Toyota keeps on driving ...
Written: Feb 26 '04 (Updated Feb 26 '04)
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Pros: Secure, safe, comfortable seats, features
Cons: Lack of head room with sunroof/moonroof option, gas
The Bottom Line: Great buy do to Toyota excellent resell value and reliability.
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| haltermans's Full Review: 2004 Toyota 4Runner 4WD |
A quick introduction to my reviews: I am new to the area of reviewing vehicles. I will mostly do Toyota, JEEP, and Volkswagen. Please, help me help you by letting me know how my reviews meet or fail to meet your expectations.
I will not go into the details of the looks of a vehicle unless it made a lasting impression or is a dramatically different. It is my strong belief that when it comes to the looks of a vehicle that my opinion of what is ‘in’ and what is ‘out’ does not matter as much as what you feel will make your driving more pleasurable. And that if you did not like the look of the vehicle you are reading up on you would not waste your time in doing so.
The look of all vehicles is customizable or can just as easily be driven as is from the dealer lot. Also, keep in mind that a picture will always be worth a thousand words. Each manufacturer provides 3-D views of their vehicles to get an initial glimpse that will be worth much more than what any review has to say. Then you can always look, feel and drive at your local dealer.
THE VEHICLE
A multi mode 4 wheel drive 4 door with a 4.0L VVT-i V6 DOHC 24-valve SEFI engine.
Some of the optional packages that I drove with included the sunroof/moonroof, curtain side air bags, heated seats, and aluminum wheels.
FIRST CONTACT
Overall a decent looking exterior.
Sitting in the rear seat the first thing I noticed was the lack of leg room. I expected more out of a vehicle this size. Also, I kept scraping my head with the sealing; another thing I expected more off with a vehicle this size. Keep in mind that I am five feet eleven.
The front passenger and driver enjoy plenty of legroom but the same issue is true for the lack of headroom in the front seats. Note that I mentioned the sunroof/moonroof option. I did so because this is the reason for the lack of headroom. This optional package lowers the sealing by about one and a half inches.
The rear cargo area enjoys plenty of room and with the fold down seats you can double your cargo area.
In the driver seat I first noticed the eye-catching design of the dashboard and gauges then I hit my head again.
THE DRIVE
It was an EXCELLENT drive! Lots of power and torque. Handles very well and rides very solid. The seats are very comfortable and I would be able to drive for hours without taking a break. The heated seats option came in handy in this cold weather keeping my back warm and comfortable.
The transmission was extremely smooth and very responsive to my heavy foot; something I like very much about the Toyotas and their electronic control automatic transmissions (ECT).
I felt very safe driving this vehicle. Too bad I could not test drive it in the snow, but as soon as I have a chance I will do just that.
FINAL WORDS
The 18 city and 21 highway EPA rating is not attractive but how many SUV do great with gas? As with all Toyotas the resell value of this vehicle makes owning one very attractive.
The one thing that would keep me from owning one would be the fact that I can not have a sunroof/moonroof and headroom at the same time. But, if you do not have this issue or are smaller than I, then this vehicle is a great buy!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 39,545.00
Condition: New
Model Year: 2004
Model and Options: 4Runner SUV, 4x4, V6, RF, SR, GY, EJ, WL, AY
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Epinions.com ID:
haltermans
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Member: Daniel Suarez
Location: East Stroudsburg, PA
Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
Haltermans Toyota, JEEP, and Volkswagen dealer. New or used we can help.
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