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 21 through 30 of 80.00

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  Used 4Runner Review - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Douglas Lemmo - July 7 - 2:43 pm

  In the years I have owned it, it has run perfectly. The only parts that have failed have been the 2 oxygen sensors which were expensive to repair. There was one recall in which they replaced front end parts. Gas mileage is consistently at 20 mpg in mixed driving. It has a slightly rough ride which is characteristic of light pickup trucks.

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  The Best! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By mgm - March 23 - 11:40 am

  Like others have already written, this is an unbelievably reliable car that is also great looking and fun! I have over 100,000 miles and have only had to do routine maintenance, tires and a couple of tail lights. I havent even needed to replace the brakes yet. The paint is still beautiful, the ride is still quiet. No rattles, no knocks - nothing. Im tempted to look into a smaller vehicle with better gas mileage, but I cant see giving my 4Runner up!

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  Transmission Problems - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By A. Jackson - January 14 - 10:10 pm

  At 100k miles needed transmission replaced. Drivers seat fabric separating at seam. Drivers seat belt retractor sluggish so belt buckle gets caught in door.

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  MOST RELIABLE VEHICLE - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By doug - December 17 - 9:56 am

  This has been the most reliable vehicle that I have ever owned. Havent had to spend any money, except for oil & filter. The only complaint I have with this vehicle is that the front bucket seats arent very comfortable. The new model 4runner supposedly addressed this problem, but I havent riden in the new 4runner. I doubt if I would buy another 4runner. I love the reality, but I hate the new style! My wife likes the current style, but she is trying to have us buy a new Sequouia(sic). I like the Sequ ok, but I like that the 4runner is built in Japan. Dont say Im not patriotic, I joined the Marines at the height of the Viet Nam War! If the USA ever builds a vehicle with Japanese reliabity

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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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  Excellent SUV - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By 6paul11 - December 5 - 2:02 am

  The 2001 4Runner is an outstanding SUV. Reliable, excellent in bad weather, and built to last through the apocalypse. Ever seen the Top Gear episode with the indestructable Toyota? This is the cousin of the Hilux, the car featured in that show. Nothing can take this beast down. Problems are few and far between. 140,000 miles of service life and many more to go.

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  Solid as a Japanese Rock - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By 09oo1 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive driven this SUV over 75000 miles. Other than regular maintainence, I have only had to replace a burned out fog light and two burned out tail lights. I am still on the original Goodyear tires which are as smooth as the day I bought the car. Im not crazy about the new design, but how could I buy anything else that doesnt have this kind of reliability and resale value.

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  I Love My 4-Runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bob B - October 19 - 7:26 am

  This has been my 3rd 4-Runner, and the best of the best. I have over 70,000 miles on it and have found nothing wrong. It gets used off road a fair amount and it still as tight as if it were new. One thing I have found about 4-Runners, they are very sensitive to kind of off road tires and vibrations caused by some tread designs.

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  My cool 4Runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By escalante - August 6 - 4:33 am

  Great driving, I love this car but needs better gas mileage, had no mechanical problems other than regular maintenance.

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  2001 4Runner is Solid SUV - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By hdk26819 - July 25 - 8:50 pm

  We purchased the 4Runner as we started a family. We wanted an SUV to hold the family and also to go off-road for camping. Given the limited gas milage of SUVs, we wanted a 4Runner as one of the better gas milage vehicles. It has run solidly for almost five years now. We bought it "Certified Pre-Owned" via a dealership. Other than normal maintenance, we have had no repair issues on the vehicle. We used the 24-hour roadside assistance twice for tire changes. The 4-wheel drive is not a common use item for us; however it has been a blessing in Oklahoma ice storms and in some camping conditions.