Used 1998 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews
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Most favorite vehicle I have had-14 years and counting.
4runney98, 10/04/2011
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
I bought this 4runner new and just hated the 33K plus change sticker but have never regretted the purchase. It has around 114K miles and is just as tight as it was the day I bought it. It is easy to drive and I think the perfect size and does everything well. I can tow, take a trip, or buzz around town comfortably. It just feels like it will run for ever. I considered a new 4runner 2010 or newer but after reading the reviews on Edmunds have decided to keep what I've got. Newer models do not have the quality of other generations. If you can find one of these in good condition-buy it.
Good, Dependable SUV
RSL, 12/01/2006
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle in August 1998 and have put over 113,000 miles on it since then. Overall, it has been a reliable SUV. The fit and finish are still excellent after 8 years of ownership. Mechanically, the car has been virtually maintenance free. My only significant complaints are the stereo and the power antenna. I had the stereo replaced 3 separate times. The power antenna was replaced twice. Gas mileage averages about 15 in the city and 20 on the highway. Power is only adequate. I still get compliments on this vehicle 8+ years later. The paint and overall look still is appealing. I would highly recommend this SUV to anyone looking for a highly reliable SUV.
1998 Toyota 4Runner for sale near you
3 of 25 listings
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $5,000243 mi away
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $9,000247 mi away
- Base 4dr SUVMSRP: $8,000257 mi away
See all 25 listings
Just Keeps on Runnin'
Larry, 08/03/2010
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 4-Runner new and still have it today. I have not had any major problem with it. I had a water pump replaced at 238,000. I take it to the Toyota dealer for regular service only when needed. As of this writing, the vehicle has 259,312 miles. I will be leaving in it next month for Arizona from the Midwest. My only suggestion is, that if you take care of it, it will take care of you.
Over 400,000
Roman, 08/28/2010
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
23 of 24 people found this review helpful
I finally gave up my 1998 4Runner this week. I had 433,000 miles on the car and drove it for 10 years. This was one reliable vehicle. I traded it in for a 2006 4Runner limited with a V8. I don't expect it to last as long but I hope to get 10 good years out of the car.
I miss it
joetyler69, 06/18/2011
1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
29 of 31 people found this review helpful
I had my 4runner for a little over a year, and i just recently lost it to a telephone pole... this car was great to me. it was powerful, fun and east to drive. i didnt have one complaint. it even saved my life in the wreck. i put a new meaning to wrapping a car around a telephone pole. the highway patrol declared me dead as soon as they arrived cause they didnt believe anyone could have survived anything like that. but the 4runner saved me. i was trapped and had to wait to be cut out of the car, but i will always be grateful i wrecked in that car. cause nothing else could have protected me like it did
Best Used SUV Ever
Dreux, 12/27/2015
1998 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
I bought my 98 Limited at a dealer, but it was a one owner rig and the previous owner clearly took care of it. As with any used vehicle, you've got to put 'some' money into it for repairs. Mine had 244k miles when I bought it, and I immediately replaced engine oil, had a transmission flush, front brakes resurfaced, and had new steering rack bushings put on it. Not cheap for sure, but considering the deal I got on the purchase price, even AFTER the repairs I still considered myself ahead of the game. I've since put 15k+ miles on it, and it runs like a champ. I'd not been the kind of guy to fall in love with a car...but I freakin' love this thing and plan on keeping it in tip top shape forever. Put in the time to find the right one, and have it inspected, and these rigs will go forever.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
231K miles and counting
howie b, 03/05/2010
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I bought this new in 98 and it has served me very well. I drove it 231K miles and now I have handed it down to my son and I got a new (well, an 07) one. One brake job at 185K, no repairs to speak of other than a starter motor. GREAT vehicle. Totally dependable and a monster in the snow. This has been a great vehicle and will continue to serve my family well.
1998 4runner has rusty frame
executor, 10/30/2011
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV
22 of 25 people found this review helpful
I just discovered the frame on my 4-runner is rusty just like the Tacoma's. It is rusted on the drivers side rear wheel where the leaf spring "A" bracket is welded to the frame. The bracket is structurally sound but the frame, not so much. Serious safety issue! Emailed Toyota a week ago and my email has been pushed to management review. The frame is the same frame as the Tacoma and it has the same results but no one else seems to be bringing this issue up. Please examine your vehicles as this is a potentially deadly situation.
Twelve Years Out
WRB, 01/01/2010
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Loved this car from the day my parents got it new; I took over in 2001. For its time (gas near $1/gal, economic boom, popularity & size of SUVs exploding, but before "green" went mainstream), it got good MPGs (few less than 1998 Camry). I get close to 15 MPG with a lead foot in city driving. I've found acceleration from a stop or from merging excellent (V6). I even contemplated putting weight in the rear to improve takeoff handling. Interior fit still tight & looks better than Tahoes up to 6 yrs newer. Only standard, elective maintenance. Bottom line: I could be driving a higher-end new or nearly new car, but this is still my first choice; & dad wants first dibs on buying it back.
Just bought it and love it already!
paige808, 08/18/2012
1998 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I used to own a 2000 BMW for 3 yrs. I never thought I would love another car but I must say for a old big suv, I love already. I sold the BMW cost me way too much to fix and broke down on me all the time. I've had my 4runner for about a month and it's sooo fun to drive and runs great! Even tho it has 165,xxx mi the ac is icy cold and with my kids they have ample room to grow in :) I love that rear window that rolls down and its classic look. I put a new timing belt in so I hope shell last me a life time.