I dont own a 4runner..... yet.
BUT IMO I think the 3rd gen looks better and has more character.
I feel when you look at a really nice black 4th gen runner, they look nice But because of 2 reasons:
1. they are new
2. the prestige of a 4runner was earned by the 3rd gen, IMO. So all 4runners after 3rd gen will have the aura of legacy that 3rd gen established.
Thats just my opinion....
uhm...I'd say the prestige of the 4runner was established long before the 3rd gen. Don't get me wrong, my dad has a 3rd gen (limited, supercharged, headers, exhaust, etc...), and I have a 4th gen and they're both awesome, but there are MANY who would argue that the older models established the prestige (pre '84 runners with solid axles). The older models are still sought after...