Used 1998 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews
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4Runner runs along!
I love my 4Runner. I almost got a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but I liked this better. It has leather trimed seats, alluminum instruments, a rear spoiler, and tons of goodies.
Excellent and Fun
I wish I would never have tried anything else. This vehicle is dependable, stylish, built to last.
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,990127 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $14,995253 mi away
- SR5 4dr SUVMSRP: $4,996363 mi away
I love it!
I used to own a Jimmy and a Jeep, test drove an Explorer and Rodeo, by far the Toyoda is the best driving SUV. If I ever buy another SUV it will a newer 4 Runner.
Dependibility
I have spent 32 years in the auto industry on the retail level, and Toyota is the best of the best.They hold their value, and they do not break. My 4-Runner has 90,000 miles on it,and I have replace one set of tires, abattery and the power antenna mast. It still has the original brakes with 80% front and 90% rear linings left. My next vehicle will be the Tundra 4dr Truck.
Where's the sludge?
Taut, strong SUV. Average 20 MPG. Excellent body trim and fit. Leather seating soft, yet durable. Acceleration adequate, for 183 HP V6.
near perfect
flawless quality. 61K miles and still perfect without any problems. the best quality of any vehicle I have owned. Negatives are :it is small, bouncy ride on highway trips, radio not what one would expect from toyota on a 35K vehicle.but those things are insignificant compared to the quality benefit. will only sell because we will need a bigger hauler.
Great machine
After 80000 miles I still love this truck. The high ground clearance is very useful. The engine runs like a Rolex. I have owned 23 cars. This one is the best all around vehical so far.
Excellent Choice
Very reliable and handles well in snow and ice. 4WD immediately available when needed. 63000 miles and no repairs so far.
Best mid size SUV for the money
Most reliable SUV I have ever owned. The only thing that does not work is the power antenna. As far as everything else this SUV is made to last.
Tight Car
All I have to say is that there is only one more manly SUV, and that is a totally decked out Hummer.
Great SUV so far
I have 61,000 miles and so far this 4Runner has been like any other Toyota I have owned, GREAT. The exterior and interior design is great and this is one of few SUVs that you can actually take off-road. The power is good for a V6 and it tows my motorcycles just fine. It feels very tight and solid for a vehicle which is almost 8 years old, great build qulity. The ride is comfortable except it seems to pick up every imperfection in the pavement on the hwy. Plenty of room for passengers and cargo and the power roll down rear hatch window is awesome if you have a dog. Dont know of any othe SUVs that have this feature. Only problem so far have been a leaky AC system which I will have to get fixed
Toyota 4-Runner Best SUV made
This is my 3rd 4-Runner. I currenty have a 1992 that is a great suv with 210000 miles thois 98 is perfect too
Richard's 4Runner
The 4Runner is a fun to drive SUV. I like the truck-like durability and ruggedness. I wish they had kept the redesigned (2003 model year) 4Runner a little more true to its roots...looks like a soccer mom car now.
4RUNNER LIMITED
Excellent vehicle.Would highly recomend it.
4Runner is solid
Traded in a 2000 Explorer after the steering rack and rear wiper motor broke. The rotors needed servicing at 20k as well and then the whole tire thing... It's been a while but I suspect my nephews' Big Wheel rides better than that Ford XLT. Found a 98 4Runner SR5 with 25k miles on it, I expect to keep it 10 years. Other makes have more power and features, but these toyota's just plain last.
Funtastic
I test drove 9 other SUV models and the 4Runner was the best by far. Bought it used w/no regrets. So much fun to drive. Buying advice: Spring for 6cyl and sunroof -- you'll wish you had, otherwise. You'll hear people comment about the 'poor' gas mileage, but it's only got a 15 gal tank. Still gets 16- 21 mpg
Worth it
I've owned several SUVs and this 4Runner is defenitly the best I had. Strongly recomend it.
This car never stops going
Bought this car 2 years ago with 84K on it. Currently has 131K on it. Still going strong, it has been on many road trips, without any issues! Just minor replacements, battery and a brake light, very impressive for a 10 year old car. Handles very well in snow and rain, love the ruggedness of this car. City mileage is usually around 18, lately have been getting combined mileage of 24 mpg. Love this car and am sad to have to give it up due to skyrocketing gas prices.
Great True SUV
Now that SUVs are getting more car- like , the 4Runner is going to need some major rebuilding to keep pace. BUT, of all the $30K + mid-sized SUVs, the 4Runner is hands-down the best buy, IMO. If you place a high value on reliability, this one's unbeatable...Just change the oil every 3-5k mi & it'll go to 250k mi no problem.
My Baby!
My 4-runner was a big expense, but after test driving all the other SUV's in its class, there was no comparison. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I love it!
Great SUV
I love my 1998 Toyota 4-Runner, I always keep up with the regular maintenance as recommended by the dealership and have always had wonderful performance with this vehicle. I had a camry previously, and have great success with that vehicle as well. Toyota makes a wonderful product, I am now researching the 2006, 6 cylinder, RAV4, only to achieve better gas mileage.
Best Truck For The Money!
I traded in my car for a 4Runner over a year ago and absolutely love it. Could use a little more power, but other than that, it's perfect. I have a 3" lift and a rear locker and haven't had any other SUV keep up with me. Will buy another one!
Uber - Super
I love my 4runner, I will never get another type of car, I am a fan forever. It has way more room than a jeep grand cherokee for passengers, more cargo room than a isuzu rodeo. It is one of the so called suv's that you can put into 4 wheel drive regularly and it be able to handle it. I cannot say enough good stuff. Buy one today!!!!!!!
Love It!!
I love my 4Runner. Always wanted one and finally found the right one. For its mileage, there is not one squeak or rattle inside. I went from a large truck to this, when driving it feels like you're in a station wagon :) I have a couple friends who have 4Rs with 300000 miles and up, proper maintenance and they will go a long time. Only thing is the fuel mileage in town is around 15mpg . Not too bad for a heavy suv. The comfort and ease of driving it well makes up for that though. Highly recommended!
Best Damn Rig I Have Ever Owned
Great comfort, better sterio than in my home, on or off road, it has never let me down!
Great Solid SUV
I have never had a problem with car and it is a breeze to drive. It's responsive and desipte looking diminished as other makers upgraded engines the 183HP and 217lb/ft are more than enough. Taking a stock Mustang off the line is all in a day's work. Mechanically 4Runner is a dream. My complaint is back seat comfort.
Nearly Perfect
I've had my 4Runner for years and love it!! Well, except for that it's a bit rough in the ride... go across a speed bump at a bit of an angle and it throws you side to side. It could be smoother on the highway, for it picks up the road texture incredibly well. I mean, I like road feel in the steering wheel, but not feel like I'm right against it. I'm at a point where I'm ready to buy something else, but in looking at all the reviews, all the versatility, and all my options, the 4Runner is VERY, VERY hard to beat. It's been amazingly reliable, it's exceptionally capable off-road, and the features are excellent (except for the placement of the cup holders, as others have mentioned).
Overall-great!
I've had this vehical for 4 years now an have been extremely pleased. It has never been in the shop except for scheduled maintenance. This is what I expected from a Toyota and they delivered.
gentle beast!
love this rig! even with all the SUV bashing pressure, i'm still proud to drive my 4Runner. rugged and high with a solid, smooth ride, it's incredibly reliable and ready for anything, with never a problem! i started out leasing, and when my lease ran out i was faced with leasing the 2000 model, which had been re-styled more like a soccer mom SUV, yuk! so i bought out my lease on the 98 and now will drive it forever. it still looks/acts new at 93K miles; i do all the recommended maintenance and all i've replaced is tires and waterpump! and even after 6 winters in vt, still no sign of rust! wow
984rnner
Very nice vehicle. Had to replace both O2 sensors at 100,000 miles. Clock had to be repaced at 111000 miles and power antenna assembly at 105000 miles. No other problems. Paint and finish excellent. Rear springs replaced and supplemented under recall. Some emission control parts had warranty extended by Toyota.
Love my 4Runner
This is a great SUV! I haven't had it but 9 months, but I have no complaint whatsoever! It has great visiblility, lots of space, and I love the back heating. The ride is great,although if you don't like the bumpiness of a truck...I don't recommend riding it much on the highway. Overall this truck was well worth my money and I will drive it until it dies. Lots of people have great comments about it, and I haven't heard one bad thing as far as performance and reliablity. I met a man the other day who put over 400K miles on his....and hasn't had one major repair. I am a college student, so I find it very useful in moving my belongings!
1998 4 Runner 4WD Limited
Have had to do only regular scheduled maintainence new tires at 50,000 miles,and new battery at 45,000 miles period! No problems at all, and extremely reliable.
An awesome experience!
Nothing but the best to say about this SUV. If the fuel economy was better (but how can it? it's an SUV from the 1990's), it would be ABSOLUTELY PERFECT. Great on the road, off-road, and in between. Comfortable, and reliable. The best purchase I've made in a vehicle in my life to date!
Good value
I leased this truck for 5 years and had a relatively positive experience. I had one major accident and the front of the truck was completely destroyed but I remained unharmed. The antilock brakes seemed a bit sensitive and would kick in under the most unexpected conditions. Aside from a couple of expensive brake jobs trying to correct the problem I only had to change the oil and go.
I now have 2- 4Runners
This is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned and I have owned all domestic makes + other imports. I now have 128,000 miles on this 98 4Runner and the only part I had to change was the water pump wich had a minor leak. I still have all the original parts on this truck, including the brakes and exaust. What a truck!! I still enjoy the ride and with this mileage, still no rattles. This is a quality vehicle that I strongly recomend. I just purchased a new 2003, , but we are keepin this 98 model in the family; both my wife and daughter love to drive it. They both feel safe in it and love the clear view of the road ahead.
Great SUV
THe 4RUnner By far is the Greatest SUV every made by Toyota.
Still a great runner
This is our third one. Last two were '92 and '95. Good looking truck but is somehow missing the quality and content of earlier models. Interior carpet wore through, leather seats started to tear. We treat our cars great, but the '92 was immaculate even after ten years. Did Toyota think we wouldn't notice the drop in quality materials?? Motor is strong. Oil filter is in a stupid location (again!). Paint isn't holding up as well either...lots of hairline scratches. Seats are not nearly as comfortable as the old '92 model. Much smoother though on the highway. Love the rack/pinion steering, longer wheel base & smoother transmission.
My 98 4Runner
I've been a Toyota owner since 1981. They build great cars/SUV and the 4runner is no exception. Quality and reliability are the best in the market.
Toyota and reliability are one
This experience has been nothing short of blissful. I have continuously raved about the reliability on my Limited. My scheduled maintenance is the only time I've ever been back to the service shop. It just runs and runs and runs.
Poor Water Pump Desgn
59.5 K miles and noted the coolant reservoir was dry just prior to long trip Denver to Grand Canyon. Water pump was leaking and very expensive to replace...similar to changin timing belt laybor. Was out of warranty by time...but I called Go Toyota and they agreed to pay for the pump, but not the laybor. I'm happy with the truck, but dissappointed with the failed water pump with so few miles...no off road. Mechanic told me pump was a bad design by Toyota and it is a common repair for this truck.
1998 4Runner Limited - Very Reliable
I purchased a 98 4Runner Limited with 87,000 miles on it and was not at all concerned with the mileage because of Toyota's legendary reliability. At 90,000, I had the timing belt, spark plugs, etc. (the 90k service job) replaced and have had an excellent suv thus far. Knock on wood...I have not have any problems whatsoever with the suv. I have put about 16k miles on it including taking a 3,500 mile trip this past summer and experienced smooth sailing through the mountains, desert, etc.
Great Used Vehicle Choice
Purchased this vehicle on eBay with 90K miles for $10850. In the 3 months that I've owned my 4Runner I've driven it almost 4K trouble-free miles. No rattles, no broken interior pieces, paint is awesome, and the vehicle runs flawlessly. Transmission shifts smoothly but is on a flexible hanger system which causes it to move around as evidenced by the gear levers moving;it also appears to build up tension on stops and then releases when you move forward...this is apparently normal for these cars. Ride is quiet and smooth; a very comfortable interior. Haven't used 4WD yet. 16" wheels are really nice. The crazy aftermarket alarm may have to go. Fuel economy is B+/A- (17 overall/21.5 on highway).
Good value overall
Great value, could have a softer ride. It rides like a truck. But overall a very good vehicle.
The Intimidater 3
Every vehicle needs a little more attention .now and then and this one needs some more love in the suspension and some other stuff to be a good running and driving SUV.
- Safety
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Styling
The suv is very reliable, along with the looks this makes a great vehical for any age driver.
Excellent Vehicle
My third Toyota after a Camry and Celica. True to Toyota this 4Runner, as well as my other 2, have never been in the shop in 7 years for anything other than elective maintence. My experience with my 4Runner has been noting ore than pleasure. I still get the same gas mileage as when she came off the floor. She is still all stock. Just reccently replaced original tires at 52000 miles that did not even reach the tread indicators. Every summer and winter I check all my systems. She still has original brakes, engine coolant and shocks. Refrigerant has never been recharged and works great. Excellent vehicle.
my favorite ride
This is my second Toyota there's a good reason why-durability with little maintainence. My previous car was a Previa and I put 100k on it before trading for the SUV. This had, to date, out perfomed any of the 6 previous vehicle's I've owned and i tend to keep my cars a minimum of 6 years. It's only 2WED but has no problems over rough terrain or in the snow. It's comfortable and well appointed inside and out. It runs as good as it did on the day I got it-what else can you say?
Top Notch!
This is my second 4Runner. It is much improved over my 1990 model (although I never had any problems with my old one). I just hit 60,000 miles and I have not had one mechanical problem, not even a minor one. With normal maintenance, it always seems to run like new. .
black stallion
love my 4Runner....had anticipated getting one for a long time.......had to wait my previous lease-term out. Me and my dogs are crazy about the back window and and side rear windows that go all the way down. great handling and acceleration
Best Car Ever!
No problems, new tires, oil changes, a tune-up after 5 years, and running perfectly. I have kept it perfect too, very nice body style.