MotorWeek | Retro Review: '85 Toyota 4Runner

[@moach57]

"The sr5 is a bit too opulent" lol, they would have a heart attack if they saw the new 4runners

[@MyKeeP81]

its funny cuz that thing is staright up bones. we were living in the stones ages not too long ago lol

[@WestCoastRoller]

Original owner 1985 right here. Still own and drive it!

[@braxtonbunner4990]

+West Coast Roller How bout them head gaskets though? Don't get me wrong, it's one of my favorite vehicles, but the amount of times I had a 22r or 22re in for a head gasket at the shop is ridiculous.

[@WestCoastRoller]

+Braxton Bunner Head gasket failure can be a combination of many things.....warped head, incorrect torque tolerances after gasket replacement.....most miss this step to RETORQUE head bolts after 500 miles!

[@monkeerench76]

head gasket problems mostly related to leaks elsewhere, causing hot spot in cylinder head

[@ghostofsparta6579]

My 85 got stollen.. lucky you

[@mrbrady98]

West Coast Roller why did I sell mine? Gosh I was stupid

[@ThatGuy-ip3br]

I swear they could still sell a million of these today.

[@wildbill23c]

Definitely. Wouldn't mind having one.

[@MrOhcock]

No they wouldn't. People lost interest in good cars/trucks ages ago.

[@vitocorleone3724]

Random stranger So cynical! You sound like my dad, but you are right on the money.

[@ahuehuete4703]

@@MrOhcock - Agreed, if it isn't loaded with the latest electronic tech, people won't want it. And the manual only gearbox would be a major show stopper today. Still, it's a classic from a bygone age. It would be interesting to compare it with a 2019 4Runner.

[@hectorvelasco2583]

I would buy 4 of them right away lol

[@saintofconsequence]

In my opinion, the 80s and early 90s Toyota trucks were the most beautiful machines ever made.

[@henrypeterson2040]

Agreed.

[@stonecoldreznov2780]

thelittlepilgrim I prefer squarebody's as the most beautiful truck but I have to agree 80s and 90s Toyotas trucks are some of the most beautiful vehicles I've seen.

[@jimgarrity2414]

until they disintegrated...

[@pratyushbiswas7582]

Agreed

[@punchy207]

many war torn countries agree with you

[@daredevil7442AUTOMOTIVE]

One of the best OEM 4x4s ever made...

[@lioncelica5170]

*****What else would be better?

[@bluxf1505]

daredevil7442 yup

[@79c15]

I recommend a k5 blazer, 1969-91 had the removable top. Very very reliable trucks, and hold up extremely well off-road

[@79c15]

@@LiquidSolids that is actually really funny tbh. My dad daily drives a 1990 K5. My grandpa daily drives a 1988 K5 during the summer and a 86 in winter none of them have major rust which is good because this is a state known for rusting Vehicles out all three running better than any Ford or Toyota this family has ever owned my mom daily drives a 95 4Runner and has had a engine swap because her motor blew up at 250, 000 miles is on and still pulls semi truck trailers with ease and he just has a stock small block 350. His truck isn't a whole lot of modification the drivetrain has nothing to it the suspension not much and that is it. My mom's 4Runner has broke down many times before the engine swap and after where my dad's K5 has never had a breakdown other than a starter going bad after 6 years of owning it other than that basic maintenance and it goes stronger than most. My grandpa is 85 had an engine swap at 70000 miles because the original owner shoved a screwdriver in the cylinder hole and broke it off so we replaced the engine ourselves and had no issues that truck is completely rust-free fully restored brand new engine and more reliable than his wife's brand new Dodge SUV. most people see broke down messed up and brought it out because those trucks were built for beating where the 4Runner was not though people do beat it up the K5 will always take more hits than a 4runner. if taken care of properly I guarantee you GARENTEE you. it K5 will Outlast any 4Runner of the same generation.

[@79c15]

@@LiquidSolids most k5s are best and abused, Because they can handle it

[@ZoomyZoom77]

back when things actually had solid axles and weren't just lifted sedans with awd l

[@coryr9938]

At least the new 4Runners still have a frame unlike those POS crossovers.

[@flight2k5]

Not everything back then had a solid axle

[@Ithinkiwill66]

efedude77 that's AMC...lifted sedans 😉

[@the80386]

you can still have a great 4x4 without frame and solid axle. case in point - the mighty mitsubishi pajero

[@oliverdelgado6952]

Or Awd mini vans

[@CMFL77]

Man do I miss the mid 80's-90's imports! Addicted to watching these retro reviews. I'd love to see cars & trucks like these hit the streets again one day but sadly it's all about plastics and weaker construction. I cannot think of many mid-sized 4x4 that were any better than this 4Runner - legendary driveline!!

[@pokethekat1]

Very true, However, just bought a 2017 gx 460 and it's pretty gnarly. But these original 4Runner's are the best. Sad.

[@Americafirst-i8q]

​@@pokethekat1Your modern vehicle will not outlive the older one

[@borrachoblanco]

still highly revered today. one of the greats

[@RohanSanjith]

😮😮🎉😂

[@SubieandFriends]

When trucks were literally TRUCKS

[@rustyshackleford7265]

2.4 liter 4 cylinder is in a "truck"?

[@johnossendorf9979]

@@rustyshackleford7265 Yes ! BIG HORSE POWER is not an absolute requirement for a successful truck or offroader. Slow and steady really can work.

[@giancarlolugo9586]

@@johnossendorf9979 These kind of mid-size trucks are much better than those hideous crossovers that are useless in this area

[@Americafirst-i8q]

​@@rustyshackleford72651st of all having a smaller displacement engine is not the issue as long as the engine lasts that's the main thing

[@Ghostmanriding]

My friend has a 1986 4runner he bought new, and he still drives it.

[@Ithinkiwill66]

ghostmanriding that's awesome! What did he have to fix ever on it?

[@Ghostmanriding]

Transmission rebuild only.The engine still runs,only a valve job,and I think timing chain done with 300,000 miles!

[@beyondthesky7472]

A real Toyo never dies! 👍🏻

[@ShermanMR2]

I had one of these back in the day and it was definitely one of the most fun vehicles that I've owned.

[@fernandorocha-dx1wv]

I love this Toyota 4Runner first generation, 85-88 is my favorites

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

Don't forget this beast had a turbo 4 cylinder option, 135 hp / 173 ft. lbs tq. I owned the Xtra-Cab 4 cylinder turbo pickup of the same year. I loved this truck!

[@williamhussey1611]

The 4runner turbos only came in auto :(

[@trekinseattle]

@@williamhussey1611 yeah, but you could get the super rare Digital instrument cluster. And manual swaps really are easy. Most 4x4 turbo trucks were sold as Automatic too. Seems about 30% of 2WD Turbo trucks were manual. Keep In mind, the top of the line, expensive, luxury turbos and SR5s were being driven by professionals, Women, older people. Sticks were for muscle, and economy cars back then.

[@KnightDriveTV]

I have a current video of a friend who bought one of these with great views and insights. I will say, I used to remove the top on my own...solo, while the truck was lifted on 35's...lol. Not easy, but I had a method...no ropes or hoists either...just me...lol. Unbolt it, get behind the truck and slide it backward. Once far enough back, pitch it down to the ground. Then get underneath and I would walk like a turtle with it on my back...lmao. That top is heavy asf...lol

[@russman109]

This video makes me so god damn happy! I remember watching 4Runner adds on TV when I was 6 years old.

[@tombstonexcadaver]

these trucks run smooth as butter. this was my first baby when i got my license after graduating high school. just put new tires on it for the winter

[@mrolskul]

These 4Runners were great. My brother-in-law bought a brand new SR5 3.0 Liter V6, 4-speed automatic transmission model in 1987. It was nice to drive with its new independent, torsion bar, front-end, taking the top off was nice too. The video's comment concerning the A/C's lack of cooling ability is correct. We spent a week in Palm Springs, Ca in the middle of summer in '87 and try as we may, the interior would just not cool off. Nice truck though.

[@jamesdewer]

The V6 didn't come out till 1988-89. 1987 was the first year for the I dependant front

[@trekinseattle]

@@jamesdewer The 3.0 Liter V6 was first shipped out and sold in mid August 1987 as an 88 model. This has been and is still today common practice. 1986 was the first model year for independent front suspension for the 4runner in the United States, Canada had a few 1985 models sold with ifs for testing. Solid axle stayed for many years in Japan, South America, Africa, Australia, etc into the mid 90s and beyond for truck and 4runner

[@trekinseattle]

Fun fact, 88 and 89 V6 3.0 were solid as a rock, as a Toyota mechanic for 20 years I've known many first owners that went 250,000 miles and beyond on these 3.0 V6 with ZERO Head Gasket issues. 1990 on they had SEVERE issues, many failing at 50,000 to 80,000 miles. Quite sad.

[@dougnorwood5447]

I have fond memories of buying a new early '84 4Runner, 4 cyl (carb), 5sp man, man locking hubs, rubber flooring & no back seat (had to order it through the parts dept). It only had 3 options: a/c, a cheap radio & power tailgate window. Exterior...there wasn't a speck of chrome in sight. On the road, it wouldn't get out of it's own way, but off road (where it went a lot) it climbed like a billy goat. The good ole' days.

[@TheCarCrazyGuy]

MotorWeek, you guys rock. I've been there almost since day 1. Keep up the good work!

[@Acc0rd79]

Still probably better to take out in the woods than most cars made today! haha I love these old videos!

[@samadrid6321]

"Luxury abound everywhere." I am eating spaghetti, I laughed so hard I blew noodles out of my nose.

[@kma198199]

Now this actually is a truck. I get so annoyed when someone calls a modern Rav4 a TRUCK! STFU! A modern 4runner is still truck based if I'm not mistaken.

[@wildbill23c]

And an SUV is actually a Carry All not an SUV. The 4 Runner is far more truck like than many of the comparable vehicles made today though.

[@kma198199]

William Todd A response to my nearly 2 year old comment!!😄

[@BG-sn2zm]

Of course the 4runners a truck! This is how it was made: Step 1: Take a single cab toyota truck and add a camper shell, rear seats and rebadge as 4runner Step 2: success

[@benc.5863]

Matthew Caughey There’s nothing that makes the RAV4 a truck. It’s a lifted Camry with AWD

[@michaelramsey82]

The current 4Runner is still a body-on-frame truck, based on the Tacoma chassis. The Rav4 is based on the FWD or AWD Corolla platform, with independent suspension and a unibody.

[@chuckhursch5374]

Have ‘86 4Runner that my mom purchased in 1989. Still runs good on original engine with 150K miles. Obviously not used as a daily driver, but get it out every month or two.

[@wolfyboy11hitler61]

Its still going strong I'm in love with it

[@Ithinkiwill66]

I don't remember this kind of truck, but when I was about 4, or 5...I rode in the truck itself....nice riding when up that high...which what most of the Toyota trucks were like...awesome ground clearance

[@THX-kw2jh]

Toyota 4Runner, a total winner SUV Made in Japan. Extremely Reliable, especially the First, Second and Third generations.

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I remember first seeing the Toyota 4Runner. I found it more versatile than the pickup truck it was based on. It could carry people if one is so inclined, or you could use it for carrying things, or even both. I find this generation 4Runner more attractive than anything that came after this. :)

[@giff74]

I got a laugh out of "multi-purpose vehicle." I kept expecting him to say SUV, but it was never there. I can remember watching these old episodes in the 80's with my dad. I thought every car was cool back then.

[@wildbill23c]

Technically SUV doesn't exist, they're actually registered as a Carry-All, there isn't an SUV registration. Its truck, car, or Carry All, unless maybe they've changed it recently. I know my 1988 Ford Bronco 2 says Carry-All on the registration, as well as the 94 4Runner.

[@joeljenkins9424]

The term SUV arrived sometime in the ‘90s. I remember getting mad when the newspaper changed the classified category from 4WD to SUV. Felt like such an insult.

[@natedrizzydaruler2654]

R.I.P 75-80 Dragway. Had a lot of good times there.

[@andersfranz5367]

I have a super clean 88 4Runner and I feel like the luckiest man alive. Driving down the highway, more heads turn than if I was driving a Porsche lmao

[@rodmunch69]

Sure, keep telling yourself that.

[@rickygarcia7400]

Loved the interior of the 80s rigs still more exciting than my 2015 ram Laramie that talks to You tells you that your speeding(:

[@alexcheetah79]

remember when a manual as the ONLY transmission was the only option?

[@flight2k5]

+marc “TrueTurnupTosser” why would that make a difference?

[@estevanorozco3954]

+flight2k5 I'm also still awaiting an answer to that lol

[@flight2k5]

marc that's hopeful

[@estevanorozco3954]

Oh that would make a bit more sense.

[@wildbill23c]

HAHA today it would sure cut down on the number of drivers if manual transmissions were still the only option. Gone due to the laziness of people today. Many other countries though the manual transmission is still the only option.

[@retro_88yota]

It is cool to see a review of a first gen 4runner, if only there was a review of a toyota pickup. I am curious to see how my 86 pickup fared when it was new.

[@Ithinkiwill66]

Patrick Kissman if I remember it was great!!

[@johnfield2764]

I've got a red 85 with brown interior. The cool thing is they're very modifiable and easy to build on. I thought about painting it black like the truck in back to the future but decided to keep it numbers matching. well, mostly...

[@trashpanda314]

A legend is born.

[@counkev]

Shit, I would just keep the top off. I never understood why 4runners were two door models at one point. But since it was a truck first it makes a lot more sense now. Also I am surprised a 1985 truck had a roll bar. Way to go!

[@wildbill23c]

I believe the roll bars were standard in the older 4Runners with the removable tops.

[@evanparker]

counkev many SUVs started out life as a two door model.

[@halohunter5217]

Because a four door is just a tall station wagon. Even the rear seat was optional on this.

[@theothertoddg]

I have a 1985 4Runner SR5. Bought from my Great Uncle in 2007 for two grand. LOVE IT

[@Verhnjakpianos]

I drove my 1988 from 1991 to 2018. it survived 30 years and was great till I got side swiped and damaged beyond repair. Someone ran a red light into me. anyways love this truck soooo much, i just purchased another on and will pick it up this week, Looking forward to many fishing trip with my new, to me, ride.

[@MrCarGuy]

You're spoiling us with two Thursday vids!

[@danjones3402]

Wow this is amazing how it was built!! I would still drive this!!

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

1980s truck , velour seat covers/carpet =luxury. Simple , effective roll yourself windows/stick shift.

[@justinbiebs2617]

A couple things. I like how the driver has a band-aid on his thumb. And I also like how he totally rips it through a smooth section of grass in a city park.

[@skinnyboy400]

1987 4Runner was my first vehicle out of high school. Turbo model, think it was a 22RTE engine. Only down side was automatic tranny

[@bobforpples]

"Our loaded model had a super stereo, power windows..." As the video shows the manual windows.

[@jiggingjerks]

Just noticed that too lol

[@LegendsXXX2]

I have a 1985 4Runner SR5 at the moment. Best of both worlds. Last toyota 4x4 truck in America to come stock with the solid front axle, plus it was the 1st year for the fuel injected 22re. Unfortunately I may have to sell it soon due to an unexpected surgery, sad faces

[@White03T4RV82WD]

Been waiting for this! Thank you!!! One of my friends has a 1988 4Runner & I love my 2003.

[@limpunsing224]

My favorite capable off roader, then & now

[@RoadCone411]

I always liked these 4Runners, although they were slowrunners and tended to rot prematurely. (The V6 4Runner tested on the Jan 2020 Retro Review was much quicker although it remains slow by today's standards.) These first-gen 4Runners had a solid appeal and look-good factor - and in all my days, I never once saw one on the road with the top removed. It looks hilarious!

[@brettburk-zy1dn]

These are still a better driving vehicle than most newer cars....love the first gen 4runners....they are getting pricey though for us poor fellas.

[@Y10Q]

Subscribed. I love these old reviews, just to give you heads up on how things turned out.

[@RickyGuterson]

I can’t believe I actually found a video of exactly the same truck I used to have. Damn I miss that truck.

[@kennethj1956]

I owned an early version #122 made in 1984. It was very rugged but very under-powered for the interstate and hilly roads.

[@prisoneralex2752]

I love these old videos!

[@TN_HondaDad]

“Luxury abounds everywhere” boy have we come along way. With that said, would love to have one of these parked next to my trusty 4 generation.

[@BernonCars]

Thank you for getting back that quick with the video :D

[@steveespinola7652]

The first generation Toyota 4runner was basically a Toyota pickup (similar to the one Marty Mcfly drove in Back to the Future) with a back seat in the bed and a shell over it and WALA it became a success.

[@PantomimeHorseMusic]

Ah, the good old days when you can only get a 5-speed manual. I miss that.

[@ipfreely456]

$16,000.00 in 1985!!! Man I wouldn’t complain for those prices again.

[@tomahawkstudios9688]

This is way better than any shitty Jeep

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

Tomahawk Studios not at all. The inline six 4.0l is unbeatable. The 22re is reliable, but overall the rig is not better than a jeep

[@tomahawkstudios9688]

I had one of those POS ZJ Grand Cherokees with that 4.0I bullshit engine and HATED it! Glad I sold that POS for a E90 328i

[@trekinseattle]

This 1984 nearly fully loaded 4runner had Sunroof (300.00 dollar option), and equalizer radio (700.00 dollar option) and many more. Anyway if you telaported this into the future, this perfect condition, with a few hundred miles 4Runner would easily be worth 100,000 dollars USD Today !!

[@mervinprone]

The convertible top is very southern Cali. I’d love to have one going to the beach but otherwise, not so much. Imagine having to lower the window every time you want to open the rear hatch. I wonder how many of them broke.

[@maximusareilius2262]

i had a 93 4runner sr5 v6 4wd. i had head gasket and ac problems. got rid of it. it was nice lookin though.

[@bonapartist]

The easily removable top is preeeeetttty slick. 4:55 spazz in red concurs.

[@TheVagolfer]

My friend just spent 80K+ for a modern day version of these. Men want simple, reliable capable truck without bells and whistle's.

[@s50201]

Do you guys have a video of the 3rd gen (96-02) 4Runner?

[@risingembersgaming7740]

Someone gives a description writer a raise

[@JMunn55]

I remember seeing one for the 1990 and the 1996 4Runner on here. Where did they go? I have a '99 so I'd like to see the '96 video again

[@mrtoastyman07]

+JMunn55 I just got my '96 and have been trying to hunt down period review video, all I can find are text articles - I can't believe they took it down!

[@JMunn55]

Hopefully they put it back up! The 1st gen is the famous one but the 2nd and 3rd are gems as well!

[@chooch1995]

The 22R was a workhorse. I had a '88 4Runner with the new V-6. Terrible motor. Under engineered oil delivery ports left this engine to seize up at 50,000 miles or so......so very un-Toyota like.

[@andersfranz5367]

chooch1995 My 3.slow blew a day after I hit 200k lmao

[@aboldone4264]

chooch1995 yeah that 3.0 was a dog, thankfully they got much better.

[@smitty18541]

The 3vze v6 is the worst Toyota engine I’ve encountered

[@zacksmith5589]

If I get a 3.0 4Runner, I'm just going to 3.4 swap it

[@tonymontana7293]

My family had a 1990 4runner with the 22re and auto transmission I loved that 4runner so much.

[@dashmarlowe8210]

Funny how the original sticker price is about what these are worth now. Great investment. We have two and one 91 4x4 truck.

[@bloxburgbuilderk]

I have one and love it

[@jakestech28]

You actually don't have to stop to go from 2H to 4H, the front hubs just need to be locked.

[@rcdudes123]

This is an 84 4runner sr5 not quite an 85 22re yet, but still loved the review!

[@markbunn8576]

I remember seeing these all the time. Haven't seen one on the road in years though. I think they rusted away even in the south.

[@owl7339]

Mark Bunn they are still around

[@Gunsforfreedom]

Love these videos. Keep 'em coming!

[@ozzstars_cars]

Motorweek, how about a throwback on the 1986.5. Nissan Hardbody 4wd pickup? Or the 1984 Mazda 626? Keep up the good work!

[@TheTechCguy]

Compared to today's 4Runner, it has gone a long way. :) Covered in the back too, so whatever stuff you put there is protected from the weather.

[@KnightDriveTV]

This video inspired me to do a current walkaround and buyer video with a friend of mine. We did some canyon runs and went for some great footage. I just posted it on my channel to add to the great 1g 4runner content on KZbin!

[@pg9112471]

I have an 86 turbo model. Still drives I use it to tow my boat.

[@alimodiandude]

The MoreFunner!

[@jakeaustin9894]

RAD4Runner, I knew who this was after reading your comment. Haha!

[@TRyan-op2jo]

Me too!

[@Dead_on_Arrival.]

What's more mouth watering is They have 2KZ TO 1KZ Turbo Diesels in overseas as Hilux Surf. Now the Fortuner is the modern Diesel Hilux 4Runner

[@79c15]

Did the 85 actually come with a clinometer from factory? I've only heard land cruiser used those

[@stevenseats523]

Yes it did. I bought a new 84 Forerunner in 1984 and it had an inclinometer.

[@williamhussey1611]

Only the sr5 models

[@dundeeecroc]

@@williamhussey1611 SR5 stands for Sport Rally 5 speed. I know this because I have a rust free 1985 4runner SR5 5 speed with the 22re engine and sits on 35's with 5:29 gearing and gets 22mpg using PURE gasoline, no E10 crap.

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

👋🥰👉♥️👍The best Toyota truck ever built! And still looks gorgeous today!

[@sapphostreaming]

this is so gorgeous...and that minty interior...

[@OmisterE]

Okay for you historical buffs, this is a test of an '84 1/2 4Runner. The true '85s had EFI not carburetion as shown in this video. Also, he states it had power windows but the video shows window cranks.

[@Prodriver33]

yep, the 22RE, I love that engine, this one was obviously a 22R,

[@LegendsXXX2]

I have the 22RE in mine, but I think the 22R was still an option for 1985. Just not too sure how many people took the lower powered carb'd engine though

[@christopherwaits7852]

Rod Munch well you gave “too cents” to bother to comment, so maybe you do care or your life is a boring and sad.

[@rodmunch69]

@@christopherwaits7852 homosayswhat?

[@christopherwaits7852]

Rod Munch not sure, what did you say?

[@jakestech28]

Pretty sure this is an 84' Model year, The valve cover is evident of the early style 22R (81-84) The later model 22R (85-95) is different, including the valve cover.

[@JD-he4fp]

Oh my. Drove my first hundred thousand miles in an 86. Jumped and slide my way around appalacia

[@ae86levin55]

I Love toyota

[@fogel76]

Cant believe you can take the damn roof off!!

[@DonovanSmith79]

+Jorge Bobe Final year for the first gen 4runner was 1989. I have an '89 with a removable top. The truck was upgraded in '89, but the 4runner didn't get the same treatment until '90.

[@rjetta8v]

Thanks for posting these!

[@Doobie1975]

Were the 1985 Toyota pickups (including the 4Runner) still carbeurated or did they include fuel injection that year?

[@jameswalsh6131]

These things were/are tanks. Still see them on the road.

[@rodmunch69]

Yeah mainly in use by Islamic terrorists.

[@danielfendrich4138]

He said power windows but @1:10 you can clearly see those are manual windows

[@-xRunnerG]

Daniel Fendrich LOL, I noticed that too.

[@ramblerclassicman221]

Was that a g series 5 speed I detect? Bearings and synchros have a habit of happiness and longevity...

[@_Dandan369]

2 door with removal camper shell really cool 😎 .

[@Scottstunts]

I wish they would’ve stuck with a straight axle. I have an 87 and 88. The 87 has been straight axle swapped. I love Toyota’s.

[@DanielLopez-pu4hx]

The 4Runner has come a long way.

[@Roostertailin]

Back to the Future Toyota pickup is my dream.

[@manthony225]

How about posting the first MW road test that aired .

[@kirbyswarp]

look on their channel

[@Motorweek]

kirbyswarp I found a '90 Saab 9000 turbo road test. Will that work?

[@kirbyswarp]

***** It's already on the internet. But I guess post it anyways. Better than nothing. Looking for a 1986-1988 one.

[@brucec43]

Another problem was a really low payload capacity. It would sag pretty seriously with a load of 40 lb boxes in the back. And taking that roof off is not a quick process.

[@edwu8253]

I wish they still made a 2dr version

[@mervinprone]

Wasn’t that a window crank I saw on the passenger door?