Consumer Reports....not big fans

Redwolf

Redwolf

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So the new Consumer Reports came in the mail today. Best and Worst Cars for 2013. Just curious why does CR hate the 4Runner. Highs: Off-road ability, power-retractable rear window, reliability. Lows: Handling, ride, driving position, fit and finish, access, turning circle. It is sad when one of your only highs is the fact the rear window is power-retractable. They say the 4runner is way above average on reliability, but I guess the road test gives it such a horrible rating. I love my fifth gen 4runner, just curious if anyone ever looks at these reviews when choosing a car?
 
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They get the people who review cars for a living from the same place they get people who review movies for a living. I'm not sure where that is, but it is surely not on the same planet that I live on.
 
Then they rave about the crossover suck uv's. It's gonna ride and handle like a truck because that's how its built and based. Last year or the year before I saw one review where the lady whined about how the radio stations don't actually line up with the buttons. Really?
 
CR has had a hate on for the 4Runner for years, so no big surprise really. They just don't get it or don't want to understand it's purpose. Imagine what they would write about the Land Rover Defender series...yikes!!!

Original video review of the 5th generation 4R by Consumer Reports in 2010...

Toyota 4Runner Review - YouTube
 
Bout par for the course for CR...which is why they haven't influenced my car purchases a bit. I knew what I was getting with the 4Runner and Toyota...that's why I bought another.
 
The part I really don't understand about their review of the 4Runner is that they only tested the SR5 when the Limited addresses two of their biggest complaints: the soft suspension and part-time only 4WD.
 
I don't look at CR when purchasing a new car. However, I do like to look at their reliability ratings when looking to buy used, as it will highlight the trouble spots (and my likely ability to fix them).

As far as the CR video review, no, they didn't like the 4Runner, but they were pretty spot on with their critiques. Just about the only things that they pointed out during the video that weren't also complaints (early on) here, were the station aligning with the buttons and the lack of head room (most think the 5th gen has more head room). For the price range, there is nothing else that really gives me the capability and reliability of the 4Runner.
 
Ride comfort is so subjective. I don't have KDSS and feel like the ride in my trail is smooth as silk. If you drive a S550 on a daily basis I guess a 4 runner would feel bouncy as hell. My M3 has 700# springs in it, so driving the 4R is a treat after being in the E36.
 
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desertred said:
I don't look at CR when purchasing a new car. However, I do like to look at their reliability ratings when looking to buy used, as it will highlight the trouble spots (and my likely ability to fix them).

As far as the CR video review, no, they didn't like the 4Runner, but they were pretty spot on with their critiques. Just about the only things that they pointed out during the video that weren't also complaints (early on) here, were the station aligning with the buttons and the lack of head room (most think the 5th gen has more head room). For the price range, there is nothing else that really gives me the capability and reliability of the 4Runner.
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Pretty much this. For average Joe American who is looking for an SUV to fit his kids, their friends, and their football pads, the 4Runner is a poor choice compared to the car based CUVs. Most people aren't looking for articulation or locking transfer cases. Most people are looking for smooth rides and getting out of the driveway when there is a few inches of snow. That is why CUVs are so popular now while BOF SUVs are a dying breed. America wants AWD minivans that don't look like minivans... thus Consumer Reports uses that as the criteria. The 4Runner isn't a very good AWD minivan... and I thank Toyota for that. :)
 
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CR is runs by Super Nerds and they like cars that nerds drive. I guess they serve a purpose if your buying a vacuum cleaner or a steam iron. Cars? Not so much.
 
Meh….

Consumer Reports opinion is about as useful as a nipple on yer elbow…. i.e. not very.

Let them think what they want, we all know the truth…. haha

What does the 4Runner have to compete with? Jeep?? HAHAHAHAHAH Nisan? BAHAHAHAHAHAH Ford? Whos that? Chevy? WTF????
 
It's the same across all car/truck forums. If they like the car you own you agree with them and if they don't like your choice of vehcile they are despised.

Yes,the 4Runner is being compared across the board to more street friendly vehciles and they don't factor in the off road or racing prowess of vehicles and are just rating them for your average driver and most enthusiasts aren't your average driver.
The Subi Impreze WRX gets bad reviews with it's harsh ride and it's a noisey very mechanical sounding car but buyers of this car don't care but that doesn't mean it's a pile of crap,it more means it's niot for your average joe just like the 4runner isn't really for your general SUV driver.
 
I watched the CU Video before I ordered my Trail last year, then ordered it anyway. I decided the woman did not understand part time and full time 4 WD and was a mini van fan as others stated.
 
Agree with most comments here. For the "average" driver, a lighter, more fuel efficient, easier to handle CUV really is better most of the time. People on this forum, however [and thankfully] are not "average" drivers. We are looking for something a little different, more durable, and more capable, and are willing - no eager - to sign up for the supposed penalties that such a choice brings.

Much like people who dislike a show on TV or Stern on the radio/XM, there is a choice....turn the channel or, in this case, dont buy a T4R. We understand.....its not for everyone. But it is for us, and we choose it with a smile on our faces. We don't gripe about the compromises, we embrace them.

Also, as a side note, my 20 yrs of T4R ownership trumps their one-hour test drive all day long. :thumb:
 
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RobDek said:
CR has had a hate on for the 4Runner for years, so no big surprise really. They just don't get it or don't want to understand it's purpose. Imagine what they would write about the Land Rover Defender series...yikes!!!

Original video review of the 5th generation 4R by Consumer Reports in 2010...

Toyota 4Runner Review - YouTube
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i flagged the review hahahahahaha stupid woman.. i wanted to slap some sense into her
 
Antman said:
T4R.ORG > Consumer Reports
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^^True^^

IMHO, Consumer Reports has been irrelevant for many years. Since Al Gore invented the interwebs, you can get more information, quicker and from different sources than you can with CR and make your own informed decision.

Back in the day, CR was a good source of info--now, not so much.
 
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