Best gen 4runner? Take a guess

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1) 3rd - Best of both worlds, not overly computerized so you can actually work on it but enough computers to make it comfy. Manual tranny available.
2) 1st - It's basic but that's the point. Solid front axle. Removable canopy.
3) 5th - If you're going to get a modern electronic SUV, this is the choice. No real problems, looks nice, you can still mod it.
4) 4th - Uninspiring, no manual tranny available. If you're going to get a modern computerized SUV, why not just get a 5th gen?
5) 2nd - Engine problems; rusts really bad. A poor man's 3rd gen.
 
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Mark_BC said:
1) 3rd - Best of both worlds, not overly computerized so you can actually work on it but enough computers to make it comfy. Manual tranny available.
2) 1st - It's basic but that's the point. Solid front axle. Removable canopy.
3) 5th - If you're going to get a modern electronic SUV, this is the choice. No real problems, looks nice, you can still mod it.
4) 4th - Uninspiring, no manual tranny available. If you're going to get a modern computerized SUV, why not just get a 5th gen?
5) 2nd - Engine problems; rusts really bad. A poor man's 3rd gen.
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That's pretty much my same take on the gens.

2nd & 4th are my "DO NOT WANT" gens. Not that I'd say no to a deal on one, but I don't think I'd ever be on the hunt for a 2nd or 4th gen.

Now I just drool at the thought of having a 5th gen.
 
Mark_BC said:
1) 3rd - Best of both worlds, not overly computerized so you can actually work on it but enough computers to make it comfy. Manual tranny available.
2) 1st - It's basic but that's the point. Solid front axle. Removable canopy.
3) 5th - If you're going to get a modern electronic SUV, this is the choice. No real problems, looks nice, you can still mod it.
4) 4th - Uninspiring, no manual tranny available. If you're going to get a modern computerized SUV, why not just get a 5th gen?
5) 2nd - Engine problems; rusts really bad. A poor man's 3rd gen.
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That's pretty much how and why I'd rank them.
 
As much as I don't want to say it, power junkies like me crave the 2UZ -FE under the hood, even if it is in a 4gen body.

My friend, an attorney, just purchased a 2018 trd pro. Quite nice and an upgrade from my sis's 2013. Worth $45k? No, to me that is truck pricing.
 
Mark_BC said:
4) 4th - Uninspiring, no manual tranny available. If you're going to get a modern computerized SUV, why not just get a 5th gen?
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4th gens are much cheaper. That's a pretty good reason. That said, I'd happily pay 4th gen money for a mint 3rd instead.
 
Mark_BC said:
1) 3rd - Best of both worlds, not overly computerized so you can actually work on it but enough computers to make it comfy. Manual tranny available.
2) 1st - It's basic but that's the point. Solid front axle. Removable canopy.
3) 5th - If you're going to get a modern electronic SUV, this is the choice. No real problems, looks nice, you can still mod it.
4) 4th - Uninspiring, no manual tranny available. If you're going to get a modern computerized SUV, why not just get a 5th gen?
5) 2nd - Engine problems; rusts really bad. A poor man's 3rd gen.
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That would be my order as well. But I may put the 2nd gen higher simply for nostalgia's sake. I still remember seeing them for the first time and thinking they were one of the best looking rigs on the road.
 
I always thought the side stripe was cool even after they faded out on the 2nd gens. I drove a 5th gen recently and loved it.
 
I just don't see the first gen praise. The success of the 4Runner name owes nothing to the first gen. The second gen is what kicked off everything. Four doors and a solid roof is what people wanted. Just look at the Isuzu Amigo. Even though it lasted into the early 2000s, it was a total flop. Everyone has fond memories of the Rodeo, though.
 
T4R2014 said:
I just don't see the first gen praise. The success of the 4Runner name owes nothing to the first gen. The second gen is what kicked off everything. Four doors and a solid roof is what people wanted. Just look at the Isuzu Amigo. Even though it lasted into the early 2000s, it was a total flop. Everyone has fond memories of the Rodeo, though.
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I think what put it on the map was in part to the 22re as well as the design. For me at the age I was, it was design. Always loved removable top rigs (Broncos, Jeeps, etc etc) and to have one in the streamline design of the 1st gen was so cool to me.

I'd also say that comparing it to an Amigo is apples to oranges. There were many reasons it was a flop beyond just the top and two doors.
 
T4R2014 said:
I just don't see the first gen praise. The success of the 4Runner name owes nothing to the first gen. The second gen is what kicked off everything. Four doors and a solid roof is what people wanted. Just look at the Isuzu Amigo. Even though it lasted into the early 2000s, it was a total flop. Everyone has fond memories of the Rodeo, though.
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Hey be nice to the Amigo! My friends sh1tbox Amigo was the source of so many good memories. Top down 100% of the time in summers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
4BUMR said:
Hey be nice to the Amigo! My friends sh1tbox Amigo was the source of so many good memories. Top down 100% of the time in summers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Don’t worry, I secretly want an Amigo. Always loved Isuzu’s.
 
Hepar said:
I think what put it on the map was in part to the 22re as well as the design. For me at the age I was, it was design. Always loved removable top rigs (Broncos, Jeeps, etc etc) and to have one in the streamline design of the 1st gen was so cool to me.

I'd also say that comparing it to an Amigo is apples to oranges. There were many reasons it was a flop beyond just the top and two doors.
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I mean, I don’t think it was a flop because of 2 doors and a removable top. I think it was a flop because people just want that seven slot grill when they think of those things. With that said, maybe a Toyota badge would’ve worked better on that recipe? Well, there was a two door removable top RAV4 in the 90s. Probably not the best comparison though. Whatever it is, the 4Runner success is because of four doors and a fixed roof.
 
T4R2014 said:
I mean, I don’t think it was a flop because of 2 doors and a removable top. I think it was a flop because people just want that seven slot grill when they think of those things. With that said, maybe a Toyota badge would’ve worked better on that recipe? Well, there was a two door removable top RAV4 in the 90s. Probably not the best comparison though. Whatever it is, the 4Runner success is because of four doors and a fixed roof.
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I certainly don't think a Toyota badge would have hurt!

And it was successful for a lot more reasons than four doors and a fixed roof. There definitely was no shortage of those vehicles that fit that bill, yet they managed to carve out quite a niche for themselves.
 
well duh...I drive a 3rd gen and love it...so my opinion is....swayed
with the mods I'm slowly making, this will be a great rig for me
I don't know much about the newer ones, but when I hear about $2k+ brake master cylinders,,,more computer stuff and electronics..lower mpg...no thanks on 2002 and beyond
plus I don't need more comfort than I already have
but I come from a different people generation... for 4wd driving old jeeps.. roll up windows carburetors and the most electoral stuff was a regulator one fuse box and a radio....I was 30 plus when the first gens came out
 
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