I will state from the onset that I am a die hard Toyota fan. I have owned seven Toyota vehicles and have been extremely satisfied with the reliability of all of them. That said, I will still try to present an accurate review of the 98 SR5 Toyota 4Runner.

Styling: The 3rd generation of the 4Runner has aggressive, rugged styling similar to the model it replaced at the end of 1995. Sleek with body indents which accent the wheel wells perhaps only the Montero Sport is as rugged in appearance. Beginning in 1999 the front bumper was changed and sticks out about 4 inches further than 96-98 models. This is a sturdier bumper designed to allow less vehicle damage in low speed impacts. This bumper does however reduce approach angle in the front slightly. There are many manufacturers who produce aftermarket products for the 4Runner. Brush guards, nerf bars, fender flares, and clear lenses to name a few.

Drivetrain: SR5 models come standard with the 3.4L V6, twin cam 24 valve engine. It is rated at 183 hp and 217 ft. lbs. torque. This is ample power for a vehicle this size and weight. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 lbs. A 20ft travel trailer weighs around 3500 lbs empty. Passing is not a white knuckle event but the engine will howl a little if a heavy foot causes the automatic to downshift to second gear. The automatic transmission is one of the best available. Typically manual transmissions are rated with better gas mileage than automatics. That is not the case with this automatic. It is rated at the same gas mileage as the standard. The automatic transmission comes with a button labeled ECT (electronically controlled transmission) which allows you to control the way the computer shifts. In 'power mode' the transmission will down shift sooner and hold upshifts longer. This is useful when using cruise control in hilly areas as the engine will downshift before bogging down (as often happens with the cruise control engaged on a hill). The transfer case allows for shift on the fly 4WD even at highways speeds. I did not opt for the rear locking differential. In hind sight this was a high mistake. It is only a $300 option but to put an aftermarket locker in or try to get a factory locker is considerably more expensive (expect to spend $1000 or more).

Interior: As typical of Toyota vehicles everything is easy to reach and easy to read. The sport seats are very supportive and the adjustable lumbar support on the driver's seat is a life saver on long trips. Beginning in 1999 the cup holders were moved from over the heater control to the center console. This was a long overdue change. When loaded the cup holder prevents easy manipulation of the heater controls. Not to mention the fact that if a drink spills while in the cup holder both the heater controls and the stereo get dowsed. Fit and finish it top notch. Unlike the Toyota Tacoma which is built at the NUMMI (joint venture with GM) motors plant in California, 4Runners are still made in Japan. There are numerous places (door compartments, seat back pouches, and rear cargo compartments) for storage. There is a useful 12V power outlet in the rear cargo area.

Suspension: The 4Runner has an independent front suspension and solid axle multi-link suspension in the rear. The front is coil over shock and the rear is coil spring. The stock ride is somewhat bouncy and there is some body-roll in corners. The body-roll is typical in SUV's due to the higher center of gravity. New shocks are highly recommended. Progressive rate coil springs should be considered as well. Aftermarket anti-sway bars are also available.

Additional Notes: The 4Runner has the best rear hatch design of any SUV available. The entire hatch lifts for easy loading of the rear cargo area (no leaning over a tailgate to get stuff clear up behind the seat). But the really nice feature is the roll down rear window. Combined with the moon roof it's nearly as nice as a convertible, especially on warm summer nights. If you are into off-roading the 4Runner is up to the challenge. There are several makers of lift kits. I used an OME 2" coil spring lift on my 4Runner. This greatly improved on road handling as well as off-road. My 4Runner has not required anything but routine maintenance (oil, air cleaner, and fluid changes). Gas mileage has been consistently at the high end of the rated 17 to 20 mpg. I have typically seen 19 to 22 mpg. You will pay more for a 4Runner than you will for other similarly sized SUV's. However if you look at the resale and reliability of the 4Runner you'll find you get more out of it as well.