Dear Toyota,

I have been a faithful customer who has stood by your products since I started to drive. My very first car was a Toyota Tercel and have gradually upgraded to a beautiful 2000 4runner. I have long since graduated from college and am making a decent living enough to buy a nice brand new 2010 4runner. But there is one thing that stops me from going ahead and purchasing the truck and that is the lack of offering a 6 speed manual. Many say if you want a six speed get an FJ Cruiser or Tacoma but none of them acquire to my taste. Why should I spend money on a product which I truly do not want? You state that the 4runner is going back to it's roots and I agree to some extent, but to truly claim what you say a manual transmission should be offered. Now I am no marketer and you corporate boys probably made the decision for opting out the manual transmission due to practicality here in America with the traffic and all, and probably due to a small percentage requesting a manual transmission. You're reasoning is sound but there is a small percentage of individuals who would want a manual and would even pay a premium for a manual. There are a small percentage of us who dont mind shifting through a set of gears manually even through traffic why? Because a true SUV cannot truly be true without a manual transmission. You made us believe it up until the year 2000... make us believe it again.

Thanks,
Joe
1995 Toyota Tercel - 5 speed
2008 Toyota Tacoma Reg Cab - 5 speed
2002 Toyota Tacoma Reg Cab - 5 speed
2000 Toyota 4runner Limited - AUTOMATIC
2011/2012 Toyota 4runner SR5 - Manual???? It can only happen if you make it happen Toyota.

 

I sent this note to Toyota corporate let's see if I can get an answer if any.

 

sorry but toyota ruined the 4runners in 01

 

I really dig the first gen runners, looking at an 84 right now to add to my collection...just dont really care for the newer models, but to each his own, a Toyota is a Toyota after all...

 

I agree with you both, I just look at the australian market, uk market and any other international toyota market and a manual comes standard. People in the US ATLEAST should get an option if it doesn't come standard.

 

I agree.

 

Toyota, just give us a diesel 5spd, vinyl-seat, solid axle, manual window, basic basic basic Landcruiser and I'd be happy.

 

 

Toyota ruined the 4Runner in 1986.

 

For us unfortunate few, these dreams of manual transmissions and diesel powered FJ's will never happen.


The Corporate supplies the U.S.A. with vehicles outfitted with ATM's, chain driven v-6's and vehicles that the "public" wants.

We could go to South America and buy abrand new fj40... We just dont get the cool ˟˟˟˟...

 

HEY...I resemble that remark...

 

I told the guy at Toyota after test driving a 2010 model, that if I could get one with a manual I'd have a deposit down on their next Trail Ed to come in. They might also get me to trade in my 98 SR5 w/ a 5 speed.

Also, why does the FJ with manual have to be full time AWD? That's retarded and hurts the fuel economy.

 

i'm dying to know what the E-mail reply-if you get one will be like... although we all know what it will sound like.

 

If your worried about fuel economy then don't buy a truck

 

^^^ word...

 

I hate to say it, but when I went to my 2000 I was kind of thankful it was an automatic, it was a nice relaxing experience.... For the first week, now I'm dying for a manual

 

Just because some folks need/want a truck is no reason not to be concerned about fuel economy... particularly given the cost of go juice these days...

 

Im waiting for the Mahindra trucks to hopefully roll out this year in the U.S., its a little diesel truck like an older hilux that is made from india. its expected to be released in 2011 but has been delayed a few years due to contract provisions. If this truck gets introduced into the U.S., other U.S. automakers wil be frantic at putting a small diesel truck on the market. Ford already has plans for a diesel 4.3 i believe, sounds like they are still lingering to see what happens if this indian truck gets released.

 

Sorry guys haven't been able to reply... currently in Iraq if that is an excuse. But here is the reply they sent me... it's a BS reply but I thought I would try guys. Also an update, the 2000 4runner I bought in July... I sold it prior to coming here because I found a MANUAL 4runner which my wife bought for me. Can't wait to come back home to drive that baby.

Recently you contacted Toyota. Below is a summary of your contact message and our response.

Thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.


Subject 4runner TRULY needs to go back to its ROOTS! Discussion Thread Response (TPep)07/20/2010 10:52 AM Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

We appreciate the time you have taken to share your thoughts. It is through input, such as yours, that we are able to gain greater insight as to how our customers perceive the products we sell.

We make every effort to manufacture a quality product by researching, testing, and constantly monitoring performance. Consumer opinion and perception also play an active role in our ongoing efforts to lead the automobile industry in quality, innovation, styling, and reliability.

We appreciate your feedback because the only way we know what our customers are looking for is when they tell us, as you have. We try to scope our customers out in advance, by researching the market, conducting interviews, surveys, focus groups and doing our homework, but there's no better source than a Toyota owner or intender who takes the time to tell us like it is.

Thank you again and have a great day.

If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us www.toyota.com/help/contactus.html.

Sincerely,

Taryn Pepper
Toyota Customer Experience

 

did they just copy and pasted that together.
cause they didn't even answer ur question.