I would LOVE to see this option on the 4 Runner

[Iman74]

I do not care for GMC trucks, but this option is really helpful. I can see this taking away the need for a pickup truck, and giving more air for those hot summer days when you want to let your hair blow. What's the chances of Toyota using this? Or is it patented?

 

[mike_d]

remember, if GM designed it, it'll probably break right after the warrenty is out and it'll be a huge safety factor. i don't know how comfortable i'd be with a huge glass roof.

 

[Iman74]

That's why I am saying do you think "Toyota" will come up with their own version of this idea? I know for the serious off roaders this is something you do not want in case of rollovers. So make it something that is not on all models, but as an option.

 

[Bluto]

Rather unconventional and innovative.

If something like it becomes widely available from many manufactures I think Toyota would consider it to be competitive.

It looks like a leaky, rattle prone, noisy, heavy, unstructural feature having some usefulness and a :bandito: factor.

 

[Iman74]

I am willing to bet that a lot of people said the samething when the sunroof then after the moonroof came out.

 

[Bluto]

I am willing to bet that a lot of people said the samething when the sunroof then after the moonroof came out.

Until there is a market demand, I think Toyota is too conservative to do it.

It would be great if Toyota added a power-sliding roof option. But it would take a lot of investment from Toyota to maintain their safety and quality standards. Plus it would have to be profitable.

I didn't see any advertising from GMC regarding changes in structural rigidity or cabin noise. However, the majority of consumers don't care anway.

The sliding roof kind of functions like a midsize Avalanche with a fixed cap. GMC does have some experience with the midgate design. I wonder what the next S-10 will be like?

Maybe Toyota will bring back the removable hard top on the 4Runners.

 

[Guest]

That kind of thing is typical GM. They make something overthought, overwrought and unreliable.
The midgate idea sucks too, imo. You can only have a full length bed if it's nice out, not cold or hot, it's not a messy load or otherwise don't want the inside of the truck dirty or uncomfortable? That sounds stupid to me.
Haul a bunch of dirt or gravel and get it jammed in the midgate and there is no easy way to rinse it out without risking wetting down the interior.

I also don't understand how opening the rear roof is practical for an SUV? I guess if you carry alot of trees but you can always lay them on their side for more stable transport. You have tons of moving parts, leaks, rattles, electric motors, huge weight penalty for not alot of benefit.

Simple works best. Get an SUV or get a pickup. You try to mix the two and you get impractical. I don't want to flip down the rear seats alot much less a whole midgate thing. What if it rains on you? I guess you drive around with a giant hole in behind you?

 

[HiluxSurfBMX]

My Dad just traded in his 2001 Chevy Full SizeTruck for a 2004 Tacoma!! Smart guy hu?
He vows to never own a GM again!!!

 

[Iman74]

My Dad just traded in his 2001 Chevy Full SizeTruck for a 2004 Tacoma!! Smart guy hu?
He vows to never own a GM again!!!

:bigok: The reason was???

 

[HiluxSurfBMX]

Because for some unknown reason it kept stalling on him. He'd go for a 15 minute drive on a hot day and presto, it would stall leaving him stranded on the side of the road untill it cooled off. He brought it to 3 different GM dealers and they all said nothing was wrong!!! Finaly he took it to a Cadilac dealership and they told him something at least. "Change the gas cap" He had an aftermarket locking gas cap. So he put the stock one back on and do you think that fixed the problem?
HELL NO, but at least he could drive for 30 minutes! He tried one more time to go to a GM dealership and diagnose the problem with the stock gas cap. The said "We can't find anything. Everything is normal." So with that he drove down to the road to the Toyota dealership and drove out in a new Tacoma!!
Like I said, smart guy hu?

 

[crmartin9]

Personally, I'm not such a big fan of the roll-off roof like on the GM, but I would certainly be intrigued by the expansive moonroof that Subaru now offers on their Forresters. Of course, you still need to address some of the same structural and safety issues that others brought up, particularly for a off-road capable vehicle like the 4Runner.

 

[PA 4Runner]

It probably be cheaper & safer to hook up a trailer to a 4Runner.