I wish they would start going the other way and make them smaller and lighter instead of making each new generation bigger and bigger.
I wish they would start going the other way and make them smaller and lighter instead of making each new generation bigger and bigger.
That's not the American way then!
That's not the American way then!
Considering the J150 platform is used all over the world, I don't think Americans are the only ones who enjoy the utility of a larger SUV. I've got huge respect for all gens of 4runner, but I think the 5th gen. is just the right size. Since I traded my Tacoma, my 4r has to do a lot of hauling-duty, and the extra room really comes in handy.
I agree...i think that 4th-5th gens are good size. 3rd gen, which i owned, was just too narrow (and rough riding). The 3rd gen size is great for off-roading, but that is where the advantage ends.
3rd gens are plenty big imo, yeah its not as nice and doesnt ride as good but its also simpler and easier to work on, its its a lot more affordable than 4th and 5th gens. and offroad wise its still a little too big, i can only imagine what it feels like to run trails in the much larger 4th and 5th gen.
yeah i wish they would make the floor lower so you have more head room, they coulda also made the body about 2 inches wider so we can have more room inside, i dont know about 99-2002 but 96-98 are easy to work on.yeah, you're right...3rd gens can swallow tons of cargo. However, the narrowness did not translate well in terms of elbow space or hip room or "virtual crush zone" on a side impact. Riding in the 3rd gen reminds me of driving a Jeep Wrangler. The space between the door and your body is very small/narrow...or so it seems when i had it. And if you had a passenger, then there is not much elbow room to share on the center console.
As for being more simple to work with, i will take your word. But, is it that much difference??? 2001-2002 3rd gens had pretty sophisticated electronics...but then again, these electronics were never really a reliability nor durability problem to begin with.
And with the safety standards, it is hard to make a car the size of a Suzuki Samurai anymore!