I found this a couple of days ago and thought it might be of interest here. It's a couple of years old, so perhaps there is a newer version running around. This is originally from the Toyota web site.

Sorry if it's a repeat.

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In mid-1984, for the 1985 model year, Toyota brought to market a revolutionary new vehicle - the 4Runner.

The first generation 4Runner was available in two models. The first was little more than a pickup truck with a covered rear cargo area. Its emphasis was on utility. With seats in the front only, the rear of the vehicle was intended for cargo (or camping equipment, bicycles, etc.) The second was designed to carry up to five passengers. It included a rear seat (with seatbelts for three occupants) which could be folded flat for additional storage space. The passenger model was available in the SR5 grade, and included a larger fuel tank and more luxurious interior appointments. Both models were powered by the venerable 2.4L 22R four-cylinder engine coupled to a five-speed manual transmission with two-speed transfer case, and all had manual locking front hubs.

In 1986, Toyota added the Hi-Trac independent front suspension to 4Runner, giving it more ground clearance and improved ride quality. In addition to the improved ride, Toyota gave the 4Runner an injection of power with the addition of a turbocharged engine available on SR5 models.
For 1987, the SR5 trim was available on all models, both truck and passenger, but the turbo engine was still confined to passenger models. Slight changes to the grille, headlights, and striping were also new for 1987.

More power was on tap for 1988, as Toyota introduced the 3.0L V6 engine to the 4Runner. Because the V6 was more suited to the off-road environment that the 4Runner was designed for, the turbo model was discontinued, leaving only the V6 and four-cylinder engines.

For the 1990 model year, but introduced in spring of 1989, Toyota unleashed an entirely new breed of 4Runner. Based on the completely redesigned line of pickup trucks, the new 4Runner was muscular and aggressive looking, but still capable of delivering the off-road performance for which Toyota's four-wheel drive trucks had long been known. The vehicle was now available in either two- or four-door configuration, with either a four- or six-cylinder engine and with either two- or four-wheel drive. The new styling eliminated the removable fiberglass top, making the vehicle quieter and more weather tight. 1992 saw a minor styling revision for the 4Runner, with flush headlamps and new grille and molding treatments. It also saw 4Runner become more than just a vehicle for driving in the hills as it was now available with leather-trimmed seats as an option.

In 1994, safety was emphasized and 4Runner received side-impact protection, a center (third) brake light, and the option of four-wheel anti-lock brakes on all V6 models. Fully optioned with a CD-player, eight-speaker stereo, sunroof, leather-trimmed seats and anti-lock brakes, 4Runner's price was approaching $30,000 - quite a departure from its beginnings some ten years earlier as a glorified pickup truck! But 4Runner hadn't forgotten its off-road heritage either, and remained as strong a back-woods performer as ever.

For 1996, Toyota’s most popular SUV received a complete redesign, including all new engines, chassis, interior and exterior styling, enhanced safety equipment and added utility. It was the first 4Runner to not share either body panels or a frame with Toyota’s compact pickup trucks.
Available in two- or four-wheel drive, in base, SR5 and Limited trim, and with two engine choices, there was a 4Runner for everyone. Engine choices were a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.4-liter V6, both twin cam, multi-valve designs.

The new chassis was stiffer for improved steering feel and more precise suspension travel, and was two inches longer to increase wheelbase for a more stable ride. Front suspension was a coil spring with double wishbone design replacing the previous Hi-Trac system, which resulted in greater wheel travel and ride comfort.

Other features on the new 4 Runner included a one-piece lift-up tailgate with power window, larger outside mirrors, much increased interior volume with greater head and legroom and a lowered step-in and cargo loading height. For safety, dual airbags were included along with four-wheel ABS, side-door impact beams and ALR/ELR seatbelts front and rear.

For 1997, 4Runner saw only minor changes including the addition of a 2WD Limited model and revised seat fabric in SR5 models.

For 1998, minor interior changes were made to 4Runner with the addition of rotary-style HVAC controls, a new four-spoke steering wheel and revised audio head units.

The third generation 4Runner entered its fourth year with more standard features and options than any 4Runner to date. All 1999 4Runners received a redesigned front bumper, valence cover and grille with multi-reflector headlamps with an auto-off function, a new center console with dual cupholders, an overhead console with garage door/sunglass holder, two power outlets in the center cluster and an LCD odometer with digital dual trip meters.

In addition, SR5 grades featured as standard heated outside mirrors and cruise control as well as an upgraded optional Sports Package which included color-keyed bumpers with projector fog lamps, fender flares, a new wheel design and a sporty hood scoop.

The 1999 4Runner Limited model received a new multi-mode 4WD system as standard. The new multi-mode feature is actually a full-time all-wheel-drive system with 2WD capability and can be used in normal driving conditions on all types of roads including dry, hard surfaces such as pavement.

For 2001, all 4Runner models are standard equipped with the 3.4 liter V6 engine and automatic transmission, Vehicle Skid Control with traction control, multi-mode 4WD and a 2WD/4WD selector switch and a pre-wired trailer hitch harness. The brake booster is changed to hydraulic assisted and the rear differential lock has been discontinued. The 2001 4Runner also boasts new interior additions and three new exterior colors.

What does it mean?

4Runner: Combine "4-wheel drive" and "off-road Runner", and you have 4Runner, Toyota's fun-to-drive off-road vehicle.

Where is it built?

All 4Runners are built at the Tahara Plant in Tahara, Japan.

 

BUMP

ok, i have a question: can you get an 3rd gen sr5 with a 4cyl? or are all 4 cyl's base models??

 

Very cool Rob, Thanks

 

I believe that all the 4cyl models are base models. The SR5 is a trim package really and only came on the V6's I think. But, you can get a 4cyl with power package (windows, doors, etc.) and a few other things like 16" wheels, etc. that make it look similar to an SR5. You can't get the SR5 bucket seats though which is a hugh downside in my opinion.

 

You are welcome... but notice the date of the original post...

11-24-2002, 03:17 PM

It's been there for a while hehehehehhehe

 

Hehehehe,the two year bump strikes again. I guess this http://www.top4runners.com/ja/runhist.html came after. This is the best year by year updates I've seen so far.

 

where can i locate the history of the toyota pickup 1/2 ton...22RE engine?

 

Toyota press room proof of the info below:
http://pressroom.toyota.com/photo_li...toy_lighttruck


Toyota Pickup Ancestry in the US

First gen: 1969-1972
Second gen: 1973-1974 *first longbed
Third gen: 1975-1978 *1975-20R & the first 5 speed introduced, 1976- Hilux name dropped, 1977-SR5 model added and one millionth truck produced)
Fourth gen: 1979-1983 *1979-first US 4x4 model, 1981- 22R & a diesel (31 mpg EPA city!) 1982-83 Trekker sport utility avail. (simply a modified pickup)
Fifth gen: 1984-1988 *1984-first XtraCab & first 4Runner, 1985 first 22RE and the first One Ton, 1986 first IFS, first 22RET, first turbo diesel and the last year of the diesel engine in the US, 1988 the 3.0V6 replaced the 22RET,
Sixth gen: 1989-1995 *All Toyota pickups sold in the US in 1994 were made in USA!
Seventh gen: 1995 1/2 -2004 *Tacoma model
Eigth gen: 2005+ (Over 11 million Toyota light trucks have now been produced!)


Toyota 4Runner as called on this forum and very few other places on earth...

First gen: 1984-1989
Second gen: 1990-1995
Third gen: 1996-2002
Fourth gen: 2003-