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 31 through 40 of 80.00-
My 4Runner Review - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By darrell - June 7 - 10:00 amThe 4Runner has lived up to everything I expected it to be. I did a lot of research prior to purchasing the 4Runner. Sure there were some that had a more comfortable ride, but you cant beat the reliability, cargo room, and versatility of the 4Runner. I also feel like some of the others, in particular the Lexus 300 and the Acura MDX, are just too "soft" looking.
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An Excellent SUV - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By Aikidoka55 - June 3 - 11:46 pmI purchased this SUV brand new in 2001 and it has been with us everywhere in California and Hawaii (Oahu in 2004). It is a very reliable vehicle. All I need to do is put oil and gas in. It required very little maintenance. It is a superb vehicle overall.
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Bombproof, useful, reliable truck. - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By Chris - April 13 - 7:58 pmI bought one as a second vehicle in 2014 with 200k on the odometer after looking around Craigslist for several weeks and inspecting a handful of 3rd generation 4Runners. After finding the cleanest single-owner vehicle with service records, I bought it for $5500 and it now has just over 210,000 on it. Ive done very little to it, except drive it on weekends, feed its rather thirsty appetite for gas, change the oil annually, and keep it clean. One notable minor repair has been made: Check-Engine light was on when I bought it and couldnt pass emissions as it were, so I pulled the code and traced it to a faulty charcoal canister near the fuel tank. I found a used one on an auto parts salvage website for $95 and replaced it myself in 2 hours, cleared the code, and saved about $600 from going to a mechanic for a new part. Another minor modification has been made: I added a transmission oil cooler outside the radiator to bypass the internal oil cooler inside the radiator. It is a known and well-documented risk that the internal cooler is prone to corrosion and eventually leaking engine coolant into the transmission oil, thus ruining the transmission. Both of these jobs were clearly explained in numerous Toyota forums and YouTube videos. Overall, the internet forums have thousands of posts pertaining to these trucks and the support community of fellow owners is fantastic. This vehicle is a truck and it rides like one. Interior is basic and functional, but even after 16 years, everything works and nothing doesnt. It is by far the most reliable and well-made vehicle Ive owned. I could sell it tomorrow for exactly what I paid for it. How many other vehicles could you say that about?
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Great will keep it 4 ever - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By Shocker88 - December 28 - 9:06 pmI purchased my 2001 4Runner sport pkg new and love it. I have put 72000+ miles on it todate. My wife now drives it daily to college. She loves it. Has enough power for her. I love it as well. 4wd system from older Limited versions is great auto 4wd handy for the wife. No problems really to report after 6 yrs of ownership. Did great in snow and ice storms of VA & NC. MPG is okay for SUV, wife gets better then me. Love all the options, would have liked more information gauges like my old 89 Toyota SR5 truck (volt meter, oil pressure).
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My Toyota - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By Darci - November 9 - 11:10 pmGreat truck! Fun to drive.
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Will Drive A 4Runner Always - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By My car/My dog - July 22 - 10:00 amLooks good, rides nicely, & roomy. My dog loves it as much as I do. I bought this car in 2/04. Runs like a charm.
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tight quarters - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By rhc - June 25 - 10:00 amInside 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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awesome! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By Katy - April 29 - 6:43 pmI previously owned a 98 4runner SR5 4x4, loved it for 3 months then it was in an accident and totalled. Immediately went out of state to bring home a newer model because I loved my 4runner so much! The 1000-mile drive back home was a pleasure, wasnt uncomfortable at all. I wonder why no other car manufacturer has figured out that the auto-roll-down rear window is a winning feature...Im so spoiled by it that its hard to imagine not having one. Havent had to do anything other than routine maintenence so far. Also, sunroof, running boards and roof rack I believe are standard on most SR5s. It also drives absolutely AWESOME on sand, even in the deep soft stuff!!
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Good to the last drop - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By daf62757 - March 23 - 8:20 amI bought this 4Runner new and used it daily for 7.5 years. I cant say enough how much I love this SUV! The paint looks new and the overall look is even better than the new generation 4Rs. I am on the verge of trading it in but since the gas prices are dropping like a rock these days, my 4R may get another year or two first string duty! I am tempted to keep it as a backup car just to see how long it will last.
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a great SUV - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By brian - March 11 - 4:56 pmThis 4Runner is much more sound than the 01 Yukon I had previously. It is quiet, and reliable.
