Back in 2003 I finally decided to get a 4Runner, a vehicle I'd always loved.

I test drove a brand new 2003 4Runner 4x4 V8 and hated it. It felt like I was driving a yacht compared to my 99' TRD Tacoma 4x4.

I ran right out and bought the nicest low mileage 2002 4Runner 4x4 SR5 I could find and got it for $24K. I've since put the TRD blower on it and have loved the vehicle to death. It's the right size, very peppy, and does what I need it to do.

I'd hoped Toyota would go back to a better design for the 5th Gen 4Runner. It's one of those vehicles I truly want to be great...but alas here we are.

While they did add some nice off road features to the Trail Edition, it's WAY too expensive, and it is absolutely hideous.

Thank goodness my 2002 is still in immaculate shape. I'll be keeping it for a long while.

 

They have gotten to far away from their roots.
Each gen continues to get bigger and more expensive, and luxury like IMO.
This is why I love my FJ so much.
No carpet, no leather, more durable for off road, camping, ect.

 

got a chance to test drive it at the '09 la auto show last week!
its an awesome suv. the ride is great, even though the smooth, comfortable, effortless drive just cant match up to the "fun" driving of my '94 pu
im definitely planning on getting the trail edition when i have the money

 

Why does everyone keep complaining about the price. My sticker from my 2000 Limited was $41,000. 10 years and the Limited has stayed the same price. The 4 wheel drive system sucks in the SR5 and TE, not sure why they regressed in that area.

 

Toyota lost me after 3rd generation

 

Not being a wise ass...but could you elaborate on how or why you think the 4w drive sucks on the Te vs. say...your 2K 4runner?

I'm new to all this...so I'm just trying to get a feel what was better and why.

Thanks for the help.

Pat

 

i think he's referring to the transfercase on the TE which does not come with at least the multi-mode 4WD. i think if it did have that option the price could go higher than that of the Limited

 

Again...not to sound rude. What else does it need to do? There's a lever forward off the Shifter knob that is for 2h, 4H and 4L. The rear has an Elocker (right term?) and I found out on a steep hill today when the one rear wheel spun the other one kicked in (very obvious) and something started to beep. The traffic was pretty bad pulling so I never did found out what the beep was..maybe a warning to use 4WD?

Thanks

Pat

 

Has anyone addressed the fact that the 5th gen has independent suspension in the rear?

I mean, I know the FZJ80 was the last to have live front and rear, but come on! Now only the trucks, LC and FJ have rear live.

 

They do?
http://www.toyota.com/4runner/photo-gallery.html (third pic from the left)

 

my two cents:

(A+) in engineering and innovation... (D-) in design. they need to get more onboard with the people who *would* buy it if they got back to their roots on design.

 

In that video it talks about the Crawl Control feature working "for up to 12 minutes." What happens after 12 minutes? In AZ I've been in 4LO, locked for 2+ hours before. I doubt anyone knows since it's so new but I thought I'd ask.

 

You obviously don't know what you're talking about, because the 5th gen has a solid rear axle (just like all other 4runners since the 80's) and is available with an e-locker.

 

I think the point is that they don't want the vehicle driving forever if the driver gets bored and takes a nap

You can leave it locked in 4-lo for as long as you like, it's the crawl control that is limited to 12 minutes at a time (at which point I assume you just re-engage it and continue on).

 

Some veiws underneth that may be helpful?

 

multi-mode 4WD, allows you to engage AWD when you're driving on hard surfaces without driveline bind. this is helpful in slippery conditions like when it is snowing or raining heavily. AWD is basically 4WD but with the 3 differentials open or unlocked.

 

The beeping was probably the VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) or whatever its called in Toyotas. My sister's Heep Libutty has it ( I know the 4Runners do too). You can feel it straighten the vehicle out or whatever it does and it will beep, and should be some light that flashes.

 

Hi Pat, congrats on the new purchase.

Yes, VSC.
I can make mine do that in the snow or ice by goosing it.
Beeps, lights, and the throttling down of the engine happen when it kicks in.

Kind of an annoyance sometimes, as it is just like someone turned your engine off and you have no throttle control.
But it does straighten the rig out.

One time last year when we had snow at work I goosed it leaving while taking a right turn.
It kicked in on my slide and I let go of the steering wheel and the rig drove itself
It completely straightened out and then I had throttle again.
Very bizarre feeling.

 

it says on the toyota site that the rear axle is independent suspension. 2010 4runners haven't quite made it to hawaii yet, so i haven't been able to check them out first hand. i went to toyota and did the side by side comparison of the 2010 and 2009 4runners and just noticed what it said. Maybe its just a typo, but the pictures are most convincing.

idk if the link will work since you can change what you are comparing
http://www.toyota.com/compare/?model...ner#h_overview

 

I don't know where you're getting that from, but does this look like rear independent to you?