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Used 1998 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
101 reviews

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Pros
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4.38 out of 5 stars

Great, Dependable SUV

UsingCommonSense, 05/20/2010
1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have owned my 4Runner for almost 12 years. It has been an extremely reliable vehicle. The only problems I have had are the "junky" stereo and the retractable antennae. These are obviously very minor problems. The car just won't die. The V6 is a little on the weak side, but its not too bad. The interior is a little cramped. But, this SUV is a monster in bad weather. In 4WD this vehicle can't be stopped. I can't say enough about how great this vehicles is in the snow. Overall, this is a great vehicle to pick up even after 12 years. If you can find one with modest mileage and a clean title, you will not regret your choice.

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4 out of 5 stars

Old but good

Bill Pullen, 05/21/2023
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Like most Toyotas the forerunner has operated without a hitch. It is very dependable and handles very nicely and it has no problems. It starts easily and runs well. I bought it 13 years ago and have always been happy with its performance. The car is good on mileage and it is fun to drive. The paint on the car is good and the color is a deep dark brown. The interior isn’t shabby and it is acceptable to me.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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3.88 out of 5 stars

4x4 KING

BrianV, 01/07/2003
1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Don't be fooled, this truck is a TRUCK. The thing has a horrible highway ride, no real nice features (considering sticker was $38k). The stereo is awful, and the car lacks the power to safely pass cars on two lane highways. However, this thing is incredible off road. It's locking rear differential and 50/50 tq converter allow it to do ANYTHING. My friend's Ford Explorer cannot do anything near what this car can do. Build quality is excellent, but only buy this if you really want a truck. PS - best looking sport ute ever

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4.63 out of 5 stars

98 4 Runner Review

brian9123, 08/06/2004
1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Just change the oil and keep going. This vehicle is the standard of reliability.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Engine failed at 85,000 miles

rfrank5356, 03/22/2004
1998 Toyota 4Runner 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 3 people found this review helpful

3 cylinders diagnosed with very low compression at 85,000 miles - Toyota says this is normal wear and tear! Warranty book says listen for loud tappet noise, but dealer says that valves elongate so they get quieter. Unless owners get a $600 valve adjust every 40K miles, valves WILL FAIL. No service buletins were issued on this.

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3.5 out of 5 stars

Even Toyota Builds Lemons

alw, 03/04/2007
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

The 4Runner is a very practical vehicle, handling well in all weather and road conditions and hauling dormroom-bound cargo with ease. Unfortunately, this vehicle came with a defective master cylinder, dropped a transmission at 80000 miles, and has had numerous switch, latch, lamp, park brake, etc. failures throughout its life. I will be hesitant to buy another Toyota because of the poor company and dealer response to the numerous issues.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Overall good utilitarian vehicle

gail eddy, 05/11/2006
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

we consider this suv a better overall vehicle than the ford explorer. We have owned two explorers, a 1992 and a 1996. The toyota 4runner has handled the mountainous terrain that we live on better than the fords. It has plenty of pep and an excellent 4wd and low range system. The interior is cramped, especially where the control panel is in conjunction with the cup holder-bad design, and along the sides of the seats for cleaning. Overall however, we have a sense of reliability with this vehicle and it will most likely be with us for many years.

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5 out of 5 stars

Runner keep running

4fan, 01/13/2022
1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
2 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought the Limited 4wd truck 7 years ago for 5 k with 130,000 miles. Now, 8 years later, with 220, 00 miles runs just the same. It's worth more money now then I paid for it. At least by 2 or 3 k.

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

My Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD

Bandit13, 08/08/2007
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I was pleasanly surprised with this 4Runner. Rides smooth, no interior or exterior rattles. Steering is great in town and on the freeway. I feel the 3.4 engine has more than enough power for my needs. The A/C is great and all passengers get the cold air. The fuel mileage could be better. I get 16 mpg in the summer months with the A/C always on. In cooler weather without the A/C on I get 19 mpg. This is all city driving. On the freeway 24 mpg is the norm. I do use an K&N air filter, and synthetic oil, and Toyota oil filters. And 87 octane fuel. It's great SUV. I plan to keep it many years.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Love my 4Runner

Sam, 08/07/2008
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great vehicle have over 198000 on it and it still runs like a champ (I do keep up on maintenance). Not the perfect vehicle but very close. Would but another 4Runner in a second even though I don't care much for the new body style.

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