Best overall 4runner

What Gen $runner is best Overall

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M

Maou

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Ok, So I've been wanting to buy another 4runner after the disappointing 94 2nd gen that I bought (Problem after problem) Im a DIY kind of guy and the 3.0 motor sucks IMO. I've been looking for polls or posts that can answer my question, but so far the only one I've seen is "What gen 4Runner is best off-road?" So in your opinion, What Gen 4Runner is best OVERALL?
Meaning, what gen do you thing is best for off Roading and daily driver?
What gen is the easiest to work on? and stuff like that.
 
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I love my 3rd gen and never even thought about another 4Runner til the 5th gen. In stock trim of the first 4 gens the 3rd has it hands down for on street driving and very capable off road especially if equipped with the rear locker.
 
Can't compare with the other generations as I never owned them, but the 4th with the V8 is everything you want in a truck:

Offroad capability
Comfort, quiet ride
Good looking (with lift and AT tires)
Super smooth V8
Towing capacity
Reliability
Poor mileage :-)

I'm pretty sure everyone will say that the gen they own is the best!

What I think is that you can't go wrong with any if them, just depends on your needs. I'd say you have three different categories though:

1-2 gen
3rd gen
4-5 gen

IMHO, deciding between a 2nd gen and a 4-5 gen is like comparing a 2 door sports car with a luxury sedan, both good, just not the same customers.
 
Easy.

The best beer = the cold one in front of me.

The best motorcycle = the one between my legs.

The best 4Runner = the one I'm driving at the time.

:beer:

Next question.
 
I looked at new 4th gens when i couldn't find a clean 3rd gen that I liked. I waited and got my 3rd gen "Highlander" package.

When the 5th gen trails came out I went and looked at those, I didn't like it as well as my 3rd gen.

If you could buy all 5 gens new on the lot I would probably consider the 1st and 3rd over everything else. I like them all, but the first gen looks like it would be the most fun on the trail, and the 3rd gen seems like the best compromise of street looks and trail ability. 4th gens seemed to not be quite as rugged and to me took a step towards more pavement friendly (like pretty much ever gen of 4Runner has since the beginning). 5th gens took a step back towards off road ability, but it seemed like it was a little late.


I should also throw out that I am more biased by the day towards older vehicles. I am not a fan of drive by wire throttle bodies and electronic nannys trying to interrupt what I want the vehicle to do. Just respond to the steering wheel, pedals and a few choice buttons (locker for one) and we have a vehicle that I will probably like!
 
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+1 with Stick Figure. The simpler the better. With the 3rd gen I get enough modern day amenities without overkill. Easy as all get out to work on if one is mechanically inclined. Nothing there that should not be there (over engineered).

Like other gens, the 3rd has its share of common problems, but if one can hedge against them, then it may just outlast the Energizer bunny.
 
I'm biased to the 3rd gen because I have one, and because the 3.4 is bullet proof.
 
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I love my 2nd gen. Yeah, it can be a little slow, but even with mote than 326k on it, I still will drive her cross country, and whoop a Jeeps ass in the mud and dirt!
 
Let us be clear here. This is the best 4Runner EVER. Not just the best generation, not just the best equipped, but the single best 4Runner ever produced in reality, in the mind of a human, or in a parallel bizarro universe. This thread can end with this glorious 4-wheeled rolling shrine to baditude:
60e7d110-0143-97d1.jpg
 
I have always liked the style of the 2nd Gen over any of the others (expecially the 5th Gen, which just doesn't do it for me), although the 3rd Gen is a close second on that point. The factory power options were the hitch on those, though--I'd say put the later V8 into the 2nd Gen, and THAT would be a nearly-perfect 4Runner to me.
 
I think the 6th gen is going to top any other gen. Runner, hands down. Especially with the 5.7L supercharged :thumb3:
 
IMO 3rd Gen

Not sure about the 5th Gens and above, but my impression is big bloated and build for street cruising... and did I mention too much electronics! I bought my 3rd gen this Spring after much research--- simple is good, however, I required a tow vehicle which eliminated the 1st and 2nd gens. The 1st gen was also too simple (no ac-- we live in a HOT climate) among other things. 2nd gen has probably the weakest V6 the 3.0L had major problems... The 4th gen is great with a V8, however, I have several friends and workmates that have some and they report minor problems, poor mileage, some difficulty with maintenance, and cost. Overall their happy, but I have some doubt WRT longevity...
ON THE OTHERHAND, my 3rd gen is a balance between simplicity, functionality, economy (tons of affordable mod/parts options)(didn't cost me a ton of $$, just had to find one not beaten) and durability with strength (5000lbs. tow rating). Mechanically speaking, for a vehicle with a fair bit of electronics, its quite straight forward and easy to work on, overall. I've been a Chevy man in the past, but after working on my 4Runner (getting her tuned, maintained and upgraded) I'm blown away by the engineering, simplicity, elegance of design and durability of this truck! I find myself looking for an excuse to do something to it/ mod etc!!! I haven't been this excited about a vehicle since my 62 Chevy Nova rebuild! This truck will last forever, with the proper care!!
 
Check out some impressive 3rd GENS

Been following some of my fellow 3rd gen owners and I must say: wow! These guys are serious 4Runner advocates! Some Impressive machines to check out:
BigFishAllDay
4-Ripcord
ChildrenofBodom
Blcktpgsr
Rickashay
Steezemcqueen
SantaCruzRunner
4runit
Ron Helmuth

There are just a TON of 4runner enthusiasts out there, I wish I had the time to list everyone I've stumbled upon but there's too many!

Good luck, and in the end, ANY 4RUNNER IS A GOOD CHOICE!:party:
 
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