1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 from North America

Summary:

200K here I come - Reliable SUV

Faults:

The antenna motor failed at 120,000 miles. This seems common.

The rear suspension was subject to a recall - the bump-stops were replaced with shorter versions, and the springs were also replaced at 100,000 miles.

The starter needed to be rebuilt when it freaked out at about 110,000 miles. My mechanic and dealer said this was also common.

The brake rotors are subject to warping - I'm installing my third set of front brakes; about 50K per set it seems like. I notice the warping at around 20-25K and it gets progressively worse.

The air conditioner died at some point, and was cheaply fixed at 65K. A belt was slipping.

The rear seatbelt is subject to getting caught in the mechanism that holds the rear-seat backs in place against the pillar - one belt is frayed due to this. Later versions of the 4Runner fixed this problem.

General Comments:

This is a great SUV, with just enough power and extremely reliable. I'm on the original clutch at 163,000 miles and still going strong. The gas mileage ranges from 18-21, depending on use. It feels like it will comfortably go another 100K miles, and probably more.

Unexpected maintenance costs are low - the antenna fix was relatively cheap, as were the other issues with the truck. Highly recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th August, 2003

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4 V6 from North America

Summary:

Over all A Good Quality SUV!!!

Faults:

When I bought the car the antenna Motor and a few little dents needed to be fixed and the dealership did it all free of charge. A few months after I had one minor problem with the starter it would randomly work. I had the dealership rebuild it for $50. I haven't had a problem since. Unlike My old Blazer, I did a bunch of repairs to it before I sold it. The blazer just liked to leak Trans fluid, Motor Oil, and Coolant! The Toyota Hasn't leaked a Drop!

General Comments:

I love my 4Runner. It handles like a Car with the Power of a truck. Its 4Weeling & suspension system are unmatched by Domestic Trucks\SUV, and it sets so much higher than the blazer. The only thing I don't really like about it is the Cup holder and the Gas Mileage. I was getting closer to 21MPG in the blazer and I get about 17MPG in the Toyota. The blazers engine is a 4.3L V6 and the Toyota Engine is a 3.4 V6. You would think that the smaller engine would get better gas, but not so. But a small price to pay to vs. fixing it all of the time. Great Truck, Highly Recommended!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd April, 2003

1997 Toyota 4Runner SR5 from North America

Summary:

A good looking vehicle that performs nicely

Faults:

The power antennae became stripped and would not go up or down. We purchased a new antenna and changed it out ourselves. It now works fine.

The water pump recently developed a leak and is leaving a puddle of coolant everywhere we go. It is getting replaced at a dealership to a tune of $500.

General Comments:

I always considered the Toyota 4-runner my ideal car. I like the bodystyle and the vehicle clearance makes it ideal for off-road.

The lumbar support has very limited adjustment, which makes long trips uncomfortable.

The seat belts do not retract and are always getting caught in the door when shut.

The 4-runner can turn on a dime and is great for maneuvering out of tight spots.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st January, 2003

1997 Toyota 4Runner Limited V6 from North America

Summary:

A bumpy, expensive ride

Faults:

Sunroof constantly leaked and had to be repaired every 5 months. Had to be completely replaced, along with the roof lining once because of mildew.

Have had to replace shocks twice a year for the past three years, and have also had to replace struts multiple times.

The CD 3-disc changer has broken and had to be replaced twice.

General Comments:

Extremely uncomfortable ride. Does not absorb even normal road bumps.

Cup holder very inconvenient. Drinks spill with minor bumps, and block view of clock in dash.

Looks nice from the outside.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 18th December, 2002

10th Dec 2003, 18:23

Good grief Charlie Brown! There should be no reason to replace shocks on a 4-Runner twice a year. You are either getting scammed, using ultra cheap shocks, or you live on the moon. Quit messing around and put Bilstein shocks in that rig. I put them in my '95 when the stock ones wore out and have been a happy camper ever since.

3rd Jun 2005, 21:58

You complain about the ride being bumpy a lot of that has to deal with your tires. Maybe you should put some Continental or Perrelli tires on it. On any car you shouldn't have to change the shocks no more that maybe twice through out the vehicles life time, and if it's 4x4 it will ride a little bit more stiff.

4th Nov 2006, 04:04

You probably are not a 4x4 fan. Maybe you have to quit and stick to salon cars. Changing shocks once a year means you are just driving hard in some remote part of Africa, Shocks are ment to last so watch your driving style.

30th Dec 2006, 20:24

I am still using the stock shock and perfectly fine. I do not even see any obvious wear and tear by the shock. You definitely being scammed or you are not suitable for SUV. Even cheap shocks will last you a long long time.

18th Feb 2009, 21:01

I had a sunroof on my old Corolla... if you read the sunroof manual, it tells you to get it serviced every now and then, because the drain tubes get plugged... I ripped out my headliner because of mildew, but it could have been avoided by shooting compressed air down the drain tubes... which are usually easy to get to in the front of the sunroof frame, but the ones in the back are tricky.

Hope that helps.

In reply to 10th Dec 2003, 18:23

4th Feb 2022, 00:53

Always go with Bilstein.