http://www.motorportal.com/toyota_truck_history.htm

Pretty interesting to see all the awards the 4Runners received from it's inception not to mention all their other trucks.

 

for everyone to see, here's the 4runner's awards, etc:

1985 - (CY 1984 1/2) - 4Runner introduced with 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.
1986 - Hi-Trac front suspension added.
1986 - Turbo available on SR5 grade.
1987 - SR5 trim available on both passenger and truck models.
1987 - Minor exterior styling revision.
1988 - 3.0L V6 engine available.
1990 - (CY 1989 1/2) - 2nd generation introduced.
1990 - (CY 1989 1/2) - 2WD 4Runner available.
1990 - Among "Best Buys" - Consumers Digest magazine.
1990 - "Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power & Associates.
1991 - "Best Compact SUV in Customer Satisfaction" - J.D. Power.
1991 - "Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power.
1992 - Minor exterior styling revision.
1992 - "Best Compact SUV in Customer Satisfaction" - J.D. Power.
1992 - "Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power.
1993 - CY 1993 - Named "Best Compact Sport Utility", IQS, J.D. Power.
1994 - Safety modifications, optional 4-wheel ABS on V6 models.
1994 - "Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power.
1996 - 3rd generation introduced.
1996 - 2.7L 4-cylinder and 3.4L V6 engines available.
1996 - "Compact 4-Door SUV Best Buy" Runner-up - Four Wheeler magazine.
1996 - "Most Appealing Compact SUV" - J.D. Power.
1997 - Introduction of 2WD SR5 model.
1997 - "1997 Top Three Vehicles in Initial Quality - Compact SUV" - J.D. Power.
1997 - "Best SUV" - Consumer Reports magazine.
1997 - "Top 10 Trucks Overall Resale Value After Three Years of Ownership" -
ADP Autosource Survey.
1997 - "1997 Total Quality Award - Medium SUV Segment" - Strategic Vision, Inc.
1998 - Minor interior changes.
1999 - New, standard multi-mode 4WD system on 4Runner Limited, redesigned front fascia and numerous upgrades on all 4Runner models
1999 - "Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power
1999 - "Best Compact SUV Segment" - J.D. Power
2001 - Receives standard-equipped 3.4 liter V6 engine and automatic transmission, new interior features and three new colors
2002 - 4Runner receives minor enhancements.
2002 - Intellichoice named Best Overall Value Compact Sport Utility Class Over $20,000
2002 - Intellichoice named Best Overall Value Sport Utility Under $28,000 (SR5 2WD)
2003 - 4th generation 4Runner introduced.
2003 - Truckin's SUV Magazine "SUV of the Year" award
2003 - Recipient of a Popular Science Magazine's "Best of What's New" award