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1998 Toyota 4Runner

1998 Toyota 4Runner
Overall rating:  Product Rating: 4.5

Reviewed by 40 users

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Review on the eve of 100,000 miles

by dearcraiger
Mar 26 '04 - Updated Mar 31 '04 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Good looks, quiet ride, QUALITY
Cons: Newer models don't look as good!
The Bottom Line: I recommend this vehicle for its quality above all else. I hope the next generation 4Runners can match its quality, ride, and appearance.

This review is for a 1998 Toyota 4Runner with close to 100,000 miles as of March 2004. My 4Runner is an automatic 6-cyl 4WD. In the fall of 1998, I leased a 1998 4Runner SR5. I heard about the Toyota reputation for quality, and after testing a few ...

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Great Little Workhorse

by poseidon Epinions Most Popular Authors - Top 200
Nov 30 '99 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: very well built, sturdy, great snow cat
Cons: gas mileage

My dad has a 1998 Toyota 4Runner LTD, but I get to drive every so often. I think this is one of the nicest 4x4 vehicles I've ever had the pleasure of driving.

This certainly isn't the biggest machine available... in fact, I would place it as...

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No qualms here...

by narenji Epinions Most Popular Authors - Top 1000
Jan 06 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: More carlike, off-road ability, backseat/cargo room, power, good gas efficiency, comfortable
Cons: somewhat weak brakes, very plain dash/interior, slightly high priced

I had the pleasure of driving a 1998 4Runner SR5 4WD Automatic for about two weeks during the holidays. The truck belongs to my girlfriend's family, but it was our car for the time we were there at her house. Previously, I didn't have that great an...

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98 Toyota 4Runner SR5 - Reliability comes at a price

by FJ40_Cruiser
Feb 01 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Reliability, styling, and resale value.
Cons: Price, suspension.

I will state from the onset that I am a die hard Toyota fan. I have owned seven Toyota vehicles and have been extremely satisfied with the reliability of all of them. That said, I will still try to present an accurate review of the 98 SR5 Toyota...

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RIDE ME!!!!!

by kil45
Feb 24 '00 - Updated Jun 07 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Reliability, design, versatility, ride, high resale value
Cons: accessability for the vertically challenged, could use more power

We bought my 4Runner in April of 1998, and I've loved it ever since. The 4Runner accomodates almost every type of person. The car is very versatile, it can be used as a workhorse, a family vehicle, or a vacation car. This cars gives the owner...

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Comfy Ride, Nice Price, Smooth Look, Great Car!

by pippen7698
Sep 28 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Spacious Insides, Great Design, Excellent Agility
Cons: None

We bought this vehicle because of many reasons. One, was the affordable price. It fit into our budget at the time, so it was a deal. Another, was the roomy, spacious, luxurious inside. It has nice leather seats, with trendy patterns and a nice feel.
...

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Not Impressed

by LarryWarren
Oct 03 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Quality, reliability and good looks
Cons: poor controls/displays, be careful off-road

This is my third SUV after a Isuzu Trooper and Jeep Grand Cherokee. I bought the limited because my wife loved it.

The 4Runner has a very high quality chassis. With 35,000 miles, it is as tight and solid as day 1. Reliability has always been a...

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A Good Choice

by acheese21
Jan 11 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: roomy and powerful
Cons: low miles per gallon ratio

I strongly believe that the Toyota 4Runner was a good choice for me. I bought the car because I was looking for something that was roomy but was not a mini-van. It is really fun to drive by yourself, but it also has enough room for a mid-sized...

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The Wonderous 4Runner, w/ All Its Magic and Assorted Goodies

by Lethal
Oct 05 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Everything! Power everything, sunroof, rockin soundsytem, comfy too!
Cons: Eats up some gas, but thats it!

The 4runner is without a doubt one of the greatest sport utility vehicles ever built. I love this car dearly, and if you have the opportunity to obtain one of these SUV's, I highly advise you to do so.

There are so many wonderful and...

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Solid - But maybe too solid!

by dbp2836
Dec 20 '99 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Solid, dependable, feeling of safety
Cons: Stiff ride, height of the vehicle

I purchased my 1998 4-Runner for the same reason that the majority of people do - Toyota's reputation.

Solid, dependable, and a feeling of safety when driving the vehicle are the main aspects that I truly enjoy about the 4-Runner. However,...

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Great Vehicle

by COlga
Feb 28 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: comfort, handling, dependability,space
Cons: none

We are now in our second 4-runner. The ride is exceptional and the handling is outstanding for a SUV. We were initially concerned about the purchase of a SUV, due to the reports on possible roll-over accidents. However we feel completely secure with...

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Rockin' & Rollin'

by sethlevy
Jan 22 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: style, size, comfort
Cons: none

After deciding my next vehicle would be an SUV, I decided on the 4Runner for several reasons. First and foremost, I liked the looks of the 4Runner as compared to the more standard Jeep Grand Cherokee or Ford Explorer, and especially liked some of its...

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Great all-purpose Vehicle

by spfcx
Apr 10 '03 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Great Ride, Reliability, Handling, Comfort, Exterior Styling, Chick Magnet
Cons: Slightly Underpowered, Plain Interior Styling
The Bottom Line: This vehicle holds its value for a reason: It is a great all-purpose SUV that looks, handles, and performs well.

I bought this used in 2001 to replace my aging 1995 BMW 325i. Needless to say they handle quite differently. I am very impressed with they Toyota's all around quality. So far the only maintenance I have had to do so far is changing the oil. It...

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Rugged - Dependable - but somewhat unrefined

by freecsa
Sep 13 '06 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Bulletproof reliability, Rugged, Solid Off-Road capabilities, Decent cargo space, Very Cold A/C
Cons: V6 slightly underpowered. Cup holders awful. Small glove box. Bouncy, harsh ride. Seats uncomfortable. Noisy.
The Bottom Line: This is a safe, reliable, capable SUV that can stand up to bad roads and go off-road as needed. This thing is a tank!

We bought our V6 powered, auto-transmission,'98 4Runner SR5 new from the dealership in December 1997. Since then we have clocked 230,000 miles on the odometer. From day one, we diligently performed all scheduled maintenance and only Toyota certified ...

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Worth the extra $$?

by villafish
Oct 10 '02 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Toyota Reliability, Build Quality and good off-road manners, O.K. fuel economy
Cons: High step-in height, uncomfortable seating, so-so performance
The Bottom Line: The 4Runner is worth a look if you in the SUV market, but a newer SUV with lower mileage and more features can be had for the same amount.

When we were looking for a newer used car we went to the import center. We looked at Subarus and Toyotas. One of the vehicles we test drove was a 1998 SR5 Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner is a conventional SUV, based on the Tacomoa Pickup. The first thing...

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Not the 4Runner when it comes to SUV's

by mobilefleet
Jul 19 '03 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 2.0 Recommended: No 

Pros: looks, Toyota mechanical reliability
Cons: ergonomics, ride quality
The Bottom Line: Wouldn't buy another unless the ride is greatly improved

My wife and I bought our 98 4Runner from our friends as they were switching vehicles and didn't want ...

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Great truck

by blazersiv
Dec 27 '02 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Comfort, Displays, ALMOST everything.
Cons: Engine power and Front passenger leg space.
The Bottom Line: Solid car

I just turned in my 4runner after a lenghty lease and it was a very sad parting but it allows me to do an honest review.

COMFORT and ROOMINESS:
Being 5'10" This truck seems as though it was designed for me ... everything fit. The...

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It can take it....

by tightline
Apr 08 '02 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Solidly built, strong 4wd, great ergonomics, nothing ever breaks
Cons: Cruising range, factory rear suspension, mediocre roof rack
The Bottom Line: If it suits your purposes...you can't go wrong with the 4runner.

I may fall outside the typical demographic purchaser of SUV's...I actually take them off-road. I am an avid outdoorsman, flyfisher and even make an occasional ski trip...in the natural course of getting to my destinations, I've run into all sorts of...

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Great choice for off-roaders

by jahrucker
Jun 24 '03 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Ground clearance, reliability, refined engine
Cons: Cloth interior, stereo
The Bottom Line: I would highly recommend the 1998 4Runner. It is a good value in the used market.

This is a review of a 1998 4Runner 4WD recently purchased used. I have owned several Nissan and Toy ...

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Drive in Style

by MicheleNS
Dec 16 '99 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Comfortable, CD player, smooth ride, reliable
Cons: 16 year old wants to drive it ALL THE TIME

I bought this car for my 50th birthday present - a gift to myself - seeing I am a single Mom! This vehicle will be 2 years old this February and it looks and rides like new. I LOVE IT. I used to drive a Maxima and when looking for a new car I sat in...

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Good Buy

by Crunkncrazy
May 10 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: EVERYTHING
Cons: More gas money than I'm used to paying

This car has to be one of the best things you could spend your money on. I love the look of all SUV's and the Toyota 4Runner caught my eye. I test drove it and I knew I had to have the car. It had a totally silent engine which is great because a lot of...

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Awesome Reliability

by Aber
May 12 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Total Reliability
Cons: Not as flashy as some "soccer mom" SUV's

I live in Colorado so I wanted a capable SUV and not a compromise soccer mom vehicle calling itself an SUV. I use my 4Runner to climb mountains on unpaved trails for fun and it's also my daily commuter during rush hour traffic on the freeway. Ground...

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Look no further!

by packonmyback
Feb 15 '01 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Reliability, toughness, power, styling
Cons: MPG, nothing else
The Bottom Line: If the size is right for you and you want a solid, reliable SUV, look no further.

I bought my 4Runner new in Feb 1998. I've never regretted my decision. I shopped around looking at, and driving, the Pathfinder, Montero Sport, and Discovery. Driving those vehicles made my choice that much easier. I wanted a versatile vehicle...

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Learning to drive

by kaotika
Jun 29 '01 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 3.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Great family car, good snow handling
Cons: limited seat and steering wheel adjustments
The Bottom Line: The Toyota 4-runner is definatley a good choice if you are looking to purchase and SUV.

My parents bought thier 1998 Toyota 4-runner in early 2000. We previousy owned a 1996 Toyota Tacoma and were planning a trip to Tahoe. My sister and I were getting a bit to tall to be sitting in the tiny backseat of that truck, especially for such a long...

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4Runner-Pushing the Limits!!!

by devray
Jan 22 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: smooth ride, relatively quiet ride, fun to drive, attracts attention, safe
Cons: stiff suspension, needs more horsepower and acceleration

The Toyota 4-Runner is an amazing SUV. It has a smooth, comfortable ride and is most importantly...safe! The 4-Runner has been named one of the safest SUV's and one of the least likely to roll. I bought this car because it looks really nice, and it is...

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Great, if you like trucks

by acdtprn
Jan 19 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Great interior, sound system, four wheel drive
Cons: Heavy, rides like a truck

This is an excellent SUV. The inside is comfortable and roomy, and feels like a car. The sound system is nice (although not much bass). It's generally a smooth ride, although sometimes it can get rather bumpy. I like the car a lot, but as much as...

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Toyota 4 Runner

by rgravely
Jul 08 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 3.0 Recommended: No 

Pros: Attractive Roomy
Cons: Uncomfortable bumpy ride

We bought our Toyota 4 Runner because we researched Consumer Reports for reliability information and it was also one of the best looking SUV's around but good looks and Reliability were the good points I can tell you about. It was terrible on gas even...

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You almost get what you pay for

by ShyTexan
Sep 10 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Reliable and Nice Looking
Cons: Too Expensive!!

I bought my 4Runner not only for its reliability but also because it's a Toyota. Everyone I know that has ever owned a Toyota has been very happy, especially when its a 4Runner. I however had a problem with the electical system early on, which took 2...

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A Truck You Just Can't Beat

by Drunktyper
Sep 13 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: high off the ground, great features, and very reliable
Cons: slightly top heavy, bad drink holders

I have been driving a Toyota 4Runner for a few months now, and I could not be happier! The truck has been very reliable. I own a 6 cylinder, 4 wheel drive truck. I have been off road several times, and have had little or no problem each time....

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4Runner - Overview

by andisay
Dec 21 '99 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Look, Ride, Price, Security
Cons: Height from ground, breaking in bad weather

Let me begin by stating that I wasn't really in the market for a sports utility, but when I did decide, 4Runner won out over three other competitors in my book. I wanted a vehicle that was reliable, easy on gas, could hold to the road, and would keep up...

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Things to look for when purchasing

by amberisabel
Dec 11 '04 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: reliable, roomy, long lasting, durable, comfy back seats, good visibility
Cons: pricey, not eco.friendly w/gas, front seats are not comfy for a long haul
The Bottom Line: A must look at when comparing to SUV models within the era.

I leased my 1998 SR5 4-Runner new, then purchasing it in 2001 (no choice there). I have about 182k miles on it as of 12/04. Of course after reading (i hope) all the reviews in this section, you are pleased with what's said about the ...

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What a vehicle!

by babythumps
Jun 21 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Great drive
Cons: cupholders

I don't know where to start. We have had our 4Runner limited for 2 years now, and we love it. We haul our two kids in it feeling secure all the time. The visibility and turning radius make it a dream in the parking lot. In addition it has been great...

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What a great Truck

by tatyana1
Apr 19 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: None
Cons: Great looks and low Maintenance

What can I say about this Truck? Well I leased one in April 1998. I have had it now for about 2 years. There is nothing bad that I can say about it. I have put 80,000 miles and have not had to replace the brakes on it. I think that is amazing. My...

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Great SUV for the buck

by hoyboy
Sep 13 '99 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: handling
Cons: needs bigger tires

I have owned my Four-cylinder, 4wd 1998 Toyota 4Runner for about 15 months, and I am totally satisfied. The V-6 model with about the same options would of cost about nine-thousand more. For the price I paid compared to the V-6 models I got a great...

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98 4Runner, 3 year review

by rabbit09
Jul 29 '01 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: Solid - Dependable, roomy
Cons: Smallish gas tank, mileage, paint quality, step up height, no dark leather interior
The Bottom Line: I you want a truck, this is it. I love this car, I just wish it had a larger gas tank.

My 3 year lease is up, and guess what, Im getting another 4Runner. I had a chance to Tow my buddy's Jeep Cherokee out of the mud with it. Great ground clearance kept me going when he got stuck. The flip side is it is a chore for my 78 year old mother to...

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A card board box on wheels !!!

by Rmorgan296
Apr 19 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 1.0 Recommended: No 

Pros: Nothing
Cons: Everything

Look out Disney World there is a new theme park in town. Its name is the Toyota dealer ship. The main attraction is the Toyota 4runner, it twists it turns and most of all it flips more than any other ride in its class. I had one once. I was driving home...

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powerful, smooth like a Caddy!

by mgewecke
Mar 14 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: big bad boy
Cons: $$$$$

I swore I would never buy an SUV. I live in the Silicon Valley, where the 1 ton behemoths crowd the highways and scare poor economy car drivers off the roads. However, I have 2 kids, and--I ain't buyin a Minivan.

The 4-runner cost mucho...

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A must buy!

by Juve_x6
Jan 30 '00 

Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 4.0 Recommended: Yes 

Pros: luxury and style at its best
Cons: very low fuel economy

The 1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited is a great car with features and luxury. Lots of cargo, and foot space are one the great things about this car. Even though it is the most expensive model in the 4Runner lineup, it is worth it! Features that come in the...

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Epinions Express Reviews
Absolutely in love!
by bflooks  
Feb 11 '05 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Performance, reliability, styling, price, and pride in owning the best
Cons: Not enough time to drive it.
Great styling. Simple, yet classy and tough looking. Great color choices, and I love the painted bumpers that are an option. Solid truck and panels as there are no creeks or squeaks at 118,000! By far the best style 4Runner yet, although, the 99's changed to a nicer headlamp enclosure. Regardless, the 3rd gen. 4Runners look great!
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The BEST!
by cinnamate  
Jul 28 '07 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Everything.
Cons: I have nothing negative to say!
I purchased my '98 4Runner used....with 159,000 miles. It runs great!!! I'm now up to 172,000 miles and have only had to replace the starter. I got a great deal on it when I bought it, so replacing that wasn't a big deal to me. Every time I take it in for an oil change, it's perfect. I highly recommend the 4Runner!!!!
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A higher echelon
by marshallmay  
Jun 05 '05 
Author's Product Rating: Product Rating: 5.0 Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Great power, great fuel economy (19-21 mpg)and that's not grandma driving. A/C gets extremely cold.
Cons: Needs a larger fuel tank. Needs rear a/c vents.
2 words, Very Dependable. I'm a die-hard toyota fan. The body has an extremely attractive design. In a sense is very classy and yet rugged. I like the fact that it not too "soccer mom-ish" as other suvs have become, including the new 4runner model. People say the cup holders are in a bad spot. I have to disagree. Now if you like to get huge 64oz. drinks, these cup holders aren't for you. But any regular 20 oz. bottle fits nicely, and the a/c vent right behind it keeps it cold. The a/c is very cold and blows like a hurricane. Large sunroof and rear window rolls down definitely a plus.
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