Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
The V6 is good, but still unproven. It is all-aluminum (as in car engine), which is great for saving weight; however, i am not sure about truck duty.
White, titanium, galactic gray, black, impulse red (not available until November order/December delivery), dorado gold, imperial jade, stratosphere blue mica and pacific blue.
Limited:
Same but not available in white (go figure that one), jade green or impulse red.
For this region, here are the breakdowns of what is being ordered:
SR5 4WD: White 7.5%
Titanium 35%
Gray 26%
black 11%
jade 8%
gold 8%
pacific blue 4.5%
Sport 4WD: titanium 45%
gray 32%
black 21%
jade 2%
Limited 4WD: titanium 40%
gray 32%
black 18%
gold 10%
pacific blue 3%
Also new this year is the availability of stone (gray) leather. That will be the color for the titanium, gray and pacific clue. The 18% black breaks down to 13% black/stone and 5% black/ivory and the gold is ivory.
quick question...did toyota ever fully get their 3.4l head gasket problem figured out? just wondering as i'm certainly hoping the new 4.0l engine won't have any of those issues...
And just to clear things up, the Vortec V-6 in the Jimmy/Sonoma/Blazer/S-10/Bavada has never been an in-line, only a V. The in-lines are in the new Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada/Rainier. They're great engines. The older engines vary in horsepower from the pick-ups to the SUVs, and my truck's stock hp was rated at 190, with 250 lbs/ft of torque, but both of those numbers went up after I put a K&N filtercharger on. I don't know what your experience has been, but my truck performs great at highway speeds, enabling me to pass effortlessly on steep mountain grades, driving up to Sedona and passing cars and trucks. I love the torquey feel of the engine; it reminds me of muscle cars. I have never "run out of gas" at highway speeds. My pedal has plenty of room to mash down, if needed.
Look, you shouldn't have to defend your truck. It's a great rig. I just need more power, plain and simple. Now with this new V-6 or V-8 it looks like I'll have my cake and eat it too!
This is a trend I have observed in other models too - it would be nice if they provided more real color choice. Blues and greens, especially darker shades, look really good on the 4Runner, IMO.
To posts on the engine choices: yes, the two engines are not far apart on power or torque ratings, but I bet the way they drive will differ substantially due to the 4-speed vs 5-speed auto trans.
And I agree, on a vehicle where weight is HARDLY a major issue, since it is really heavy either way, why give it an all-aluminum engine, which may have less of Toyota's famous long-term lasting power vs an iron block?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Bottom line is, the 4th gen is going to be a lot faster. However, a lot of these comments about the 3rd gen being "weak" or "gutless" are unfounded. Look at the numbers and compare to other equivalent competitors!
; )
Mackabee
Maybe Toyota needs to make an extended version and call it the Embargodera - let it compete head on with the Excursion, Escalade and Expedition
Steve
Host
SUVs, Vans and Aftermarket & Accessories Message Boards
I'm not saying the 4Runner is a total slug at all, and I ruled out just about every other SUV in '98 when I got my Jimmy, for various reasons. The main reason I ruled out the 4Runner was acceleration, which was also a factor in other trucks too. Plain and simple. "I knows what I knows."
The other reasons were the cramped-feeling interior and goofy joystick shift knob. Now you can bring out all the numbers on dimensions and compare everything on paper, but I'm telling how I felt about the cabin. My main gauge was where my left knee rested. In the Exploder and 4Runner, it was almost straight up and down. In the Grand Cherokee and Jimmy, it was at a slight angle against the door, which was much more comfortable. I know I'm very picky, but when I'm laying down this much cash, I have every right to be.
Again, my point is that I do like the current gen 4Runner A LOT, otherwise I wouldn't have considered it in '98. I'm just expressing my opinion on what it is lacking FOR ME. Once I found out there was a re-design in the works, I became very excited and have been anticipating it's arrival for a long time. With the new engines, and it's stylish looks, I'm here to say it was worth the wait.
Well, at least so far...I can't wait to drive one!
(BTW, BFG A/T tires are not considered "grippie" on dry land...they are all-terrain, with more emphasis on off-roading! Highway-oriented truck tires are a lot more grippy on land. In fact, stock tires are probably more grippy than all-terrains. I have an all-terrain too.)
Subjective is just that, a personal opinion. It is not fact. Therefore, cannot be used for comparison.
Here are some OBJECTIVE DATA: (because i got interested and did a little research)
4Runner (3rd gen): 0-30 = 3.3
5-60 = 10.4
ML320: 0-30 = 3.4
5-60 = 10.2
ML430: 0-30 = 3.1
5-60 = 8.3
LX470 (2002): 0-30 = 3.3
5-60 = 10.4
Discovery (2002): 0-30 = 3.7
5-60 = 11.6
Montero (2002): 0-30 = 3.6
5-60 = 11.9
2003 Range Rover: 0-30 = 3.3
5-60 = 10.3
Pulling onto traffic is similar to doing 0-30, right?? Or maybe, 5-60?? I have already posted 0-60 times.
The above times are from ONE magazine, Car and Driver. So, i guess the LX470, ML320, and NEW Range Rover (with BMW 5-series engine)are "gutless, plain and simple." I think there are a few people out there that will argue you on that point, including me.
And please, no more comparison between your Jimmy and 4Runner...i am just about to puke from laughing to hard!
While I would not go as far as saying that it is gutless it is definitely not very powerful. More noise than raw power. Pulling my 2500lbs boat (fairly light boat) I often wished for more power on the winding back road that goes to the cottage and lake.
That kind of power was fine for me until I drove more powerful vehicle. I quickly realized that my 4Runner was not very powerful.
I recently test drove a 2003 Pathfinder LE. Nice vehicle. It seemed to me to me much more powerful (I did not try a 0-60). I wish that the demo vehicle had a hitch, I would have try to pull my boat on a tough road not far from here.
The added power of the 2003 4Runner will be welcomed as far as I'm concerned. If for some reason the 2003 would have kept the same engine and power I would have looked elsewhere most probably.
V8 SR5 = 55%
V8 SR5 SPORT = 15%
V8 LIMITED = 10%
V8 SR5 4X4 = 5%
V8 SR5 SPORT 4X4 = 5%
V8 LIMITED 4X4 = 10%
ptrsn, I have been trying to figure out the supercharger as my way out of this. Tell me more about your experience. So far, I have the premium fuel factor listed as a negative (but sounds like the new V6 will require it as well). I am familiar with the level10.com site and went through it a while back. Seems to be focused on those really into high-performance and racing - I am hoping that level of engine mods would not be necessary to incorporate the TRD supercharger into a 3rd Gen simply for those desiring the extra HP. At this point, I see inconsistency between what trdusa.com and level10.com "claim" needs to be done and am trying to seperate out the fact and fiction from those groups' self-interests. Did you do any additonal mods to your 2000? Or, did you just add it to the stock engine and go from there? How many miles on that supercharged Runner of yours and any problems/maintenance? Thanks!
I agree that towing is not 4Runner's strong point. But, for most of us (including me), the most i will ever tow is a jetski. If you want to tow something heavier, then none of the Toyota products are particularly good at it either. For me, I am more into off-roading and sight-seeing (Grand Canyon, Big Bend, etc.). This is where the 4Runner literally outshines everything else in it's class (reliable, great off-roading talents, built like a tank, etc.).
Yes, mjohn99 you're right, premium gas does cost a bit more but I, for one, never used just Regular in any of my vehicles; it was either Plus or Premium anyway so for me that's not a bad point. I ordered the 4Runner from Clearwater Toyota in Florida and did not have the supercharger shipped from TRD until the truck arrived. I drove it around town for the first 1500 miles or so before having the unit installed; you can really tell the difference. The only other item I installed was a transmission cooler (at TRD's suggestion), all else is stock. I now have 48,650 and have not had a single problem either with the 4Runner or the supercharger. I opted to have the dealer install both supercharger and trannie cooler as I get a 5 yr or 50k warranty from them as opposed to only a 1 yr if you do it yourself. Cost is roughly about $300.00 for Toyota to do the work. I just had the truck in for it's 30k service (a little late) and had them replace the supercharger serpentine belt (cost: $ 19.00 and labor $66.00) although the service dept. said I didn't need to worry the belt would last forever. At $80.00 invested in a new belt versus having the old one snap and having to order a new one (not a Toyota stocking part) and wait about a week for it, I opted for the replacement.
I live in Central Florida and commute to work in Savannah so most of my cruising is on the I-95 corridor. Normal cruising traffic speed on I-95 is in the 75 to 80 mph. This is effortless as I'm only doing 2500 rpm @ 80 mph. What's a kick is dropping out of overdrive and punching it and 105 mph is there awfully quick. Not that I do this all the time but at least I know I still have plenty of power after 80. Gas mileage is 18 - 19 in town and 21.5-22 on the highway if I use cruise @ 78. The one thing some people might find annoying is that @ idle there is a slight kind of diesel sound (not clanking but more of a whirring sound) that come off the pulleys from the supercharger but you can't hear it inside only while standing in front of the vehicle. When I go to get a new vehicle (probably 2004 and probably another 4Runner) I will definitely do the supercharger again if it is available..
Question: seeing Cliffy's breakdowns for the CAT region, would it nevertheless be possible next year to "order" the monochromatic Limited (or near monochromatic silver SR5 with gray PAINTED cladding - that's a relief) withOUT the rear spoiler and roof rack? I have always bought off the lot and am not sure if/how that can be done.
A lot of the posts on this board are helpful and thanks are in order. With the reviews plus rumors that base prices may be lower than anticipated, the fact that the V8 is only one MPG less than the new V6, the fact that the V8 is tried-and-true and is not first year out like the new aluminum V6, the fact that the DVD, air suspension, spoiler, and roof rack are all options, and Cliffy's suspicion that any less cargo space may only be due to newly-accurate measurements, a monochromatic V8 may be priced such that it is a better "value" than the loaded $31K 2002 supercharged SR5 I am looking at ($27.5K plus $3.5K charger). Of course, there's no way out of that headlight package . . .
http://www.gadgetonline.com/Super.htm
Also, remember, the 4th gen ground clearance is 9.1". I don't think this is the "MINIMUM" running ground clearance. Speculation. This maybe the maximum ground clearance. The Lexus GX470 (same frame/suspension as 4Runner) has a MINIMUM ground clearance of 8.3". I don't know why 4Runner would have a higher ground clearance than GX470.
On the ground clearance, my goof. So as not to confuse new readers:
3rd Gen Runner: Toyota listed "ground clearance" = 11"; true, measured "minimum running ground clearance" = ~ 9.8".
4th gen Runner: Toyota listed "ground clearance" = 9.1"; true, measured "minimum running ground clearance" = ??? (probably ~ 8.3" as you surmise).
I wrote a thread a while back on another forum regarding this issue (for a CRV; however, would apply to any SUV):
http://www.gocrvclub.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=70
Just scroll down to my first post in the thread, (my name is "Thai").
I remember a post a few months back saying something about the new 4Runner being able to transfer power to one wheel (like Grand Cherokee), instead of just side to side, as it currently does.
Is this still the case for the 2003's? Any other updates you know about regarding the Traction Control and VSC?
Thanks
To answer your question mjohnr99, I bought the charger, TRD's transmission cooler (I think it was about $150.00 or so, a little priceyer (sp?) than most), I did not get the boost gauge but plan on getting it soon, not that you need one but it's just another gadget to have. I believe it costs about $100.00 and all this stuff has to be obtained from a Toyota dealer as I don't believe TRD sells to the public. If you have more than one Toyota dealership in the area it would pay to shop around. Clearwater is right next to Tampa and there are about four dealerships in the area. All of them gave me different prices and labor charges. I didn't go with the cheapest offer. When I purchased my charger (March of 2000) it sold for about $2895.00 from TRD then the Dealer marked it up to about $3150.00 and then charged about 300.00 to install it. The Trans. cooler cost me about $50.00 to have it installed so I guess the grand total was more like close to $3700.00 give or take a buck or so. And that would not include to cost and installation on the boost gauge.
And, you know, I was just looking at the specs on the Gen 4 and based on horsepower I still think the aluminum V6 with a charger (I'm sure TRD will come to the rescue soon) would be the way to go. TRD claims about a 45% increase in horsepower so that would be: new V6= about 235 h.p. + about 45% = 106 h.p. that would equal about 341 h.p. !! That would be killer, especially with the lighter V6 (I wonder if it is a Japanese V6?) as opposed to the heavier V8 ( I heard that it is a Chevy V8, does anyone know?).
A guy I work with has a late model 5 liter Mustang and installed a Paxton charger which was installed inline with the air intake and looks pretty shabby. The TRD on the other hand replaces the intake manifold and looks clean plus I believe I get a larger % of horsepower than he does.
The bad news (at least for these photographed here): the ugly plastic cladding and fender flares are still there on the SR5/Sports! And the Limited is not monochromatic unless that gray on the roofrack and bumpers is a protective coating that peels off . . . sheesh.
Based on the Hp/Torque ratings, the 4th gen should have plenty of power...i don't think a supercharger is needed, unless you want to race a F150 Lightning.