Influencer Credits 3rd-Gen Toyota 4Runner a ‘Real Winner’
Toyota 4Runner is one of the most lovable SUVs ever built. It’s not likely our passion for it will ever die.
In the latest video from YouTuber Mike C, we get a look at his younger sister’s Forest Green 1999 4Runner. In the video, Mike C describes to us what is unique about the 3rd-gen 4Runner, and the Limited model in particular.
Mike C explains that the3rd-gen 4Runner has many loyal fans and a great reputation off-road. Even today with the current 5th-gen, many still feel that the 3rd-gen, which ran from 1996-2002, is the best generation of 4Runner ever made. Mike C reveals why.
3rd-Gen 4Runner Styling
“Personally, I’m a little bit more of a 5th-generation guy myself,” explains Mike C “But I can really appreciate the 3rd-gen for what it is as well.” Mike C begins by showing off some of the great styling cues this generation had to offer. He first points out that the front-end was a nice progression from the 1st and 2nd-generation 4runners, giving it a modernized look.
This particular vehicle came with the Limited package. It was part of a small group of SUVs to initiate the luxury SUV market. It is well regarded today for being very reliable and capable as well as looking great.
This Forest Green 4Runner came with a two-tone look and wears the revised front-end from the mid-cycle refresh. This Limited model 4Runner sports gray fender flares and running boards and comes with a standard roof rack.
Moving around to the back, Mike C shares one of his favorite components of the 4runner. “One of my favorite features about the 4Runner that originated in the 1st-generation, and has carried forward even to today’s 5th-generation model,” shares Mike C “This window is electronic and recesses down into the hatch. A feature that was pretty common back in the ’80s and ’90s. It’s gone away, Toyota has maintained it in the 4Runner. Great if you have dogs, also great on a summer day if you wanna get more air into the cabin.”
“Overall, a really great looking vehicle. For a vehicle that is almost a quarter-century old, it’s aged very well. Looked great when it came out, and continues to look good today,” says Mike C “Definitely a classic already. And one that’s going to maintain that status going forward.”
Interior
Inside, Mike C feels that the 4Runner is beginning to show age, but still has a nice layout for an older vehicle. The two-tone styling continues with the seating and the trim pieces boast wood accents. The Limited model came with power windows, doors, and seats. It also came with a tilt-and-sliding sunroof and controls for the rear window.
This Limited comes with 4WD and an electronically controlled locking rear differential, which was discontinued in the Limited models after 2001.
Passengers in the rear are kept comfortable with rear climate controls and sufficient legroom. “In the backseat, we’ve got decent legroom and headroom. Definitely going to be a little bit tight if you want to get three passengers wide,” remarks Mike C “The vehicle’s pretty narrow, but that does assist for offroading, going down tight trails.”
To round out the interior, Mike C demonstrates the 50/50 split-folding seat and shares that simply by removing the headrests, the seats will lay flat for extra cargo room.
Solid Drivetrain
As for the power plant, buyers could choose between a 2.7 L 4-cylinder engine or a 3.4 L V6. The 4-cylinder claimed 150 hp and made 16 mpg city and 19 mpg hwy. Mike C tells that it was the less popular option and ultimately was discontinued after the 2000 model year. The V6 came with 183 hp and garnered 15 mpg city and 18 mpg hwy.
The 3rd-gen 4runner was also offered in both RWD and 4WD. Lastly, owners can choose between a 4 spd automatic transmission or a 5 spd manual.
Satisfactory Ride Quality
When it came to how it drives, Mike C had plenty of good things to say. “For a vehicle that’s about 20 years old, that’s got the level of capability that this vehicle does, it’s got pretty impressive overall driving mannerisms,” tells Mike C “It’s pretty smooth, it’s pretty comfortable. Steering feels good, brake feel is not all that bad. I don’t really have anything to complain about.”
Mike C describes that the 3.4 L V6 feels a bit underpowered when merging onto the highway, making passes, or accelerating uphill. He also remarks that fuel consumption isn’t great.
Finally, Mike C believes that the Limited is quite nice for the era it came from. He also enjoys that it is smaller than modern vehicles, making it easy to park and nimble for an SUV.
Conclusion
All-in-all, Mike C sees the 3rd-gen as a real winner.
“Great styling on the exterior, classic good looks, incredible off-road capability, great long-term reliability, and one of the best resale values of any vehicle on the market.”