2001 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4x4 3.4 liter V6 5VZ-FE from North America

Summary:

A true gem for single car households who want 1 vehicle that can and will do it all

Faults:

The wheel bearing went out at about 249K miles, which is a very reasonable repair except for the fact that the bearings are heat pressed on to the shaft and the local dealerships wanted $700+ to replace one side. So we bought a salvage full rear end and replaced it ourselves for $50. While there is a great following and a good aftermarket selection for the 4Runner, it can still be tricky at times finding parts and affording the labor.

General Comments:

Overall a great combination of dependability, performance, economy and general usability. Nimble enough to easily drive through big cities, rugged enough to take off-road, seating for 5 + cargo makes it a great road tripper (it’s even quiet on the highway); top notch creature comforts at the price point (sun roof, heated seats, leather); the rear window sliding into the back hatch is brilliant for lake trips or tail gating. Plus, mid 20s mpg and oh the towing. 5000 lbs towing makes it great for boats, motorcycles, small campers, moving or pulling your brother-in-law’s truck out of the mud and back to his house.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th May, 2023

2001 Toyota 4Runner Limited 3.5 from North America

Summary:

An overestimated rig!

Faults:

Suspension bushings.

Engine head.

Rattles and falling apart trims.

Sagging rear suspension.

Worn shocks.

General Comments:

Falls apart after five years. Lasts forever if you can endure the noise and vibration.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 23rd October, 2008

25th Oct 2008, 00:59

This post sounds pretty unbelievable. Mine = 7yrs old, 145k, same set of brakes, one tail light replaced. No rattles, solid like the day I bought her.

3rd Dec 2008, 00:15

Most Toyota owners will never admit the reliability issues. My experience with the brand is crystal clear: 4 and 6 cylinder oil sludge and oil starvation. Axle break in hard incline; rollover in extreme off-road. Suspension parts buyers for life. Premature rust and body structure matters. A must in the wreck yard!

12th Jan 2009, 17:05

Unbelievable post. My Limited 4WD 4Runner is 8 years old and still runs like new with 150K miles on her. New timing belt and water pump at 90K. Front brakes at 100K. Original tires lasted 85K. No rattles. No complaints. Will never sell.

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4L V6 from North America

Summary:

4 Runners are great cars for the money, though I wish they got better gas mileage.

Faults:

Nothing at all.

Routine maintenance has kept it in tip top condition.

General Comments:

This is a superb truck for the person who wants to do light off-roading, or haul a pack of dogs and their owners to far off destinations for play dates.

Everything inside is within reach and is very comfortable.

Handles city driving well and makes quick stops.

Excellent brakes.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th April, 2008

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Sport 3.4L V6 from North America

Summary:

Reliable, great off-road, wish it was manual

Faults:

Radio antenna jammed. Fixed it myself. That's it!

General Comments:

Very reliable, never been in the shop.

Handles dirt roads, streams, snow, and mud without a problem.

Push-button 4-wheel drive and locking differential are idiot-proof.

Automatic transmission feels sluggish on the road (I wish they still made manual trannies!).

Gas mileage ranges between 16 and 20 mpg.

I keep up with all the scheduled maintenance, and have not had any problems with the engine.

Seats fold flat for lots of cargo space - two people can sleep in the back comfortably (I'm 6 feet tall).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th January, 2008

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 3.4 - 4 cam from North America

Summary:

Cautiously optimistic it's one tough truck

Faults:

The radiator failed at 112,000 km (70,000 miles). Thought at first it was a thermostat problem as fluid was coming out of the radiator cap and the radiator overflow bottle. Driving to Dealer and watching temp the transmission started acting up. Pulled car over and shut off. Towed to Dealer. Engine never overheated.

Wondering if anyone else has had this problem with their 4Runner?

General Comments:

Had owned 1989 4Runner for 17 years. Very dependable therefore moved up to the 2001 for Toyota dependability. The 2001 has been a great vehicle until this problem.

Transmission cooling coil in radiator broke and coolant made it into transmission and torque converter. Unsure of it's dependability now.

After replacing radiator, radiator cap and flushing the transmission a couple times the transmission hesitates shifting. Was harsh in beginning although appears to be settling out.

Dealer recommends changing oil after running for 5oo kilometers or so.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 11th November, 2007

20th May 2008, 14:07

I just had the same problem with my 2001 4runner. I am attempting to do the work myself. I am replacing the radiator, transmission fluid, and transmission filter. Hopefully everything goes well, I will let you know.