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 11 through 20 of 80.00

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  Sweet Ride - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Stevesemm - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Purchased a 2001 Black SR5 w/ the sport package. Man this thing is great looking! I shopped around and found others that offered more for the $ but it all came down to the kick a** looks of the 4Runner sport!!! My only complaint is that my wife drives it more than me!!!! Love my 4Runner!!!

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  Its all good - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Cobra_pwr - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have the SR5 Sport Edition. Never seen a sharper looking SUV. This is the 1st vehicle I have owned w/o a V8, and truthfully the 4Runner needs one. Without the truck being in 4WD on wet pavement it is unreliable...though the VSC does help. The moon roof and sliding back window are cool and the gas mileage is not that bad 18-20mpg. Stereo system sucks, the speakers are trash.

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  Solid as a rock after 60k miles - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By vinceG - December 21 - 12:13 pm

  Ive put on over 60K miles and it runs as good today as it did the day I bought it. Paint still looks brand new, too. For a SUV, good milage of 18 city and maybe 22 highway. Only had one problem - replace windshield wiper motor recently. No one rattle compared to Chevy Blazers Ive been in that sound like a bucket of bolts with way less miles. The front seats are very uncomfortable, though, which is the only issue with the vehicle.

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  Drive shaft problems - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By granny - July 27 - 6:26 am

  Bought new with 140,000 miles today. Early 2008 thought vibration was u- joints but had to have drive shaft replaced. 8/09 - it is just now doing the same thing. Checking to see if common complaint. Until then it has been very reliable and maintenance (major) free.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Had - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By sambot - July 14 - 11:53 am

  I drove this thing from Waterloo, IA all the way to PHX, AZ without stopping (besides to get gas). Never overheated, and I was hauling a 8 foot aluminum trailer. Engine is not powerful by any means, but it is reliable. Seats are comfy and interior design is simple with room for mods. I honestly believe this SUV was the best ever made.

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  Ill Keep My 4-Runner Thanks! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Happy 4-Runner Owner - April 13 - 10:00 am

  My all time favorite vehicle. Never any mechanical problems and have had lots of fun driving it. Looks much sharper than the new style 4-Runner.

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  LOVED this SUV - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By SpoiledWife - January 26 - 5:40 am

  My husband bought this 4Runner for me used with 100k mi on it. I had no problem with the miles as it was all still as tight as the day it was new. I put another 40k on it before I traded it in 2 weeks ago. I loved it. There is room for 4 large adults comfortably, 5 if one is a smaller child with no car seat. But I have had 5 with one in car seat many times and it wasnt too bad. I never once had any doubts about getting in it and driving where ever I needed to go. I routinely got 18.5 mpg mixed and 21 mpg highway. With the back seats down it can hold a lot of crap. The front seats are ok for short distances but over a long drive the seats can get hard.

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  244,000 and still going strong - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Barb - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 4runner w/ 50,000 miles in 2002 and it now has over 244,000. Amazing. Absolutely nothing major has ever gone wrong on this truck; typical oil changes, tires, etc. The MOST reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Still looks and sounds like a champ!

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  Great Car! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Charles - December 3 - 6:57 pm

  These cars are extremely reliable! I have had my 2001 4runner with 200,000 miles on it for 13 years. These things will climb anything, and the only problem i have ever had with it is that when it is rainy, the alternator belt squeaks. Overall, these cars are incredibly amazing!

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  Trusty old friend - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By David Fatzinger - August 13 - 5:26 pm

  Purchased slightly used my 4runner has 208,000 miles on it. This has been the best vehicle Ive ever owned. It rides like a truck and the seats are very well designed but it has been utterly reliable. Brakes and a battery have been replaced. It still has original exhaust. I live in Michigan and am a hunter. Ive driven this thing through deep snow, mud and two tracks that have stopped larger 4- wheel trucks. The 4 wheel drive system is perfect. I can put in 4x8 plywood in the back and haul much gear of various types. Fuel economy has been acceptable for an SUV. Performance is good enough for everything except heavy hauling. Im looking to get another one but may get a Highlander.