The best of the $30K Class.
Written: May 13 '04 (Updated May 14 '05)
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Pros: Style & looks, Comfy, Smooth, Secure, Roomy
Cons: Gas milage, No need for a cassette deck
The Bottom Line: Great SUV. Looks rugged yet elegant, you can feel at ease driving it to a 5 star dinner in your tux or to a game in a t-shirt.
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| carlisle14's Full Review: 2004 Toyota 4Runner 4WD |
UPDATE: On 5/13/05, I was involved in a horrible, high-speed accident with this 4 Runner. The airbag and crumple-zones saved my life. Only 1 year old and with less than 20000 miles, the 4 runner is a complete loss. It saved my life, though. I have been released from the hospital with only minor injuries. I will be returning to the Toyota dealer to buy another 4 runner. I may never drive another type of vehicle again.
With 1000 miles logged on my new Toyota 4Runner, I feel comfortable writing this review. We considered and test drove Nissan Pathfinder, Nissan X-terra, Nissan Murano, Mitsubishi Montero Sport, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Toyota Highlander, and the Honda Pilot (all in the $28-30ish range). Hands-down, we found that the 4Runner was the best of this class & was the choice for us.
EDITIONS: This 2004 edition of the 4Runner comes in 3 styles. The Limited is, of course, packed with features such as heated leather seats & upgraded stereo system which places it out of the 30ish range. The SR5 is what is pictured in the header of this epinions review. The Sport Edition has mostly the same body shape and style as the SR5, with the exception of the hood. The Sport comes with a hood scoop, which some like and some don't (I'm in the don't category). The Sport edition comes standard with some features that are optional in the SR5, like a rear wind scoop with brake light & 10 speaker sound system (and Sport is priced accordingly at about 1200 more than SR5). V6 and V8 engines are available. Features like 6 disc CD changer, all-weather mats, Sun roof, Toyota Plus alarm system, and more can be negotiated into your deal for Sport and SR5 (mostly all options already in Limited).
EXTERIOR LOOKS/STYLE: Although everyone seems to have vastly differing opinions with what appeals to them individually, it does seem that the Toyota 4Runner has a classic rugged-yet-elegant look that most people find satisfying. Toyota reps have told me that the Silver, Gold, and White have been the hottest sellers on the east coast of US. The Black and Blue has been popular on the West Coast and South. Maybe East coasters want the color to not show the mud, rock-salt, and dirt that comes along with snowy winters? Built on the Tundra's truck chassis, the 4Runner sits high from the ground giving it an impressive look. Built to navigate off-roading, it has nice ground-clearance and a rugged feel. Most that you'll find on the lot have fog lights installed. You'll find no radio antennae coming from the 4Runner, as it is located within the back left window. The door handles are unobtrusive. Standard tires and rims are attractive. The black step-board continues the rugged yet fashionable look. The roof rack is much more solid and useful than others (like X-terra), and its bold black color is a nice contrasting "pop" to the lighter color 4Runners. Most come standard with a towing package. Also, a full-size spare is located beneath the rear portion of vehicle.
Overall, 4Runner does not provide a distinct/unique look like the Murano, but it is a fashionable style that one assumes will stay in-style for quite a few years. Gimmick looks like the Murano, PT Crusier, and Prowler may fade from popularity as styles change. As I look at 4Runners that are 5 years old or more, they still look great today. I have a hunch that the 2004 edition of the 4Runner will still look good in 2010.
ENGINE: Available in V6 and V8. The general maintenance engine components are very easily accessible (oil & fluids, spark plug, etc). Be forewarned, word is that basic maintenance on some of the new Ford SUV's/trucks (such as changing spark plugs) can be a true mis-adventure do to the poor engine composition. Engine is nice and reactive to the push of the right foot. You're not in a sports car or anything, but it is quite respectable for a SUV. Engine noise is satisfactory & is well muted from inside the vehicle.
RIDE: Remember, you are on a truck-base. Likewise, this SUV is designed to be capable to do off-roading. With that in mind, I would still rate the ride very good in terms of smoothness and comfort. Handles bumps like a breeze. Rides so smooth on the open road that I often do a few miles per hours about that pesky limit due to underestimating my speed. The wife has no problem dozing-off in the passenger seat, so it must be rather smooth and comfy. Highlander was smoother than 4Runner, Pilot about the same, and all Nissan’s were worse.
INTERIOR: Seats are comfy. I'm sure that there are more plush and soft seats out there somewhere, but these were amongst the best that we tested for SUV's. Standard seats have all manual adjustments, push-button adjusts in Limited or optional. Driver’s seat comes with several adjusters, front to back, seat tilt, leg tilt, and a lumbar adjuster. The lumbar is nice on the longer hauls to help you re-position weight and pressure without really moving around. Plenty of space for me and my 6 foot 3 inch frame all around. Great head clearance in front, and very good head clearance in back. A relief to us taller-folks to not duck while riding anymore. Back seat is a 60-40 bench. Easily folds down for a very spacious storage area. Seat itself is comfy for a bench. Back window rolls down completely. On many SUV's, you must open the back hatch as the window does not come down in back. Back window, alarm, and door controls are all on the keyless entry remote. Standard interior features include a vent to back passengers for a/c or heat, CD/cassette, large glove box, 3 or more plugs for cell phones and game boys (1 front, 1 back, 1 cargo), sunglass holder in roof liner, several cup holders that adjust to the size of your drink, 3 way adjustable sun visors, radio/CD control on the steering wheel, internal/external thermostat, cruise on the steering wheel, cargo retractable cover, and more. Large round "dials" on the consol are actually not dials at all, they are neatly designed buttons to push. Digital read-out shows you mileage left on this tank of gas, temperatures, time, and gas mileage average.
Personally, I love having the controls at the fingertips for the radio and CD player. I went with the moon roof option, which is so very nice on sunny days (recommended). I also love setting the internal thermostat to the exact degree that I want the temperature to be. The 4Runner sets and adjusts the fan speeds to keep that temp. steady.
One drawback is the presence in the console of a cassette deck. It is located in the dead center under the radio buttons, making it almost a focal point. I believe that the cassette tape is nearly as dead as the 8-track, so I say ditch the eye-sore of the tape deck.
SAFETY: Big and solid SUV. Already higher than many of the other cars out there. Dual front airbags standard, deploy at 15 mph. Interval release airbags, they come out in super-fast increments to avoid damaging the driver and passenger’s face and head with a single blow. Optional side airbags for about $800 more, I believe. Hooks in back to secure baby seats. Adjustable shoulder straps for seat belts. Seat belts are fine in way of comfort. Also, shoulder straps actually pull back slightly when impact occurs to get space between face and airbag.
GAS MILAGE: Sticker on window says 18/22. I do mostly highway driving and have been pulling about 18.7 miles per gallon. With gas prices at $1.90 right now (May 2004), that comes to about $33.50 per fill-up. Bonus, it takes Regular unleaded - some new SUV's drink only the expensive stuff.
WARRANTY: 3 yrs., 36000 miles bumper to bumper. 5 year powertrain. Ask your dealer for the free 10 yr. Castrol coverage (covers all moving engine parts that the oil lubricates IF you use only castrol oil).
INSURANCE: Huge range here possible due to your personal driving history. Married rate with no/few infractions costs us less than $300 a quarter for total coverage.
COST: We got a new SR5 with moon roof, 6 disc changer, 10 speakers, back scoop with brake light, and Toyota Plus alarm system for about $31K with 4% financing.
4RUNNER VERSAS:
Pilot - Pilot was our number 2 choice. Good ride, nice interior and features. Good reputation. But, it was just so bland on exterior and didn't have the same "pop" with the interior, either.
X-terra - Sloppier ride, louder ride. Recommends High-test gas. Lower starting price but ends up similar after you add the options that are standard on 4Runner. roof rack is not as tough as 4Runner.
Pathfinder - OK in many categories, but it was just not "it" for us. Not as comfy and didn't seem as roomy. Roof rack not as tough as 4Runner.
Murano - Trendy look scares me a bit for the long-haul. Not truly a SUV in look or size. More expensive than 4Runner. Perhaps so different not even comparable.
Highlander - Similar pricing and features. Books will tell you that cargo space is very similar, but it doesn't feel that way. Highlander is on car base, and it may be a bit smoother. Highlander just feels smaller and a bit cramped. Exterior looks seems a bit bland, almost cookie-cutter. Better financing options are probably available for Highlander.
OVERALL: This SUV feels "solid." Looks rugged yet elegant - can feel at ease driving it to a 5 star dinner in your tux or to the pee-wee football game in shorts and t-shirt. Interior is well-designed, comfy, and quiet. Exterior looks beautiful, and I think it will stand the test of time. Ride is pretty smooth. Pedals are reactive. Makes driving fun, really. Opt for the 10 speakers and the moon roof to complete the package, which really makes this feel like an "up-scale" vehicle.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 31000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: SR5, V6
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Epinions.com ID:
carlisle14
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Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 0 members
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