Your favorite year?
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trd_4runnin
New member
I voted for the 99s. I wish Toyota had made like a 98.5 that included the interior redesign of the 99+ but without the fat-lip bumper. I wouldn't mind having the multi-mode xcase as long as I still had 2HI. I was torn between the 98 and 99 but went with 99 because it would be easier and probably cheaper to get rid of the things about the 99 that I didn't like (bumper is really all) than to add all the things I did like to the 98 (interior, headlights..).
david_ray320
New member
I'm on the same page as other people in this thread: Like the '99+ interior redesigns but not the biggest fan of the fat-lip bumper.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Toyota got it right in '99.
Highlander model,locker and the plastic skinny flares (which by the next year were the widebody Limited flares on the Highlander/Sport models) came together for me after I sold my '97.
Plus '99 simply upgraded all the deficiencies of the '96-98 models especially the cupholder redesign along with the headlamps,digital odo,multi power outlets,auto up AND down front windows among others.
I like the fatlip bumper and lower valence with integrated foglights.
Highlander model,locker and the plastic skinny flares (which by the next year were the widebody Limited flares on the Highlander/Sport models) came together for me after I sold my '97.
Plus '99 simply upgraded all the deficiencies of the '96-98 models especially the cupholder redesign along with the headlamps,digital odo,multi power outlets,auto up AND down front windows among others.
I like the fatlip bumper and lower valence with integrated foglights.
Clemsonfan15
New member
I like my '98. I have the '99+ headlights, normal bumpers,and nice wide flares. The only thing I really wanna change now is the cup holders, but it's not that big of a deal.
peter78
Super Moderator
Lets see:
I give points to 2001 for getting VSC, but they lost the stick shift. I also like the 01 tail lights.
I give points for Consumer Reports gving the 2000 4 cyl 4Runner as the most reliable car for 2000, out of all the brands made. I also like the bright red.
99 had the big changes they were important, also Consumer Reports listed the 4Runner as the third most reliable car. When we were looking for a used 4Runner, I tried to get a 99. I decided to get a 04 and give the 01 to my Son, so that sloved that. It also had that red color. So, I guess I would give the 99 the nod, plus you could get a 4 cyl, stick shift. no power windows if you wanted, all the way up to a limited with leather. New safety items, cup holders, what is not to like. 99 wins. Except for green, that was one ugly color.
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I give points to 2001 for getting VSC, but they lost the stick shift. I also like the 01 tail lights.
I give points for Consumer Reports gving the 2000 4 cyl 4Runner as the most reliable car for 2000, out of all the brands made. I also like the bright red.
99 had the big changes they were important, also Consumer Reports listed the 4Runner as the third most reliable car. When we were looking for a used 4Runner, I tried to get a 99. I decided to get a 04 and give the 01 to my Son, so that sloved that. It also had that red color. So, I guess I would give the 99 the nod, plus you could get a 4 cyl, stick shift. no power windows if you wanted, all the way up to a limited with leather. New safety items, cup holders, what is not to like. 99 wins. Except for green, that was one ugly color.
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i picked 02' because i like the '99 and ups cosmetically. And the '02 has the most cosmetic upgrades from the '96. Yea the bumper looks a little odd but the clear headlights, foglights, crystal tails, and grill look better than '96-'98.
i think my dream 4runner would be the cream white sport edition or whatever the little diamond badge is on the front doors.
i think my dream 4runner would be the cream white sport edition or whatever the little diamond badge is on the front doors.
shootmymime
New member
99, just because it had a better footing on the ground than my 96, such as locker and a bit better differentials
gptoy96
New member
'96!
Ya sure there came to be some good features in the later years, but something about the original 3rd gen (might be a bit biased).
Simple enough so there's less things to break (never had problems with my old slider heater control) no electronic nannies to wreck the fun (other than ABS), but still cool things like the locker, available 5speeds.
That's my vote.
Ya sure there came to be some good features in the later years, but something about the original 3rd gen (might be a bit biased).
Simple enough so there's less things to break (never had problems with my old slider heater control) no electronic nannies to wreck the fun (other than ABS), but still cool things like the locker, available 5speeds.
That's my vote.
ChildrenOfBodom
Moderator
99-
taller stock springs, headlights, bumper, interior and LCD odo. many other little things, but the 02 grille and LED tails = god.
taller stock springs, headlights, bumper, interior and LCD odo. many other little things, but the 02 grille and LED tails = god.
I put 2000, but it's a toss up between 99 and 2000. I just like the interior upgrades on both of them and they are the last years you can get a manual. I do like the non fat lip that the 96-98's had though. I wish back in 2002 when I went to buy a 4Runner that I went and looked for a used 2000 4Runner instead of just walking off in disgust after the dealer told me the manual tranny was discontinued. To this day, I'm still trying to find a low km one that is affordable.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
It's a tossup between '99 and '00 for me too but the '99 get the nod since it was the only Sport model that had the smaller plastic flares which are a little more off road friendly than the widebody Limited painted flares.
Plus '99 Highlanders were still not that common along with the 2000s but with 4th gens everybody has a Sport Ed and the uniqueness is gone.
Plus '99 Highlanders were still not that common along with the 2000s but with 4th gens everybody has a Sport Ed and the uniqueness is gone.
RonMAIDEN
Super Moderator
Can't compare a 99 to a 00? They are nearly identical and the only years that had the upgrades along with an available 5 speed and rear locker. The only real diff is the Highlander models had different flares from 99 to 00 otherwise they are the same truck otherwise the trim levels stayed consistent.
The '99-'00 models stand alone when compared to the rest of the generation.
The '99-'00 models stand alone when compared to the rest of the generation.
