4Runner: The History

*only text, pictures follow soon*

Series Chronology

1985 - (CY 1984 1/2) - 4Runner introduced with 2.4L 4-cylinder engine.
1986 - Hi-Trac front suspension added.
1986 - Turbo available on SR5 grade.
1987 - SR5 trim available on both passenger and truck models.
1987 - Minor exterior styling revision.
1988 - 3.0L V6 engine available.
1990 - (CY 1989 1/2) - 2nd generation introduced.
1990 - (CY 1989 1/2) - 2WD 4Runner available.
1990 - Among "Best Buys" - Consumers Digest magazine.
1990 - "Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power & Associates.
1991 - "Best Compact SUV in Customer Satisfaction" - J.D. Power.
1991 - "Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power.
1992 - Minor exterior styling revision.
1992 - "Best Compact SUV in Customer Satisfaction" - J.D. Power.
1992 - "Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power.
1993 - CY 1993 - Named "Best Compact Sport Utility", IQS, J.D. Power.
1994 - Safety modifications, optional 4-wheel ABS on V6 models.
1994 - "Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power.
1996 - 3rd generation introduced.
1996 - 2.7L 4-cylinder and 3.4L V6 engines available.
1996 - "Compact 4-Door SUV Best Buy" Runner-up - Four Wheeler magazine.
1996 - "Most Appealing Compact SUV" - J.D. Power.
1997 - Introduction of 2WD SR5 model.
1997 - "1997 Top Three Vehicles in Initial Quality - Compact SUV" - J.D. Power.
1997 - "Best SUV" - Consumer Reports magazine.
1997 - "Top 10 Trucks Overall Resale Value After Three Years of Ownership" - ADP Autosource Survey.
1997 - "1997 Total Quality Award - Medium SUV Segment" - Strategic Vision, Inc.
1998 - Minor interior changes.
1999 - New, standard multi-mode 4WD system on 4Runner Limited, redesigned front fascia and numerous upgrades on all 4Runner models
1999 - "Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality" - J.D. Power
1999 - "Best Compact SUV Segment" - J.D. Power

2001 - Receives standard-equipped 3.4 liter V6 engine and automatic transmission, new interior features and three new colors
In mid-1984, for the 1985 model year, Toyota brought to market a revolutionary new vehicle - the 4Runner. Based on the mechanicals of its rugged (and strong-selling) 4-wheel drive pickup, truck, the 4Runner combined the versatility and go-anywhere ability of 4WD with the comfort and utility found in passenger cars. It had a fiberglass top covering the cargo area which could be removed for open-air driving. 

The first generation 4Runner was available in two models. The first was little more than a pickup truck with a covered rear cargo area. Its emphasis was on utility. With seats in the front only, the rear of the vehicle was intended to be used for cargo (or camping equipment, bicycles, etc.) The second was designed to carry up to five passengers. It included a rear seat (with seatbelts for three occupants) which could be folded flat for additional storage space. The passenger model was available in the SR5 grade, and included a larger fuel tank and more luxurious interior appointments. Both models were powered by the venerable 2.4L 22R four-cylinder engine coupled to a five-speed manual transmission with two-speed transfer case, and all had manual locking front hubs.

In 1986, Toyota added the Hi-Trac independent front suspension to 4Runner, giving it more ground clearance and improved ride quality. In addition to the improved ride, Toyota gave the 4Runner an injection of power with the addition of a turbocharged engine available on SR5 models.
For 1987, the SR5 trim was available on all models, both truck and passenger, but the turbo engine was still confined to passenger models. Slight changes to the grille, headlights, and striping were also new for 1987.

More power was on tap for 1988, as Toyota introduced the 3.0L V6 engine to the 4Runner. Because the V6 was more suited to the off-road environment that the 4Runner was designed for, the turbo model was discontinued, leaving only the V6 and four-cylinder engines.
For the 1990 model year, but introduced in spring of 1989, Toyota unleashed an entirely new breed of 4Runner. Based on the completely redesigned line of pickup trucks, the new 4Runner was muscular and aggressive looking, but still capable of delivering the off-road performance for which Toyota's four-wheel drive trucks had long been known. The vehicle was now available in either two- or four-door configuration, with either a four- or six-cylinder engine and with either two- or four-wheel drive. The new styling eliminated the removable fiberglass top, making the vehicle quieter and more weather tight. 1992 saw a minor styling revision for the 4Runner, with flush headlamps and new grille and molding treatments. It also saw 4Runner become more than just a vehicle for driving in the hills as it was now available with leather seats as an option. 


In 1994, safety was emphasized and 4Runner received side-impact protection, a center (third) brake light, and the option of four-wheel anti-lock brakes on all V6 models. Fully optioned with a CD-player, eight-speaker stereo, sunroof, leather seats and anti-lock brakes, 4Runner's price was approaching $30,000 - quite a departure from its beginnings some ten years earlier as a glorified pickup truck! But 4Runner hadn't forgotten its off-road heritage either, and remained as strong a back-woods performer as ever.

For 1996, Toyota’s most popular SUV received a complete redesign, including all new engines, chassis, interior and exterior styling, enhanced safety equipment and added utility. It was the first 4Runner to not share either body panels or a frame with Toyota’s compact pickup trucks.
Available in two- or four-wheel drive, in base, SR5 and Limited trim, and with two engine choices, there was a 4Runner for everyone. Engine choices were a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 3.4-liter V6, both twin cam, multi-valve designs.

The new chassis was stiffer for improved steering feel and more precise suspension travel, and was two inches longer to increase wheelbase for a more stable ride. Front suspension was a coil spring with double wishbone design replacing the previous Hi-Trac system, which resulted in greater wheel travel and ride comfort.

Other features on the new 4Runner included a one-piece lift-up tailgate with power window, larger outside mirrors, much increased interior volume with greater head and legroom and a lowered step-in and cargo loading height. For safety, dual airbags were included along with four-wheel ABS, side-door impact beams and ALR/ELR seatbelts front and rear.

For 1997, 4Runner saw only minor changes including the addition of a 2WD Limited model, revised seat fabric in SR5 models, the ability to order 16-inch alloy wheels on 2WD models and two new Preferred Equipment Packages.
For 1998, minor interior changes were made to 4Runner with the addition of rotary-style HVAC controls, a new four-spoke steering wheel and revised audio head units.

The third generation 4Runner entered its fourth year with more standard features and options than any 4Runner to date. All 1999 4Runners received a redesigned front bumper, valence cover and grille with multi-reflector headlamps with an auto-off function, a new center console with dual cupholders, an overhead console with garage door/sunglass holder, two power outlets in the center cluster and an LCD odometer with digital dual trip meters.

In addition, SR5 grades featured as standard heated outside mirrors and cruise control as well as an upgraded optional Sports Package which included color-keyed bumpers with projector fog lamps, fender flares, a new wheel design and a sporty hood scoop.


The 1999 4Runner Limited model received a new multi-mode 4WD system as standard. The new multi-mode feature is actually a full-time all-wheel-drive system with 2WD capability and can be used in normal driving conditions on all types of roads including dry, hard surfaces such as pavement.

For 2001, all 4Runner models are standard equipped with the 3.4 liter V6 engine and automatic transmission, Vehicle Skid Control with traction control, multi-mode 4WD and a 2WD/4WD selector switch and a pre-wired trailer hitch harness. The brake booster is changed to hydraulic assisted and the rear differential lock has been discontinued. The 2001 4Runner also boasts new interior additions and three new exterior colors.

What does it mean?
4Runner: Combine "4-wheel drive" and "off-road Runner", and you have 4Runner, Toyota's fun-to-drive off-road vehicle.

Where is it built?
All 4Runners are built at the Tahara Plant in Tahara, Japan.