Toyota 4Runner reviews

1997 Toyota 4Runner Walkaround

The 4Runner was completely redone last year and has only minor changes for 1997. A four-door body style, it's available with two-wheel or four-wheel drive, in three trim levels (base, SR5 and Limited), and with two engine choices. New for 1997 is the availability of the Limited model in 2WD; previously the Limited was available with 4WD only.

Base models of the 4Runner are equipped with a 2.7-liter twin-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine that makes 150 horsepower, arguably the best four-cylinder engine to be found in a sport-utility. It has twin balance shafts to cancel out vibrations and, for a four-cylinder, offers an outstanding blend of smoothness and power. For those wanting more power the 3.4-liter dohc V6--standard in the SR5 and Limited--is a genuine sweetheart, delivering 183 horsepower and 217 pound-feet of torque, which allows towing trailers up to 5000 pounds. The tradeoff for the extra power is reduced fuel economy, 16/19 city/highway EPA mpg ratings, versus 20/25 for the four.

There are two transmission choices, a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic. Of interest to off-roaders is the optional availability of a locking rear differential. The 4Runner offers a part-time, shift-on-the-fly 4WD system, as distinct from full-time all-wheel drive. With the optional locking rear differential the driver has the choice of positively locking both rear wheels and one of the fronts together, meaning at least three tires will be clawing their way through muck and/or slush.

Our subject vehicle was an SR5. Standard equipment, for the base price of $24,678, includes driver and passenger airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), AM/FM/cassette stereo, power door locks, power tailgate window, rear window defroster, 15 x 7-inch steel wheels with P225/75R-15 tires, tachometer, carpeting, and a variety of other comfort, convenience and appearance features.

As you can see from the SR5's base price, Toyota isn't exactly giving these things away, but at least there's a lot of stuff there for your money. In addition, our tester had the premium sound system, air conditioning, power windows and antenna, power moonroof, floor mats, a towing receiver hitch and the very comprehensive sport package, which includes 16 x 7-inch aluminum alloy wheels with P265/70R-16 tires, bigger front brakes, sport seats, sport trim, fender flares, leather steering wheel and shift knob, and a lower axle ratio. (With the optional locking rear differential, for $325, the ratio drops even more.) Thus equipped our SR5 4Runner came to $31,594, including Toyota's $420 destination charge.

Obiously, prices vary widely from that, based upon trim and options. For a base four-cylinder 2WD model with no options the beginning price is $20,308. Go for the top-of-the-line Limited and you'll be over $34,000.

Aside from the expected Toyota attention to detail, which is faultless and comprehensive, one of the nicest features is the 3.4-liter V6 engine. Though it lacks the stump-pulling grunt of the V8s available in some of the competition, it's exceptionally high in smoothness and driving pleasure, with excellent throttle response and a silky feel throughout its wide rev range. And there's more than enough power to deal with a full load of passengers, luggage and a medium-sized trailer.