2004 Toyota 4Runner Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Highly capable whether on the pavement or in the dirt, the 4Runner is a well-rounded midsize SUV, and one of our favorites, particularly with this year's third-row seat option.
Pros
Powerful engines, well mannered on pavement, rugged off-road capability, comfortable cabin, long list of standard equipment.
Cons
Cargo capacity isn't much more than what many compact SUVs offer.
What's New for 2004
A third-row seat is now optional on SR5 and Limited models. Black running boards are standard on SR5 and Sport models, and the optional navigation system now includes a rearview back-up monitor.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Traded in my lemon after just 1 year
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 4 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I was in the market to buy my first new car and wanted something with an excellent track record. I got a lemon. In the 11 months I owned it, the dealership had it for nearly 6 weeks. Everything was covered under warranty except that so many problems is unacceptable. Major issues like the vehicle dynamic stability function kicking on and off making safe driving impossible and the exhaust leaking inside the cabin (never able to fix). And LOTS of little things broke from the sun roof staying open (big problem in Boston), to the rear roll up window, to the gas cap release lever severed (stuck out on a trip with no way to fill up and not nearly gas enough to get home), even the stereo broke.
Favorite Features
Interior styling and comfort
Suggested Improvements
RELIABILITY! Toyota has lost a customer for life!
Solid As A Rock
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Rwd 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Overall a good buy. No regrets. Well let me take that back. I probably should have gotten something better on gas!! Nevertheless the only mechanical issues I've dealt with are the brakes and the gas tank door getting stuck. Like I said it's a good solid buy. Like many other people, will have to decide whether to keep or find something with better gas mileage.
Favorite Features
Smooth tranny, quiet confortable ride
Suggested Improvements
Wind noise when windows down
The best 4Runner Ever
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
I have had my 4Runner for 4 years now. I live in Long Island and my wife used to live in Utica. I was thus driving about 1000 miles a week. Ride is outstanding for a 4x4. On the wet highways or in the snow, the traction control is unsurpassed. I invested in synthetic oil and change my filters regularly. The 3rd row seat is mostly used by my 2 toddlers. This is the BEST 4Runner Toyota has built so far. I am just waiting for an excuse to buy the upcoming redesigned 4Runner.
Favorite Features
Traction control, power rear window, 4 wheel disc brake
Suggested Improvements
3rd row seat that adults could use
2004 Toyota 4Runner
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
Well, even though it is time to trade in, I loved my 4runner. I would keep it forever, but the trade in is too much money to trade in our other car. This car is amazing! I bought it new, and it's ride is amazing! The design is literally awesome, and I really like the reliability. I am not too fond of the fuel economy (about 16 and 20, city-highway), but who doesn't expect that or worse for an SUV. I recommend getting one with a third seat!
Favorite Features
Cargo space, with or without the seats folded. Power windows. Audio system. Performance. And with all of this still a smooth and comfortable ride!
Suggested Improvements
Power seats would be nice.
Nothing even comes close
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 4A)
Review
to 4Runner. @50,000 miles - still original brakes, tires, and everything else with at least 15-20K to go. Gas mileage (with smooth driving style) - 20-23 MPG. Ride quality is better than that of others. And at this price point for a 4WD model, this is the cheapest SUV on the market.
Favorite Features
Toyota
Suggested Improvements
Interior can use re-design.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2008 Toyota 4Runner
- 2007 Toyota 4Runner
- 2006 Toyota 4Runner
- 2005 Toyota 4Runner
- 2004 Toyota 4Runner
- 2003 Toyota 4Runner
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