Anyone read article about rollover problems with SUV's today? It centers on the 2000 4runner. A buddy just told me about it, but i havent got the chance to get a copy.


Will

 

Do you have a link for those of us who don't get the WSJ? What section of the printed paper is it in?

 

Do you have a link for those of us who don't get the WSJ? What section of the printed paper is it in?

 

That would tell me that WSJ didn't do their homework if they chose to cover a 2000 model, assuming they were attempting to give a negative slant.

They should've covered a '96-'99 as those are a little higher. I'm curious what was said about the 4Runner, though. Does anyone have a subscription who could post the related text, or at least summarize it?

Sounds like a worthless article anyway as that topic has been beat to death for the past 10+ years. I think we all know you don't drive them like cars.

 

I caught the tail end of a story on one of the national news channels last night about SUVs and roll-overs. They were using a 3rd gen 4Runner. It was about new standards and what not to help them(I didn't catch who was doing the story) better study roll-overs. Sorry this is so vague but maybe it had something to do with the WSJ story. It just caught my attention on the tv when I saw a 4Runner on two wheels with the tires smoking.

 

The article is in today's issue(10/08/03) on the front page of the Personal Journal section. Basically it said that the '03 4Runner performed better during high speed lane change maneuvers than the '00 model because the newer model includes stability systems not found on the older truck. It also said the '03 model has a lower CG, longer wheelbase and wider track which contributes to better stability.

The front page of the section has a picture of the '00 model equipped with outriggers. The picture shows the truck with the 2 right tires about 1 foot off the ground.

 

I saw it on TV too. It's basically a B.S. story showing how dangerous older 2000 4Runner was and how the new one is so much better.

Toyota got nailed for the Tacoma being rated as one of the worst in rollover recently so I think it's a matter of Toyota interested in advertising their improvements in rollover and sensationalist journalists looking for an easy story.

This issue isn't going away and every new suv from now on will be lower because of this ignorant mentality.