G3 versus G4 appearance

[JPMORGN98]

My opinion is biased I'm sure because I'm the owner of a G3 1998, but I just cannot bring myself to want to buy a G4 because I dislike the appearance so much.

Those boxy wheelwells I think are the main reason. I'm sure the interior between G3 and G4 is night and day, but come on - G3 is a much better looking ride.

 

[DE 4Runner]

I agree the 3rd gen is much much better looking....i also am biased b/c i own one but still....they just look so much "tougher" than the 4th gen

 

[MDT4RNR]

Well, I always had a "crush" on 4runners since I drove my friend's GEN1 way back in the day.
At that time I made my self a promise, believe it or not, to own a 4runner by the year 2005, and that if I did not own one by then, well, it was never ment to be.
Why did I choose 2005? I don't know why, just an arbitrary year. As part of the promise, I specified that I would buy the most recent version of the 4runner that I could afford in 2005.
So come 07/2005 I was able to come up with the money to pay for my truck in cash .
I settled for a SE2003 with everything but the Nav/Leather seats and the 6disc HU.
I must tell you that I like them all in their own individual way. One thing is for certain, I don't think I would like to sacrifice the interior "Elbow Room" of my 2003 for that of the previous gens.

Dax

 

[lee]

naturally between 3rd and 4th, i like 3rd better... but the 4th genners will have their day in the sun. more aftermarket support will probably help shake the soccer mom image.

theyre too new to be treated like trucks by most people.. so instead people add bling items like chrome guards and 22's, etc.

which is nothing short of boring to me.

 

[kvanderploeg]

Solution: One of each! :

 

[sharp4runr]

The 2006 has round wheel wells so buy that one :

I've always wanted a 4Runner from back when I can even remember. When it came to buying a new vehicle the SUV option came up and it was decided on the 4Runner. I chose the 4th gen because it had more power/torque and it was roomier. The looks are subjective to the buyer but you can't argue the performance numbers...

 

[lee]

its funny cause i remember in college my frehsman yr in 1999 saying to my friends that i really wanted a 4runner so bad! i wanted a black one.. thats all i knew.. hahah.

and here i am.

i bought it in 03 (in oct) only a few months after graduating.

ahhhh living a dream

 

[4x4v8]

g3 are nice

i must say the G3 look more rugged. but the body of the G4 grows on you. again, i might be bias cuz i own a G4. but you cant go wrong with either

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I like them both but the 4th gens need a little more to look rugged in stock trim. '00 3rd gens were the last to still have the rear locker available and ever since that was discontinued Runners have become more street oriented than off road and Toyota knows that's where the sales are at.

 

[khaug]

When it came time to replace our '98 4Runner, I was disappointed in the appearance of the 4th gen models, but bought one anyway. "The appearance will grow on you", was the salesman's comment. Well, it's three years later, and the Buck Rogers styling hasn't grown on me at all.

What HAS grown on me is the fact that the 4th gen 'Runners are better trucks in virtually every other way: More interior space, much better ride, much improved handling and brakes, much quieter interior, much better powertrain and on and on. I still admire the rugged appearance of the 3rd gen trucks and have fond memories of my '98, but no way would I go back to that truck. Our '03 Limited V8 is a superior vehicle. And I think the newer 4th gen vehicles are better still.

Beauty is, indeed, only skin deep. If you can manage it, try driving a 4th gen 4Runner for a day or two and see if you don't agree.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

3rd gens with a locker and more ground clearance are still more off road capable in stock trim than the 4th gens but 4th gens are the nicer ride on long trips and around town.

 

[Mixed4u]

It was a tough decision when I traded my '02 Silver Limited in for my '05 Gray Sport last August, but I really wanted a V8. I too preferred the look of the 3G but for me, the newer look did grow on me and like others have said, it was all the improvements including ride, power and handling that got me. I had 80K on my '02 and that was how I justified my switch, but after 6 months, I'm already up to 20K on my '05. It looks different because it is different. Even though I have taken it out and it does just fine, it does look like something that should never leave the city. I guess that just gives it another added feature...versatility.

 

[Jay]

3rd Gens look more rugged. The 4th gen runners look more like a minivan/SUV type. And the flat top wheel wells dont really do it for me. I love my 3rd Gen (2001) 4Runner, ive been wanting a 4Runner since 1997 when i got my Tacoma 4x4. Now that im about to get married and have kids soon after, the 4Runner is perfect for the lady, the kids, and the dog in the back.

 

[elemint]

I prefer the 3rd Gen. as well. The 4th gens. looks like a running shoe to me. I dont like the fruity interior either. And I am not a fan of the V8 engine either. You know it was made just for the US market. Just the way marketing works i suppose, keep uping the numbers even if you had a near perfect thing going. If Toyota really wanted to be king of the 4x4 suv they would have a I6 deisel 4runner that started with a bare bones base model. No carpet, no leather junk, no power windows etc. Now that is what a 4x4 is supposed to be!

 

[ebelen1]

When I knew nothing about 4runners, I hated the 4th gen's appearance. As I've learned more due to my 3rd gen, I would definitely buy a 4th gen down the road when it's cheaper.

The looks have grown on me mostly by seeing trucks on this forum. Plus, if you get the chance to see Lance's truck in person, I have no doubt you would like the styling of the 4th gen...

 

[Red3.slow]

My dad has a G3 which I fell in love with when he got it (shortly after I got my learners permit). This year I recieved a late gift of a 2nd gen, with a 5spd of cource. I love the 4runners I wouldn't mind sticking with them till I'm too old to drive.