2002 Toyota 4Runner Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.47/5 Average
109 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Not much has changed this year for Toyota's truck-based 4Runner SUV. The SR5's optional Sport package has gained a front skid plate, floor mats and new tube step-up bars (optional). Handsome 15-inch alloy wheels are now standard, there's a new chrome package available, and Golden Pearl has been added to the Limited's selection of exterior colors.

Pros:
  • Great crash-test scores, roomy interior, truck-tough underpinnings, power-down hatch glass, standard stability and traction control, brake assist system.
Cons:
  • Hard to climb into and out of, dated dashboard design, weak V6 engine, truck-like ride quality and handling.

User Reviews:

Showing 71 through 80 of 109.00
  • THE BEST! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
    By -

    The 2002 4runner is the sexiest looking SUV in the market. You have to agree with me on that. The 4runner is also the best offroader in the suv lineup. I used to love chevy and ford but when u drive this thing and feel its power its a totally different STORY!

  • Great Truck - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
    By -

    I was looking for a vehicle, and I wanted something that had 4 wheel drive for Michigan winters, but only part time so I could switch it off when not needed. I needed a vehicle which was dependable, and would look as good going across a muddy dirt road, or pulling up to a nice restaurant. This truck fits the bill in every way. Im a little over 50k, and I have yet to have a problem (other then a flat tire). Toyota quality wins me over again.

  • The Best mid-sized SUV on the Market - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
    By -

    Overall Toyota dependability and styling convinced me that the 4Runner would be my next vehicle. After only 3 months I am convinced that I made the right choice.

  • Amazing! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
    By -

    I have always wanted a 4runner and I finally got one for Christmas. It drives awesome! Its so smooth and quiet. Gets up and goes taking off from a stop light unlike my old car. Roomy front seats, comfy leather seats. Just an amazing car! Highly recommend.

  • Enjoyed my used for 2 years, would not buy another - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
    By -

    I purchased a 2002 2wd SR5 from the original owner. Had 150k miles. The SUV was excellent utility-wise for what I use (trips, camping, sleeping, biking, kayaking, dirt roads, etc). However to say this vehicle was reliable is a bit over-statement. The previous owner replaced the transmission at 5 years. I also replaced it. His list of repairs was fairly lengthy, though most of them routine type stuff. I had to do a lot of suspension work, which I guess is OK for a car this age. Could tow a few thousand pounds, but wouldnt go above that due to the power lacking. Awesome sunroof. Gas mileage was decent on the highway (~22). My main gripe with this vehicle was that it just wasnt comfortable at all. As is the problem with Tacomas and 4runners, the seats are low to the ground. Thats fine if youre short, but for me I found on long trips it really wore me down. I purchased mine used for $5k, but spent $6k on it in repairs. Honestly, I felt it was a waste of money for a used middle-of-the-road vehicle. I wouldnt buy one again just based on the comfort-factor alone. Sure if youre someone that drives cars to 400,000 miles then you say toyota but if youre like me and dont do high mileage but might take long trips occasionally, you are definitely going to want a vehicle that is comfortable to be in for those long hours.

  • Just supercharge it! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
    By -

    Overall, this is a very nice, safe vehicle. It drives very solidly. The steering is nicely weighted. It is sized just right for someone who lives in a large city w/ tight parking spaces.

  • 4Runnin - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
    By -

    I bought my 4Runner in September of 2002 (one of the last of its generation). Its my first SUV, and I wouldnt trade it for any other. The ride is rough/firm, gas mileage isnt very good (18-23 mpg), and its short on low end torque but... its the best looking SUV out there in my opinion, is roomy without being too big to manuver in the city, has a great multi-mode 4WD system with traction/skid control (great for rain/snow), performs extremely well off-road, has good brakes, great ergonomics, and is very solidly built and reliable (no problems after 38k mi) and will probably last for well over 200k miles with good maintenance.

  • 2002 Toyota 4Runner-always the class of the field - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
    By -

    After owning the 2002 Toyota 4Runner for over 14 years, I think that Im qualified to give an opinion on the subject. I keep my 4Runner in tip top shape by doing all of the maintenance that is expected of the vehicle. It has been a very good vehicle for me and I get lots of complements on how it looks. Its not usual to see a female driving this vehicle, especially an older one!! Since its older, it doesnt have the new technology on it but then again it wont break on me! I have found that tires are very important to the handling of this vehicle. I used to use Michelin tires, but found that the new Firestone Destination tires are fantastic. They let me drive in the rain and thru puddles without hydroplaning like the other tires used to and makes me feel safer on the road. These vehicles can be tippy if not driven properly and Ive never felt like its going to tip over because I dont push it like some people do. Its not a car and you cant drive it like one!!

  • Great SUV 4WD for the $$$ - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
    By -

    I bought this 4WD SR5 Used as a Certified vehicle with the original waranty. Best way to buy a car I think. Threre is a service notice for the weather striping around the doors and they take care of it for free. Other than that the car drives great. Lots of room comfortable ride for a truck and good stability on the road. The truck is built with good quality and is a great SUV for the money. If you want a cadillac ride in a SUV go to a Navigator but if you want all around great perfomance and quality this is the SUV of choice... No wonder why you see so many on the road.

  • 4Runner 4Real - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
    By -

    So far, so good (purchased 02/23/02). Performs smoothly; the rear cargo window features power-window capability; deceptively roomy interior. Perhaps its best feature is the SUVs "quality" feel that one gets only when driving in a Toyota. On the non-plus side, the interior dash looks rather bland, despite the "walnut" wood trim. Also, the 4Runners various accessory pieces (i.e. plastic lumbar adjustor thingees)are, to be frank, cheap; Handles curves in a "so-so" manner.

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