Models:
1984 ~ 1995
The 4-Runner makes its debut late in the model year 1984. What does 4-Runner mean? Combine "4-wheel drive" and "off-road Runner", and you have 4-Runner, Toyota's fun-to-drive off-road vehicle. All 4-Runners are built at the Tahara Plant in Tahara, Japan. Toyota brought to market a revolutionary new vehicle - the 4-Runner. Based on the mechanicals of its rugged (and strong-selling) 4-wheel drive pickup truck, the 4-Runner combined the versatility and go-anywhere ability of 4WD with the comfort and utility found in passenger cars. The 4-Runner was powered by the carbureted 2.4L 22R inline 4-cylinder engine coupled to a five-speed manual transmission with two-speed transfer case, and all had manual locking front hubs, solid axles front and rear with leaf springs. It had a tailgate style rear door. It came only 4WD form. It's grille was a 3-segment style.
In 1985, the 22R-E, the electronically-controlled fuel injected version of the 22R, became the standard engine. Toyota upgraded the 4-Runner's ride and responsiveness by replacing the solid front axle with an independent front suspension (IFS)
in 1986. The rear springs remained leaves.
From mid-'86 to the end of 1987, there was an SR5 Turbo model. This included, a turbocharged, EFI 22R. Some of these SR5s came with a digital dash package, upgraded interior, and beefed-up rear axle. The SR5 trim was available
on all models from 1987, both truck and passenger, but the turbo engine was still confined to passenger models. Grill changes to 2-segment style, headlights become more rounded and new striping was added. Start of body-mounted step bumper. This was the last year for the Turbocharged EFI 22R.
More power and refinement arrive in a 3.0-liter
V6 engine, with a front grill badge, in 1988. Turbocharged EFI 22R 4-cylinder dropped. Side mirror shape becomes larger, more square. First year for rear split fold seats. Small vents windows on doors go away. The all-new, second-generation
4-Runner premieres in mid-1989, as a 1990 model, based on the 1989 Pickup.
1992 saw New grille, front bumper, aero headlights and molding treatments. An available Leather Trim Package adds a new dimension of luxury. Power steering and a rear wiper/washer are standard on all models. Spare tire is moved underneath body of truck. Leather seats are newly optional on four-door models with a V6 engine.
Two-door model is dropped from lineup in 1993, a victim of import tariffs. Four-wheel drive models come standard with 4WDemand system. Alloy wheels available only on V6 models, and now include chrome package.
1994 saw Safety was being emphasized and the 4-Runner received side door guard beams for impact protection, a high-mount stop lamp and an available 4-wheel Anti-lock Brake System on models with V6 engine. Air conditioners get CFC-free refrigerant. Optional leather can be had in new Oak color. Fully optioned with a CD-player, eight-speaker stereo, sunroof, leather seats and anti-lock brakes, 4-Runner's price was approaching $30,000 - quite a departure from its beginnings some ten years earlier as a glorified pickup truck! But 4-Runner hadn't forgotten its off-road heritage either, and remained as strong a back-woods performer as ever. The Limited model makes it's debut in 1995. It came standard with oak leather and the body stripes were replaced by small "Limited" badges on the front doors. V6 SR5 and Base models get new tape stripes.
1996 to Now
Toyota introduces the third-generation 4-Runner with c
omplete redesign for 1996 which includes all new engines, chassis, interior and exterior styling, enhanced safety equipment and added utility. It is the first 4-Runner to not share either body panels or a frame with Toyota's compact pickup trucks. 1997: Toyota's recent redesign receives minor changes. The most noticeable is the addition of the 2WD Limited to the model lineup. SR5 models receive new interior fabrics. Also the ability to order 16-inch alloy wheels on 2WD models and two new Preferred Equipment Packages are available. A new color, Radiant Red, replaces Cardinal Red.
1998 brought Several interior modifications, including new audio systems and an additional power outlet in the rear cargo area and coat hooks on the rear seat assist grips, add even more refinement to 4-Runner. The 4-Runner gets rotary HVAC controls, and revised audio control head units. A lighted, covered passenger-side vanity mirror is now standard equipment on the Limited grade and optional on SR5 models. The 4-Runner's steering wheel also features a new, four-spoke design, which is color-keyed on Limited models and black on all other grades. Halfway through the third generation, the 4-Runner receives a number of upgrades this year.
For 1999, 4-Runner Limited models receive a new multi-mode 4WD system as standard. The new multi-mode 4WD feature is actually a full-time all-wheel-drive system with 2WD capability. The all-wheel 4WD mode may be used in normal driving conditions on all types of roads from dry, hard surface roads, such as pavement, to wet, icy or snow-covered roads. Driving with the new multi-mode's all-wheel drive system engaged provides the driver with a more controlled, sure-footed feel to the road because power is applied evenly to all four wheels thus improving traction. To switch from 2WD to the all-wheel 4WD mode, simply reduce the vehicle's speed to less than 62 mph and push in the One-Touch "4WD" button located on the front drive control lever knob (on the transfer case the all-wheel 4WD mode is indicated as "H4"). Returning to the 2WD mode is just as easy, depress the "4WD" button once more and the vehicle is again operating in 2WD.
2000 - Optional color-coordinated fender flares are available on the SR5. An AM/FM/ Cassette/CD is now available on base models, and is standard on SR5 and Limited models. Daytime running lights are now included with the antilock brake package. The Highlander package now comes in Millenium Silver in addition to Imperial Jade Mica and Black. Autumn Blaze Metallic has been dropped, there were no other changes made to the 1999 color chart.
2001 was rumored to be the last year the 4-Runner was to be manufactured in Japan, but it was not true.
The 4-Runner enters 2002 with more equipment, improved option packages, and no change in MSRP from 2001. All 4-Runner SR5 models now have standard 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P225/70R15 tires, while the SR5 and Limited grades have a new chrome license plate garnish.
Toyota introduced the fourth-generation 4-Runner in 2003. It is an all new model for U.S., Japan, & Export Markets. Related to the Land Cruiser Prado not previously offered in the U.S. This platform will be shared with the new Lexus GX470. Remains body on frame construction but severs the connection with the Tacoma truck line.
2004's 4-Runner mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) has a legendary tradition of off-road capability. Completely redesigned in 2003, the fourth-generation 4-Runner re-invented itself with numerous technological advancements, improving its off-road capability, producing more power, and increasing fuel efficiency. At the same time, 4-Runner became larger and roomier with improved ride comfort.
