Other SUVs you've owned compared to your 4runner

[rebelbowtie]

I had a Jeep TJ with the 6 speed and 4.0 and loved it. Drove around most of the year with no doors- awesome. Never had a problem with it-sold it when first kid was on the way.

My wife owned a GMC Envoy and she loved it. I thought it was OK. The 4.2 inline 6 was silky smooth and it had 4:10 gears so it ran pretty good. As soon as the warranty expired the front diff started leaking. Then the power steering pump went out. Then the thing started randomly engaging 4wd at speed; 50+ MPH and bang bang BANG, that was fun. Both rear power window motors broke with the windows down- THE SAME DAY. Talk about planned obsolescence! I took the door panels apart and discovered that the windows were operated by a steel cable that wound around a plastic drum. Plastic drums both chewed to hell. I cut the cables, pulled the windows up, wrapped the cables around a self tapping screw in the door, to hold the window up, and sold it to Carmax.

Bye Bye GM.

That is a great story, I feel bad for Carmax and the next buyer!!!

 

[JDSupreme]

when i was 18ish i had a '96 eddie bauer exploder. nice and comfy, but started to fall apart around 100k. so i sold it and bought a '92 celica gt and pocketed a couple grand :car:

 

[Zulu95]

We had a 1996 Explorer Limited V8 for 15 years that was replaced by the 4Runner. Very little trouble and a great vehicle. We still miss it and I wish the 4Runner had the headroom the Explorer had even with the sunroof.
2001 BMW X5 3.0L. If I could mate this with the 4Runner and produce a beast that drove like the X5 and had the room and comfort with the Toyota reliability what a beast that would be!

 

[JET4]

2006 Honda Element, loved it but couldn't lift it. Trades it for my 2007 4runner. Wife liked my 4runner she wanted one. Sold her 2001 Honda Prelude and bought her a 2005 4runner. My daughter has the 1999 4runner I had.

 

[RPS13]

We had a 1996 Explorer Limited V8 for 15 years that was replaced by the 4Runner. Very little trouble and a great vehicle. We still miss it and I wish the 4Runner had the headroom the Explorer had even with the sunroof.
2001 BMW X5 3.0L. If I could mate this with the 4Runner and produce a beast that drove like the X5 and had the room and comfort with the Toyota reliability what a beast that would be!

I was considering an E53 X5 along with the 4Runner, but I felt like it was an even worse version than the E39 5 series I owned that it's based on. It's such a PITA trying to keep an aging BMW running in ok condition. The people who don't constantly get stuff fixed on them consider a car with 25%+ of the crap on it broken at any one time "reliable."


I owned 2 Jeep Grand Chrokee's. A 93 I6 and a '98 V8 Limited. Both were total POS, and had tons of reliability problems throughout their life. It was one thing after another. Those two vehicles really ruined me on American vehicles forever, as they made my later BMWs look reliable (which is hard to do). At least the German cars offer a good driving experience, most American cars drive like crap and are about as reliable.

I also considered an R51 Nissan Pathfinder, but I didn't like the seating position or how floppy the suspension felt. Plus they have some pretty big reliability problems all around the vehicle compared to a 4th gen 4Runner.

 

[preacher35]

I've had a '94 Nissan 4x4 truck (who cares) followed by a 2000 Xterra:

The Xterra was underpowered, but tougher than hell and very reliable. Offroad it was extremely capable stock. However, once I beefed up the suspension, and armored it, I became emotionally involved. Running 33's on it proved to be expensive at the pump. I ended up selling it to my nephew who still has it today (the little shit doesn't take care of it). In 2011, I purchased a GMC Acadia for the wife. (sorry, not worth waisting time for a pic). This "SUV" (read glorified station wagon) is huge piece of American crap. I have had nothing but problem after problem and cannot wait for the day that we get rid of it. In fact, as I type this, it sits in the driveway with a dead battery as it keeps losing charge over night due to some mysterious electrical "leakage". The wife has given me the green light to prep it for selling so that we can get a low mileage '09 T4R V8 to sit next to our '05 V6.

 

[WXman]

SUVs, in order:

2005 Jeep Liberty CRD
1992 Jeep Wrangler 2.5
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 3.8
2012 Jeep Wranger Unlimited 3.6

This doesn't include my wife's 2004 Jeep Liberty 3.7 or 2006 Jeep Commander 3.7

As you can see, I've been a die hard Chrysler guy for many years. This current 2004 4Runner is my first Toyota ever.

As far as comparison.. The Liberty CRDs are unmatchable in the power department obviously. That last one had the engine tune done on it and everything else was stock and it was putting down 370 lb/ft at 1,800 RPM (!). You simply can't touch diesel power with any gas engine. Diesels are THE way to go and it's a shame we don't have more of them here in the states. Kudos to Chrysler for being the only company with balls enough to offer diesels in their lineup.

In terms of fun, you can't beat the new Wrangler Unlimited. Removeable top, 6 speed manual trans, 285 HP V6, and solid axles and both ends. Romp it in the mud, cruise it in town, get to work in the harshest of weather, whatever you want to do it'll do it better than anything else on the market. They also have the highest resale of anything you can buy.

In terms of comfort, it would be a tie between the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2004 4R Limited I have now. The 4R is newer and therefore slightly more modern...but the GC had the most comfortable seating and driver position in it. I could drive the GC on a LONG trip and never get tired. It was almost more simple to work on and maintain...whereas this 4R is a PITA. But comfortwise, both would tie.

In terms of reliability.. That's a tough call. The Jeeps are widely known to go 500,000 easily with proper maintenance. But we've see a few high mileage 4Rs here on the forum as well. I'd say it's a tie. My Chrysler stuff over the years was rock solid dependable. I wouldn't hesitate to ever buy a Jeep or Ram pickup again. My 4R has had a ton of stuff done by the previous owner (who got it new) and I'm still attacking things as I can afford to. So it's certainly not been bulletproof.

In terms of MPGs.. The Liberty CRDs again are the clear winner. I could average 26 MPGs on my daily routine drive. Again, this is diesel power so it's kind of not fair. My 2012 Wrangler would be #2 best. It had 32" tires stock and still averaged 18.5 MPGs on my daily drive. I will give this 4R credit... it's averaging 16.5 MPGs on the same drive with a V8 engine and that's not horrible at all.

 

[rebelbowtie]

One day I will swap in ZJ seats in the XJ

 

[jambone]

1998 Ford Explorer XLT
1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 4x4 (360)
2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 (4.7)
2006 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4wd (4.7)

Loved my Jeeps, but the GC was just not a very durable vehicle. It was made to last just until the warranty expired. It was very comfortable and was great off-road (superior to my T4R in that way), but I'll take my T4R and it's reliability any day.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Owned an 03 4Runner Sport, loved it so much, got an 08 SR5 :fro:

 

[Gatafly]

1988 Bronco II. V6 manual that was super cheap to own. Never had a problem until I sold it. Just put in gas and change oil, filters and plugs. It developed a leak in the tranny at 176k and got the clutch plates coated in oil so it slipped really bad. Hated to get rid of it, but it was getting pretty rusty along with the work needed to the tranny and the wife wanted a car so we sold it.

 

[Mudman4901]

I have had a 79 bronco, 80 bronco, 83 bronco, 93 bronco all fullsize and a lot of wranglers. I still have the 83 and 93 broncos and a 95 wrangler.

Everything was modified and beat offroad so its hard to fairly compare them to the 4runner that never leaves the pavement. The broncos all did well, my biggest issue was with the auto trans on the 93 needing replacement a few times.

My jeeps are just a battle to keep running but I do it just because they are fun to drive. Its a real love hate thing. I hate that they are always broken and need work but they are abused. I am just finishing a complete frame off rebuild on my 95 wrangler so I hope it runs well for a while.

I am really torn on rebuilding one of the broncos or buying a 2013 4runner and modify it. The broncos are great but with two smaller kids I think it would be much easier with the 4 doors of the 4runner than trying to get kids in the back of a lifted 2 door bronco on 35s.

 

[bigskyeric]

SUVs, in order:

2005 Jeep Liberty CRD
1992 Jeep Wrangler 2.5
2005 Jeep Liberty CRD Limited
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 3.8
2012 Jeep Wranger Unlimited 3.6

This doesn't include my wife's 2004 Jeep Liberty 3.7 or 2006 Jeep Commander 3.7

As you can see, I've been a die hard Chrysler guy for many years. This current 2004 4Runner is my first Toyota ever.

As far as comparison.. The Liberty CRDs are unmatchable in the power department obviously. That last one had the engine tune done on it and everything else was stock and it was putting down 370 lb/ft at 1,800 RPM (!). You simply can't touch diesel power with any gas engine. Diesels are THE way to go and it's a shame we don't have more of them here in the states. Kudos to Chrysler for being the only company with balls enough to offer diesels in their lineup.

In terms of fun, you can't beat the new Wrangler Unlimited. Removeable top, 6 speed manual trans, 285 HP V6, and solid axles and both ends. Romp it in the mud, cruise it in town, get to work in the harshest of weather, whatever you want to do it'll do it better than anything else on the market. They also have the highest resale of anything you can buy.

In terms of comfort, it would be a tie between the 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2004 4R Limited I have now. The 4R is newer and therefore slightly more modern...but the GC had the most comfortable seating and driver position in it. I could drive the GC on a LONG trip and never get tired. It was almost more simple to work on and maintain...whereas this 4R is a PITA. But comfortwise, both would tie.

In terms of reliability.. That's a tough call. The Jeeps are widely known to go 500,000 easily with proper maintenance. But we've see a few high mileage 4Rs here on the forum as well. I'd say it's a tie. My Chrysler stuff over the years was rock solid dependable. I wouldn't hesitate to ever buy a Jeep or Ram pickup again. My 4R has had a ton of stuff done by the previous owner (who got it new) and I'm still attacking things as I can afford to. So it's certainly not been bulletproof.

In terms of MPGs.. The Liberty CRDs again are the clear winner. I could average 26 MPGs on my daily routine drive. Again, this is diesel power so it's kind of not fair. My 2012 Wrangler would be #2 best. It had 32" tires stock and still averaged 18.5 MPGs on my daily drive. I will give this 4R credit... it's averaging 16.5 MPGs on the same drive with a V8 engine and that's not horrible at all.

I find it funny how people can have different luck. Out of all those jeeps you never had any issues? My girlfriends parents have a 1997 Grand Cherokee. Blew the first motor at 100k, now it has all but fallen a part completely. They went out and bought an 09 grand cherokee last month. 43k miles. Made it 150 miles down the road and the transmission went into limp mode. Had it towed to find out the transmission had failed.

 

[rebelbowtie]

I find it funny how people can have different luck. Out of all those jeeps you never had any issues? My girlfriends parents have a 1997 Grand Cherokee. Blew the first motor at 100k, now it has all but fallen a part completely. They went out and bought an 09 grand cherokee last month. 43k miles. Made it 150 miles down the road and the transmission went into limp mode. Had it towed to find out the transmission had failed.

The ZJ line of Grand Cherokee is probably the worst Jeep ever made as far as reliability but I am surprised the engine blew up at only 100,000 miles because both v8's and the 4.0 have a very long history of being near bullet proof.

 

[WXman]

I find it funny how people can have different luck. Out of all those jeeps you never had any issues? My girlfriends parents have a 1997 Grand Cherokee. Blew the first motor at 100k, now it has all but fallen a part completely. They went out and bought an 09 grand cherokee last month. 43k miles. Made it 150 miles down the road and the transmission went into limp mode. Had it towed to find out the transmission had failed.

Nope, never had a single major failure of ANY chrysler product. My ZJ had over 100K on it and ran like new. My Dad's '95 had 227,000 and ran like new. And I know a guy with 500K on his. The ZJ was actually the most dependable and quality Grand Cherokee ever made, contrary to what some think. It was way better than the WJ that followed it.

My YJ had 145,000 on the clock when I sold it. Fired up and ran like new.

My last KJ diesel was past 100K when I got rid of it...and it ran like a top. I knew a guy who had traded his KJ CRD in with 172,000 on the clock because it had finally sprung a radiator leak.

Jeeps and Ram trucks are tough as nails and by far the best stuff I've ever driven. The reason I bought this Toyota is because I specifically wanted a mid 2000s SUV that could be bought for under $15K and had the drivetrain I needed to get the work done and the WK Grand Cherokee was the worst model Jeep ever offered in terms of comfort (I'm 6'4") so I went with the Toyota.

I do really love my 4R...just gotta' get the rest of the repairs made (manifolds and CVs and what-not).

 

[yotav8]

99 Gmc yukon 200k

 

[lunchindabox]

I had a 2 door 1988 Pathy that I loved. Paid $1500, dogged it to hell for 2 years and sold for $1800.

I also had a 1998 Pathfinder which held up well except for the suspension and I towed alot with it so I wore it out faster.

I had an 02 x5 with the 4.0 and it was a beast in terms of power and smooth ride.

I've bought about 15-16 of the Lx470's and although I drive each one for only 29 days, they are my favorite. Lots of luxury and lots of power, that's why.

And I used to buy a YJ or TJ every summer, they are decent, but you have to get the 4.0 i6 with a manual trans....

 

[bigskyeric]

I had a 2 door 1988 Pathy that I loved. Paid $1500, dogged it to hell for 2 years and sold for $1800.

I also had a 1998 Pathfinder which held up well except for the suspension and I towed alot with it so I wore it out faster.

I had an 02 x5 with the 4.0 and it was a beast in terms of power and smooth ride.

I've bought about 15-16 of the Lx470's and although I drive each one for only 29 days, they are my favorite. Lots of luxury and lots of power, that's why.

And I used to buy a YJ or TJ every summer, they are decent, but you have to get the 4.0 i6 with a manual trans....

Sold my Xterra for $200 less than i bought it for after a year and 9,000 miles. Think i changed the oil twice and did the front brakes. I gotta say...hearing all the Jeep talk on here about YJs and TJs and all the other Js reminds me of the movie 'Beerfest'.... "if you don't know what it is...you can't afford it"

 

[cdn87]

Had a 1997 Ford Explorer Sport (2 door) 4x4, with 4.0L OHV V6 and Auto trans. Bought in 2004 with 145,000km's, sold in 2010 with 230,000kms then bought the 4Runner.

It was slow, had a crappy ride, it was hard on fuel and required quite a few repairs such as:
Stock radio failed within weeks of owning it (replaced with aftermarket)
Stock rear speakers blew (replaced with aftermarket)
Replaced Alternator twice
Intake Gasket leaked and needed replacing
Front Wheel bearing failed
Ball joint failed both sides
Sway bar end link broke in winter while cornering
Radiator cracked in winter while parked and leaked fluid all over the driveway
Coolant leak at a fitting point developed and need to replace all coolant hoses
Drivers door lock continually froze in the winter
Transfer case needed overhaul
Transmission started slipping while upshifting from 2nd to 3rd until failed while driving (couldnt catch a gear)

I love my 4Runner and recommend it to ANYONE looking for a new car.

 

[ddnww]

02 gmc jimmy diamond edition.
had all the options, pretty nice inside.
loud engine with no power.
barely capable off road.
suspension felt weak like it was gonna break anytime
sold it before it left me stranded..
would never buy another one.