Faults:

Since I purchased this vehicle, I have had to replace the power antenna twice. Each time, the antenna quit working without any warning.

The leather on the driver's seat had cracked areas on one side when I purchased the vehicle off lease. Within one year, this area had spread, to become a large hole. The cushion is now exposed.

The cup/drink holder in the front of the vehicle is very flimsy. It broke within one year of my ownership.

General Comments:

In spite of the problems reported, I am pleased with this vehicle. It has been very reliable and continues to perform well, even with high mileage.

Faults:

Many things on this car are faulty. Here's the list of flaws:

1) Extremely uncomfortable.

2) Very bumpy and bouncy ride.

3) Noisy interior.

4) Bad cup holder design.

5) Flimsy.

6) Brakes keep locking up.

7) Throttle keeps wearing out.

8) Sunroof leaks.

9) Inaccessible spark plugs.

10) Wind Noise.

11) Terrible Fuel Economy.

General Comments:

I don't know why I bought this car. It has so many things gone wrong. But it does have a couple good things about it. It's good for hauling stuff around, and it has good steering. That's it, though. I should have gotten an American car. At least they're built well!

Faults:

Squeaky clutch (U-bushing was the problem)

That's it.

General Comments:

My first 4runner was a 1999 4Runner which I gave to my brother (long story). Having driven that vehicle for two, trouble-free years, I decided to buy a used one to save money a little money to modify it to my liking. I purchased a 1998 in late 2001 and I'm just as happy if not happier with the 1998.

As others have said, reliability is the #1 reason why I purchased yet another 4runner. I've seen my brother's Isuzu Rodeo go down the drain into maintenance purgatory.

The quality, fit, and finish of the 4runner is outstanding. As it is one of the very few remaining Toyota vehicles still built in Japan, you know its been done right.

The exterior styling is classic, yet a little modern. It still looks like an SUV instead of these new current generation of poseur SUV body styles.

Interior styling is and was even back in 1998, dated. The center radio console is bland and the worst interior feature is the dash mounted cup holder.

Performance-wise, the 3.6L V6 is good enough for me. With a load of gear and 4 people though, the engine struggles slightly to get up 20 deg freeway inclines.

Off-road, it is highly capable unlike many of the pretenders out there like the national SUV sales leader, Ford Explorer.

Maintenance is easy on the 4runner. The commonality of the parts between the 4runner and Tacoma make it easy to find out advice from both communities. I'd say the most awkward basic maintenance item to change is getting out the oil filter, but if you go through the fender wheel well skirt, its not as big of a problem as say a mid-80's Nissan Maxima!

Faults:

The power antenna had to be replaced.

General Comments:

This has been a very nice and very reliable vehicle.

We absolutely love it's on and off road manners.

The only thing we have had to do besides have the power antenna fixed is change the oil.

Though I have noticed the exhaust shroud rattle, but was able to fix that by simply bending the shroud slightly.