summer. Great ride and great looks. A truck you can definitely count on day in and day out.

under powered and I have the 5-speed, I can't imagine the automatic!
cup holders are in a bad location

I have had this vehicle for 5 years and I have had ZERO trouble with it. It has 95K on it and all I have ever done is the brakes and tires. The 4runner does drive like a truck which is what I was looking for so if you want a cushy ride, try something else - although the new ones are more cushy than mine. I know several people who drive explorers and cherokees and they are always in the shop. So anytime someone says that these vehicles are in the same league for less money just ask them what inconvience is worth. I still enjoy driving mine everyday and will definitely purchase a new one when the time comes.
I am the type of person that gets very annoyed at "little" problems with vehicles - I.E. power windows breaking, moldings falling off, rattles, stuff like that - this truck has never had any problems like this. I put a stereo in it and I have had the dashboard apart several times and it always snaps right back on. If your number one priority is reliability, there is not a better truck out there. If you want something that breaks, get an explorer.

Similar Products Used:

Ford Explorer , Jeep Cherokee (Both are a joke compared to the 4runner)

Great looks, very high clearance, smooth ride, all my friends think it looks very nice. EXCELLENT RELIABILITY!! It holds its value far better than any American car or SUV. The sunroof is huge and the retractible back window is great. Stock alarm system is very intelligent.

A lot. Compared to '94 Grand Cherokee, the 4Runner's V6 is terribly weak, doors rattle with minimum bass, skids out every five seconds (needs full time like Jeep) falls short of my off-road expectations unlike Grand Cherokee. Cup holders in a very awkward place. No heated mirrors! And last, bumpers cost an arm and a leg to fix. Cheap interior appointments and a tiny gas tank with bad mileage.

It is great if you care about how you look. It also is extremely reliable whereas the Jeep is not. It's off-road prowess is decent but if you really want to get to hard to reach places, I would take the Jeep any day over the 4Runner even though it is OK off-road. The sound system sucks. I've already spent about $1000 to make the sound comparable to the Jeep's Infinity system that was stock for about $250. If you want a safe car, steer clear from any 4X2 4Runners. Also, for it's SR5 sticker of $35k, it lacks many amenities that Jeep has: power seats, decent vanity mirrors, heated mirrors, temperature/compass, and a dimming mirror.
All in all, if you're willing to trade safety, luxury, and engine power for reliability, looks, and clearance, get the 4Runner. However, if you care for superior off and on-road handling, small amenities, and speed, buy a used or new Grand Cherokee.

Similar Products Used:

'94 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo V8

Styling is very attractive. Efficent interior. Rides very good, handles great. Quiet engine

Running boards are prone to get your pants dirty if you don't take a big step over them when exiting the vehicle.

Would definitely recommend the 4 Runner. I looked at the Limited but opted for the loaded SR5 (leather, bug deflector, moon roof, etc.) and didn't have the sticker price that the Limited has. Good quality and good overall reviews made this choicee for me easy. I traded in my '95 Trooper and looked at new ones, Rodeos, Pathfinders and Cherokees. None of them compared.

Similar Products Used:

Isuzu Trooper