Consumer Reports on 2010 4runner not that good?

[aspade]

CR tested a SR5 with the base suspension. Most of their criticism centers around the high, soft suspension and consequent unsettled ride and handling on pavement. I agree with that assessment 100%.

It's not a simple car vs. truck thing. A truck doesn't have to pitch and wallow like that either. The KDSS or X-reas equipped trucks don't.

 

[Socco]

"Consumer Reports on 2010 4runner not that good".

FWIW, my report on CR is not that good either.

They should stick to objective information, and stay away from the subjective.

My thoughts exactly. I'll trust anything they say when it comes to consumer goods like TVs and washing machines. But comparing unibody to frame chassis' is like comparing apples to oranges. You can't, so don't protest that a "difference" is a "deficiency."

 

[DaveS]

"Consumer Reports on 2010 4runner not that good".



FWIW, my report on CR is not that good either.



They should stick to objective information, and stay away from the subjective.

My thoughts exactly. I'll trust anything they say when it comes to consumer goods like TVs and washing machines. But comparing unibody to frame chassis' is like comparing apples to oranges. You can't, so don't protest that a "difference" is a "deficiency."

Actually I wouldn't trust their opinion on appliances either - their top rated items often have some of the worst consumer reviews in terms of problems etc. The only thing they are useful for is reliability score and owner satisfaction just because they have access to so many owners' feedback. That said, as noted above they seem to have applied some rather odd weighting to arrive at average reliability. Ever since the brake pedal fiasco and some earlier initial quality issues, CR seems to have had something of a hate for Toyota.

 

[Koz]

The fact is CR has a hard-on for Toyota and has indirectly done everything they could to hurt them. Nothing has changed as far as the quality of Toyota products and it must kill CR that they have to still show that truth. CR turned into another POS bias rag. I would not trust anything they write, NOTHING!

Koz

 

[blademan]

Kos - you are correct.
Lest we forget, Toyotas are made overseas (mostly - certainly T4r) with non-union labor. Our government now has ownership, and vested interest, in the success of domestic vehicles and the cowtows to the unions. Reckon CR ever gets "the call" ???? I would bet they do from time to time. Dont think that there is not a concentrated effort to do away with all things masculine and gas hogging, tough trucks are on the list.
Like has been said, the only "un-biased" oppinions are the ones of owners and multi-time buyers.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

The fact is CR has a hard-on for Toyota and has indirectly done everything they could to hurt them. Nothing has changed as far as the quality of Toyota products and it must kill CR that they have to still show that truth. CR turned into another POS bias rag. I would not trust anything they write, NOTHING!

Koz

This is not true at all. Consumers Reports rates Toyota as a whole very high next to Honda for most reliable/best vehicles. Koz, don't you have a gx460, they rate that recomended and liked it. It is a fact that more people go by consumer report ratings more than any other source when searching for new vehicles.

 

[GrantK]

I put very little faith in any report coming from CR. Every time I check out their recommendations (regardless of product), actual Jane and Joe Consumers pan the product.

 

[Koz]

This is not true at all. Consumers Reports rates Toyota as a whole very high next to Honda for most reliable/best vehicles. Koz, don't you have a gx460, they rate that recomended and liked it. It is a fact that more people go by consumer report ratings more than any other source when searching for new vehicles.

There is only one reason CR gives Toyota/Lexus high/good rating in reliability, they have to because it is based on actual data. Every other chance they get they throw them under a bus! You mentioned the GX, look at how they handled a minor software change and how bad they hurt the GX. I can't tell you how many people said to me "Isn't that the SUV that is unsafe and flips over". Do you think they would have handled a domestic vehicle that way?

Like I said in my post “Nothing has changed as far as the quality of Toyota products and it must kill CR that they have to still show that truth.”

Koz

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I know alot of CR's spewage is opinions but could you guys be unbiased if you worked for CR and had to test a variety of vehciles including Jeeps? Most of us are such Toyota enthusiasts that I don't think most of us could unbiased and you'd have readers complaining about your opinions.

I simply don't get rankled by reviews of cars and I buy what I want to buy and I don't think these reviews have any real affect on a vehicle's sales such as a 4Runner.

 

[bzizzi]

I watched the review and the lady who did the review should go buy a minivan !!

 

[fxoffroad]

Seriously - all out - why does anyone care what any journalists writes/says about any vehicle? I understand the need for information - especially when you're deciding on a vehicle to purchase.

Regarding CR, has anyone seen any word (written or spoken) where they discuss why Toyota makes both the 4Runner and the Highlander? Seems to me they might have asked themselves this question before they (or anyone) reviews the 4Runner.

If folks are wreckless enough to accept anyone's opinion without test driving their options - let them make the stupid decision.

As for me, I don't need any random journalist* telling me what to think about my 4Runner. (* with the exception of Dekeman - his word is :thumb3: )

Read Dekeman's expansive review of the 2010 4Runner on driving.ca. This is how vehicles should be reviewed - whether good or bad - actually spend real time with a vehicle.

 

[Thai]

Very cool review!! Thanks.

 

[dekeman]

Thanks gents!

 

[Awynt]

I agree with previous posts. I read up on the 4Runner for a good month or so before purchasing. I was trading in my beloved Jeep Wrangler and was much opposed to anything other than a Jeep. I compared the T4R to the Highlander and the Commander and a whole slew of other "SUVs". The others just didn't live up to what I needed. My family needed some interior space, but we didn't need luxury. We also needed a vehicle that can handle itself well offroad, since we are campers, wheelers, and hikers. The TRAIL type reviews of the 4Runner rated it as excellent. That was my deciding factor. I actually like vehicles that ride like trucks. Cars feel too smooth to me.

And we shouldn't discount what room there actually IS in the 4Runner. It's not too shabby, if you ask me. Just check out this photo. Seats up, in the cargo hold is a plethora of plastic bins along with a jogging stroller. With plenty of room to spare.

I love my HoRunner. It's the first of many, methinks.