Overview & Reviews

Base models have been dropped, leaving Limited and SR5 trim levels equipped with a standard automatic transmission, Vehicle Skid Control (VSC), traction control and ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution and BrakeAssist. All 4Runners have power door locks this year, as well as a prewired trailer hitch harness, a modified grille design and freshened taillights. New wheels for Limited and Sport debut, and a new premium 3-in-1 audio system with a CD changer is available. Revised sun visors with extensions and a HomeLink programmable transmitter come standard on Limited and can be ordered on SR5. Limited also gets a new color of wood trim, and standard front seat heaters. There's bad news for hard-core off-roaders -- the optional differential lock has been discontinued with the demise of the manual transmission. Three new colors replace two old ones on the color chart.

• Great crash-test scores, roomy interior, truck-tough underpinnings, power hatch glass.

• Hard to climb in and out of, dated dashboard design, weak V6 engine, truck-like ride quality and handling.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 80.00

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  4 Runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By George - November 23 - 4:36 am

  Very reliable car from an engine and systems standpoint. Wish the mileage efficiency was higher. Suspension is a bit hard; it bounces quite a bit on small bumps on the road.

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  LUV MY TOY! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike & Millhouse - November 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive been sold on Toyotas reliability since I purchased my 95 Camry. I love the MANLY MAN appearance of the front end (with the non functional, yet asthetically pleasing hood scoop). My 4Runners gotten me everywhere I needed to go, everywhere I wanted to go, and almost back again, which brings me to one drawback. This truck is deceptively heavy! Dont take it into a soft, muddy field! (Incidently, I was doing fine, until the running boards started to drag!) Two hundred thirty dollars is the price of my pride!

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  2001 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4x4 - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Yangster - February 1 - 8:26 am

  Bought it used w/ 78k in Aug. of 2006. No problems yet with it and 105k currently in just a little over 1yr of owning it. All I did to it was put tires and keep on driving. Due for the 90k Toyota recommended tune up. Drives nice like a truck w/ an SUV feeling. My dog absolutely loves the roll down rear window. Could use a little more space but what do you expect from a midsize truck. The gas is ok, not complaining. I average 16-17 city mix w/ hwy driving. Straight hwy is about 20-21 mpg. Not too bad. V6 motor is weak but a phenomenal mileage motor known to exceed 300k. Looking forward to upgrading to a Sequoia. Growing family. Love the truck though. 11in clearance for snow and 4wd A+

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  Great Ski and Tow Vehicle - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Seattle Native - December 7 - 4:20 am

  Bought this used with 36k miles. Have always wanted a 4Runner from when they were first introduced. Excellent reliability and decent mileage. Bought a 20 boat last summer and with the trailer it weighs about 4200 lbs. The 4Runner tows the boat just fine and handles like a champ! Highly recommended for everyone. Also handles great in the snow and rain.

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  tight quarters - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By rhc - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Inside the cab is very limited in space. I feel cramped inside while driving. Needs more headroom particually for one that has a sunroof. Ride is very smooth.

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  Solid truck - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By best ever - February 8 - 10:43 pm

  I brought it used at 73,000 about 5 yrs ago. I currently have 155,000, the only major problem Ive had was that the transmission had to rebuilt at 96,000, but it has been running sound ever since.

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  4 runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By bobby5671 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable. No repairs needed.

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  Solid Pick - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By blackjack21 - July 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new in 11/2000. Has done the job admirably. No mechanical problems whatsoever and the hood scoop gives it a sporty look. Only disappointment is in pickup/engine power.

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  Great vehicle except for typical Toyota rust - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By EJG - April 6 - 3:42 pm

  I bought mine used with 125,000 and sold it with 185,000 several years later. Mechanically it has been great, only did typical maintenance and some smaller repairs, such as a tune up, timing belt. It did need and axle seal and bearing, water pump and A/C compressor, ABS pump and a few other items later on. However, with approaching 200,000 miles it still had the original engine, transmission, all suspension and differentials and drive like it had 50,000 miles on it. No squeaks, rattles and just a pleasure to drive. My biggest disappointment was how bad it rusted out. The frame rusted through by the lower control arm perches in the rear. I had it repaired and a few years later it rusted out right next to the repairs. The frame was literally rusting from the inside out and flaking apart, even after I caught it soon after purchased and had it rust proofed three times. By 185,000 the rocker panels were also rusting though, even after rust proofing and trying to prevent any corrosion. Unfortunately after worrying about the compromised safety of it since I used it to transport my 2 children I had to trade it in. It is probably one of the best vehicles I have owned but with the frame crumbling it has made me have second thoughts about Toyota build quality, especially with no recall for it offered by Toyota. If looking at one I would suggest finding one from the southwest or pacific northwest, somewhere free of road salt and have it thoroughly inspected.

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  Cant beat it! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By doug - March 16 - 1:06 pm

  Just got rid of this 4 runner. Bought a 2007 4 runner LTD. Bought new 5-2001 and traded 3-2007. Only problem was power antenna chain broke in 1-2007. Still running original Dunlop tires and factory battery. I have owned about 40 vehicles in my life and without a doubt the Toyota 4 runner is the best of the bunch! The 2001 was a little too tight in the front seats for a guy over 200#s. Shoulders were broader than seat bolsters. 2007 is wider for my size. Whoever buys this 2001 is going to get a vehicle that will probably still be going another 10 years!