The only issue I have had is the MP3 CD player. It seems to stop randomly after several hours of playing. Possibly due to overuse after several hours with the heater on.
All around excellent vehicle. 4WD system is fantastic and they look great.
Tires and rims are kind of an odd size which will somewhat limit your options for replacement or winter rubber.
I have been hand calculating the fuel economy and I get approx 18MPG in the city and 23MPG in the highway. The truck is still breaking in and I just just changed the oil to synthetic, so I believe it is possible to still improve 1MPG or so. These numbers aren't fantastic, but just as good as some "car" based SUVs like Subaru's and even Toyota's Highlander.
The V6 is very torquey and entirely adequate for the vehicle. The only reason I would consider a V8 is if you are towing a large trailer often. Also be aware that if you select a V8 4X4, the transfer case is automatically the "inferior" Full time transfer case. the V6 transfer case give you the option of full time if you desire it, in addition to a 2WD mode to save a bit on fuel economy and wear and tear. It boggles my mind as to why Toyota doesn't offer that in the V8.
Only other possible design flaw that comes to mind is the transfer case has no Neutral setting.
These vehicles are not cheap, but they hold their value exceptionally well and are amongst the top rated vehicles you can buy (car, truck, whatever) for overall reliability.
No neutral setting means you have no low gear setting?? If you do, it means that low gear is driven by the viscous coupling (Jeep 1973 design). Drawback is off-road capability, which is not a concern with the 4Runner, since it is not designed for hardcore use. Go for the Land Cruiser if you are looking for a true 4X4 capable of competing with Rovers and Jeeps. Unfortunatly, only african models, up to the task, are available were Jeep patents are not violated.
Be happy to own the sum of Western Technology in one vehicle!
Overall this is a terrific vehicle. I have the 2007 SR5 model and it is as solid as a bank vault. If you're listening Toyota, a few things should have been standard. Automatic headlights should have been included. I haven't driven a car in ten years that didn't have them and with the dash lights on at night I keep forgetting to turn the lights on. Also, illuminated window switches would have been a low cost nice extra. For a $40K car these little extras would have been nice. So far I am pleased with the vehicle and getting almost double the mileage I was with my old Jeep Grand Cherokee.
An answer to the Cherokee of the 80's. Side to side, a 4Runner makes a Cherokee look like a wagon.
Specialized off-road publications rank it last because of poor suspension articulation, lack of torque and general momentum over obstacles.
Front and rear axles are prone to break, AT to overheat or manual to burn clutch. OHC to oil starvation and blowing head gasket. They also tend to rust on body stress point. They are body filler champion up north. With a 3.0 L and the 4.88 axle ratio, this rig is geared for a snow storm with no other pretension.
A Liberty with a much lower ground clearance will tackle the Rubicon with ease. Let's call it a suburb SUV with a look to compete without the competence.
Great look! IFS front suspension is by nature an anti-off-road design. Therefore you are the only one to believe that you can match a sagging Jeep grocery getter.. Not to mention overrated HP...
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