Today's 4Runner Resembles Very Little To The Original - Where Did We Go Wrong?

There used to be lots of options for people who wanted an SUV with a removable top. The Ford Bronco, International Harvester Scout, Chevy Blazer, Dodge Ramcharger, and the Suzuki Samurai and Sidekick all had removable tops at one point.

The options are much more limited these days thanks to noise targets and safety requirements. And while it would be nice to remove the top of my 4Runner, I’m not sure I’m ready to trade in the modern comfort and reliability for a 35-year-old, first-generation 4R. The top on mine is removable, you just need a special tool called a Sawzall, and it can only be done once. Not so for the first-gen which had a top that could be removed and installed easily, as long as you had a couple of mustachioed friends.

USNA1999 - 1/27/2020 10:33:18 AM

+3 Boost

Where did we go wrong? Nowhere, it continues to sell extremely well for being one of the worst SUVs I have ever driven. Too truckish, too loud, too much plastic and drives awful. I would prefer an Explorer any day.

xjug1987a - 1/27/2020 10:56:36 AM

+1 Boost

Its body on frame gloriousness. It is exactly what it is and people love it. Interesting how Toyota keeps some of these old "icons" in their stable and continue to refine them, yet their ancient. Again, sales tell the real story and the platform(s) are well paid for..

Agent00R - 1/27/2020 3:06:31 PM

+1 Boost

Tell us how you really feel!

Agent00R - 1/27/2020 3:07:31 PM

+2 Boost

xjug, on the $$$. Well said.

MDarringer - 1/27/2020 7:50:33 PM

0 Boost

The handling in evasive maneuvers is scary.

cidflekken - 1/27/2020 8:10:20 PM

+3 Boost

sounds like you want a Highlander

MDarringer - 1/27/2020 8:56:01 PM

+1 Boost

Yeah, not into vehicles that are highly prone to roll overs in emergency maneuvers.

dumpsty - 1/27/2020 12:59:01 PM

+2 Boost

It was necessary to add content/features that was more desirable to the average driver that never takes it off-road.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 1/27/2020 1:02:22 PM

+3 Boost

There are even older and more basic Toyota SUV's for sale in other parts of the world. The Land Cruiser 70 is a very basic 4Runner-esq sort of truck produced since 1984. Diesel engine and very plastic clad. It is for the outback and looks the part. Like an old Scout or Bronco. Just like the G-Wagon Professional which is still old elsewhere using the old body style. It is stripped down and basic too.

Truthy - 1/27/2020 3:32:42 PM

+2 Boost

Do not understand the title of the article, "Where Did We go Wrong." The market moved.

ricks0me - 1/27/2020 6:59:37 PM

0 Boost

CC: Had to google Land Cruiser 70. Your comments are right on target.

cidflekken - 1/27/2020 8:16:25 PM

+2 Boost

The 4Runner isn't meant to be a cushy crossover. I'd easily get the Night Shade edition over a Jeep Wrangler.

MDarringer - 1/27/2020 8:57:37 PM

-1 Boost

The 4Runner should be the mid-model in under a Land Cruiser brand and the brand should be sold in Lexus dealers.

USNA1999 - 1/28/2020 5:07:15 PM

+1 Boost

That's what PRADOs are for, I meant GXs.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 1/27/2020 10:01:01 PM

+2 Boost

I have ridden in a Highlander before it is like a high riding Camry. The 4Runner is jiggly and bumpy and it is NOT a dynamic vehicle even with the X-REAS cross linked suspension. I drive at the speed limit and always slow down for turns.

Carmaker1 - 1/27/2020 10:49:57 PM

+2 Boost

4Runner is enjoying great record sales, but don't expect anything new for 4 more years. Yes, 4 years.

Toyota was so baffled that the facelift in 2013 paid off so well, because as of Q4 2014, there were no plans to redesign it and it would've died by 2017.

Apparently people thought they were extremely bland pre-2013, until the 2014 model got a more aggressive appearance (yet a lot of people criticized it).

TRD Pros are unusually popular in the desert Southwest and West Coast, even in some of the poorest metros, which is puzzling.

Aside from 009 weekly negative Toyota report (cuz Japan Inc), nothing new and BOF will happen outside of Tundra and big Land Cruiser within the next 23 months.