I've been driving my 2008 4Runner for 12 years now and it has proven to be the best, most reliable and comfortable vehicle I have ever owned. It still looks and drives like new. I think it will continue to serve my needs for another 12 years or more.
@@vadimnesen8060 dude.. 2.5 up front 1 inch or so in back ..go tons of places. 3 or more then dealing with diff drop and CV angles and upper control arms.
@@vadimnesen8060 most are running the bilstein 5100 with adjustable front shocks. Really good shocks for the price with a little extra travel. Not much but that's what's popular and a good price also old man emu...OME... I'm running bilstein and I have about the lift I mentioned and it does fine for the amount of off road I do.
@@atomicautomobile8537 I would suggest you to make a video 4runner 3rd VS 5th Gen. It will be really useful and after that when you already have material about all 3 gens to make a video of 3rd vs 4th vs 5th gen. As you can see 4runner videos very popular.
I have a 3rd gen 01. Love it!!!! I did not just buy it cause it's all i could fine. I had to look for it and paid cash no loans and working on it feels so much better knowing i't;s better then most SUV'S and some trucks on the road today! All 4runners are best suvs made today. I picked 4runner over jeep any day! I have kids ;)
I'm thinking of getting an 03 SR5 model but am comparing it to an 03 Highlander Limited. I do realize that the 4Runner is for off-road use where the Highlander wouldn't cut it but I just really want a reliable SUV for family road trips.
@slickkapone I own a 3rd gen, IMO it's an awesome highway car and overall is my favorite car to drive. It's a truck but it's not overly truck like in fact it actually drives very smoothly for a truck based SUV.
Those 4runner are great vehicles, my mom bought a new one in 1994 and she still owns it. We live in the bronx ny. Her 4runner has been through about 4 billions potholes and never had any problems.
I like this channel, in a world of automotive content like Hoovie's or Doug full of egomaniac annoying dudes. This is well documented, simple, well done and accurate. Congratulations!
Atomic Automobile Better than Doug and Hoovies although Hoovies isn’t bad. Too many auto guys on RU-vid fill their videos with try hard jokes and puns and it’s just played out and obnoxious.
Great review overall, AA. So well spoken! I don't happen to share your views on the gen 4's off road prowess. I've owned my '03 4x4 since '06 and it's been amazing off road. Setting aside comparison with gen 3, I can tell you firsthand that with the factory center diff lock, it's more than capable of climbing most technical terrain out there (aside from extreme stuff.) It's a mountain goat!
I have an 03 v8 with 245k and it purrs like a kitten, but smooth and powerful on the highway. Love this truck i am currently turning it to overland off-road camping suv.
I have an 04 4runner, reliability is superb, great ride, good power, just a routine oil change with Royal Purple and a K&N oil filter is all she needs!
@@russmeyer6939 To my 4th gen: You're not shy, you get around You wanna fly, don't want your feet on the ground You stay up, you won't come down You wanna live, you wanna move to the sound!
Outstanding review. I have ‘07 v8 w/255,000. Runs and drives like new. Underside looks almost new. I am currently driving this over my immaculate ‘09 FJ which I love. However the 4 runner is seemingly more driver friendly. Love it. Thanks for your review!
I feel the same way! So hard shopping for 3 months driving for hours to different cities. Finally I feel patients paid off. 2004 limited 4x4 204,000 never been off road undercarriage completely dipped frame all new rubber and rebuilt 6 motor. No accidents. Asking 7,100.00 All I have is 6 cash. Bam I'm now a 4runner
This is the most thurough, well explained, detail highlighting, information oriented, entertaining and excitement video ive ever witnessed in my days. Thank you.
I drive a 2007 sr5 with 153000 miles. 3 in Toytech lift. Thing drives like a Camry on road and rips like a raptor off road. I love it Edit: I’m 6 foot 5, I do not fit in my brothers 4th gen that has a sun roof. It takes a lot of head room.
Matt Drees Love that analogy about it riding like a Camry and ripping like a Raptor. That reason alone is why like the 4th gen the best. It’s perfect. The 3rd gen is too small and the 5th gen is too big. The 4th gen is just right.
Very good review of this vehicle! Seriously thinking about buying a used one in this age range & appreciate all the useful advice! They seem very well built and reliable
If you are still looking and haven't bought yet, make SURE you have the frame inspected thoroughly by your mechanic before buying, I know, I'm going through that right now.
I have a 2006 4R 4.7 V-8. Senior driven and never wrecked. It is in perfect condition, cosmetically and mechanically. 122,000 miles. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned, and I have owned and driven dozens of vehicles, both personal and fleet. I will never get rid of this thing unless I die or some moron totals it.
@@louytoghouj7947 I purchased it in Tennessee and it is 2WD, rear wheel drive. This is kinda rare, but less things to maintain and break if you don't need the 4WD for snow or off road.
@@louytoghouj7947 we have a 2003 V8 and it's full time 4WD. Good God what a fantastic, stupid reliable, and utterly bombproof vehicle it has turned out to be. Admittedly it's nothing special to look at. But oh what a truck. With the Limited trim you get most every creature comfort you need, too.
I have a 98 3rd gen and a 2005 4th Gen and they’re both awesome machines and the best part about both of them.. the bulletproof engines! Can never go wrong with anything Toyota makes! Especially the 4Runners/tacomas
Glad you liked the video and thanks for the valid feedback. I got too ambitious with a new tool and then overdid the warp stabilization trying to smooth it out. I cringe too when I look back at that footage. Shouldn't have included it.
I believe the 4th gen 4runner is definitely the most underrated 4runner. Admittedly I hated it when it came out. I hated the increase in size, but mostly I hated the loss of manual transmission. Today, I still feel the same way about those things, but I have grown to really love the 4th gen despite those issues. To me it still maintains the look and feel of the 4runner, and is overall less bulky than the 5th gen, which is probably my least favourite of the 4runner generations. I think its important to keep in mind that the 3rd gen existed during a booming economy of yearly surpluses and GDP growth, whereas the 4th gen finished it's life off during one of the worst recessions in history, hence the poor sales. Overall I do think the 3rd gen is the best generation of 4runner, but the 4th gen is not far off. I especially like that the 4th gen Limited edition is still a legit offroad vehicle. Has all the same capabilities, including the centre locking diff and clearance etc, plus you can enjoy the interior bonus comfort options. The 5th gen Limited edition is a joke.
I just bought a 2020 4Runner TRD Pro.. I owned a 4th gen since my teens.. I already think the 5th gen is 100 times better than gen 3 and 4.. It is a real truck and even looks it.. It also climbs any obstacle I can find lol
Have you ever spent a long amount of time in a 3rd gen? One of my favorite things about it is how small it is. I can’t park anywhere and squeeze between people. The 2020 is definitely the only new car I would buy but it would be hard pressed to give up my 3rd gen.
You can't park anywhere? I don't get it lol.. Early 4Runner generations used to be based on the Tacoma chassis, so use to be smaller.. Now it shares a chassis with the overseas Land Cruiser Prado and the Lexus GX 460, so is a bit bigger but now a lot better off road and way more solid.. The 5th generation is kept simple and just has the necessary off road tech.. A rear locker, ATRAC, crawl control and terrain select and the TRD Off Road gets KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System).. The TRD Pro doesn't have KDSS but doesn't need it because it has Fox Shox that are amazing!.. I have a 80 Series Land Cruiser that just had done a stage 3 restoration.. That is my baby :)
3rd generation was the first 4Runner with a new chassis based on the (then) Land Cruiser Prado.. The 3rd gen was based on the Prado 4 door wagon.. 4th gen based on the Land Cruiser Prado 120 series.. 5th gen shares the chassis with the Prado and Lexus GX.... EVERY gen 4Runner is amazing but 3 and 5 are definitely the best
The v8 in this model was kinda legendary so I'm not sure the reason for the disregard for it. Also if you were just gonna hump the 3rd gen the whole time then why don't you just review that one lol
Tell me about it, right now I'm spending $6000 or more on a used Frame from down South to get mine back on the road. I have an 06 Sport Ed with only 81,000 miles and the frame rotted out. Otherwise, it runs like a champ.
@@heavyprogressive76 Not all frames need replaced. You could possible sand blast it and have it oiled every year to protect it. Many times have steel plates welded to it. Take to a good mechanic you Trust and see what he thinks. You may have in your area a place that will clean it up and oil it for you. The first time it may be a few hundred and cheaper every year after. It worth doing.
@@Theyralltakenfu thanks fella. True though. it would be good preventative maintenance but yeah where I'm from rust is a part of life if you don't get to it soon enough.
12:26 because the 2uz engine is much, much better. I used to own a 2nd gen Tacoma with the same v6 as the 4Runner and I currently own a 2020 Tacoma with the new v6. Neither one comes close to the v8 in my 2004 200k mile 4Runner in bottom end torque or refinement. Offroading on the v8 is a pleasure, and I can just crawl over obstacles without revving while both of the Tacomas wouldn't clear them without a lead footed approach. The gas mileage is only 1 mpg worse than what I got in the old Tacoma, which is insane tbh. I am so in love with that v8, I wish I could replace the v6 in my newer Tacoma with an old 2uz
The Lexus GX 470 is the Land Cruiser 120 Prado rebranded with slight cosmetic changes and luxury upgrades for the North American market. The 4th gen 4Runner is based on the Land Cruiser 120 Prado. The Lexus GX 470 isn’t based on the 4Runner.
I think you should do a video like this for the 1st Generation Tundra. I have ideas for a video for your channel but I don’t know if enough people would watch it, or if you would be interested in making such a video.
Yes I'd be interested in the first gen Tundra. It's also likely I'll make a video of my uncle's first gen Tacoma someday. View count doesn't necessarily matter but I think plenty of people are interested in those trucks. I like T100s and the original Tundra.
Started w a 89 then 94 skipped 3rd gen 😒 right into 07. Unfortunately lost that one, now in black 04 just like ther one on this video just did 3" RC lift , black rims mud tires. Best traveling on off road rain and snow ..... in conclusion all 4runners iv owned, very impressed all holding over 3k miles ....my sister in buffalo NY has the 3rd gen 4wd ..... awsome truck as well....
Thank god Toyota replaced my cracked dash in 2017 under the recall. It was looking pretty bad. Other than that, my '03 Limited always running strong and will probably outlive the 04-09 since I have this thing called a dipstick that allows me to periodically check and replace the transmission fluid.
So what you’re saying is by making the 4Runner a little bit larger, you’re getting the best of the Sequoia, Highlander, and Land Cruiser? Sounds like a positive not a negative lol.
But the older ones *drive well*. They *feel good*. It's a special thing. With the later ones, you've got more elbow room, sure, but they drive like uninspired boats. The problem is, there's no shortage of uninspired boats on the market: Tahoe, Explorer, Expedition, Pilot, etc., even the Toyota's own Seqouyah. There was only one 4Runner.
Atomic Automobile I still think there’s only one 4Runner though, all the way up to 5th Gens. It’s quite literally a Jeep adapted for reliability and comfort. Is the 4th AS rugged? No, but it’s still a body on frame mid-sized SUV, and the only 4Runner to ever offer the Torque monster that is the 2UZ. So I’m not necessarily disagreeing with you, I do think 4Runner is one of a kind and that’s why people buy them in record numbers every year, but it still did a great job of combining the great parts of every other Toyota platform while still maintaining its own likeness.
@@LPCardinals we own a 3rd gen v6, 4th gen v8, and a 5th gen. If you ask me which I prefer off road it's definitely the 3rd gen (with the multi mode transfer case. Rear lockers are also worth their weight in gold). Only thing that I can see has improved for off roading is the lockable Torsen LSD available on certain trims with the 4th and 5th gens. You can miss me with the A-TRAC. Hands down the 5th is best on the highway... what do people expect? But if you ask me, you are paying an extra $10,000 msrp for a bunch of bells and whistles. Comfort, luxury, etc. All that fancy stuff is dead weight when you're out in the woods. Our limited 98 we got for $30,000 new, out the door. What has changed in the 5th gens that warrant a $40,000 msrp, some being near $45,000? Electronics, sensors, and plenty of things that can go wrong that you can't fix yourself. Who needs heated seats? Who needs a backup camera and a speaker in the trunk? Unfortunately the word is out on 4runners, and they are priced too high IMO. Used and new. The used pricing on 3rd and 4th gens hasn't really gone done with age and mileage. But you do get what you pay for.
@@atomicautomobile8537 to use your expression, "chasing dollar signs" is what Toyota is doing today with their 4runners. I won't be shocked when I see a $50,000 sticker on the 6th gens.
Pluto's Forest Don’t get me wrong I’m not a 5th gen guy. But we paid like 35 for our 04 V8 and it drives like the day it left the lot. And I can see the appeal of the 3rd Gens, they’re great off-roaders in a package that’s not oversized
I’m not sure how you’re “not sure” why Toyota included the v8. It has incredible torque and is a fantastic daily driver with phenomenal low end torque and nice exhaust note. I’ve been dailying it for 3+ years and it’s incredibly smooth for its age and size. Also, 19-20 highway MPG with KO2 all terrains and larger TRD wheels.
V8 is nice with 34 inch tires. I can beat my wife in drag race with lift kit, big tires. Steel front and back bumper and winch. Her FJ cruiser is stock. V8 is a million mile engine.
Yup I have a 05 V8 Sport and that's one little tid bit he forgot to mention about the v8s. A V8 off-roading is just way better than the V6. Also I heard people that own a 03-05 4.0L V6 engines have head gasket issues later down the road whereas the V8 2UZ-FE does not.
The 4Runner V8 was probably one of the greatest trucks ever made. Superb quality and driving characteristics, if nothing special to look at. And reliability beyond description.
I’m looking for an old 4Runner because of the snow here up north during the winter. I don’t really care about MPG since i live close to work . I think this is the perfect suv
tillallareoneluv hey there a sequoia is definitely great for that but in my situation, I just did not need a full size suv because I have no family or friends to do that type of stuff with. If you are looking to upgrade in size or just want a second bigger vehicle I highly recommend the 1st gen sequoias they are absolute tanks with the 2uz drive train. My friend has a 4th gen 4R 4.0L V6 and he liked my truck a lot more than his
Just bought a used 4th gen 2004 Limited V8 with 165k miles for $5800. The thing blew me away, its comfy, quiet and a lot of passing power. I'm willing to invest in repairs for this big boy
3rd gen is still better. Style and comfort but still feels like a truck. Plus IMO the third gen looks better, it has a timeless style the 4th gen doesn't have (you can clearly tell the 4th gen is mid 2000s). I have a 2000 and people STILL come up and ask me where I got it and when I tell them it's 20 years old and I got it from my grandfather they are shocked.
I've had 3rd, 4th and 5th gen 4runners and I would say the 4th gen is the best. Well, at least for me. 3rd was fun and raw, but was soooooo underpowered and the traction control was downright DANGEROUS! It was way too sensitive and would cut way too much throttle for WAAAAY too long. Not good when making a right turn into traffic in snow. 5th gens loss of the center locking diff is huge step backwards. The 5th gen bucks in 4wd and pushes in turns. The AWD function of the 4th gen was excellent. A lift, better wheel offset and bigger tires transformed my 4th gen into something better than the 3rd gen with more standard features and better power delivery than the heavier and larger 5th gen. I miss my 4th gen. Rear-ended by some chic not paying attention.
You haven't off-road much buddy. Center diff sucks. That's why in 5th gen....they are going back to diff lock. You can keep your mall crawling 4th gen.
@@genxiong2695 Awwww. Did you wittle feelings get hurt princess and you have to prove to yourself that you bought the right one? 🙄 Are you seriously calling the J120 platform junk? I think the rest of the world who drive Land Cruiser Prado's would highly disagree with you. 😂🤣😂🤣. Go back to bed, your mom's gonna be pissed your up on your computer again.
I love my 2005 4RUNNER SPORT V8 4.7 4WD - Bought it with 45miles and now has 187K FUN MILES!... Hate to disagree with you on the Dashboard, Its SPORTY and unlike 2nd and 3rd GEns, FUN to Look at. SPORTY! Got the Back SPoiler and Hood SCOOP which make my Runner look Handsome. I would love the get a new one but NO V6 for me, Too bad TOYOTA does not offer V8s in their new 4Runners.
Recently went from a 2000 4runner which, admittedly was clapped out but the only thing I miss since getting into a 4x4 ‘05 v8 is the connection I had with that old truck. Could really tell what was going on at all times
The only thing you're missing by not having the V8 are a fan belt as opposed to the timing chain of the V6 and a lack of longevity. The V8 requires more frequent attention and repair.
I like the video but you need to do something with the videography. The camera digital stabilization is very woozy, I feel if you got a gimbal or an optically stabilized rig it would be alot more steady and would look alot more professional
Yes, I know it's bad, and I regret including some of the footage that was over-stabilized. Ironically, this was the first video that I did use a gimbal on, and those are exactly the parts that are so bad. The gimbal footage didn't come out smoothly, probably due to my lack of experience with it, so I applied stabilization in windows movie maker to even it out and that's what gave it that weird, woozy quality. I've found that the videos honestly come out better when I temper my ambitions and just stick to basic, easy shots. Anyways, that's valid feedback and I'm glad you liked it otherwise.
I’ve been looking at Toyota SUVs for a while now and it only just now occurred to me how bonkers it is that the luxurious LEXUS GX470 has a manual 4WD level while the 4runner does not.
Hp sells a car, Torque moves it. Yeah the non vvti V8 had less power but I noticed you didn't mention the massive amount of torque it had in comparison, which yes does matter especially if you might tow something
Exactly. Anyone who has ever compared a V6 4Runner with a V8 will notice in ten seconds the insane gobs of torque the V8 has from idle. Sure, the V6 eventually catches up, but you have to be at like 4k+ rpm. The V8 is more like a Rolls Royce, wuffling around at very low rpms with way more than adequate power. Was surprised that wasn't mentioned in this otherwise good video. And there's just no comparison in overall smoothness and quiet.
Please do more research on vehicles when posting videos. For example, the V6 has a max towing capacity of 6300 lbs with a class IV hitch. The 03 comes standard with a telescoping/tilting steering wheel.
There was a different rear spoiler available in 2003 and 2004. The spoiler you see on this 4Runner was introduced for 2005 and was called the 'aerodynamic' spoiler. The spoiler was definitely optional as evidenced by old Toyota brochures and the fact that you see many 4th gen 4Runners on the road with no spoiler.