Consumer Reports is Clueless...

I hate to say it, but the Consumer's Report review may not be to far off the mark. I'm basing this statement not just on my opinion of the review, but also with many of the recent threads and postings to the 5th Gen forum by owners. Recall that they tested a SR5 model; not the TE or Limited. One of the things that CR dissed pretty heavily was the handling characteristics of the SR5. I hated to hear it (since I own one), but I have to agree with what they said about the suspension (read, steering feel) and nose dive. I'd say a lot of people may agree with CR's assessment in this area, as there are quite a few threads popping up lamenting the nose dive and "soft" suspension. Many of the other things that CR did not like about the SR5 are items that forum members have complained about at various times (radio font, no door pull to assist entry, hard plastics, etc).

While I do not agree with CR's ending line/opinion (unless you need the off road capability, there's not a lot of reason to buy it.....) at all, I do think the discussion of the actual vehicle is a fair assessment. The 4Runner fit my needs better than most other SUV type vehicles out there. I am hoping the aftermarket will eventually offer items that will rectify the shortcomings I find with my SR5 at a lot lower price tag than the $6K difference the dealers were asking to upgrade to the Limited.
 
QUOTE=desertred;568649]I hate to say it, but the Consumer's Report review may not be to far off the mark. I'm basing this statement not just on my opinion of the review, but also with many of the recent threads and postings to the 5th Gen forum by owners. Recall that they tested a SR5 model; not the TE or Limited. One of the things that CR dissed pretty heavily was the handling characteristics of the SR5. I hated to hear it (since I own one), but I have to agree with what they said about the suspension (read, steering feel) and nose dive. I'd say a lot of people may agree with CR's assessment in this area, as there are quite a few threads popping up lamenting the nose dive and "soft" suspension. Many of the other things that CR did not like about the SR5 are items that forum members have complained about at various times (radio font, no door pull to assist entry, hard plastics, etc).

While I do not agree with CR's ending line/opinion (unless you need the off road capability, there's not a lot of reason to buy it.....) at all, I do think the discussion of the actual vehicle is a fair assessment. The 4Runner fit my needs better than most other SUV type vehicles out there. I am hoping the aftermarket will eventually offer items that will rectify the shortcomings I find with my SR5 at a lot lower price tag than the $6K difference the dealers were asking to upgrade to the Limited.[/QUOTE]

:bravo:
 
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after spending months here, preparing my list of mods to do, reading all the nonsense that toyota decided or not decided to do with the new 4r, i am looking at all other alternatives to the 4runner. I was 99% sure i would get one, so put in an order in mid march, still havent received my 4runner yet, and seriously thinking about getting something different! Dealer tells me one thing then another about the delay in my order. Very pissed off at toyota, if its not one thing, its another thing...from weird sounds of the brakes, to sudden stopping when you really hit the pedal, to nose dive, to delay in transmission, to lack of adequate sized rims, to no leds, no projectors, no running board, no side moldings, no in glass antenna, no locking gas cap, bad location of window switchs, no v8, come on folks, what else can you find wrong with the 4runner? I wish the NIssan Patrol was sold in the US..sad to say that...seems like even nissan getting it right. Seriously considering the 11 version of the qx 56

Why not the GX460? It fixes all your trivial (IMO) complaints while being cheaper than the QX... and really, the QX is one of the most awkward looking vehicles I've seen in a long time.
 
I received my TE 4R in January and now have over 9,000 miles on it and I could not be happier.

It is as quick off the line as I need it to be and stops before I rear end anything in front of me.

Off road - its a tank. On road, it tracks perfectly, has good manners and passes everything I encounter with ease.

I'm extremely pleased with my vehicle.

But then again, I canceled my Consumer Reports Online subscription in February so maybe they wrote the less than accurate review to get back at me for holding onto my money, rather than giving it to them for another yearly online subscription.
 
after spending months here, preparing my list of mods to do, reading all the nonsense that toyota decided or not decided to do with the new 4r, i am looking at all other alternatives to the 4runner. I was 99% sure i would get one, so put in an order in mid march, still havent received my 4runner yet, and seriously thinking about getting something different! Dealer tells me one thing then another about the delay in my order. Very pissed off at toyota, if its not one thing, its another thing...from weird sounds of the brakes, to sudden stopping when you really hit the pedal, to nose dive, to delay in transmission, to lack of adequate sized rims, to no leds, no projectors, no running board, no side moldings, no in glass antenna, no locking gas cap, bad location of window switchs, no v8, come on folks, what else can you find wrong with the 4runner? I wish the NIssan Patrol was sold in the US..sad to say that...seems like even nissan getting it right. Seriously considering the 11 version of the qx 56

with the complaints you just listed it sounds like you would prefer a cross over that's low to the ground and car like, but not a truck based suv.
 
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[/QUOTE]:bravo::bravo:[

after spending months here, preparing my list of mods to do, reading all the nonsense that toyota decided or not decided to do with the new 4r, i am looking at all other alternatives to the 4runner. I was 99% sure i would get one, so put in an order in mid march, still havent received my 4runner yet, and seriously thinking about getting something different! Dealer tells me one thing then another about the delay in my order. Very pissed off at toyota, if its not one thing, its another thing...from weird sounds of the brakes, to sudden stopping when you really hit the pedal, to nose dive, to delay in transmission, to lack of adequate sized rims, to no leds, no projectors, no running board, no side moldings, no in glass antenna, no locking gas cap, bad location of window switchs, no v8, come on folks, what else can you find wrong with the 4runner? I wish the NIssan Patrol was sold in the US..sad to say that...seems like even nissan getting it right. Seriously considering the 11 version of the qx 56[/QUOTE]


I still can't figure out if you're trolling or not. If not then I think I can speak for many when I say, please get the QX.

Based on that list of absolute crap you just made for reasons you're changing your mind, a change many doubt you ever needed to make to begin with, you might be better served with that car based egg instead. No projectors? No side moldings? Window switches? Too sudden stopping when you really hit the pedal, God forbid? No LED's? Lack of adequate sized rims, WTF?

And for that vehicle being you're next choice, wow. A 4Runner is not nor will it ever be comparable to a car based "SUV" and it says a lot to what you want. Don't look at a truck and complain it's not a Mercedes car.
 
in reference to T4Fun
...I think I can speak for many when I say, please get the QX...

:iagree:

Seriously T4Fun... you've lost complete credibility. Your continual (seemingly) BS on this message board has grown tiresome. I agree with Brian - go by a QX or maybe a Nissan Rogue) would suit you best.

Your story, seems to be just that, a story, since folks on here have helped you located the exact vehicle you want in your area, yet you still told us you were just going to wait - AND you continue to complain.

Needless to say (IMO), I don't think a 4Runner is the right kind of vehicle for you.

Nuff said.
 
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You know, every car/truck has a period where you have to adapt to the new ride. Kind of like when you drive a Honda for 4 years and then go on vacation and rent a Ford for the weekend and it seems a bit strange. When I stepped up from my Honda Pilot (crossover) to the 2010 4runner, I certainly felt a different ride and had some steering thoughts, etc. But now, after 3 weeks in the 4runner, I love the way it drives, I love the instrument panel, the steering, and just about everything about the truck. You just have to take CR with a grain of salt. They're comparing the 4runner to every crossover they tested. I can tell you that whole "steering wheel numb" thing they talk about with the 4runner is way overdone and simply takes 2 days to develop a feel for it.
As far as T4fun, I also posted a lot before I got my 4runner. To some extent, this forum works very well for the pre-purchase folks. Some people just have doubts and want to be convinced to buy one. I'm glad I found people on this forum who love the 4runner because their comments helped seal the deal for me.
 
Yes. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with the fifth generation. It is perfect and should not be criticized in any way. In fact, it should be saluted. It is an engineering marvel. Whoever criticizes anything about it has come to the wrong place.
 
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Sarcastic

Yes. There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with the fifth generation. It is perfect and should not be criticized in any way. In fact, it should be saluted. It is an engineering marvel.

Engineering marvel? You're probably pulling our legs. Yes, I do love the car and experience this surreal calm every time I'm behind the wheel, especially at night when the glow of the optitron hits me. But engineering marvel? Not sure.
 
Haha! That's hilarious. Yes I am being a bit sarcastic and I like your response. I still think my 4th gen is quite high tech as well!
 
If you want to see complete BS in action, watch the video for the 2010 Mid Sized SUV of the year for Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports Video Hub - Cars - SUVs & Minivans - Chevrolet Traverse Review

Notice how it handles on the road, looks like the same roll and "buoyant" behavior over the bumps like the 4Runner. Crappier interior, same backup screen size (although it's good for this vehicle somehow) and to top it off you get a whopping 3 MPG better fuel economy to help ease the pain for driving a big car instead of an off road vehicle. What a load of crap. :gun6:
 
If you want to see complete BS in action, watch the video for the 2010 Mid Sized SUV of the year for Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports Video Hub - Cars - SUVs & Minivans - Chevrolet Traverse Review

Notice how it handles on the road, looks like the same roll and "buoyant" behavior over the bumps like the 4Runner. Crappier interior, same backup screen size (although it's good for this vehicle somehow) and to top it off you get a whopping 3 MPG better fuel economy to help ease the pain for driving a big car instead of an off road vehicle. What a load of crap. :gun6:

sounds to me like someone is being influenced...
 
I can tell you if I was worried about MPG I'd never own a rotary!! With that said, I look for usability and function, then consider mpg. Sure I'd like my car to have speed and handle like an F1 car, ride like a Mercedes, interior of a Bentley, get the MPG of a smart car, the hauling ability of a truck, off-road capability of a mountain goat, and the cost of a bicycle. But the vehicle doesn't exist! oh well, I guess this must mean the 4runner just sucks. "Just the facts, ma-am!"
 
The general theme to all the reviews is "truck based BAD", "car based GOOD".

It'll be a cold day in hell when I buy an egg shaped CUV with crappy AWD just to save 3 MPG.

I don't trust a GM mpg number as far as I could throw a Traverse. Check out true-delta and you'll see that most of these V6 AWD Traverses hover around 20mpg. Physics seems to say that high HP V6, AWD vehicles that weigh near 5000lbs don't do much over 20mpg in the real world. I trust my knowledge of physics way more than some easily sandbagged government test.
 

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