4Runner Discontinued for 2010?

[TeryT]

I heard a rumor that Toyota could stop making 4Runners in 2010 or 2011. This is because they think that all parts of the SUV spectrum are already covered with other models.

This seems to make sense since the Highlander and Rav4 are their cross-overs; the Sequoia is the large people hauler; the FJ is the off-roader; and then there's always the Land Cruiser taking up any other slack - a pretty full smorgasbord it appears.

Do you think there's any truth to this rumor, and when might we find out for sure?

:awais: :behead: :roadkill:

 

[eskimochaos]

I heard a rumor that Toyota could stop making 4Runners in 2010 or 2011. This is because they think that all parts of the SUV spectrum are already covered with other models.

This seems to make sense since the Highlander and Rav4 are their cross-overs; the Sequoia is the large people hauler; the FJ is the off-roader; and then there's always the Land Cruiser taking up any other slack - a pretty full smorgasbord it appears.

Do you think there's any truth to this rumor, and when might we find out for sure?

:awais: :behead: :roadkill:

I heard they were discontinuing the FJ Cruiser for '10. Anyway regards to their lineup. Too few people purchase their cars for their intended purposes. Im going to say that less than 2% of 4runner owners use it to its potential. Therefore, Toyota sees no need in producing it when the Highlander has more interior room, a plush ride etc, more mpg etc.

So, it does make business sense for them to discontinue it. Who knows, maybe in 40 years there will be a retro design of it like the FJ.

I do know that the Land Cruiser is the only true SUV they will NEVER stop making. Not only is it a legend but it is exactly the same overseas. Unlike the 4runner which is equivalent to a Land Cruiser Prado overseas - which I do not think they will discontinue.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I don't know. There's a section on here called 5th gen with a bunch of stuff on this...

As I have it the T4R as we know it will be done; it'll become a 5th gen. Will the US spec 5th gen be a real, off-road type 4x4 still remains to be seen. Given the economy I wouldn't be surprised if the model designation was dropped for a model year or maybe we never get the 5th gen...

They need a 4Runner (LCPrado, Hilux Surf etc.) in the rest of the world so the vehicle will exist. Whether we get it or not I guess is anybody's guess.

That's my 2cents...

:cheers:

 

[wazzuFreddo]

If that is the case I seem to be the kiss of death for a motorized vehicle's product line. Suzuki stopped making my bike

 

[TeryT]

Any idea of the timing when the public might be informed?

(BTW Eskimochaos - I'm in love with your avatar - your girlfriend?)

 

[Falls]

Tery , where did you find that info ?

If the FJ drops in 2010 then I can see the 4R staying and being a good 4x4 vehicle--OR--I can see a combo of both since the FJ needs a 4dr option like I have stated from it's first introduction and everyone said I was nut's .

There is just as much possibility as the 4R becoming more off road capable as there is being less off road capable. Toyota has a lot of cross over vehicles with all wheel drive. 4R has a niche right now.

I try to not look at the 5th gen. posts since as of now it's there is really no truth to any of it and the speculation of it being more like a car pi$$es me off.....lol , so I stay away.

 

[TeryT]

Tery , where did you find that info ?

If the FJ drops in 2010 then I can see the 4R staying and being a good 4x4 vehicle--OR--I can see a combo of both since the FJ needs a 4dr option like I have stated from it's first introduction and everyone said I was nut's .

There is just as much possibility as the 4R becoming more off road capable as there is being less off road capable. Toyota has a lot of cross over vehicles with all wheel drive. 4R has a niche right now.

I try to not look at the 5th gen. posts since as of now it's there is really no truth to any of it and the speculation of it being more like a car pi$$es me off.....lol , so I stay away.

My sources are just what I said - rumors. I was just asking to see if there was any substantiation to them. You make some good points!

 

[morphius909]

I can't see them discontinuing the T4R. It's a cult classic. The Landcruiser is the same. Sequoia on the other hand is an over bloated big brother, that really doesn't need to exist IMO.

 

[eskimochaos]

I can't see them discontinuing the T4R. It's a cult classic. The Landcruiser is the same. Sequoia on the other hand is an over bloated big brother, that really doesn't need to exist IMO.

Sequoia absolutely needs to exist. It is Toyota's only competition to the Suburbans and Expeditions. The Land Cruiser is too expensive and for some not large enough soccer mom hauler.

The Sequoia starts at 34k, the land cruiser at 75k after you get the Nav. Huge difference.

 

[Fo_SheeZy]

Any idea of the timing when the public might be informed?

(BTW Eskimochaos - I'm in love with your avatar - your girlfriend?)

Haha yeah she's fine!

But I doubt they'll discontinue the 4Runner, it's to popular of a vehicle!

 

[TeryT]

Haha yeah she's fine!

But I doubt they'll discontinue the 4Runner, it's to popular of a vehicle!

I hope yer right. What I really want is a 5.7 in a 4Runner (or a diesel turbo), with full lockers & good off-roading, good gas mileage and better towing ability.

Gee - think that's asking too much?

 

[rx900]

The 4Runner is not like the Land Cruiser Prado in other countries. The Lexus GX470 is the exact counterpart of the Land Cruiser Prado in other countries. The 4Runner is known as the Hilux Surf in other countries. As far as I know, all I heard was the FJ is the one that is in risk of being discontinued AGAIN... But who knows..

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Toyota does have a lot of SUV. I agree with eskimo in that the Sequoia is going to stay. Plus I really like it. It's a good looking vehicle.

I really doubt Toyota will improve the 4runners off road prowess, but maybe if the FJ is cut they will, who knows. I'm pretty sure they won't stop making the 4runner, at least not yet.

 

[ALLEGRO]

It is all about the global marketability.

If it can sell in numbers that meet Toyota's needs then it will remain. If not,.......bye, bye. In today's world-wide economic marketplace, items manufactured need to be directed to many continents. Toyota has a large market-share of autos world wide and they have made good decisions about models and marketing.

If there is a need for this size SUV, then the 4Runner will remain and I believe remain as one of the very finest available today. If something has to go, I would like to see the Lexus version go before the 4R. Then if the market will not support various sized SUV's, then discontinue the model. I hope that it does not come down to so few models that we are all forced into odels that may very well not actually meet our needs.

I vote for the 4Runner !!!

 

[00void]

dudes on the Pathfinder forum were saying that the FJ won't be 'renewed' after this life cycle either. said 2010 or so will see its demise. of course no source to the comments, so it remains to be seen.

i can't see the 4Runner getting axed. and i'm with the one other guy... give us the 5.7L already.

 

[kimboy]

4runner = the vehicle that started the SUV craze for Toyota.

Albeit the marketplace has changed, perhaps they can work on adding more leg room in a future version .

 

[4boer]

I saw a statement today from a Toyota exec that they were rethinking the pickup truck segment. Maybe thats what this is all about? I am suprised how many SUV types (I'm including the highlander in this group for the heck of it) Toyota has.

 

[createbmx]

Maybe it's just because I bought a 4runner and I'm paying attention, but there are tons of 4runners in san Francisco...I love seeing all of them. Lots of older models; though I did see a new one at penzoil the other day.

I can't imagine toyota getting rid of them. I hope they make one with better mpg...

 

[K.C.]

Maybe it's just because I bought a 4runner and I'm paying attention, but there are tons of 4runners in san Francisco...I love seeing all of them. Lots of older models; though I did see a new one at penzoil the other day.

You're not alone. When my friend got a 1998 Accord, I didn't think much about the car, but when I got the 2001 Accord, I noticed there was more like mine.

With the 4Runner...I hecka notice it around, I too pay attention.

I taught my gf how to spot an 2004 vs 2005 vs 2006+

She even can tell from SR5, Sport & Limited.

She calls the Sport "hey, it has a nostril."

My 2001 Accord When someone thought rubbing the entire side of it was okay.
www.xanga.com/aznprd0521

'04 SR5 vs '07 SR5...(pictures)
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32372

 

[jeffrosheen]

I just read the first couple of posts and nothing else so I may be redundant here.....

The new 2010 will be coming out next year as confirmed by any dealership. With a 7 year model life-cycle they will not be discontinuing the 4R until AT LEAST 2116!

Toyota needs to recoup R&D and production set-up costs. They are not going to just stop making it after a couple of years on the market. That is just common sense