Generation Gap: Toyota 4Runner Edition

Kinja'd!!! "Amoore100" (amoore100)
01/13/2016 at 20:54 • Filed to: Generation Gap, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Hilux

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Welcome to Generation Gap where we ask you about your favorite generation of a certain multi-generational car nameplate. Then, explain why your choice is right to the rest of us uneducated folks.

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The last time we did a Generation Gap article, it was the Ford Explorer that took center stage. However, as the Explorer was converted to a unibody crossover in its latest iteration to cater to the softening American market, this truck stuck to its roots and has soldiered on as a true SUV. Originally built on the mechanicals from the indestructible Hilux, this was one of the vehicles that helped cement Toyota’s reputation for reliability. Yes, it’s the widely popular and universally beloved 4Runner! Which of its generations appeals to you the best?

The options:

First Generation [1984 - 1989] N60

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Second Generation [1989 - 1995] N120/130 (facelift)

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Third Generation [1995 - 2002] N180 (facelift)

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Fourth Generation [2002 - 2009] N210 (facelift)

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Fifth Generation [2009 - Present] N280 (facelift)

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All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.


DISCUSSION (29)


Kinja'd!!! TheHondaBro > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 20:58

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I think the answer here is obvious.


Kinja'd!!! Amoore100 > TheHondaBro
01/13/2016 at 21:00

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Is it?


Kinja'd!!! Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 21:03

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First generation. Because early ones had solid front axles and you could take the roof off.


Kinja'd!!! jkm7680 > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 21:04

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1st gen or current one. The rest are meh.


Kinja'd!!! Alex B > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 21:05

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Fourth generation for me!


Kinja'd!!! Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > TheHondaBro
01/13/2016 at 21:13

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2nd generation because widebody, of course.


Kinja'd!!! Birddog > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 21:19

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That fifth gen is just wrong..


Kinja'd!!! Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 21:19

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Third gen before it got the fat lower lip is my fave.


Kinja'd!!! Amoore100 > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
01/13/2016 at 21:21

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The upper grille is like a mustache IMO...


Kinja'd!!! Amoore100 > Birddog
01/13/2016 at 21:22

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Especially in the new chromed up Limited trim...

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Kinja'd!!! Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 21:24

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Even worse — that’s 2wd


Kinja'd!!! Amoore100 > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
01/13/2016 at 21:32

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The mighty 2Runner.


Kinja'd!!! Mr. Giraffe > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 21:35

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I’m partial to the 3rd gen because my dad still has his with 75,XXX miles. I feel it is the best of being livable for a daily driver, but still old/truck feeling if that makes any sense. I’ve driven 2nd-current gen. He took it offroad once on a beach and whined about it the whole time. At least it isn’t rusty.

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Kinja'd!!! Amoore100 > Mr. Giraffe
01/13/2016 at 21:37

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Nice truck! My friend’s family actually has a 2Runner (RWD 4Runner) of the same generation, base model, post facelift, with just over 40K miles. Absurdly low, amazingly clean truck. I’m just a bit jealous...


Kinja'd!!! HammerheadFistpunch > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 21:45

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They all have their perks but 2nd gen is least best


Kinja'd!!! John_Harbinson > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 21:46

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These two.

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They’ll be parked next to this (below) if I win the stupid tax lottery tonight. Full GT86 conversion, and it’ll have an STI swap as well, thankyouverymuch.

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Kinja'd!!! Amoore100 > HammerheadFistpunch
01/13/2016 at 21:47

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Well that goes against what everyone else here apparently believes...do you want to provide some insight into that conclusion? I’ve only ever ridden in a 3rd gen so my opinion isn’t worth anything...


Kinja'd!!! Amoore100 > John_Harbinson
01/13/2016 at 21:48

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Yes! I simply love Toyota orange and the 4Runner heritage editions look awesomely retro with the bold “TOYOTA” badging. Also, the GT86 is what it’s supposed to be in the first place, none of this Scion nonsense.


Kinja'd!!! Mr. Giraffe > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 22:02

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Thanks! And wow that’s really low mileage. When I was looking for a vehicle last year these were the first thing I searched for. I could not find any near me with less than 115k miles.


Kinja'd!!! Amoore100 > Mr. Giraffe
01/13/2016 at 22:08

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Well they are renowned for being able to go high mileages, so 115K is barely broken in! I think what happened in my friends’ case is that her uncle bought it but ended up driving something else, so it sat until my friend’s mom donated her W202 to charity, at which point it became her DD and still is until my friend gets her license...


Kinja'd!!! Birddog > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 22:28

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That front end is the definition of trying too hard.


Kinja'd!!! Amoore100 > Birddog
01/13/2016 at 22:31

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Yep. Just like 75% of other automotive designs on sale today.


Kinja'd!!! Mr. Giraffe > Amoore100
01/13/2016 at 22:41

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Very true. I’m just picky and wanted something with less mileage. Your friend is lucky to get that for her first vehicle.


Kinja'd!!! Finboss > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies
01/13/2016 at 22:42

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Is the correct answer. My 93 has had one hell of a thrashing. The electrics are screwed, windows won’t open, AC works occasionally and rear bumper and exhaust has rusted through (good God is it loud). It has also developed a mysterious shudder when braking which is not warped brake rotors. Sometimes fine but sometimes feels like you are going to die. Still love that thing though!


Kinja'd!!! R Saldana [|Oo|======|oO|] - BTC/ETH/LTC Prophet > Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap
01/13/2016 at 23:01

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I was just about to ask about this. wonder what ICON could do with one.......lotto winnings ain’t gonna spend themselves.....


Kinja'd!!! Amoore100 > Mr. Giraffe
01/13/2016 at 23:44

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Definitely haha! My V50 has 150k so I’d say I’m just getting started...


Kinja'd!!! Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Finboss
01/14/2016 at 06:40

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The brake thing is probably a locked piston in your front brakes, mine has that problem. It’s just a bad design. But other than that, it’s brake booster, transmission speed sensor, and cooling system/head gaskets, it’s been awesome for over 4 years. Doesn’t matter what I throw at it, it’ll take it. It’s gotten Toyota a lifetime customer.


Kinja'd!!! Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Amoore100
01/14/2016 at 14:14

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2nd gen is BY FAR my favorite. These things if you can keep them from rusting will last forever.

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My next pick would be the current gen.


Kinja'd!!! MerkySaab > Amoore100
01/14/2016 at 20:05

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2nd gen for sure. Almost got one instead of our Shogun but read some horror stories about the safety of them. Great looking things though.