More off road capable than the competition and built like a tank!
Written: Jun 11 '07
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Pros: powerful,reliable,stylish design,capable off road abilities
Cons: pesky maintenance lights, more wind noise than I would expect , automatic locking doors.
The Bottom Line: I highly recommend the 2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V8. Solid vehicle, great towing ability, stalworth off road capabilities and very reliable. Leaves most of the competition stuck in the mud.......literally.
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| sknudson's Full Review: 2004 Toyota 4Runner 4WD |
I bought this 2004 Toyota 4Runner new for $29,000.00. I purchased this vehicle with the intention of paying it off and driving it for many years. I think I chose the right vehicle. I wanted the legendary Toyota reliability and I wanted a powerful tow vehicle that could perform off road. This particular model came equipped with the I Force V-8, four wheel drive and the SR5 trim package. Before purchasing this 4Runner we owned a Jeep Grand Cherokee (Hence a desire for reliability and off road capabilities). I looked under the Toyota and was immediately impressed with the skid protection. Full skid plates under the motor and the entire gas tank. This is no unibody either. Full frame and a solid, reinforced cross member. I got behind the wheel and looked how well laid out everything is. Ergonomic design but quite spartan. If you want lots of cosmetic appointments you may want to check out the limited or the sport package. Mine is equipped with the Torsen center locking differential and downhill assist. Both have proven to be invaluable during off road hunting excursions and trips to the farm on rainy days. four wheel A.B.S., full time transfer case and independant front suspension round out the off road package but there are so many other features that were installed on this thing. We discover something new all the time and we have owned it for three years! The vehicle has been absolutely trustworthy and I feel safe letting my wife drive it to work every day. The full size spare instills confidence. The cd player/stereo sounds great, the gauges are well presented and easy to read. The seats are comfortable but firm. Lots of storage throughout. compartments in the cargo area for trailer hitches, the jack , tools and there's a 9 volt outlet for accessories. The trim is solid and doesn't fall apart or stay loose like some domestic vehicles when you have to remove it. There are blind spot mirrors and tie downs in the back and plenty of cupholders, rear A/C vents on the back of the console and big alloy wheels with Bridgestone 31-1050 tires. The performance is exceptional. The 4.8 liter V-8 may not be the fastest engine around but it has plenty of power in reserve when you need it for passing, digging out of mud or climbing up steep hills. The 6 speed transmission is quiet and shifts smooth. There are a couple of small points of contention, one, the shifter is more confusing than it needs to be. There are about10 options where PRNDL would suffice,the fact that the doors automatically lock when you engage the transmission (it can be programmed though) and The "maint" light and tire pressure lights have to physically be turned off after maintenance and tire inflation. Aside from that this is barr none the best, most capable, most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. I can recommend it without reservation!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 29000.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: SR5 6 speed automatic Iforce V8 4x4
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Epinions.com ID:
sknudson
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Reviews written: 6
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