2002 Toyota 4Runner Review
2002 Toyota 4Runner Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Great crash-test scores, roomy interior, truck-tough underpinnings, power-down hatch glass, standard stability and traction control, brake assist system.
Cons
- Hard to climb into and out of, dated dashboard design, weak V6 engine, truck-like ride quality and handling.
What’s new
Not much has changed this year for Toyota's truck-based 4Runner SUV. The SR5's optional Sport package has gained a front skid plate, floor mats and new tube step-up bars (optional). Handsome 15-inch alloy wheels are now standard, there's a new chrome package available, and Golden Pearl has been added to the Limited's selection of exterior colors.
Edmunds says
A likeable SUV that reminds you, for better or for worse, of its truck-based origins.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$268/mo for 4Runner SR5
4Runner SR5
vs
$201/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
In the seven years since the current 4Runner debuted, the segment of the marketplace in which it competes has exploded in popularity and become littered with fine sport-utes. Yet, Toyota's rugged entry continues to represent an excellent choice, despite its age and distinctly truck-like underpinnings.
That's right. If you're looking for a tall car, the 4Runner is likely to disappoint with its stiff ride and general lack of road feel. But if it's a roomy vehicle made for serious off-road work, combined with creature comforts and a solid reputation for reliability, that you're after, then you've come to the right place.
Buyers can choose between the standard SR5 or luxurious Limited trim, both of which can be had in either two- or four-wheel drive (the Limited comes with a full-time 4WD system). A 3.4-liter dual overhead-cam V6, attached to a four-speed automatic transmission, makes 183 horsepower at 4,800 rpm and 216 pound-feet of torque at 3,600. It's adequate, but you'll likely find yourself wishing for more go-power.
Inside, passengers -- once they manage to clamber aboard -- are greeted by a chunky, purposeful dash that wasn't so much styled as it was pieced together. No matter, it works from an ergonomic standpoint. Seating is comfortable and supportive front and rear, with backseat riders benefiting from plenty of legroom. Cloth upholstery in the SR5 Sport is abrasive, but the Limited has far more pleasing leather hides covering the seats.
Along with the leather, the Limited also comes with standard features like fake wood trim, heated power driver and passenger seats, automatic climate control and a CD player. These items can't be ordered on the SR5, but there is a Sport package that adds a fender-blistered, hood-scooped, monochromatic exterior treatment on the outside with larger brakes, bigger alloy wheels, a front skid plate and a performance-oriented rear differential underneath.
All 4Runners come standard with Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), traction control and ABS enhanced with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist. VSC is a stability control system that helps keep the truck under control when a lateral, or sideways, skid is detected. Brake assist can apply maximum braking power under emergency situations quicker than the driver can.
Cargo capacity measures 44.6 cubic feet with the rear seat in use and 79.8 cubic feet with it folded. Able to tow 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, the 4Runner excels off-road, with as much as 11 inches of ground clearance when the optional P265/70R16 tires are selected. A slick, powered rear window in the hatch, combined with the large, optional sunroof and lowered side glass, results in an open, airy vehicle -- much like a convertible, but not.
The 4Runner is nevertheless a truck for people who like trucks. Stout and sturdy, rugged inside and out and boasting excellent crash-test scores from both government and industry entities, this SUV, like most other Toyotas, can take whatever you throw at it.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 Toyota 4Runner.
5 star(64%)
4 star(30%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
113 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
2002 Toyota 4Runner-always the class of the field
Terri Lusk, 04/17/2016
2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
After owning the 2002 Toyota 4Runner for over 14 years, I think that I'm qualified to give an opinion on the subject. I keep my 4Runner in tip top shape by doing all of the maintenance that is expected of the vehicle. It has been a very good vehicle for me and I get lots of complements on how it looks. It's not usual to see a female driving this vehicle, especially an older one!! Since … it's older, it doesn't have the new technology on it but then again it won't break on me! I have found that tires are very important to the handling of this vehicle. I used to use Michelin tires, but found that the new Firestone Destination tires are fantastic. They let me drive in the rain and thru puddles without hydroplaning like the other tires used to and makes me feel safer on the road. These vehicles can be tippy if not driven properly and I've never felt like it's going to tip over because I don't push it like some people do. It's not a car and you can't drive it like one!!
3 out of 5 stars
Enjoyed my used for 2 years, would not buy another
Parker, 02/29/2016
2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
I purchased a 2002 2wd SR5 from the original owner. Had 150k miles. The SUV was excellent utility-wise for what I use (trips, camping, sleeping, biking, kayaking, dirt roads, etc). However to say this vehicle was 'reliable' is a bit over-statement. The previous owner replaced the transmission at 5 years. I also replaced it. His list of repairs was fairly lengthy, though most of them … routine type stuff. I had to do a lot of suspension work, which I guess is OK for a car this age. Could tow a few thousand pounds, but wouldn't go above that due to the power lacking. Awesome sunroof. Gas mileage was decent on the highway (~22). My main gripe with this vehicle was that it just wasn't comfortable at all. As is the problem with Tacomas and 4runners, the seats are low to the ground. That's fine if you're short, but for me I found on long trips it really wore me down. I purchased mine used for $5k, but spent $6k on it in repairs. Honestly, I felt it was a waste of money for a used middle-of-the-road vehicle. I wouldn't buy one again just based on the comfort-factor alone. Sure if you're someone that drives cars to 400,000 miles then you say 'toyota' but if you're like me and don't do high mileage but might take long trips occasionally, you are definitely going to want a vehicle that is comfortable to be in for those long hours.
5 out of 5 stars
18 year old "Brand New SUV".
3rd Generation Red 4Runner , 04/12/2020
2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
December 16th 2019 we purchased a red 2nd owner 4Runner 4WD with 193,000 miles. We caught it up on routine maintenance..... timing belt , water pump, spark plugs and wires, valve cover gaskets, brakes, change all of the fluids and a spare tire. This car/truck drives like a brand new car. From December until April we have put 10,000 miles on it with absolutely no issues. We have driven … from Knoxville Tennessee to the Outerbanks N.C., Nashville, Asheville, problem free. Some people say it rides a bit rough, and it does but we are used to it. The gas mileage in town for us is 18/19 MPG but on the highway with the A/C on we get up to 23 MPG. If you are thinking of buying a rust free 4Runner I would suggest that you take the plunge. It is one of the best vehicles that we have ever owned. I can't express how enjoyable this is to drive and how it feels like new. I have been told by the Toyota dealership that this car should go at least 500k miles.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Great SUV
Michelle, 05/24/2010
2002 Toyota 4Runner SR5 2WD 4dr SUV (3.4L 6cyl 4A)
Love this SUV! Bought new. I'm still driving 8 yrs later and 120K miles. Only problem was the tail light bulb seems to go every other year which got me a ticket :( Mechanically very sound, well built, still runs like the day I purchased. I've replaced the water pump/timing belt only due to miles. I get 17-19 mpg in city and 23+ on open highway. I do agree with the others though that the … ride can be a bit bumpy, slightly larger tires seems help with that a bit. Cost to own very good at 25K new in 2002, retail today in mint condition is $8-9K. Not bad at all! Debating whether to trade in only due to mileage and mpg.
2002 4Runner Highlights
SR5
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $26,335 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $268/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 44.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 4Runner include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover2 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalAcceptable
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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