What's the best 90s SUV?

"gmctavish needs more space" (gmctavish) 05/22/2019 at 20:59 • Filed to: Ask Oppo

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Having my 1997 Blazer convinced me that 90s SUVs are pretty much the most practical vehicles ever made. Simple, reliable, n ot too big, not too bad on gas, seats 5 in relative comfort, good enough on the highway, and good enough off road. The Blazer wasn’t amazing at anything, but it was good enough at almost everything.

I’m trying to find something to drive to Sask this summer, but also trying to find a replacement for the Legacy as a daily. I keep coming back to finding a nicer, lower milage Blazer than I already had. All that said, that 97 Blazer is the only 90s SUV I’ve had, and it’s not the one I see most often. That has to be 3rd gen 4Runners. Those are more expensive, but I have to assume they’re better built, and even more reliable . I just wish they had the torque of the 4.3 in a Blazer. So, those of you who have had, have, or have driven 90s SUVs, which would you choose, or which did you choose?

It’s basically impossible to find a decent picture of a Montero Sport. I’d include the full-size Montero as well, but the 1st and 2nd gens weren’t sold in Canada....

E90M3 > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:05

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Since a 97 Explorer Sport was my first car, that’s also my choice.

InFierority Complex > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:05

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2 door Tahoe. We’ ve had one in the family for years and it’s just been a solid, do-anything vehicle.

Ash78, voting early and often > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:07

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3rd gen 4runners stopped breaking — and depreciating — about 10 years ago. I swear I see more now than I did back then. It’s like the Benjamin Button of cars.

dogisbadob > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:10

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The white Bronco. It was a killer machine :p

No really though, either the Geo Tracker or Suzuki X-90

And you can;t mention 90s SUV’s without mentioning the Typhoon! They were so close to making a 4-door Typhoon, but chickened out at the last minute.

atfsgeoff > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:11

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J100 Land Cruiser, if you want the best .

gmctavish needs more space > InFierority Complex 05/22/2019 at 21:11

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I’ve been looking at GMT400 Tahoes/Yukons as well, they just don’t quite fit into the “not too big” or “not too bad on gas” categories. But I’m still very tempted 

wafflesnfalafel > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:11

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F olks will say the 4runner (which is great), but I do like the Trooper, especially the post Honda partnership version.

gmctavish needs more space > dogisbadob 05/22/2019 at 21:14

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I’ve briefly looked at 4 door Trackers, but I think they’re too small for my purposes. But I do like them, my friend had a 2 door Tracker for a while and it was hilarious.

The Typhoon is a whole different ball game though, not really a practical or affordable daily

gmctavish needs more space > atfsgeoff 05/22/2019 at 21:15

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I do, but I guess I should qualify that title with “ reasonably priced”, because a Cruiser is out of my price range

XJDano > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:16

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I’m partial to the 90’s XJs be cause I had two.

Also a suburban before that but it was too big and gas hawg.

I think a K5 blazer would be ideal or a grand wagoneer if you can find one. But they are boarderline luxury instead of beater.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:16

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I really feel like the Yukon GT should’ve been honorarily excluded due to it completely winning this competition. Since you did not, you may shut this post down now as the Yukon GT is the clear winner. 

OPPOsaurus WRX > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:17

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mine was!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:18

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Oh, and you didn’t mention the true pantheon of 90s SUVs - the VehiCross. It holds throne over all others and is also unable to be included in this competition due to walking all over everything.

gmctavish needs more space > XJDano 05/22/2019 at 21:24

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The official 4x4s of Southern BC seem to be XJs and 2nd and 3rd gen Toyotas.

I love Suburbans, but yeah, gas.

A K5 Blazer or Grand Wagoneer would be glorious, but good ones are pricey as hell now, and cheap ones are piles

gmctavish needs more space > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 05/22/2019 at 21:25

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As far as coolness goes, yes, but it doesn’t win practicality, or parts availability... 

cberg > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:33

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Any 95+ manual Trooper I’d say, better V6 by then & hefty Isuzu axle stuff.

Nothing > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:33

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Two door 4Runner!

I am pretty 4Runner partial, and if forced to pick a 90s midsizer, it’s most likely what I’d go with . I also like the 1st gen 2 door Explorers. We had a couple in my family and were great vehicles.

I also liked the 2 door “hardbody” Pathfinder. (I’m sensing a theme, here.)

Amigo!

Ok, after going down that rabbit hole, I’d still most likely go with a  4Runner.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 21:50

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I’ve driven a Grand C herokee and I have to say, if you’re taking a road trip that’s the one you want. It’s the plushest of them all. Just look out for rocker panel rust.

A GMT400 Tahoe would be good too if you don’t mind the size.

Also: here’s a good M ontero Sport pic

fintail > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 22:05

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Do you feel lucky, punk?

benn454 > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 22:07

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I have an ‘02 Blazer 4 door that looks exactly like that one except for the wheels. It’s comfy, gets 18-20 MPG, has that great 90s GM HVAC, does well in the Midwest snow, and has tons of room in the back for schlepping stuff and dogs around, especially when you drop the back seat .

It wasn't my first choice (I originally wanted to get a 4th gen F-body), but I haven't regretted the decision. There's been a bunch of times I've been thankful for the extra space.

MM54 > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 22:12

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I have a 3rd gen 4Runner, it’s pretty good.

gmctavish needs more space > cberg 05/22/2019 at 22:28

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I’ll have to check out a Trooper. They don’t come up for sale often, but by now the only ones left are nice ones 

gmctavish needs more space > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 05/22/2019 at 22:30

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I rode in my coworkers ZJ a couple times, and it did seem quite cushy. 

I don’t mind the size of a Tahoe, but I do mind the fuel economy

gmctavish needs more space > fintail 05/22/2019 at 22:30

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Hah, not particularly, no 

gmctavish needs more space > benn454 05/22/2019 at 22:34

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They’re definitely GM products, but they’re pretty great. I bought mine as a cheap last minute road trip vehicle to drive to Montreal in 2014. My friend had just driven it to the Yukon and back, so I trusted it. The ability to go down basically any random road off the highway, while getting 650kms to a tank in comfort was pretty brilliant.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 22:40

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What’s more 90s than being impractical?

gmctavish needs more space > Nothing 05/22/2019 at 22:41

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I love the look of 2nd gen 4Runners, but I want more power than the 4 cylinder, and the V6 really doesn’t have a good reputation. Still, I’d be tempted by a not rusty one that has had the head gaskets done. I also like the first get Pathfinders, I’m just being boring and looking for something a bit more modern and safer 

SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 22:41

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I’ve driven most of your examples ( except the Blazer) back in the 90's and I was much underwhelmed by most of them at the time.

However, 4Runner, what you call the Trooper, Rodeo (though I had issues with the V6 Auto off road) and what we called the Pajero were the pick.

These days down here, you can still find 90' s 4 Runners and Pajeros but the rest  have been mostly rusted or busted to death.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 22:42

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Bang for the buck you will be hard pressed to do better than a rodeo or trooper.

benn454 > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 23:26

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I enjoy chuckling at the guys who scoffed at the S-10 Blazer back in the day for not being a "real" Blazer and are now losing their shit over the new one. 

gmctavish needs more space > SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media 05/22/2019 at 23:55

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I’d totally go for a Pajero, but we only got the 3rd gens in Canada. Up here it looks like a 4Runner is probably the best value

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > gmctavish needs more space 05/22/2019 at 23:57

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Holy shit. You’re right. Amigo, Trooper, 4runner, Rodeo, Tahoe, Blazer, Montero, XJ , ZJ, Disco... 90s SUVs were kinda awesome...

If I had to choose... Well I did and it was a D2, but each one of those I like for different reasons...

gmctavish needs more space > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 05/23/2019 at 01:42

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My heart wants a Disco, but my bank account doesn’t.

I think I need to test drive a bunch of stuff, but man it’s hard to find stock, clean, reasonably priced examples of any of these things 

pip bip - choose Corrour > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 04:17

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Pajero

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 07:16

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Jeep Cherokee.

Blazer is a close 2nd given they’re generally cheaper and take a hell of a lot of abuse.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 07:19

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The newer Tahoe with the Vortec 5.7L can get around 18 mpg hwy from our experience, my Ma loved her 2 door Tahoes. The Vortec powered ones were pretty respectable, the TBI ones were not.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 07:22

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As I said before, 2 door/Vortec. It’s only 10" longer than a 4 door blazer, you’ll never notice the difference ;)

BigBlock440 > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 07:39

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Gas mileage isn’t great though, I think it impossible to get more than 19, typically 17 or less pure highway with the two V8 options I’ve personally experienced.  There’s a V6 available in some years, no idea what that’s like though.  The V8s are pretty quick though, and can be made quicker with not too much difficulty.

i86hotdogs > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 07:48

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The best 90's SUV isn’t an SUV at all...

Pickup_man > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 09:29

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For no logical reason whatsoever, the Rodeo (or the Honda version). If I was looking for a 90's SUV I’d go straight for one of those. The way the look just does it for me.

Edit: almost forgot, Bronco!

Those Blazers were everywhere when I was growing up, my family had one (until a deer took it out), a high school buddy had one (until he rolled it), and they were just generally everywhere. Their not great reputation I think is a little undeserved. Yes they were build to the fairly mediocre standards of GM of the day, but they were fairly tough rigs, dependable, and IMO pretty good looking.

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 10:30

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Owning a Disco hasn’t been as bad as I expected, but that is only because I’m doing my own work. Parts are reasonable (not cheap, but reasonable) but shop labor is insane. I was quoted $900 to fix my parking brake. Total cost for me doing it was a weekend of work and $50, including overnighting emergency parts from the UK. I was quoted $4,300+ to do the head gaskets, ended up being about $600 in parts ($12 00 with all the extra stuff I did) and about 6 weekends. Could have done it faster, but I did a lot of extra stuff and had other car projects take priority. Maybe I’ve got lucky so far, but it hasn’t been as bad as people were warning me of. Certainly hard on the wallet. But not that bad.

For the last “cheap car challenge” I drove a Rodeo, Trooper, XTerra, and the Disco. The Disco won because it ran, drove, and had working AC (plus sexy AF), but I loved the Trooper. It was a sweet, quirky, ride with some serious engine/ transmission issues. The other two ended up with a ZJ, which George absolutely adored and was a beast offroad, and a 4Runner, which Taylor lurved although it was the slowest vehicle on the planet.

ST80MND > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 10:41

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In order of awesome:

-Isuzu Vehicross

-Toyota Landcruiser

-2 door Tahoe

-4 runner

-Mitsu. Montero

-Last Gen Bronco

-4 door Suzuki Samurai

-Land Rover Defender (88 or 110)

-El Camino on a Tahoe frame

InFierority Complex > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 05/23/2019 at 11:15

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Plus the visibility is just incredible. I think that goes a long way to making it easier to drive than it s dimensions might suggest.

gmctavish needs more space > pip bip - choose Corrour 05/23/2019 at 11:41

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I already have an 80s Pajero, I really want a 2nd gen. If they sold them here, I’d be getting one of those 

gmctavish needs more space > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 05/23/2019 at 11:42

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Damn that’s not that bad. Not that great either, but that’s good to know....

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 11:45

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Eh, 18 mpg is roughly what every modern 1/2 ton truck gets real world, I’d call that pretty good for a 20 yo 1/2 ton SUV.

gmctavish needs more space > Pickup_man 05/23/2019 at 11:48

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If they wouldn’t eat ball joints and fuel pumps, and all had transmission coolers, I think I’d see as many of them as I see 4Runners.

I’ve never driven any Isuzu, enough people have mentioned them I think I should check a couple out.

gmctavish needs more space > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 05/23/2019 at 11:52

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Oh yeah, if I had the space to do more involved stuff year round, I could consider it more seriously. There’s a Series 1 for sale near me, and it’s a 5 speed, that I really want.

That’s the thing I vaguely had in my head about the Isuzus, was engine and trans issues....I should look into them more. Man I wish 2nd gen Monteros were sold here. I might just have to get one from Washington or Oregon once I get my passport.

I don’t love the sound of the slowest vehicle on the planet for a daily, but I think I need to check out some ZJs, and maybe some Xterras, those are everywhere up here.

gmctavish needs more space > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 05/23/2019 at 11:54

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Oh yeah it’s definitely good for what it is, I just meant in general/compared to the smaller SUVs I’m looking at. I almost don’t want to go look at one, because I love them and I’ll probably buy it, but I should get something that gets better milea ge

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 15:29

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Oh man a manual D1 would be excellent. I have almost no experience with them, but they don’t have traction control which is one of the biggest headaches in a D2. Also one of the biggest benefits. Oddly, the problem I have with them is the roof window doesn’t align with the rear window like it does on a D2. Yes that is silly, but it would never not bug me.

I recall hearing that the Isuzus have a lot of issues, but I have no experience. I drove two. One the 4WD wasn’t working (seller didn’t disclose) and the other the 4WD didn’t exist (despite the sellers insistence did).

It might have just been Taylor’s 4Runner that was slow. People love them so much I have to assume his was the problem? I dunno.

The ZJ is basically a tarted up XJ and there is nothing wrong with that. Good vehicle overall. Solid front and rear which is good, imo. Not sure if you can get one in manual , if that is important to you.

Early XTerras are known for automatic transmission issues, but the “2nd gen” is apparently fine, as are the manuals of all years. The Pro4X versions come with an electronic rear locker, which is pretty excellent.

Jordan > gmctavish needs more space 05/23/2019 at 15:47

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As it was introduced in 1992, does the Hummer H1 count?

gmctavish needs more space > Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo 05/23/2019 at 21:49

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Oh god I never noticed the window. I like the shortness for the better departure angle, but that is pretty maddening.

Is it a gen 2 or 3? The 3.0s in the gen 2s get really bad carbon and sludge buildup, and wind up quite gutless. the 3.4 in the gen 3 is supposed to be way better, and that’s what I’m mostly looking at. But god damn they’re expensive, and have all of the miles.

Early ZJs could be had with a 5 speed, I think gogomoro has one. For this type of vehicle I almost prefer an auto, especially if it’s gonna be a daily too. Vancouver traffic is truly awful, and in my opinion, something auto with lots of torque is the right way to do Vancouver traffic.

I like the sound of the Pro4X with the locker, but those 2nd gens are also a little bulkier than I like. Although they look less bulky in person than in photos.

Longtime Lurker > atfsgeoff 05/24/2019 at 01:36

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Not sold in Canada.

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > gmctavish needs more space 05/24/2019 at 07:06

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I feel like all these SUVs from this era hovered around 18-20 mpg real world, at least that was always our experience. My Ma has had quite a few off that list:

Cherokee: 18 mpg

Grand Cherokee: 16 mpg (V8)

Blazer: 17 mpg

4Runner : 14 mpg

Explorer: 14 mpg

Tahoe (Vortec): 16-18 mpg

Fullsize Blazer/Tahoe (non-Vortec): 13-15 mpg

In reality, if mpg is your concern, stop looking at SUVs because they all get shit mileage.

Maybe you just need to find an early 90s AWD Caravan..........;)

Akio Ohtori - RIP Oppo > gmctavish needs more space 05/24/2019 at 10:34

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Ok so looking into it, the window does line up on the 2-door D1s, so there is that haha. Still, sorry to be the one who had to point that out. Looks like they designed it as a 2-door, then made a 4-door but couldn’t be bothered to modify the roof? Not surprising as this is the same company that chose the name “VELAR” because they already had all the letters. ANYWAY, yeah the shorter vehicle is good, agree.

His was a 1995 so I think it was the last of the Gen 2. High miles, so if they’re prone to problem then it probably had them. And yeah, after he sold his we wanted another, but finding one proved... expensive, so he ended up with the 2015 XTerra instead.

I am 100% that crazy guy that thing everyone should daily a manual except... in traffic and offroad. I’ve done both offroad and while a manual is nice 85% of the time, that other 15%, when the going gets tough, I’m really glad my D2 is auto.

Your eye must be better than mine because I’m not sure I could tell a difference between a 1st gen and 2nd gen XTerra haha. They’re a little smaller than the D2, though the wheelbase is slightly longer. I don’t love them, but you can’t argue with the value for money, especially on the older ones. For whatever reason the they haven’t taken off like the 4Runner and XJ in the overlanding craze.

Yes, I am just using this thread as an excuse to post trip photos haha.

gmctavish needs more space > Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness 05/24/2019 at 11:28

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M pg isn’t my main concern, I just like the sound of 17 or 18 a lot more than 13 or 14. Nah I currently have AWD and I’m trying to go back to 2WD for normal driving. Plus having low range is a big plus

Long_Voyager, Now With More Caravanny Goodness > gmctavish needs more space 05/24/2019 at 12:11

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Well hell, if you’re looking to go without AWD, buy a fwd Caravan/Voyager. Then a set of ATs and have this guy I know make you a lift for it. You’ll get everywhere you need to go, have loads of room for activities, and crack off 22-24 mpg.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > gmctavish needs more space 05/24/2019 at 23:31

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https://abbotsford.craigslist.org/cto/d/langley-must-sell-clean-running-great/6889956723.html

gmctavish needs more space > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever 05/24/2019 at 23:45

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I saw that....I want it...

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > gmctavish needs more space 05/25/2019 at 00:02

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Parts are easy to get and cheap as hell

Spridget > gmctavish needs more space 06/04/2019 at 23:52

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Late to the party , but here’s my contribution. Above is my 1995 Honda Passport which I came into a couple months ago; I’ve put just over 1,200 mostly DD miles on it, and here’s what I’ve observed so far.

Gas mileage on these is pretty shit. EPA estimate was 14 city, 17 highway, and I’ve averaged a solid 16.

It’ll seat five, but in comfort; if you’re a tall- in- the-torso type, you may struggle to fit, and mine only has four seatbelts, but that’s not true of all of them. Overall, it’s a spacious vehicle, namely in the trunk; it has a split-away tailgate, which I personally like. The first gens all do have tire carriers, which may not be great for urban areas.

The only major things I’ve had to do to mine are an oil change and ab brake pad/rotor replacement, but I’d compare it to a Blazer/Jeep and see that it definitely has some . . . quirks. The removable factory moonroof (not a standard option and not a major issue ) has an outer seal composed of metal wrapped in rubber. This material is known for deteriorating and is basically impossible to find. On mine, it trapped water in the sunroof area, corroding the wind deflector, but nothing else. The rear hatch struts on all of these are almost always broken, so keep an eye on that.

There are two transmissions used on these, a GM sourced auto and an Isuzu manual. I have the auto; the shifter can sometimes be a little finicky, but I thank that comes with the turf. No experience with the manual, but I think they are significantly rarer in Rodeos.

There are also two rear ends, a Dana 44 and a GM-sourced one. I think the Dana has a fairly tall gearing, like 4.14:1 or something, and the GM is slightly taller, but don’t quote me on that. Either way, neither is particularly geared for the highway, and you can hear the rear end working/whining, but this may have more to do with the auto trans than anything.

As far as highway speed goes, it’s . . . not great. Mine will do 80mph, but it’s more comfortable lower, and probably most comfortable between 50 and 65. Part of it’s age; there are a ton of creaks and rattles on mine, and I prefer to take it easy on the highway. Ultimately, not a crusier, but it’ll handle it, probably better than your Raider would.

I have no experience with the I4, as I have the 3.2 V6. The V6 is . . . loud, being once described to me by another Oppo as a “clickety-clackety motherfucker.” This is probably accurate. I’ve had no problems with mine, and both engines are generally considered to be fairly sturdy; maybe not on the same level as a Jeep I6 or a 4.3, but they aren’t bad. It is my understanding that valvetrain issues are a big killer here, so be wary. As a side note, the 3.2 is considered the “fast” engine, which means the I4 is basically a lawnmower. It’s not particularly quick, but it’ll hold its own.

Handling and ride is pretty great for a vehicle which is based on an Isuzu pickup. Don’t expect a BMW or even a Legacy, but it’s probably comparable to others in its class. Keep in mind that’s it’s body on frame, and I’d side it exceeds its standards.

Good luck finding trim pieces. Those are basically obsolete. Parts as a whole aren’t bad, the 3.2 was used in basically every Isuzu from 1994-2010, and many parts are shared with other vehicles and makes. It may not be Jeep cheap or 4Runner easy, but it’s not a killer either. My brake parts came out to around $150, not bad at all.

I haven’t taken it on any serious off-road courses, but on the small trails and paths it’s been on, it’s been an absolute tank, both in two wheel drive and four low. Getting the four wheel drive to engage can be challenging; it has automatically hubs, which doesn’t help the fuel economy, and it sometimes takes a couple pushes of the shifter. Part of this is likely attributable to my inexperience. It does have a fairly full skip plate (covering the front half of the vehicle, all the essentials), which is nice, as well as a tow hook and trailer hitch.

The interior is a nice place to be; visibility is great, the radio is excellent (at least by my standards), and the binnacle buttons are cool and easy to use. The seats aren’t very adjustable, and aren’t particularly supportive, but I’m not sure what anyone is expecting.? Apparently it’s not as great for rear passengers though, and there’s not a ton of cubbies and cupholders if that’s of value. In addition, the safety on this thing isn’t great; take a look at the crash test video on YouTube.

Lastly, I personally think the Rodeo/Passport is the best styled vehicle in its class, but that’s personal. Let me know  if you have any other questions; I think the Passport/Rodeo would be a solid choice for a DD/fun rig.

gmctavish needs more space > Spridget 06/05/2019 at 01:47

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Damn, that was comprehensive! I’ve always found these things interesting, and my friends mom had one for years and loved it. They seldom show up here anymore, but I’ll likely check one out if a good one shows up!

RT > gmctavish needs more space 09/02/2019 at 21:47

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The ‘best’ 90's SUV was probably a Range Rover Classic, but I wouldn’t necessarily call that the best purchase decision. Either way, I love the combination of power, comfort, and off-road ability.

For a more sensible answer, my choice would be the J80 Toyota Land Cruiser.

Extremely capable and, unlike the Rangie, designed for a 25 year+ service life.

Although, if you’re on a tighter budget, the best option is probably an Isuzu Trooper.