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Detroit, 7:54 AM
Sat Dec 5
26 posts in the last 24 hours
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09/25/09
As a previous owner of a 2nd gen 4Runner (and a perennial fan of the 1st gen), I absolutely hated the 4th gen, I oft referred to it as the eunuch 4Runner, specifically designed for the discerning soccer mom who will never so much as take it over a curb (on purpose anyway)...
Glad to see they are going back in the other direction with it.
09/25/09
I hate it when my photos get dented.
09/25/09
09/25/09
Independent front suspension ruins it. If they wanted a real Trail Grade (sort of like Trail Rated ;) ), they should have included a front axle.
You just might has well buy a Jeep Liberty and get better gas mileage.
I would rather buy the $2,000 1964 International Scout but that's just me,
I do like the pictures though, I wonder if they decided to remove the hub caps or if all four were torn off along the way.
09/24/09
I'm a little disappointed that the SR5 doesn't come with full time 4x4 and center diff anymore - it's very convenient on my '05. Conversely, having good old-fashioned part-time 4wd and a real shift lever with neutral position is something that's been sorely lacking in "true" SUVs in recent years.
I like the gee-whiz off road features on the Trail model but an SR5 V6 should be just fine for my light four wheeling and towing needs. I'd be happy to pick up a used one in five years or so - I just wish it was a little smaller and lighter.
09/24/09
Otherwise, I definitely like this better than the previous gen, which didn't offer a manual either, IIRC. The last one looked partially melted. This one's more butch.
I'd bet they retire the FJ Cruiser sometime in the next year or 2 and let the 4Runner carry the torch of "actually worth a damn offroad". When that day comes, it'd make my day to see the 4Runner get a manual again.
Hopefully the pictured rock rails are available from the factory. Looks like they're necessary.
09/24/09
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09/24/09
I'll keep my '85 from which this thing supposedly "evolved" from.
09/24/09
No manual is a bummer for sure, though.
09/24/09
09/24/09
It's also amazing how your eyes become accustomed to things, over time.
I thought the W124 Mercedes had one of the ugliest trunk/tail light combos when it came out.
I own one, now, and I kinda like it...though it did take 20 years to not hate it.
09/24/09
09/24/09
Personally, I'm digging the looks. I see a LOT of influence from the FJ60. The windows, the doors, how it fits to the body. The slant of the quarter pannels, the flat roof lines. I don't like the front clip, but that would be removed any way. I think Toyota has moved away from the 1st gen 4runners and into the FJ60 realm. Which, is not a problem in my opinion. Those two vehicles both represent the love of my 4wheeling.
Lack of a solid axle is a minor letdown.
09/25/09
09/24/09
What happened to the V8?
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