Faults:

Over the last 5 years that we have had it, the vehicle has been almost perfect. Not a single break down. Everything works and rides just like when we got it.

The things that had to be fixed:

Front passenger side caliper; one of the 4 cylinders on it seized.

Had to replace one side exhaust manifold, but it was still working good except for a minor crack in it. Would probably run for a few more years.

Front axles had to be replaced, because the front rubber boots got damaged; it was faulty though. Went in places that it shouldn't have.

General Comments:

Reliable, tough, powerful, good looking SUV, with truck like capabilities.

Lots of space inside, and tons of very useful options. Love it. Would definitely get another one like that.

Faults:

Driver-front CV axle (at 115000).

Wheel alignment (frequently required).

Dash lighting.

TPMS sensors.

Timing belt.

General Comments:

I bought this truck based on my requirements for a capable towing vehicle with 4 wheel drive and high reliability ratings. Consumer Reports rated this vehicle very high on nearly all aspects. With a towing capacity of ~7200 lbs and full-time 4 wheel drive, this vehicle ticked all the right boxes. After racking up around 3k miles split between towing our 5,000 lb trailer and 30 hours on highway driving without the trailer, I'd say it was the right choice. I snagged this 4Runner up for $9.5k and knew it would need some maintenance, however after a timing belt, CV axle, new tires, new fluids, and a couple of wheel alignments, I still spent less than what many dealerships were wanting.

Power is plentiful from the small 4.7 V8, and for a body-on-frame design it rides quite well. The seats lack proper support for long distance drives, but it's a truck. The dogs love the roll-down window on the back hatch, and I love how it's rugged enough to handle two large dogs.

Gas mileage varies based on use, but on highway we average 17 MPG, and while pulling our trailer about 9 MPG.

If there was a new version of this same truck available, I'd consider it as a follow-on to this truck. Unfortunately Toyota has dropped the V8 on the 4Runners following this body style. I intend to get 300k out of this truck if all goes well. Maybe by that time Toyota will come to their senses and build a proper successor to this beast.

Faults:

Absolutely nothing has gone wrong with this vehicle.

General Comments:

It is difficult to express just how much I love this vehicle. I have had it just under two years now, and I am absolutely honest when I say that I love driving it every day.

I had a brand new Infiniti G35 luxury sedan with all the bells and whistles (read my review under 2008 G35), and while it was a fast and beautiful machine, the visibility was absolutely atrocious. I always felt like I was about to have an accident in that car. I often changed lanes, not having seen an oncoming car. I got lots of honks and dirty looks, and a couple of fingers.

When we got pregnant, I decided we needed a larger, bigger vehicle with better visibility. So we found this 4Runner at a good price (they are often overpriced since they are popular) and we bought it.

At first, it felt huge to me and I missed the agility of my G35. But that didn't last long. The visibility is excellent. The acceleration (I have the 6 cylinder) is great and it's powerful. It rides smoothly and passengers always comment on the comfort. I have driven it from Albuquerque to Colorado five times, and now I cannot imagine not using this vehicle on a road trip.

I've also tried minor four-wheeling in it, and it performed beautifully. The long wheelbase makes it feel very stable, and it climbs without slipping. The powerful brakes are reassuring on steep declines.

I really love this vehicle. It feels like a great family vehicle, without going into the dreaded minivan territory. I honestly want to drive this until it falls apart. I have never enjoyed a vehicle as much as this one EVER in my experience.

My ONE complaint is the gas mileage. It's large, it's powerful, and it has a huge tank. So when gas prices are extra high, it's an expensive vehicle to drive. But even a cheapskate like me can put that to rest when I consider my family's comfort and safety.

I would buy another one of these in a heartbeat. If (heaven forbid) if were totaled, I would instantly look for an identical vehicle.