Drove a 2003 4Runner

[JungleJim]

I was just curious enough to test drive a 4Runner. They only had one and it was the sport edition.

Some very innovative features:
1. You turn the ignition key. You don't have to hold it. Once you turn it all, the computer takes over and continues to crank over the engine until it starts. And, if you accidentally turn the key with the engine running, it does nothing (no damaging the starter).
2. The rear hatch door....just gently put it down. Once down, there is a motorized mechanism that closes it the rest of the way. You don't have to slam it down.
3. Mirrors on the inside in the rear to help see around corners when you're backing up. (Nice when you are parked next to a van)

Other likes:
1. The ride is nice.
2. Traction control
3. Very comfortable seats
4. Towing capacity
5. V8 engine (effortless)
6. Color selection
7. Moonroof
8. Overall quality

Dislikes:
1. low ceiling
2. fender flares
3. Price
4. Smaller inside than Pilot


Toyota has a nice product in the 4Runner. It does not have a 3rd row seat. But this is a true truck, thus a true SUV. Don't get me wrong, I still like the Pilot and plan on purchasing one. . But competition almost always turns out to be positive for the consumer.

[banningjr]

Thanks for the details Jim. Comparisons are always helpful and welcomed.

[davemac]

My bud at work needs to replace wifes 2000 4Runner coming off lease end of Dec. They drove new 4 Runner and liked alot.
Just went back to pull the trigger, but stopped at Honda dealer next door first and drove a Pilot. Were please but not "overwhelmed" at the time. Proceeded to Toyota for last test drive, got in (he slammed his head on roof) and (in his words) "it was not the vehicle they had remembered it to be...felt interior was somewhat cheasy, no headroom, and that plastic cladding ?? (looking at Sport model).

Having the benefit of driving each vehicle within 10 minutes of each other, they went back and worked deal for SS Pilot. The dealer even picked up their last months lease payment.

(yes, Tim, I gave him a heads up on your deals for accessories)

[Sage]

Originally posted by davemac
My bud at work needs to replace wifes 2000 4Runner coming off lease end of Dec. They drove new 4 Runner and liked alot.
Just went back to pull the trigger, but stopped at Honda dealer next door first and drove a Pilot. Were please but not "overwhelmed" at the time. Proceeded to Toyota for last test drive, got in (he slammed his head on roof) and (in his words) "it was not the vehicle they had remembered it to be...felt interior was somewhat cheasy, no headroom, and that plastic cladding ?? (looking at Sport model).

Having the benefit of driving each vehicle within 10 minutes of each other, they went back and worked deal for SS Pilot. The dealer even picked up their last months lease payment.

(yes, Tim, I gave him a heads up on your deals for accessories)

And then of course you told him about H-P.ORG, recommended he should join the group and warned him that Sage would be hounding him for his Vin Table info when he did. Right?

[davemac]

Originally posted by Sage


And then of course you told him about H-P.ORG, recommended he should join the group and warned him that Sage would be hounding him for his Vin Table info when he did. Right?

uh, yeah, yeah thats right. Ok, I fess up, I didn't include the Vin part. As I, myself, have been a holdout on exposing my Vin, please refresh me as to the purpose?

[vicpai]

...........4Runner was that it was an awesome vehicle (ride, handling, refinement and performance).......However, it had very uncomfortable front seats (you virtually sit on the floor ) .......and the "so-called" 8-way power driver's seat is a joke (it's really a 6-way masquerading as an 8-way - what I mean is the rear and front portions of the seat cannot be independently adjusted for height). Interestingly, the cheaper SR5 and Sport models' MANUAL SEATS had true 8-way adjustments........However, they were not comfortable either!

[HONDER]

Let me guess... its the Clair Honda Toyota Porsche Jeep Cadillac Audi VW etc. dealership in W. Rox right? I stopped by there as well to check out the Pilot but wandered over the to the Toyota side. I thought it was funny how the competition allows the same owner to sell 2 different brands on the same lot with only a Jeep dealership to seperate them.

I only looked at the 4Runner and I like the new shape. Don't care for the outrageous body molding, small interior and 4-spd tranny on the 6.

[kompers]

Thanks for the update on the 4Runner, JungleJim. I have always loved those vehicles, but am VERY happy with my Pilot. Have to agree with you about that cladding, though. Thats just gotta go!!

[GreenMachine]

People have compared the cladding on the new 4Runner with the Chevy Trailblazer.. I don't like the cladding either, but one of the biggest blunders on the new 4Runner is the lack of a 3rd row seat... The Lexus version has it.. It should at least be available as an option to lure away anyone cross-shopping other 7/8 passenger SUV's..

Still probably too much truck for me though because I don't really do any offroading. So for now, my CR-V is great (love the gas mileage ), and in the future, the Pilot will probably replace it as our family grows.

[jonjon]

Hate the new 4 runner.... looks more like the original 4runners of the 80's ...

Jon

[thjatty]

I test drove a 4Runner Sport and quickly said no. It drives like a car stuck on a truck body, head room is minimal, and price is no match for Pilot (and again, no 3rd row). Build quality is good, although there is a lot of inner and outer plastic on 4Runner. I also have a 93 Landcruiser, so I'm not against Toyota. But, I guess if you like the 4Runner, get one. Beter bang for buck and more functionality on Pilot though.

[Rainbowslim]

I went and looked at the new 4Runner. As soon as I saw it, I didn't like it. It's not as "refined" as the Pilot, and with all the plastic it doesn't even look like it's worth what Toyota is charging for it.

[davemac]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by HONDER
[B]Let me guess... its the Clair Honda Toyota Porsche Jeep Cadillac Audi VW etc. dealership in W. Rox right?

Actually its a Southern NH dealer (if only you could enjoy the taxfree bennies of NH and didn't have to pay Mass when registering )