The 4RUNNER started out life in late 1984 as a two door, four cylinder, solid front axled, baby SUV.  It came with a removable top and the bare minimum creature comforts. Built as a competitor to the Cherokees, Blazers, and a replacement to the FJ-40, the 4RUNNER was an instant success in the United States.

Over the years, the 4RUNNER has undergone numerous power train and visual changes. The solid front axle was promptly replaced with an IFS unit, and the meager four cylinder engine was helped along with the use of a turbo charger, but eventually found a V6 in between its front fenders for most of the models over the years.

Our 4th generation 4RUNNER was a perfect blend of new technology and old-school durability. A potent 4.7 liter V8 was shoehorned into the engine bay mated to a comfortable 2WD suspension. Four wheel disc brakes, abs, locking rear diff, and adjustable sport suspension top the list of performance/safety items included with the latest version of this classic.

Over the years the DNA of this truck has changed very little… Having owned three of the four versions of this truck, I can feel some of the best qualities of the previous generations coming through. One specific item that comes to mind, and was pointed out to me by a friend, is the seating position of this SUV when compared to others. The 4 RUNNERS always have a very shallow floor board. This might sound a little strange at first, so I will explain. Most SUV’s you sit very tall, with your legs dangling down over the seat to the pedals. The 4RUNNER you sit more like a cockpit, noticeable mostly in the Gen 2, but still carrying over to this version. I like this; it makes you feel like you are driving a lifted sports car. No other SUV I have driven gives me this feeling.

The creature comforts have changed dramatically over the years, and this 4RUNNER was equipped with Toyota’s DVD-based nav system, controlled by a touch screen monitor. This has to be one of the best on the market. The controls are clear and concise, the layout makes sense to everyone, and the HVAC controls are left out of the NAV screen. Perfect. I like the multiple choices for routes, and the restaurant and gas station logos that show up on the map should be industry standard. The voice recognition could be slightly improved, maybe have a “cheat sheet” of commands included, as I am sure there are hundreds of commands I could not figure out while driving.

               Exterior styling remains distinctive, and finding your 4RUNNER at the mall in the sea of SUV’s should be easy. Angel said he likes the “BAD ASS HOOD SCOOP”, and I will agree with him. With the Sport Package, you leave the chrome at the dealership and thrown on a set of Dunlop 17” tires over the Enkei wheels.

Thank you, Toyota for not taking the soul out of one of my favorite cars in your line up. Now if I can get them to bring back the SUPRA…..