4Runner made both the most & least reliable list

[peter78]

It seems to me making the 4Runner both most reliable and least reliable after only a few months of data seems a little bit a rush to judgement. The survey was done in the Spring of 2003, hence only a few months of data. They say they base the data on the last three years.

I am not saying they goofed, but I think the data after a period of time may be a bit more realistic and I would take the current data with a grain of salt.

 

[toyo]

I didnt realize I hit such a nerve with my Trailblazer comment. In 3 years see how much your friends Chevy is worth compared to your 03 4runner. Then you will not have very much concern for the magazine report. Its no different than when I bought one of the first Tundras they made. I knew it was a new production model, so I knew I was going to have issues. But on top of those issues, it was still so much better in all phases compared to the big 3 I could have chosen from. I then purchased a 01 tundra, non eof the same issues I had with the 99 were there. It just takes them a little time to work the bugs out. I was at my dealer yesterday, talking to one of the techs about my brake pedal buzz and drivers seat. We started talking about the difference in 03 to 04. He stated they had alot of minor problems early on, but he said it seems after June's production they all started to get much better. ONe thing he said was that the brake pedal feel I am feeling is normal, I dont believe so. We will be looking into that further.

 

[PA 4Runner]

It seems to me making the 4Runner both most reliable and least reliable after only a few months of data seems a little bit a rush to judgement. The survey was done in the Spring of 2003, hence only a few months of data. They say they base the data on the last three years.

I am not saying they goofed, but I think the data after a period of time may be a bit more realistic and I would take the current data with a grain of salt.

Maybe they were spooked by the fuel pulse damper recall? I just skimmed through the article when I saw it and they impression I got was they were concerned about the V6 being new & unproven.

I haven't had any mechanical problems with my 3/03 built V6.

 

[Thai]

I would never buy a Trailblazer, but I know 4 different people with Trailblazers who have zero problems.

Junglejim, well, in the latest Car & Driver issue, the Trailblazer got horrible reviews in it's long-term test.

C&D must not be one of the 4 people you know!:bouncy:

 

[mtnrunner]

Edmunds didn't have nice things to say about the trailblazer either.

Funny, my neighbors opted out of buying my Tundra 2000 LTD for $17K and bought, instead, a stripped 2002 Trailblazer for $19k with 40K miles on it.

I'm sure they'll be living and learning this one for a long time...

 

[tkr128]

The Consumer Reports test car was the V6 and the only thing they were disappointed with is gas mileage which they gave a black circle on. That counts for the V8 as well.

That's one of the least dissapointing things for me! These are just a few pics I snapped.

Keep in mind I get 2.4-2.5 less than the computer consistently. Still pretty good if you ask me.

 

[jharris2]

The Consumer Reports test car was the V6 and the only thing they were disappointed with is gas mileage which they gave a black circle on. That counts for the V8 as well.

My copy had not yet arrived so I can't comment firsthand. However, as I recall their mileage ratings are not based on mileage within class, but mileage across the entire spectrum of vehicles. So it would not be surprising that something getting 16-18 mpg would get a dark circle when a hybrid Prius could be in the comparison mix.

 

[jharris2]

tkr -

How are you getting such high numbers? I get 21 on the highway, 2WD mode, around 16-17 in town.

 

[peter78]

I went shopping tonight and one of the stores was a Book store, (Borders). Consumer Reports has a magazine "2004 car & truck report", this is not the April car issue, this is a larger magazine just for new cars. On page 11, it had the most & least reliable cars with the 4Runner being on both sides. The article said the V6 has had a fuel related problem. When I went to the 4Runner page, it showed a big black mark for reliability for the V6. It showed the reliability chart showing all solid red or half red for different items. The engine for the V6 has a solid red mark, which is good. So I am some what confused with their findings.

 

[tkr128]

tkr -

How are you getting such high numbers? I get 21 on the highway, 2WD mode, around 16-17 in town.

I travel a lot on the freeway (I have a 50 mile each-way commute) and there's always traffic around here, but it goes at a steady pace anywhere from 50-60 mph. I guess the low speed and not having to stop too much is what's helping it. It was a solid 32.0 when I got off the freeway, but by the time I got home and took the pictures, it was 31.1. I don't get such great mileage overall though. I travel a bit more in the city on the weekends and I've gotten 23.6 mpg at the most (at fillup). City driving really sucks up all the gas.

 

[jharris2]

I think it is important to note that the Consumer Reports test vehicle was the V6 4Runner. This is what they based their glowing recommendation of the 4Runner on!

I forgot about that -- great catch!!