Toyota 4Runner: A offroad Icon that stayed true to form

Welcome to Auto Chatter! Todays discussion is about the 4Runner. Join me for a 40 year chat about
this popular offroader ,and lets explore the changes over the years! I hope you find it enjoyable. And if so, considering exploring more of my Auto Chatting Encyclopedia that grows weekly!

[@P_RO_]

Definitely a desirable vehicle as seen in the prices for used ones. Will be interesting to see what a Lexus-topping one might do but TBH that's a really small market niche as people are beginning to choke on the insanely high prices of high-end new cars and trucks. The 4Runner was always aimed at a larger market niche and it was a bulls-eye hit for Toyota.

[@autochatter]

Prices are high, but as I showed in the vid, people were shelling out close to the equivalent of 70k today for Limited 4Runners over 20 years ago. I love the styling of the upcoming Lexus GX, and as its a more affluent brand, I think it will be a hit. It will not sell in numbers like the crossover RX though.

[@ton12loc]

The 1st gen with the removable top is my favorite

[@MotorMaster_Stunticon]

Heck yeah. I’m not an SUV guy but I always liked the 4-Runner just like the earlier Pathfinder. A tough and ‘truckish’ SUV. I like the 1996 gen the best.

[@autochatter]

There was quite a few I wouldn't mind. 1st gen or a 2 door second gen.. A 2000 5 speed or even a newer TRD Pro would all be cool to me! Thanks for watching Rob!

[@anthony_rivera4735]

It's grotesque that the 4Runner has been stuck on the fifth generation for 14 years.

[@autochatter]

They updated it and it got more popular as the model aged.

[@ilovecats748]

Toyota had a golden goose situation: they did nothing and every year it sold more than the year before. Every automakers’ dream is that your amortized old vehicle brings you back more money every year with no effort

[@P_RO_]

When you get things really right there's little reason to change and lots of reasons not to. My favorite van model did a 17 year production run and was still selling OK when they went with something newer.

[@autochatter]

@P_RO_ if it ain't broke, don't fix it!

[@raymond_sycamore]

The 4Runner is a vehicle I want so BADLY to like and enjoy, but like the now $80,000 Jeep Wrangler or new Ford Bronco, the enthusiasts just ruin it for me.

[@autochatter]

Yeah...They are all getting expensive. Miss the XJ Cherokee or Xterra as budget options.

[@rickc303]

Okay bye

[@jpicard81]

Hell yea. I've had a 1st gen, three 2nd gens and now have a fourth gen

[@autochatter]

That's awesome!!!!!!

[@Stormtrooper_98Trd]

I've owned 4 4runners 1 1995 1 1996 and 2 1998s. Love my 95 more then my 98s it has a 4 inch lift on 33x12.50r15s and im almost done engine swapping it with the 5vzfe 3.4l v6 from the 3rd gens!

[@autochatter]

@@Stormtrooper_98Trd Awesome!

[@Kristian_Saile]

We bought a ‘23 this fall. Have been a Land Cruiser guy my entire adult life but since the new Cruiser is a Prado and a bunch of new unproven tech, the 4Runner made more sense being tried and trued and at least 10 grand cheaper depending on the trims. I am sure the new platform will be better in most measures but looking at it from a 20 year ownership proposition the older platform is the one I wanted. Really happy with the 5th gen, it’s a good blend of current tech and old school durability.

[@autochatter]

Yes...4Runner is unique in the market today for reasons you cited. Im sure some Lexus GX owners are snatching up 2023 models too. I work at a Lexus dealer and am excited to see the new GX in person though.

[@Kristian_Saile]

@@autochatter it’s definitely a great looking vehicle and honestly the base Cruiser looks amazing to me having owned a couple of FJ60’s over the years it pulls at my heart strings.

[@autochatter]

My coworkers who have driven the new GX already said it was awesome.

[@gabrielmillien7439]

The 1996 gen is my favorite gen.

[@johnwebb2232]

very good run down of the years, really enjoyed this video, makes me love my 2016 4runner trail with kdss even more. this has been my favorite vehicle out of all the vehicles I've had. The 4runner is truly a dying breed. they don't make reliable vehicles like that anymore. love my 5th gen.

[@autochatter]

They are tough and reliable for sure! Glad you enjoyed the vid!

[@trevork8925]

Only memory I have is pulling them out with my Jeep when they get stuck! 🤠

[@autochatter]

Oh no...The rivalry starts already! Should I get some popcorn ready???? LOL.

[@rolfrevman]

Comment for the algorithms. ❤

[@autochatter]

I will take it! TY.