1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Passenger and cargo room
- Ride (later models)
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Wet-weather traction (4WD)
- Reliability
Cons
- Fuel economy
- Acceleration
- Entry/exit
- Noise
- Handling
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota introduced its compact 4-wheel-drive sport-utility vehicle in May 1984, based on the same running gear used in their compact pickup truck. The lineup included a 2-seat base 4Runner and 5-seat Deluxe and SR5. Base engine was a 116-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. Optional was a 150-horsepower 3.0-liter V6. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard, with 4-speed automatic optional. Rear antilock braking went into V6 models in '90. However, the ABS only works when the vehicle is in 2WD mode. Each 4Runner featured a built-in roll bar and removable roof until 1991. All models had on-demand 4WD except for a rear-drive 4-door model that was available only with the 4-speed automatic transmission.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota 4Runner 3.0-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Toyota 4Runner:
4Runner now comes with a full steel roof instead of the detachable fiberglass shell that previous models had from the middle pillars rearward.
1992 Toyota 4Runner:
A mild restyling of the front end gives the '92 4Runner a new grille, front bumper, and aero-style headlamps. Also, power steering and a new rear wiper/washer system become standard. In back, the spare tire is now stored under the rear of the vehicle instead of on an outside carrier mounted to the rear door. Also, the 3-door model switches to 4WD only, and comes just with the V6/automatic powertrain combination.
1993 Toyota 4Runner:
The slow-selling 2-door model is finally dropped from the 4Runner lineup, leaving just a trio of SR5 4-door models: rear- and 4-wheel-drive V6s, and a price-leader 4WD 4-cylinder. Both 4WD models now come with Toyota's more sophisticated 4WDemand shift-on-the-fly system.
1994 Toyota 4Runner:
The big news for 1994 is the arrival of 4-wheel antilock brakes. The new system is only available on 4Runners with the V6. It replaces the previous rear-wheels-only system that had been in place since 1990. All 4Runners now provide a center high-mounted stoplight and side door guard beams.
1995 Toyota 4Runner:
The 1995 4Runner is a complete carryover from 1994, except for new exterior tape stripes for V6 models.
Our road test for the 1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
The 4Runner's chief attractions are tight, thorough assembly quality and a commendable reputation for quality. However, the 4Runner is much smaller inside than the top-selling Ford Explorer and Jeep Grand Cherokee, with barely adequate space for four adults. Exit/entry are hurt by a higher-than-usual stance--nearly two feet off the ground. Also, fuel economy is very mediocre. We averaged just 13.8 mpg with a V6 model in our last test. Acceleration is nothing special either, even with the V6, which is hard-pressed to reach 60 mph in under 13 seconds. And you can forget the 4-cylinder, which is even slower. Plus points include the convenient 4WDemand system and 4-wheel antilock brakes. Some Japanese rivals still have not adopted either shift-on-the-fly 4WD or 4-wheel ABS. Unfortunately, ABS was optional instead of standard.
Value for the Money
High prices remain one of the 4Runner's biggest problems. We prefer domestic rivals such as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Blazer, and GMC Jimmy, which have more room, a broader selection of features and models, plus better all-around performance for the money.
High prices remain one of the 4Runner's biggest problems. We prefer domestic rivals such as the Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chevrolet Blazer, and GMC Jimmy, which have more room, a broader selection of features and models, plus better all-around performance for the money.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota 4Runner 3.0-liter Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 6 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Toyota 4Runner includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Toyota 4Runner .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
Weak springs inside the transmission can cause delay when shifting from park-to-reverse or neutral-to-reverse. (1990-95)
Clutch:
A leaking or damaged direct clutch in the transfer case causes a slip or chatter on acceleration. (1990-92)
Clutch:
Because of clutch judder, the pressure plate and disc were enlarged (from 9.00 in. to 9.5 in. diameter) for 4x4 models. (1990-94)
Exhaust system:
In compliance with emission control regulations, the oxygen sensor should be replaced at 80,000 miles. (1993-94)
Oil consumption:
Excessive oil consumption caused by sludge buildup on the cylinder heads. Company is extending warranty. (1993-95)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,155 |
| Alternator | $515 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,280 |
| Brakes | $225 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $500 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $155 |
| Exhaust System | $261 |
| Radiator | $515 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $190 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $615 |
Our price chart for this generation Toyota 4Runner details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1995 | |||
| 4Runner | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 1994 | |||
| 4Runner | $2,300-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $400-600 |
| 1993 | |||
| 4Runner | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
| 1992 | |||
| 4Runner | $1,700-2,300 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 1991 | |||
| 4Runner | $1,500-2,100 | $1,000-1,400 | $200-300 |
| 1990 | |||
| 4Runner | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Toyota 4Runner include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door wagon | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.3 | 103.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.0 | 176.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.5 | 66.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 66.1 | 66.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3720 | 3760 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 78.3 | 78.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 17.2 | 17.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.5 | 41.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 38.3 | 38.3 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 31.6 | 31.6 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
The 4Runner's base engine is a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, rated at 116 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 140 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm. The optional powerplant, starting in 1988, has been a 3.0-liter V6 that delivers 150 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 180 pound-feet of torque at 3400 rpm. The base 4-cylinder comes only with a 5-speed manual, while the V6 can be paired either with a manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I4 | 2.4 / 144 | 116 | 140 | 5-speed manual: 19/21 | 5-speed manual: -- |
| ohc V6 | 3.0 / 180 | 150 | 180 | 5-speed manual: 15/18 4-speed automatic: 14/16 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 13.8 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Japan
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Toyota 4Runner include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1995 4Runner |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 1 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1995 Toyota 4Runner directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990-95:
If steering wheel is repeatedly turned under high-effort conditions, fatigue crack may develop in steering relay rod, which could eventually fracture.
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