Car and Driver Review from Jan 1996

[gamefreakgc]

Found this today on the bowels of the internet and was a fun read. Surprisingly, it's spot on and describes both the strengths and weaknesses (suspension & ride quality anyone?) that we are still addressing 27 years later.

Tested: Third-Gen 1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5

 

[Sarki]

Found this today on the bowels of the internet and was a fun read. Surprisingly, it's spot on and describes both the strengths and weaknesses (suspension & ride quality anyone?) that we are still addressing 27 years later.

Tested: Third-Gen 1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5

Nice read, thanks for sharing.

 

[heat]

lol "ho(a)rse gurgling". (Chevy not 4R)

 

[Devbot]

3 days to go from Portland to L.A... I'm gonna take a wild stab and say they're one of those people that do a firm 55 once they get on I5 ound:

 

[Ed_C]

Look at that thing take a corner :scared:

 

[JohnMc]

Always cool reading how they were regarded when new.

Here's a different sort of test on a third gen, and compared to its competition at the time.
19. Dateline 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 SUV IIHS Crash test.flv - YouTube

 

[phattyduck]

3 days to go from Portland to L.A... I'm gonna take a wild stab and say they're one of those people that do a firm 55 once they get on I5 ound:

They took Highway 1 most/all of the way. 3 days for that is booking it.

-Charlie

 

[96RedRunner]

I was very happy with how 96Red performed in my sons accident.

 

[Pyral]

Here's a motor week review from 1996.
1996 Toyota 4Runner SR5 | Retro Review - YouTube
Toyota for some reason gave them a dream spec 4runner with a 5 spd manual V6 with locking diff, now they always give them the top of the line model.

I find it funny the said that all but base model 4runner get chrome bumper and grill when the very vehicle they were given seems to contradict that.

 

[Ed_C]

The gray bumpers and grill look nice, and was that a moon mist interior?

 

[Pyral]

The gray bumpers and grill look nice, and was that a moon mist interior?

Yes it's moon mist

 

[JohnMc]

That is a spec that didn't end up being sold here, at least not as far as I know.

SR5 with non-chrome bumper and the 'mid sized' flares in 1996?

Also leather steering wheel, sport seats, no roof rack, no rear 'spoiler'. Kind of an odd (but certainly nice) mix of options.

 

[Boognish_Forever]

Look at that thing take a corner :scared:

Good grief lol. Almost looks like there’s some understeer, which would be frightening on dry payment in a 4runner.

 

[3bears]

nice read
however wish I got 20mpg and i did not know we had a govenor limiting top speed to 102mph...not that I think Ive ever done above 85

 

[3bears]

Always cool reading how they were regarded when new.

Here's a different sort of test on a third gen, and compared to its competition at the time.
19. Dateline 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 SUV IIHS Crash test.flv - YouTube

nice to see the 4runner does ok...compared

 

[Ed_C]

nice read
however wish I got 20mpg and i did not know we had a govenor limiting top speed to 102mph...not that I think Ive ever done above 85

When I used to monitor it I would hit the 20 and change mark; 50-55 mile mostly highway drive. Stock size tires / stock suspension

 

[Sarki]

When I used to monitor it I would hit the 20 and change mark; 50-55 mile mostly highway drive. Stock size tires / stock suspension

I’ve been pretty fortunate regarding mileage as well, typically between 19-21 mpg though most of my driving is highway and country 2 lane roadways with few traffic lights or congestion.

 

[JohnMc]

Mine (99 5spd) would touch 20 - 21 mpg (indicated) when I first got it, but it had some pretty small tires on it. So it was more just the speedo and odo reading higher.

And of course, driving habits matter a lot as well.

Now with 33's on it, weighing a lot more, it's around 15.5 long term average MPG. Partly the weight and worse aerodynamics (lifted, bumpers, rack, etc), and partly the larger tires turn fewer miles and the speedo and odo read low.

 

[lockedlex]

I had a 94 3.slow when the 3rd gens came out in 96. I remember being so awed by how well its looks evolved.

1) I appreciated that it was SAFER. The 2nd gens were terrible for driver crash ratings.
2) The increase in power (when I finally drove one years later) was noticeable.
3) The Rack and Pinion was a HUGE improvement in steering feel.
4) I've read that a factory 3rd row was an option in some markets, it's elusive but I always wondered where/how a retrofit would work.
5) It was quieter and generally more luxurious, BUT the 2nd gen had more driver seat adjustability.

It was interesting to see what they added, but also what they removed (like the rear headrests tilted front/back on the 2nd gen limited, but thankfully I snagged a set so was able to install it on mine).

I LOVED the approach angle on the 2nd gen, the wheels felt like it was right up against the front of the car, BUT the huge rear overhang always snagged on something. The 3rd gen balances that out better.

The 2nd gen mooroof only slid open/close, no tilting.

It's funny how back then you couldn't toss a rock w/o hitting an Explorer or Grand Cherokee... and yet now, 25 years later, there are so many more 3rd gens on the road. Says so much about these trucks!