I know i am new here and don't mean to pi$$ anyone off but did the mojo wear off after 1989? Being honest but a 4-Runner to me is pre-90. After this they look heavy,round, bulky and,, fuel-inefficient and well just not a 1st gen. Just kinda wondering who feels the same way?
I ran an '87 for years and she was very good to me,, now,, even with fuel at $1.41/L i couldnt resist and jumped into an '88. F-it,, it's only money,,,, had to get back in a toy. Turns out I'am around 28mpg with the 22re and stock tires. Since have gone to 31's
Anyone else only run the 1st Gens? Again sorry to 2nd, 3rd, etc 4-Runner owners,, no ill intent.

I had a 1985 4-Runner (from Aug 1996- Oct 2007) with 22R-E with 5 speed manual and she weighed 1600 Kg and recently in January of this year I bought a 1995 4-Runner with 22R-E with 5 speed manual and she weighs 1400 Kg I noticed my fuel economy improved from 350 KM average per tank with supreme gas (Octane rating 91) to 450 KM average.

Why? because car manufacturers goal is to make cars lighter and hence more fuel efficient, I noticed the tailgate on this 1995 is ALOT lighter than my old 1985 same with doors and bumpers.Same with parking brake handle, same with spark plug wires and distributor cap.

You can verify my claim at these fuel economy rating sites (use their comparison charts too):

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportatio...ion-guide.cfm?

Downside I find is the 2nd generation 4-Runners tend to rust alot quicker due to thinner body and bumper parts.

Sidney

I'm a 1st gen guy, but I can see the appeal of the 2nd gen 4runners as well... The 2 door is basically the 1st gen without the removable hard top, and the 4 door has, well, 4 doors. They've all got their ups and downs, but I will agree that after the 1st gen, they do become much more similar to almost all the other SUVs out there.

I own a 90 and find it to be that transitional year. I feel like people are either into 1st Gen or 3rd Gen, and 2nd Gen is the ugly stepsister to them both, but I love them. Still easy to work on, reliable, and not too many electrical components.

Lmao, I didn’t realize the 2nd gen was considered the step headed red child around here. That must be why I like mine so much, I just love ugly/weird cars!

Love the 2nd gens, hate the engine put in a majority of them (3.0 V6). I know my parents hate how the rear window is slightly taller than the other side windows. A bit odd, but it does help visibility.

I like the 2nd gen drop down tailgate and gauge cluster. Does the roll down window break and make accessing the trunk impossible? Yes, but my 3rd gen ironically had its handle break and I couldn't get the rear hatch open too. The 2nd gen has a way more comprehensive gauge cluster, pisses me off that my 3rd gen only has temp.

2nd gens weigh 2-300# more than 1st gens.

You’ve got a 22RE too, kinda rare. I’ve had mine since new and will be buried with it.

I’ll race you getting adult passengers and child seats in-out of the backseat. Lol