Overview & Reviews
For 1998, the Toyota 4Runner gets rotary HVAC controls, a new four-spoke steering wheel and revised audio control head units.
- Great looks and ground-pounding performance make the 4Runner an ideal choice for people who love the great outdoors as well as those who just want to look like they do.
- Steep price and choppy highway ride temper our enthusiasm for this otherwise outstanding truck.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 94.00-
Ive underestimated it. - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By DanS - November 13 - 9:46 amThis is the first wise vehicle I bought. I wanted: comfort, reliability, utility, style. It had 60k miles when I bought it and now it has over 155k. The only mechanical problem Ive had was a bad oxygen sensor that I suspect my K&N filter caused (spraying oil on the sensor). Right now Im searching for a "new" perfect vehicle for me. Basically, the same criteria as before, but mpg is a greater concern, because I want to make that 45mile drive to surf more often. And, after all my research Ive come to the conclusion that the perfect vehicle Im searching for is the one in my garage. It feels like itll go another 100k miles easily. Used ones are a bargain! Go get one!
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1998 4runner has rusty frame - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By executor - February 4 - 6:43 pmI just discovered the frame on my 4-runner is rusty just like the Tacomas. It is rusted on the drivers side rear wheel where the leaf spring "A" bracket is welded to the frame. The bracket is structurally sound but the frame, not so much. Serious safety issue! Emailed Toyota a week ago and my email has been pushed to management review. The frame is the same frame as the Tacoma and it has the same results but no one else seems to be bringing this issue up. Please examine your vehicles as this is a potentially deadly situation.
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Just Keeps on Runnin - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By Larry - December 28 - 2:43 amI purchased my 4-Runner new and still have it today. I have not had any major problem with it. I had a water pump replaced at 238,000. I take it to the Toyota dealer for regular service only when needed. As of this writing, the vehicle has 259,312 miles. I will be leaving in it next month for Arizona from the Midwest. My only suggestion is, that if you take care of it, it will take care of you.
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my favorite ride - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By surfchick5am - December 8 - 10:00 amThis is my second Toyota theres a good reason why-durability with little maintainence. My previous car was a Previa and I put 100k on it before trading for the SUV. This had, to date, out perfomed any of the 6 previous vehicles Ive owned and i tend to keep my cars a minimum of 6 years. Its only 2WED but has no problems over rough terrain or in the snow. Its comfortable and well appointed inside and out. It runs as good as it did on the day I got it-what else can you say?
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Richards 4Runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By richardvann - September 21 - 10:00 amThe 4Runner is a fun to drive SUV. I like the truck-like durability and ruggedness. I wish they had kept the redesigned (2003 model year) 4Runner a little more true to its roots...looks like a soccer mom car now.
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Poor Water Pump Desgn - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By Frank713 - December 10 - 10:00 am59.5 K miles and noted the coolant reservoir was dry just prior to long trip Denver to Grand Canyon. Water pump was leaking and very expensive to replace...similar to changin timing belt laybor. Was out of warranty by time...but I called Go Toyota and they agreed to pay for the pump, but not the laybor. Im happy with the truck, but dissappointed with the failed water pump with so few miles...no off road. Mechanic told me pump was a bad design by Toyota and it is a common repair for this truck.
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4x4 KING - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By BrianV - May 2 - 2:00 amDont be fooled, this truck is a TRUCK. The thing has a horrible highway ride, no real nice features (considering sticker was $38k). The stereo is awful, and the car lacks the power to safely pass cars on two lane highways. However, this thing is incredible off road. Its locking rear differential and 50/50 tq converter allow it to do ANYTHING. My friends Ford Explorer cannot do anything near what this car can do. Build quality is excellent, but only buy this if you really want a truck. PS - best looking sport ute ever
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Tough Monkey - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By tom - October 15 - 12:53 amWe bought our Toyota new in 1997. Except for a few relatively minor problems we have driven her through 10 Maine winters without a complaint. 152,000 miles and still going strong. She is starting to show her age a bit. Rear bumper is rusting, which I have noticed on a few others in this model year. I think the design of the rear bumper allows water to intrude and settle. We have had a problem with some locks and latches. And, the if I had to do it over Id swap the electric retracting antenna for a fixed. We replaced the first one and the second is now starting to stick. But none of these problems would prevent me from owning another 4runner. They will take you anywhere!
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Luvin my 4runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By Cheasapeake - January 7 - 2:00 amI have a 4cyl with a 5 speed manual transmission. This allows for a nice mix of acceptable power (no towing) and great fuel economy. 18-20 mpg around town 25 mpg highway. (10 mpg in 4wd) The next problem I have with this truck will be the first!
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Good, Dependable SUV - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By RSL - September 4 - 5:13 amI bought this vehicle in August 1998 and have put over 113,000 miles on it since then. Overall, it has been a reliable SUV. The fit and finish are still excellent after 8 years of ownership. Mechanically, the car has been virtually maintenance free. My only significant complaints are the stereo and the power antenna. I had the stereo replaced 3 separate times. The power antenna was replaced twice. Gas mileage averages about 15 in the city and 20 on the highway. Power is only adequate. I still get compliments on this vehicle 8+ years later. The paint and overall look still is appealing. I would highly recommend this SUV to anyone looking for a highly reliable SUV.
