What's your favorite thing about your 4Runner?

[Maritimer]

Close runner ups-- it isn't based on an FWD platform (it's actually a truck... is that so hard other companies?) and it's got a solid rear axle unlike the pathfinder.

I'm getting very tired of seeing CUVs. Good call. :trophy:

 

[larrylegend]

My favorite thing is the versatility. As others have said it is (to me at least) the perfect combination of off road ability, on road manners, good looks, reliablity and style. I really don't know of another vehicle that combines all of these features in such a way as the 4runners do.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I love that I can wheel in 100+ degree weather and idle all day long climbing over everything I point it at and the cab stays a wonderful 70 degrees and I never sweat and neither does the runner :bigok: Best AC and cooling system I have ever had in a runner of other generations.

Interesting that you point that out. When I was in Kuwait in 2004 the locals always praised the "Toyota air conditioning" over any others. When summer temps can typically top 125 degrees and there's not a cloud in the sky nor a spot of shade to be found, that's important. We had a couple of older-generation Prados that had the 3.4 V6 and they were great to drive. Even in the hottest weather they'd cool down quickly!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Reliability and the fact it goes pretty far off road in stock trim and doesn't need a lift to fit bigger tires under it. Plus the design is still holding up well after 14 years.
My Runner still gets compliments from just your average Joes from time to time and not just Toyota enthusiasts.

 

[Martinjmpr]

As for me, in no particular order:

1. Looks. Every now and then, a manufacturer gets a vehicle "just right." IMO the 3rd gen 4runner is one of the most aesthetically pleasing vehicles made in recent years. It looks even better if you pull the running boards off and put slightly oversized tires like my 265/75/16s. It just looks "balanced" without having any gaudy or unnatural aspects to it. No huge D pillar like so many vehicles, and just overall a very pleasing 'shape.' I sometimes find myself just staring at my 4runner, I think it's the only 4 wheeled vehicle I've done that with!

2. Attention to detail. The thing I love about my 4runner are all the "little things" that you wouldn't neccessarily miss if they weren't on there, but you really appreciate since they are: The 3 power outlets in the dash (and 1 in the cargo compartment; the power windows that are auto up as well as auto down; the little thing that shuts off the lights if you take the key out of the ignition with the headlights on (keeps you from draining the battery); the split folding seats that allow you to get full access of the cargo compartment on one side and still have a passenger on the other side; roll down rear window; little tool compartment in the right rear side panel; the little 'mini' compartment on top of the console lid (great for discount cards, pens, etc); the rear-seat heater (wish it was also a rear-seat AC though); the little storage holes for the back-seat headrests; and probably a few other little things I haven't thought of.

3. Big things like the rear diff lock, manual 4wd system with J-shifter, tall suspension with 5-link rear, and nice polished aluminum wheels. I would include in this the fact that it's "off road capable" right out of the box with no mods neccessary (other than bigger tires.)

4. Best of all: That legendary Toyota reliability. Gives me total confidence in my truck even though it's got nearly 130,000 miles on it now.

 

[topdown4runner]

There's a reason we have 2 of the 3rd gens, not including the parts truck.
Damn, they look great! Drive great, are reliable as all get out, safe, etc....

All of the previously mentioned attributes plus more if I were imaginative enough to think of them.

 

[GottaBeTRD]

I love the window options! i press down and they go down without holding it, i press up they both go up without holding it! also that i can take my keys out and if i forget to close my windows i repat the above!
and of course everything else that people have said, i havn't been stuck yet and i don't have to knock on wood either!

 

[cfranck1]

I love the window options! i press down and they go down without holding it, i press up they both go up without holding it! also that i can take my keys out and if i forget to close my windows i repat the above!
and of course everything else that people have said, i havn't been stuck yet and i don't have to knock on wood either!

Don't forget the "Pinch Protection" too on those auto up windows!

I still say the best feature it has for me is the roll down back window! :hatsoff:

 

[brian2sun]

I still say the best feature it has for me is the roll down back window! :hatsoff:

Although I have to say the 2nd gen has the 3rd totally beat on that and only that feature. Their back windows roll into the tailgate and then the tailgate flips down. I have no idea why Toyota changed that awesome feature along with no more factory tire swing-aways for the 3rd gen. I miss being able to put mattresses or long boards in the back without having the leave the hatch 1/2 open and bungied-tied down. Everything else about my old 2nd gen pales in comparison to the 3rd gen tho.

 

[4-Ripcord]

The back window and the placement of the clock. The clock on the same year of tacoma is right where the key ignition is on 4runners (taco's have a column ignition). That's why I sold my taco for a 4runner.. and 4wd.

 

[Nelsonmd]

The back window and the placement of the clock. The clock on the same year of tacoma is right where the key ignition is on 4runners (taco's have a column ignition). That's why I sold my taco for a 4runner.. and 4wd.

You sold your taco because of the clock position? Dude.

 

[rjaudi]

I love the size. I dont need a huge SUV as I am usually the only person in the vehicle. I will keep this car for along time simply because after the 3rd gen SUV's are getting either bigger or turning into some crossover. I also like the road manners and interior. I sold my IS300 and bought the 4runner. I have never regretted that decision.

 

[Deceptiwave]

It's a 4x4 toyota built on a truck frame and it never lets me down even when I do stupid useless mods to it just because I think they would be cool.
Thats about it...

 

[Maritimer]

I sometimes find myself just staring at my 4runner, I think it's the only 4 wheeled vehicle I've done that with!

I love doing this. There's something so truck about it, but it just isn't--it's so much more. The lines and angles are awesome. Beautiful rigs. The windshield is awesome to behold, as well. Vertical and simple.

 

[MillerPKA]

You still trying or did you decide to keep her?

Unsure right now. I redid the rear drums and shoes recently, its hard to sell after doing stuff like that, makes you beat yourself up more about the money lost. That and I get close to 30 compliments a day up here, I hate being egotistical about the truck but damn its a good feeling

 

[t4r4life]

Unsure right now. I redid the rear drums and shoes recently, its hard to sell after doing stuff like that, makes you beat yourself up more about the money lost. That and I get close to 30 compliments a day up here, I hate being egotistical about the truck but damn its a good feeling

when my runner grows up it want to be just like yours

 

[brian2sun]

Unsure right now. I redid the rear drums and shoes recently, its hard to sell after doing stuff like that, makes you beat yourself up more about the money lost. That and I get close to 30 compliments a day up here, I hate being egotistical about the truck but damn its a good feeling

Damn 30 a day!?! You can't sell that thing! Yours is probably one of the most well-known modded 3rd gens in the world dude, seriously. Maybe the most. Bring that thing back to CA so we can see it in person!

 

[96743runner]

The fact that it's really well-built and wasn't built half ass from the factory like my Tacoma! Damn Taco already had lots of surface rust underneath (made the dealer fix it), radio screen crapped out, water spot stains on the roof, etc. But anyway, the 4Runner is kinda like a brother to me. Sounds weird I know, but my parents got it when it was brand new and it was always there as far back as I can remember during my younger years.

 

[LINY4Runner]

I sometimes find myself just staring at my 4runner, I think it's the only 4 wheeled vehicle I've done that with!

I do this CONSTANTLY!

I like the Auto Up and Down windows, the roll down rear window is so clutch, all the little compartments and such that we take for granted.

I just love this damn truck.

Yours is probably one of the most well-known modded 3rd gens in the world dude, seriously. Maybe the most.

Definitely!

 

[fightman80]

I like how sick they look lifted! Also big fan of the storage capabilities, and the fact that it's built like a truck!