2001 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews

OIL SLUDGE COVER UP

Vehicle

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Before you purchase any used Toyota with the 3.4 V6, research: "Toyota Oil Sludge" problems. Also read up on the massive recall Toyota launched to replace thousands of engines. Unfortunately, this recall did not show up in the reliability section of my trusted vehicle review sites. I bought an amazingly attractive clunker I am not alone BEWARE I loved my 4Runner, but it will be the last Toyota I own. At 110,000 careful and certified serviced miles I need an new $6000 engine. The Toyota Service Advisor admitted there is a design issue. But nothing they can do at this time.
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244,000 and still going strong

Vehicle

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought my 4runner w/ 50,000 miles in 2002 and it now has over 244,000. Amazing. Absolutely nothing major has ever gone wrong on this truck; typical oil changes, tires, etc. The MOST reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Still looks and sounds like a champ!
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Solid truck

Vehicle

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I brought it used at 73,000 about 5 yrs ago. I currently have 155,000, the only major problem I've had was that the transmission had to rebuilt at 96,000, but it has been running sound ever since.
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Transmission Problems

Vehicle

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

At 100k miles needed transmission replaced. Driver's seat fabric separating at seam. Driver's seat belt retractor sluggish so belt buckle gets caught in door.
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Trusty old friend

Vehicle

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Purchased slightly used my 4runner has 208,000 miles on it. This has been the best vehicle I've ever owned. It rides like a truck and the seats are very well designed but it has been utterly reliable. Brakes and a battery have been replaced. It still has original exhaust. I live in Michigan and am a hunter. I've driven this thing through deep snow, mud and two tracks that have stopped larger 4- wheel trucks. The 4 wheel drive system is perfect. I can put in 4x8 plywood in the back and haul much gear of various types. Fuel economy has been acceptable for an SUV. Performance is good enough for everything except heavy hauling. I'm looking to get another one but may get a Highlander.
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Fun ride

Vehicle

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought this vehicle with 100000 miles on it, not a rattle, or squeak no fluid leaks, no visible smoke or vapors, great gas mileage 21 mpg 90 per cent highway driving, off road fun and safe, handles snow/ice/wet conditions excellent, quiet and comfortable, a/c excellent (live in desert), heater same, tows my boat and trailer, my motorcycle and trailer,and my toy hauler travel trailer with no effort, hardly know anything is behind me. Need a bigger tow vehicle, but I love my Toyota so much, I will be happy with smaller toys just so I can keep my 4runner. Great piece of mechanical engineering and it is a matter of pride in ownership.
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Unstoppable 4Runner Sport

Vehicle

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Have about 140,000 miles on the truck - bought it with about 20,000 miles. I have had to replace the tires a couple times, rear brakes blew out at 65K and front rotors changed a couple times. Rear key entry stopped working a long time ago but other than those things - perfect. Used Mobil 1 since I've had the truck with good results. Regularly get 20-21 MPG, 18-19 when using 4WD in winter. The truck still looks and runs great. Every time I think of trading her in she gives me a reason to think twice.
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Drive shaft problems

Vehicle

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

Bought new with 140,000 miles today. Early 2008 thought vibration was u- joints but had to have drive shaft replaced. 8/09 - it is just now doing the same thing. Checking to see if common complaint. Until then it has been very reliable and maintenance (major) free.
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7 1/2 times around the planet so far

Vehicle

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased my 2001 4Runner SR5 Sport eight years ago this month, a mere 195K miles ago. Every year I look at the new car ads and every year I say, "maybe in another 15K miles." This is the best built, strongest running car I've ever owned. Like others, I've had a couple of similar minor issues - a broken power antenna, a center console fuse that burns out and yes, the worthless rear window deflector, but that's it. I've had to replace the original tires once, have had *one* tune-up and the brakes have never been touched. Amazing. It's driven the Alaskan Highway, survived 2 winters in N. Dakota and still manages an average of 18 mpg. Why would I ever trade it in?
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4Runner Rocks

Vehicle

2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)

Review

I purchased this vehicle new in 2001 and it has never given me any reason to get rid of it. It is tough, rugged, reliable, dependable and good looking. It does not go off road very much but I have full confidence in it when I do. The horsepower on this engine started lagging at 45K at which time I decided to have the TRD Supercharger installed and that made all the difference in the world. Even though the gas mileage stayed the same, I get more bang for my buck and I fly across the Colorado passes! All the features from the driving lights to running boards to rear wiper are convenient. Interior is well designed and ergo-friendly. Handles well too.
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