Faults:

Minor issues mostly, given the age and mileage. Far exceeded expectations for any Toyota vehicle, and most definitely any other make.

My guess is the body will rust out before the engine quits. The down side of the early 4 Runner's was the fact the bodies rusted..

About 11 years ago, had a lot of rust cut out and the whole thing repainted etc, however rust has come back, and now I will let it rust out I think.

General Comments:

This car has been phenomenal in all weather conditions, very rugged great for off roading, driving in deep snowy, slick conditions.

In a collision this car always wins, partly due to high clearance and big metal fenders; when you ram your plastic car into it, they don't survive.

Great for hauling stuff around.

Great for camping and even sleeping in the back.

Have put a motorized scooter in the back on many road trips.

Fairly comfortable given its purpose. Seats still intact, no rips or tears in fabric, only recently showing wear.

The sun roof is awesome.

The down side is only the fact it has two doors, and it's not a down side for me the driver, but more for passengers trying to get in and out of the back seat, Due to high clearance and a bit of a tight squeeze, this can be challenging for wider passengers, or really short passengers.

Faults:

I have replaced the alternator once.

I have replaced the starter solenoid once.

I have rebuilt the rear window mechanism once.

I have had the brake pads replaced and replaced the front brake rotors at 315000km.

Seats are getting worn.

Arm rest is worn out.

General Comments:

Very good off road capabilities in stock form.

This truck has a cult following, so there are lots of aftermarket parts available, as well as fan websites.

High resale values, and lots of guys looking for first generation 'runners.

High quality design and build quality.

Great mileage for a tall four wheeler.

Not a lot of power from the 4 cylinder, but I still consider this to be a great engine.

Some mechanics will tell you that the 22-R engine is the best Toyota ever made, and I agree.

Every mechanic and car guy I know loves these trucks.

The only thing I don't like is the electric rear window.

Faults:

Engine light won't go out, even after replacing everything.

Sensors are not cheap or easy to replace.

General Comments:

It was a very nice car and would not be opposed to getting another.

Faults:

The wiring from the battery to the starter had some problems.

It kept getting corroded, forcing me to install 3 new starters in the time I had my car.

General Comments:

Very reliable.

Very durable.

Enough power and good gas mileage.

Faults:

During its long life, I have had to replace head gasket once at about 150,000 miles. The rear window has been a problem issue for this vehicle. I have had to replace several motors to the window, but that is the worst I can say about this wonderful SUV.

General Comments:

It has traveled all over the US and it has never let me sit. I have used it as a personal car, farm vehicle, towing vehicle, camping vehicle and just about anything else you can imaging. Would have another, but the price is now out of my range. Would absolutely recommend this vehicle. It is almost like a "good friend"...reliable and trustworthy.

Faults:

The shock and springs in the back end were sagging when the vehicle was originally bought. Since then I have rebuilt all the rear springs and replaced all shocks.

Oxygen sensor was recently changed, this part (if you want Bosch) was >$400.

Currently running rough, mechanic says it is the EGR (exhaust gas regulator I think)

General Comments:

I love my 4Runner. I would not trade it for anything. It has never left me stranded (except when I left the lights on).

The 4Runner follows the Jeep when 4x4ing and has never had a problem going where it wants.

Now that the springs in the back end are fixed the ride quality improved tenfold!

My 4Runner is in excellent shape and was well taken care of however I have friends who have bought 4runners that are not in that great of shape.

Friends and family like my truck so much that everyone bought Toyota 4x4's this spring (2004).

Very stable. I have never felt as though I was going to tip at all.