Things I like about 3rd Generation 4Runners

[txclimber]

I used to work for a Toyota dealer it was explained as 4 Door Runabout just as the MR2 is a Midship runabout 2 door. Toyota has weird reasoning for naming.

To add my own why I love 3rd gens to the list, the ball chiller, that little A/C vent righy at crotch level below the steering wheel. Plus I LOVE my 5 speed.

I call BS on this one. I think you've been had. All 1st gens are 2-door and still called 4runners, however all 1st gens are 4-wheel drive. If I were to venture a guess, I'd think the drive train has more to do with it.

 

[AZ4Running]

Very reliable and long lasting. Easy to work on. Capable off road in stock form. Lots of aftermarket support. Good size without being overly large.

 

[SURF RUNNER]

I enjoy locating hard to find parts such as Stellar Blue sport hoods and finally getting them installed. I also have a Hilux Surf Field Monitor that was shipped from Japan ready to be installed. These hard to find options make owning a 3rd Gen 4Runner exciting.

 

[slides]

The cheap price for parts (coming from BMW's) and also how easy it is to maneuver.

 

[Kryptoroxx]

The cheap price for parts (coming from BMW's) and also how easy it is to maneuver.

You might be the first to say cheap parts for toyota OEM lol!

I would like to add that while it is very capable off road you can drive it in front of a nice restaurant and no one will give you the stink eye. It's a very elegant looking vehicle even today.

 

[SURF RUNNER]

Lately I have been enjoying my heated seats!

 

[LookAtThatDog]

Their neck snapping acceleration! :jk:

I just like how there's so many of them on the road in such great condition. There's 3 in my work parking lot and 2 different ones at my apartment complex.

 

[Jdog]

Best part other then the locking rear diff, is when its too hot to roll down the back window is pointing the ball chiller vent wedding tackle way and this could just be me but getting a little O face going. Love the 4runner!

 

[96LTDrus]

For me it's just the perfect utility vehicle that is decent enough on gas for my short commute, and rides and handles good enough for long road trips. I think the key to this for me was keeping it more or less stock and not getting crazy with the tires. I don't do crazy rock crawling with it, but on some of the more rutted trails I've taken it on something like a Subaru would have felt a bit fragile and I'd worry about smashing the oil pan. The general ruggedness and simplicity of the truck and how it's built. The way the Hino-developed V6 makes power and how long it lasts. The widespread availability of parts. Our dogs love the lowering rear window. The simple and purposeful styling and the chromed steel bumpers on my '96. It looks incredibly capable with the stock ground clearance and tires, without having to look outlandishly aggressive like a lot of modern SUVs (2014 4runner comes to mind).

I could gush about it all day :bigok:

 

[T4R2014]

Coil springs on all four corners. The 5VZ makes very nice noise.

On a side note, does anyone have details on the 5VZ being developed with the help of Hino? I hear it floating around with zero evidence.

 

[S2KMR]

Very clean ride. And I agreed about the heated seat.

Lately I have been enjoying my heated seats!