3rd gen vs. 4th gen

[RichInCanada]

tried searching, no results found
please give pros/cons of each
I like the 4.7 V8 in the 4th gen but the looks of the 3rd gen, is one better than the other ?
thanx.

 

[preacher35]

tried searching, no results found
please give pros/cons of each
I like the 4.7 V8 in the 4th gen but the looks of the 3rd gen, is one better than the other ?
thanx.

This is such a subjective subject, that I'm not sure many will respond. May I recommend that you spend your time browsing our forum in the 3rd gen and 4th gen sections for a few days, and then hit us with your questions. I, personally, am a 4th gen guy and thus I am extremely biased, which I do not think will be much help to you.

 

[kyle_uran]

I've had a 3.4 Tacoma Prerunner, a 4.0 Tacoma Prerunner and currently a 4th Gen. 4Runner with 4.7 V8. I like the 4Runner the best. Smooth and plentiful power, though in the city, about 1-2 mpg less.

 

[Brique]

They're both really nice. I like my 3rd gen better, but 4 gens are nice too.

 

[Hepar]

Definitely agree that it's completely subjective. Both have their pros and cons and it really depends on what you're looking for and what suits your needs more. Now if you were to ask which engine is better, the 3.0l from the 2nd gens or the 3.4l from the 3rd gens, the answer would be completely different.

 

[RichInCanada]

Thanx for the replies, seems they're both great but after looking through the "picture threads" of each, I just cannot make myself like the 4th gen, despite having the 4.7 V8 over the 3.4 V6 of the 3rd gen....I pick the 3rd gen, I think they're very handsome lol

Any differences in daily driving/comfort ?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I found the 3rd gens to be rather snug feeling (I'm not a wide guy) and a little less spacious than my 4th gen. That being said the ride is much better in the 4th gen and it feels much nicer, but I still find the 3rd gen attractive in its own right.

I know a lot of people find the 4th gen a bit too soft for them exterior wise, but they easily lose that softness with a good aftermarket bumper, some tires, and a lift.

What are you looking for in a 4th gen? Have you had the chance to test drive a 4th gen yet?

 

[RichInCanada]

I found the 3rd gens to be rather snug feeling (I'm not a wide guy) and a little less spacious than my 4th gen. That being said the ride is much better in the 4th gen and it feels much nicer, but I still find the 3rd gen attractive in its own right.

I know a lot of people find the 4th gen a bit too soft for them exterior wise, but they easily lose that softness with a good aftermarket bumper, some tires, and a lift.

What are you looking for in a 4th gen? Have you had the chance to test drive a 4th gen yet?

I haven't driven either one... I had a severe stroke 7 years ago and gave up my license, I should be driving again soon...I am 37, male and dont plan on off-roading, just city driving....

 

[Hepar]

I haven't driven either one... I had a severe stroke 7 years ago and gave up my license, I should be driving again soon...I am 37, male and dont plan on off-roading, just city driving....

Glad to hear you're recovering.

No harm in going on a drive in both. Get behind the wheel of a few 3rd gens and a few 4ths (both with the V6 and V8) and see which feels the best to you.

 

[02SE]

When the 4th gen 4Runner's came out, I test drove the first one my Dealership received. Some of the subjective things I didn't like, were no available manual transmission, and the flat-top wheel wells that reminded me of a Jeep Grand Cherokee.

What I couldn't live with, was the lack of headroom compared to my 3rd gen.

The headroom issue was fixed in the 5th gen, but still no available manual trans. At this point in time, my interest in buying a new 4Runner isn't what it was back in '03.

So I still have my '97 SR5, 4wd, V6, 5-speed, Factory Leather, moonroof, and E-locker equipped 4Runner, that runs as good as the day I drove it off the lot almost 17 years ago.

Test drive both, and decide which you like best.