ive had 3 4th gens and a 3rd gen. 4th gen is more refined and modern. 3rd gen is the most bulletproof car ever. i have 569,000 km and still running strong

You just can’t go wrong with Toyota. Looks,reliability,ride etc. I would take a 100k mike Toyota truck over a 50k mile chevy,Ford,dodge anyday.

As a second gen owner I completely agree, everyone leave the second generation ones for me ;)

3rd gen all the way! Always loved em, and now I finally have my own 2000 SR5 4WD!

My old 1986 4Runner with the removable top was hands down the BEST 4Runner EVER!!!! And yes! You could get the V6 in the first gen, it was offered in 1988

Had a 3rd for 20 years, loved it. Presently have a 4th gen, has a great ride and is a beast! Will always have a 4Runner in my house.

Just got an 03 sport edition with the 4.7 v8. I can see the overall favorite seems to be a 3rd generation and I may keep my eye out for one of those as well. I'm an older guy and don't see myself doing serious off roading but wanted a great truck for the grandkids and good snow driving.

Love my 95 4runner. 3.slow always gets me home

I own a 91 second gen sr5 with 150k on the clock. Also had the engine and transmission rebuilt, I would have to say despite popular opinion, the second gen for me is my favorite. You get the best of both worlds from the 1st gen and 3rd gen, I mean its got a tailgate which is awesome, and 4 doors! Everyone complains about the 3.slow but I find myself never having horsepower trouble wheeling. My only gripe was it did not come with a factory locker, as that started with the 3rd gens. But, once you get a locker on that ole girl she can hang with the more modern rigs. Also a noteworthy difference: 200-300 lbs lighter than the 3rd gens ;)

Agreed. I had a first and 3rd. I liked my first, but the third was that truck I just never had a desire to get rid of. Superb reliability and practicality. Balance was the key with the third, though the first was most fun. I only wish they had kept the tailgate style of the first and second.

I own a 2000 limited, stock with 196000 miles. Fun to drive off-road and in the Utah snow. Did the POR 15 on the frame. Changing out the radiator, head gaskets, axle breather and lower ball joints. It’s good for another 200,000 miles.

4th gens are the best to me. Not too nice to worrky about offroading but still have good interior and arent piles of junk

Bro this review was awesome major respect!

Picked up a 3rd gen for 3,500 dollars. I love it!! I didn’t realize the steal until I drive it for a month.

4th Gen with a V8 is the best ever.

4th gen with 4.7 V8 is easily the best. By far the best motor ever put in a 4runner. Extremely reliable and smooth, also sounds the best by a mile. Second place is a 3rd gen with a manual transmission and the v6. The rest can slug it out for last place

From a stock out of box review I pretty much agree with the ratings. However I think the best overall runner is the 4th gen v8 by far. The best platform to build it up. After lifted the 4th gens if done right look as good as any 4runner.

I'm working on finding me the perfect 3rd. Thank you for the video. You're ordering sounds about right to me. Cheers.

So happy I found a manual 3rd Gen V6.

love the 3rd!

I have a 98 SR5 original owner 143k. My rear axil broke due to rust and needs a replacement, I don't know if it's worth the replacement part any suggestions. Live in NJ

Had an 87 Gen 1 with the 22re. Loved that body style, but admittedly it was underpowered, especially pulling the 10,000 ft passes here in Colorado. My second was a 97 Gen 3 which my wife drove and we used it in our business hauling product around the region. Put 300k trouble-free miles on it. When we sold it, the compression was great and it had the original suspension. Now I'm driving a 01 Gen 3 with the factory supercharger and the sport suspension. Hope to be driving it when I turn 100.

1st, 2nd, 3rd.. Specially those solid front axle.. Solid.. Zero plastic exterior.. The modern ones are just modern plastic

which 4runner is best 4runner

Just bought a Gen 3 - 2002 3.4 v6 auto trans - 4 runner, with 187,000 mi on it. I bought the Toyota for its dependability, it was bought just to pull a 16’ ft fish’n boat around , had it now 3 weeks and I’m in love , Ya it’s got a few things that need to be replaced, it’s twenty years old, valve cover gaskets, timing belt , tuneup, I’ll replace the radiator, water pump, and any worn parts and hoses and belts , it runs great but I want to make sure it’s not going to leave me stranded, read comments that it was a slug on the highway, not mine it I’ll get up and boogie , it came with a bunch of Disney stickers on the back window and has some spills on the back rugs , ya you got it it was moms car, well it’s all cleaned up and detailed now and looking spiffy, changed a lot of the bulbs to LED, just to brighten things up, it came with a small lift and new bigger all terrain tires and running boards have been deleted , this 3 gen is everything I wanted !

1st place definitely goes to 3rd gen for multiple reasons: (1) BUILD QUALITY: I owned a 96 limited for 18 years (246K) not a single thing broke except the paint pealing. Following my return from Afghanistan I bought a new 2013 Trail 5th gen. Differences are like night and day. 10 days after purchasing it I took my wife our honeymoon trip. An 8,500 mile road trip to nearly every National Park in the Western US. We camped in all the parks and overlanded for more than 1100 miles of the trip. So we put it through its paces in every possible environment. Paint on my 2013 chip off if you look at it wrong. The dealer informed me that due to new US environmental laws oil based hardeners are no longer allowed. Only water based paint hardeners are authorized. Toyota had to add a thin rubber base coat to the front facing body panels in order to reduce excessive chipping from otherwise harmless small rocks. (2) RIDE QUALITY & OFF-ROAD ABILITY: Our stock 5th gen Trail successfully navigated nearly every off-road trail in Colorado including Mineral Trail, Imogene, Engineer Pass etc. It's rock climbing ability was impressive but slow. Pace was excruciatingly slow due to the excessive body weight that would cause the front-end to bottom out if you exceeded 2 mph over rocks. 3rd gen was far more forgiving. We only used the crawl control twice to get out of binds on treacherous cliffs. (3) WEIGHT: The 5th gen Trail has some amazing off-road tech it is true. However all that tech is necessary to compensate for the extra 1k pounds! YES if you can believe it. 96 Limited 3,845 lbs and the 2013 Trail is 4750 lbs! You gain an inch of width and length at the cost of an additional 24% in weight. Most obvious is how the difference in ride quality. 5th gen rides like you're in a boat (compared to 3rd gen). As a result, off-road handling compared to 3rd gen, even with the Trail upgrades, makes the 5th gen ride similar to that of a suburban. The agility and responsiveness of the 3rd gen is gone. You could enter rough terrain in 3rd gen much quicker. 5th gen requires VERY slow approaches to any obstacles. Extra weight constantly affects 5th gen clearance. (4) BREAKING: Breaking was one of the 3rd gen's most notable weaknesses. That said, 5th gen is worse. The nose dips notably even during a medium stop. Anti-lock system engages very quickly due to the excess of weight. Just watch videos of the 5th gen traversing rocks, mub, large dips etc.

3rd gen. #1. I own 3 of them. 99-sport-292K,. 1997 SR5. -268K, and 1998 limited -462K. daily driver.

I've owned new 98, 08, 10 and currently a 19 Toyota 4Runners. I love them!

Which Engine do you like out of all the 4Runner generations? I like 3.4 and 4.0 V6's

1st is original, 2nd more road worthy, 3rd with coils most adjustable for application.

for sure bro. 3rd gen had lots of options. current 3rd gen owner 02 4wd sr5 as of 2 days ago!! love this thing. Had Tacomas for years and finally made the jump!

3rd Gen is the best imo based on interior, followed by 2nd Gen... 4th Gens have too many issues with frame rust etc. I have owned all 3 and my 2nd Gen has outlasted the 3rd and 4th. All while still being used as an overlanding rigand taking abuse. 2nd Gens all the way.

I own a first GEN that I hope to keep for many years to come. I hope to own a third GEN someday as well.

What years are in each generation?

definitely think the 3rd gen is the best. I had a 1st gen but it had an automatic transmission and really lacked any power. Drove a few 2nd gen 4Runners and they too seems awkward and under powered. I currently have a 3rd gen with a 5 speed manual and I love it!! I took it off road in central Nevada and it's very capable and then some. It drives like a dream and I really like the tight turning radius. Mine is in great shape and I didn't skimp on it when it came to maintenance. I think the 5 speed is the only way to go for me.

I totally agree with your while list.

2nd gens are the most true to heart. It’s the truck you needed but you could keep your family warm. Plain and simple. 👍

Hello everyone. I am planning to buy a 4runner in El Salvador Central America, and is so cool that all the engines are available including diesel, so I would like to heard which engine should I choose and why. Thank you all for your comments.

So, you're explaining why a 3rd gen is the best of the 4Runners mainly because of it's off-road capabilities, however you're doing this while you're driving home from work on a paved road?

First gen with 22r, with a carburator, and manual transmission is the kind of vehicle to use on a zombie apocalypse.

Well I'm Partial to 4th Gen. I've only owned one 4Runner and for good reason. It currently has 404K miles on it and its still going strong and is my primary transportation for work and play. Minor tunes ups only (other than tires). Its an '05 V6 and paid off years ago. The new ones are nice but expensive.

IMO you missed the ball by not showing pics over your narration of the generations that you talked about - Zonk from me

Love my gen 3. 98 and she still puts in work. Love my baby.

Hey man i want your advice i finally found a 2000 Toyota 4runner inline4 the car has over 200k on it the guy wants 6grand for it he will let it go for $5500 i took it to a shop the two mechanics that were there told me to buy it that those 4inline engines are bullet proof and are extremely rare in 4runners and that they have a timing chain and way more reliable then the 3.4 all they found wrong with it were it needs new break pads should i go for it since they are so rare and hard to find.

Spot on thank you!

any 1st gen first, second gen with a sas..the rest are for the girlfriend to daily

1985 22REFI straight axle 5spd is a holy grail

I've had numerous 1st, one second, 3 3rds, I have a straight axel in my shop while I'm shopping for a home for it,

2nd Gen with the 3rd Gen engine swap. Love the tail gate from the 1st and 2nd gens but love the "refined" interior without the complex Ball joint issues of the 3rd gen's. 4th gens just have to many sensors for this GearHead.

I agree with your list. Had an 02 4Runner until (ironically) a Tacoma wasn't paying attention to our parked 4Runner and Totaled it. Still drove after impact as well. We called her "Little Bertha"

3rd gen baby!!!! Mine has 213k original miles.. had since i was 18...

1st gen for true offroading. 4th gen v8 for a daily. 3rd gen was my dream 4runner in highschool but the 4th gen is just so much more appealing to me now. Obviously I would get a 2019 if I had the money but I don't lol.

1st gen if you want a cool unique off-road vehicle. It actually has tons of storage space and is incredibly capable stock. 5th gen trail is great too

What year

I own a 2nd gen and its great. he puts it last. but I think its a fantastic model strictly because its a pickup with back seats and a perm cap. its painfully slow and maybe not a very capable off-road vehicle but it definitely is a great car.

Very knowledgeable video and i agree with your order. I've had 2 3rd gens. A 96 with over 280,000 and the engine and manual tranny still were perfect. The front end wad falling apart and and I just couldn't afford to keep up with it. It didn't habe any rust at all, besides the rear bumper. Getting rid of it is one of my biggest regrets. I wish I could get it back. I recently bought a 99 4Runner. Which the engine with 242,000 miles is still strong of course. Frame has some rot which sucks, yet is repairable. I only wish it had a manual transmission. Something I contemplate often is... the 1st gen is a dream to me. I can only find rotten ones that are rusted to the ground or not in good shape. I hear so many people liking the qualities of the 1st gen. With that why won't Toyota come out with a 6th gen with some of those awesome removable top type features. It has to be something n to do with safety I'm sure. Good vid man! 4Runners are the way to go!

Both me and my dad drive 3rd gens. His is a mint 96' sr5 5speed with 146K miles. Mine is an sr5 auto with 318K miles with 31" mxt's. He just got his about a week ago, but I've had mine for a decade and put over 120K miles on it. Best vehicle I've ever owned. Gonna try and find a lower mile one like my dad's here after long and lift my current one for a weekend wheeler.

I totally agree with you I'm looking for a 3rd generation but with the 2.7 3rz in line 4 this engine is one of Toyota best engines ever built it's under powered but extremely reliable and they have a timing chain but I just can't find one Toyota didn't make many off these I heard that's why they are so hard to find.

Late1st generations could be optioned with 3.0 liter V6. With the lighter body the V6 was ok compared to 2nd gen with V6.

I own a 2005 4th gen v8 with a 3 inch lift and 33 inch BFG Ko2's. Engine wise I have a drop in K&N filter, a URD Y Pipe, and mid muffler delete. In 2005 they had a power increase and i could not imagine getting another generation 4runner. I do think earlier generations are a bit better for rock crawling. That's not to say you cant build a 4th gen for crawling. But for an overland type vehicle it's got to be the best in my opinion. With enough room for a family, great offroad capabilities with a lift and better tires, and the power and smoothness for everyday driving that the v8 gives you, its just hard to beat. My brother has a 99 LC100, and my dad has a 07 sequoia and you just cant go wrong as long as it's a Toyota!

3rd and 4th are my favorite ones

have a 2004 4 runner and has almost 250k, it is strong and tuff. I bought it with 150k and only changed oil, brakes, and tires, Its a beast!!

You forgot to mention the scrappy 6 cyl on the 1st and 2nd gen.

thoughts on a 1995 2nd gen with the v6?

The 1st gen period newer ones are for ladies going to the mall

3rd gen. i have the 2.7 4wd and i love it

The first gen is def best for wheeling but I do agree that its not practical for hauling purposes. It can barely pull 2 dirt bikes on a small trailer. Nice video!

Yes I agree and I believe that 3rd Gen is also the last of the Manuel Transmissions. I have only automatic transmission from 2003 and on.

I agree with Taylor and Joseph Yi! 4th gen is the best 4runner built yet. I have an 03 4.7 v8 its a beast bro!!!!💪💪💪💪💪

The best was the '98-01 4.0 Straight 6 XJ Cherokee...lol ...but they're getting harder to find now. I have a 4th Gen 4Runner, love the thing.

I mean, i own a 2nd gen and i honestly think it’s the best one even though he put it last. You simply can’t beat the tailgate feature, its just so cool. Yes, the 3.slow v6 is annoying sometimes, especially when you’re goin up the grapevine, but i still think it handles more than great offroad, especially when the correct tires are thrown on with a slight lift. Plus, it still kept that boxy look from the first gen a little the was starting to become lost in the 3rd gen

Tee-yotas are expessially cool rigs imo.

2ndGen Gotta love that TAILGATE !

3rd gen ... I swapped a 1uz in mine.... 5speed too ...pure beast

Am so happy I just got my 2003 with 120000 miles.

I'vehad 3 3rd gen 4runners, 97' 2000 and a 2002, why? Because they are by far the most attractive, useful and over all multifunctional depending on what you want it for. If I want to go backpacking in the mountains I will never second guess the durability of this truck. It can handle as much or more then its rivals. If you want to use it for the beach it will be a blast in the surf, or fishing or camping. If you use it for construction this vehicle will surprise you how much material it can carry. I use it for showing Real Estate and keep it nice and most comment how nice the truck drives while touring properties. For me as a guy I feel it fits my personality. its sporty, tough, good looking and a blast to have fun with. never before have I had a vehicle I like more then my 3rd gen 4runners. I got rid of the 97' because it was a lease and I wrecked it. I got rid of the 2000 because it had 240k and my radiator blew and mixed with the transmission fluid ruining the transmission which made me a tough decision of letting it go. I wasn't sure if I was going to buy another one because I disliked the 4th gen 4runners, I happened to look in the auto trader and found a 2002 in cherry condition 4runner with low miles and fell in love with it. Ive had almost a year and there haven't been any problems. My suggestion if youre debating about buying one, dont just buy itas long as there is no rust, ou cant go wrong as far as Im concerned.

I got a 99 4runner yota. I lover her

I'm thinking about getting an 04 4Runner what do y'all think

Hello,brother thank you for sharing

I have a 02 sr5 w 285k. No problems but a fuel pump in 2004

3rd gen got totalled. I'm gonna build a 2nd gen up and 3.4 swap it. I still think about my 3rd gen daily so might be a mistake. But the interior feels like home in the 2nd gen. Like driving my 89 pickup basically. Thoughts from a stranger on the internet.

4th gen for me all the way to the house...

1st & 4th just becoz I have both ;)

Third and first. 80s and 90s 4runners FTW!

Right on, same way I rank them.

Def 3rd. Tranny with AWD/4L/4H. It's also more narrow than 4th or 5th... better for trails. And stock pipe goes out the side instead of directly back... which is better for cruisin with rear window down... less exhaust... of course dont do that for too long. And, you see 'em on the road today and they still are eye-catching.

Love my third gen!

Miss my 3rd Gen 98' limited

Owing a few 4Runners, i think 3rd generation is the best one, but i don't know much about the 5th ones !!

so what years were the 3rd generation

I have an ‘01 Limited w/ 345k mi. All original. Best vehicle I’ve owned.

love the 3rd gen I have one 01 with 280 thousand SR5 edition daily driver

I completely agree, 3rd generation was best. A testament to that is look how many of these vehicles are still on the roads, i probably see more 3rd generation 4runners than all others.

I use to have a 1995 4Runner SR5. Yeah it had slow pick up, burned about a quart of oil every 2 weeks, and chugged gas like it was going out of style, but it was a joy to ride. Definitely looking at a 3rd gen as my next one.

We have two 4Runners, a 2003 V8 and a 2013. The 2013 is great inside but underpowered. The V8 is really quite amazing although the car itself is pretty nondescript-looking. Took the running boards off and it looks way better. Still, 3rd gen is the best looking for sure, wish I had one

1st is nice and cool, 1985 was it, 3rd gen with elocker and straight axle added is my choice

I agree. I own a 4th sand a 3rd. The 3rd feels more off-road worthy.

There is no best 4Runner they all have there pluses and minuses. If you wanna build a 4Runner for hard off road, and rock crawling then 1st and 2nd gen with a 22r/re engine is best, gear drive t-case for duals and regearing, stearing box for solid axle swap and tapping for hydro assist, instead of a steering rack. for hauling or dunes a 4th gen would be best with is 4.7L v8. For mild off roading in a fairly stock rig a 3rd gen with rear e-locker would be best. These are just my opinions

You've got a good understanding overall on the 4runner. I have 4. My order is: 3rd, 5th, 1st, 4th, 2nd. My reasoning is the third is, no contest, the most reliable and comfortable mix of offroadability and practicality of all of the generations. The fifth gen mixes offroadability and comfort by using technology. It does this in fantastic fashion, but adds a lot of complexity to the package in doing so. The 1st gen is great off-road, but not practical for a daily driver. The 4th gen is the least attractive, and a change to bring more comfort into the 4runner. Ground clearance suffered and the traction control was a little shady with no electric locker offered. Otherwise, mine has been great. The second, well, it was an odd ball. The 3.0 was anemic, had no aftermarket support, weak head gaskets, and the front suspension never worked really well. I have two 3rd gens and two 4th gens. No 5th yet. Still too expensive. My 98 Limited with locker and sunroof is my absolute favorite. Even with 223k on the odometer.

The most reliable engine is said to be the 4.7 litre V8 that came out in the 4th Gen 2003-09.. i habe a 2006 with 202,000 love this gen!