2002 Toyota 4Runner

Pros: rugged, cargo room, higher off than ground, good 4 my family!
Cons: Mileage, interior lighting is a little dim.

The 4runner has been great for me and my family. It handles great, has skid control, and is rugged. Sure the milage isn't fabulous compared to a compact car but for an suv its a little better than what I expected. This is the last year of the classic 4runner body. Just love this vehicle!!

Pros: Great car-like ride, nice body style, many various options to choose from, good power
Cons: Very sensitive, touchy brakes, average-low gas mileage, complex 4WD system.

I bought my loaded 2002 4-Runner SR5 after buying my 2002 Nissan Xterra and the difference is amazing! Although I believe the Xterra is the best SUV for the money, my 4-Runner rides much better, has a great looking body style, is better equipped and has plenty of power. The gas mileage is comparable to other SUVs its size. It rides more like a car than a truck but still does well off road. The 4WD should be simpler to use for less car-savy people. My biggest complaint is the brakes. Man, they are very sensitive! All in all, I think this is the best vehicle of this size SUVs and worth the extra money over others.

Pros: Sound system, ride, handling
Cons: Gas Mileage

I bought a 2000 4runner and it is for the most part a terrific car. I have over 100 thousand miles on it and have had only minor tune-ups to the car. It rides and handles smoothly, and its engine roars with the power of a thousand herds of buffalo. The sound system is decent, and as with any SUV, it is extremely roomy. However, as with other SUVs, the gas mileage is horrendous. I find myself going to the pump 4 or 5 times a week

Pros: Classic design--inside and out. Un-equalled reliability. Tough super 4X4 built on a truck frame.
Cons: Stiff ride because it is built on a truck frame...inside lighting could be better.

I have always like the 4Runner, but never had a good reason to buy one. Moving to Colorado became a good reason. I specifically chose the 2002 model because I knew Toyota was going to redesign the 2003...my confirmed fear was that the classic 4Runner was to become a "matchbox" 4X4 and it did. The 2002 Toyota 4Runner was the last model year for this classic design...a design built specifically for function. The 4Runner reliability can not be beat anywhere in the marketplace today. It is a tough 4X4. I strongly recommend the 4Runner, and the 2002 model is the last of this classic tough 4X4. Oh yes, it is terrific off road too!

Pros: Killer looks, great interior, adequate power and the best part: unbeatable reliability!
Cons: Somewhat rough ride, high step in height, wind noise.

After a horrible experience with a Chevy S10 Blazer that was always in the shop, I needed something more reliable. That's what I've found in the 4Runner! Now with almost 40K miles, the only thing done was a new set of tires. Gas mileage is acceptable for an SUV, the interior is roomy enough and has many options and it seems to do well in icy, snowy and off road conditions.

Pros: Handling, responsiveness, true off-road capability, great style, Toyota dependability, aftermarket extras abound
Cons: Cramped cockpit, no manual transmission option, touchy brakes (they work, just a little too well)

I bought my 2002 4Runner right when the '03's came out, for pretty close to the same price. The reason was that I really liked the 02 body, and the revamped 03s, with all that plastic and two-toning, completely turned me off. The lines are distinct and the stance is aggressive, like a muscle bound line backer waiting for the snap.

Toyota also provides a process called "simonizing" (sp?) which applies a rust proof coating to the entire body. This is the only vehicle I ever purchased new, so I dont know if other manufacturers do this too.

There is a bit of body roll when cornering, common to SUVs. This is a minor problem that you can get used to pretty quick , and can be inexpensively corrected with aftermarket "sway bars".

The suspension is good, but a little soft for rough offroad use (Toyota put on middle of the line components to keep initial cost down), but there are so many shocks, springs, and coil over kits out there that you can tailor your suspension to your specific needs, for a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars.

Pros: Looks great, handles well,Good looking interior, The height feels safe
Cons: Wind noise, touchy brakes, SR5 is a little plain

As a female 16 year old new driver it may seem odd to see me in my "runner" as I have named it. But I do love it. I thought I wanted a Celica and then I drove a 4Runner. Being up so much higher than the Celica made me feel much safer. Plus the 4Runner has more power(which I did not find out until after i got my truck). I got the 2002 model for its looks (i dont exactly like the newer body style). I wanted a small SUV and the new ones just seem like too much for some reason. I just love the 1996-2002 Body styles. This is a great truck for a outdoorsy person/soccer mom/or even a new driver I give it Five Stars! *****

Pros: Reliability, high visiblilty, great engine
Cons: oil filter placement.

This is without a doubt the best vehicle I have ever owned. So far no problems at all. It does ride rough, but it is a truck. I dont think it rides bad. I wouldnt call it an suv. I did the air box mod and use an Amsoil air filter and get about 22 miles a gallon.
UPDATE: We have owned the truck for 2yrs now. Aside from scheduled maintenance this truck has not cost us a dime.