Many things on this car are faulty. Here's the list of flaws:
1) Extremely uncomfortable.
2) Very bumpy and bouncy ride.
3) Noisy interior.
4) Bad cup holder design.
5) Flimsy.
6) Brakes keep locking up.
7) Throttle keeps wearing out.
8) Sunroof leaks.
9) Inaccessible spark plugs.
10) Wind Noise.
11) Terrible Fuel Economy.
I don't know why I bought this car. It has so many things gone wrong. But it does have a couple good things about it. It's good for hauling stuff around, and it has good steering. That's it, though. I should have gotten an American car. At least they're built well!
While I have to agree with some of the problems you have experienced ie. poor cup holder design, bumpy ride, I have to disagree with the rest. I have had 3 4Runners, two V6 and the latest one a 4cylinder, they all have attained very high mileage and are all still running quite well. I really have to disagree with the inaccesible spark plugs, I can change them blindfolded in the V6 or the 4banger. I have heard of others who get poor gas mileage, but I haven't experienced this, though I will say the V6 gets better gas mileage than the 4 cyl-I am not familiar with 4Runners with automatic tranny, but my brother has one and says the gas mileage isn't terrific. Overall I have never driven more reliable vehicles, I have owned every type of car and SUV imaginable.
I can't believe you actually think that American cars are built better than a Toyota. American cars used to be good, if not great cars. Those days are long gone. If you think Toyota's are high maintenance cars, you should AVOID completely any contact with American cars, unless you purchase some old car from the 70's. Anyway, it's nice to see that American car companies still have some loyal customers. People like you will keep the "big" three from going out of business.
If you're considering domestic, check out the forums on Jeep Grand Cherokee. I've had 10 Cherokees, the 2000 GC will be my last. Chrysler has ruined a great vehicle.
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