Going back to 3rd gen?

[20034RunnerV84x2]

Nope, even the 3rd gen V6 was rated for 183HP/217lb./ft. That's weak sauce. Today, 4 cylinders are making more power than that. You can't even get out of your own way with 217 lb/ft of torque in a 4x4. The pre-2003 Toyota trucks were absolutely pathetic in the engine category.

You're trying to say its underpowered. Weak means unreliable.

It still has enough power to go with the flow of traffic. You're very uneducated on 3rd gens.

 

[NJshadow93]

Torque is what moves the camper or boat that you're towing. Torque is what moves that gear and family you're hauling. Torque is what gets you through the soupy mud or the sand. If you ask me, a SUV is the vehicle that needs power the MOST. That's why I only considered V8 options and if the 4th gen didn't have a V8 option I would have bought something else.

That's what I love about SUVs in general, they're good for just about anything. Power, space, off road capability, etc.

Nope, even the 3rd gen V6 was rated for 183HP/217lb./ft. That's weak sauce. Today, 4 cylinders are making more power than that. You can't even get out of your own way with 217 lb/ft of torque in a 4x4. The pre-2003 Toyota trucks were absolutely pathetic in the engine category.

I wouldn't call the 3.4 pathetic. Sure, it can't touch a 4th gen's power without a TRD supercharger installed, but that's one of the most reliable engines every made. I drove my buddy's 2003 Tacoma with the 3.4 and it's no slouch, obviously nothing close to the power of the 4.7 but I wasn't complaining.

 

[Robb235]

What do MPGs look like with 3.4 vs. 4.0? Vs. 4.7?

 

[fo'dilly]

I still miss my 96 sr5 4wd, i was just saying the other day how it just felt less fragile than the 4g, like it was ready to go anywhere. I think Ill feel different once I get my 05 lifted and little more armor underneath but 3g will always be special to me and can understand why someone would go back to one

 

[Martinjmpr]

What do MPGs look like with 3.4 vs. 4.0? Vs. 4.7?

Can't speak for the V8 but I owned 2 3.4s (2004 Tacoma/5 speed and 1999 4runner/auto) and the 3.4/auto combo was around 15-17 in the city and 18-21 on the highway if you were on a smooth road and kept your speed between 55 and 65. The 5 speed got better MPG than the slushbox by about 2-3 mpg.

I'm currently averaging around 18 in my 4.0/4x4 4th gen, but you have to consider that I have a separate DD and most of the time when we are in my 4runner we are pulling a 1,000lb trailer.

That's the reason I went from a 3rd gen to a 4th. The additional power of the 4.0 was needed to pull the trailer. Also the 3rd gen got terrible MPG when towing (as low as 10 - 11 MPG and this is NOT a heavy trailer) and combined with the puny gas tank, that made me want to switch.

Overall I'm very happy with the 4th gen. It's definitely not as off-road capable out of the box but it's pretty decent. About the only thing I miss about my 3rd gen is the floor-mounted 4wd shifter but OTOH the multi-mode 4wd is awesome.

3rd gens biggest drawback IMO is lackluster MPG + undersized gas tank made for very short range. 4th gen with its 23 gallon tank is a considerable improvement. I can get over 400 miles on a tank even if I'm pulling a trailer.

 

[TFJ-4runner]

I've owned a 96 on 33's and a 2000 on 35's and the biggest thing for me was the power. Sure to some it's not a big issue but it being a daily requires situations where having power is a huge plus. I love the interior of my 2003 much better and the power of the V8 is just amazing. I feel the 4th gens were not built as well and look less attractive. I have debated going back to a third due to less electronics and a more simple platform to work with. IMO the third will always be the best all around generation 4runner.

 

[JME476]

What do MPGs look like with 3.4 vs. 4.0? Vs. 4.7?

3.4 got around 15-17 MPG overall for me with 4 Speed Automatic. I did get around 16-18 MPG with it before I switched to the Pirelli ATR's, interestingly enough. I'm now getting 16.2 with the 4.7 V8 according to the display. I do mixed driving. Haven't gone on a long highway trip though with the V8 yet. Am anxious to see if it improves at all.

 

[tony_4r]

I have owned a 2nd, 3rd and now a 4th gen. I loved the 3rd gen, but one day after a long trip up north towing the boat I decided it was time to get one with more power, which made the 4th gen V8 a no brainer.
I posted this thread sometime ago, http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/122234-2008-4runner-vs-1999-4runner.html.
There you can see side-by-side pictures. The 3rd gen has much more clearance and better looks. The tires of the 3rd gen stick out more, which makes it a lot better looking. I added the FJ wheels to my 4th gen which moved the tires about 1/2" outwards. This helps a little, but still is not that good looking. I also fixed the issue of the lacking plug outlets by adding two under the stereo. Another difference is that underneath the 3rd gen's plates are stronger than the 4th gen.
I sometimes miss driving the manual transmission, but the auto of the 4th gen brings some benefits, specially in traffic. It is more difficult to drive and hold a cell or map with manual. Even using hands free I still had to dial. However, the auto is much better when backing the boat on my steep driveway.
Benefits of the 4th gen: the V8 has a lot more power (torque) which I need to tow my boat. The more power also gives you a lot better acceleration. I love to hit the pedal to the metal as I get into the highway. The ride on the street is also better.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I'm now getting 16.2 with the 4.7 V8 according to the display.

You aren't getting 16.2 if the only thing that is showing 16.2 is the "lie-o-meter" on the dash.

Mine runs consistenly 2 mpg high. If yours is like mine your actual MPG is between 14 and 15.