Robinhood150

So how do you like it compared to your old truck? Power, luxury, utility, etc.

paddlenbike

iTrader: (1)

To be honest, I drove a couple of 1999 and 2000 4Runners with the automatic transmissions and I walked away unimpressed. If I were to race my pickup (with 32" tires) against a stock 3rd gen 4Runner with the auto, I think the two would be dead-even. The autos just felt unresponsive and I made the decision to keep the truck.

Then I drove the 5-speed 3rd gen. It had the power and responsiveness I liked.

Things I like about the 4Runner:
-Power
-shorter wheelbase and better turning radius
-visibility is good due to lots of glass and large mirrors
-the 4-link rear suspension has less axle wrap than the leaf-sprung pickup

Thing I like better about the '94 pickup:
-7-way adjustable seats versus the 4Runner's 6-way
-Interior is actually nicer. Cloth is thicker, pattern looks very up-to-date
-Has stock oil pressure and voltmeter gauges
-The truck has a better ride...it's nearly as smooth as the 4Runner, yet it has a lot more compression in the suspension and doesn't bottom out as easy
-Better stock sound system than the 4Runner

It felt like a huge upgrade when I sold my '87 SR5 pickup and bought the '94 SR5. The 4Runner is nice but isn't that big of an upgrade considering how nice the '94 drives. Don't get me wrong, the 4Runner is great, but everyone very much underestimates the 1989-1995 pickups and 4Runners. I agree they are slow with the autos, but so are the 3.4s, IMHO. The 4Runner and it's carrying capacity just fits my needs better.