It's hard for some to remember, but there really was a time when you couldn't find a "sport utility vehicle" in darned near every garage in the US. In the early 80s, The Ford Bronco and the Chevy Blazer owned the tiny "enclosed truck" market, not really attempting to compete off-road with the Jeep line or Toyota's venerable Land Cruiser. Isuzu had been selling a few thousand Troopers annually, and the unofficial state car of Texas was selling well between the Rio Grande and the Red River, but the bulk of American car shoppers were salivating over the new line of minivans Chrysler introduced in 1984.

Toyota, smarting over the poor North American sales of the Land Cruiser, had begun tinkering with both their truck and auto lines; the results of the latter became their early 1980s 4WD Tercel Wagons (an early car-based SUV?). The results of tinkering with the truck line, however, led to the mid-1984 model year introduction of a vehicle Toyota dubbed the "4Runner." Based on the existing truck frame and body, the company did little more than extend the cab of the pickup to four doors and enclose the rear end in a permanent plastic cap. Early 4Runners, like their truck forefathers, were hardy critters with a tough four-wheel-drive system and an economical in-line four-cylinder engine.

Eighteen years later, the USA has been swept by an SUV fever kindled by Ford's Explorer. Virtually every manufacturer marketing in North America offers a minimum of one SUV, from upstart Kia through the venerable Chevy Suburban (which claims more than sixty years of history). Many manufacturers offer a complete line, from "sport-cutes" like Toyota's RAV-4 and Honda's CR-V to near-bus-sized leviathans such as the Ford Excursion. With the Bronco and Blazer discontinued (in favor of the Explorer and TrailBlazer), the 4Runner and Trooper are now the oldest surviving SUV lines.


To Truck? or Not to Truck?

Like all 4Runners, the 2002's design is based on Toyota's compact truck platform, using the Tacoma frame and suspension. As a truck-based SUV, the 4Runner has advantages such as higher clearance and more aggressive off-road capability. As a truck-based SUV, the 4Runner also suffers from certain limitations, chief among which is a stiff and somewhat unforgiving ride. This latter may, in fact, be worsened by the already jittery ride common to the current version of the Tacoma. Toyota has tuned the suspension slightly to offer a less nervous ride, but there is no comparison with the smooth road feel of the company's newest SUV, the car-based Highlander.

From the exterior, the 4Runner bears obvious kinship with the Tacoma, using similar (or the same) body components from the driver's door forward. One exception is the front grille; the 2002 4Runner lacks the unattractive "tooth" design adopted by the year's Tacomas. Wide-set, beefy wheels and a narrow roofline give the 4Runner a triangular aspect from the rear. That shape increases stability, but at a cost in passenger and cargo volume. The interior of the SR5 version is clean and simple, with few frills and gewgaws to collect dust.


Behind the Wheel

All 2002 4Runners come equipped with a 3.4-liter V6 engine (183 hp) and a 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission (manual transmissions are not available). My rental was a 2WD model; the 4WD version boasts shift-on-the-fly capability with a two-speed gearbox and dash-mounted selector. New for 2002 is a standard stability control system (on all models), a microprocessor-driven traction system to assist drivers in slippery conditions. The V6 is not without its limitations: the EPA's fuel economy estimates are 17MPG City and 21 Highway. My 450-mile trip (mostly highway) yielded slightly under 20MPG. That V6 demonstrated sprightly acceleration at either stoplight or freeway conditions. Road and engine noise are good to average, there was some wind noise from the passenger-side front door (possibly from abuse by a previous renter; the vehicle also had a dented hood and what appeared to be a broken motor mount).

Handling in my rental - an SR5 model - was responsive and predictable, with secure cornering and a good feel for the road. High-speed cornering involved slight to moderate body sway, though the vehicle did not feel top-heavy under any driving conditions. This may be due to the 4Runner's wide stance, which tends to lower its center of gravity. The braking system proved somewhat surprising, with brakes much more sensitive than other vehicles in its class. My first few stops were a little abrupt, until I became accustomed to a somewhat "touchy" pedal (perhaps a result of bad adjustment or a warped rotor?).

The driving position is high and upright, common for truck-based SUVs, which gives the driver good sight lines in all directions. Seating is supportive and comfortable, though somewhat lacking in lumbar support. Controls in the SR5 trim line are manual; the Limited version has six-way power seats. Rear seating is comfortable, providing adequate leg- and hip-room for two passengers, but is snug for a third adult. Headroom is limited throughout the passenger compartment, and may limit drivability for tall drivers.

The instrument panel and the dashboard are well-designed, with clear sight lines and well-placed controls. Gauges are clearly labeled and legible.


Safety

All 2002 models are sold with standard Vehicle Skid Control and traction control for increased safety under adverse driving conditions. The brake system - front disc and rear drum - has four-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) and electronic brake-force distribution. Driver and passenger airbags are standard in all trims; side air bags are unavailable. The 4Runner is equipped with four shoulder belts plus a lap belt for the center-rear passenger. LATCH points are provided for three child seats, and the rear doors have a childproof lockout system.


Amenities

To answer your first question: four cupholders; two in the front center console and two in a rear fold-down armrest. There are three 12V power ports on the dashboard and a fourth in the cargo compartment; all turn off with the ignition. SR5 and Limited models alike come with power windows and doors (including a power-driven rear window), cruise control, remote keyless entry, and heated power-driven mirrors. The Limited edition adds fog lamps, leather and "wood-grain-style" trim for the interior, and an integrated anti-theft package.

Air conditioning is standard (and works quite well); AM/FM/Cassette/CD is also standard or you can fork over for an optional 6-disc changer installed in the cargo compartment. The stock sound system is adequate to above average; audiophiles will most likely find it necessary to replace or augment.


Oh! What, a Feeling?

Historically, reliability of the 4Runner line has been outstanding. Body and mechanical components have proven durable and well-constructed, with many Toyota trucks and SUVs surpassing 200K or 300K miles while still running smoothly. My '88 pickup, for whatever it's worth, is running well at 175K.

The 2002 model of the 4Runner is -- according to industry rumor -- the last year for the design, which has changed only marginally since its introduction in 1996. Insiders indicate that the new design will be based on a scheduled 2003 Tacoma update. Given that the 4Runner's baby sister SUV, the Highlander, has cannibalized sales from the line; Toyota is allegedly planning to place the 4Runner even more squarely in the "tough, truck-based" category and yield the "comfort" niche to the newer design. This doesn't mean that the new version will be less comfortable than the current model; Toyota is said to be refining both ride and performance in the update of the Tacoma platform.

In the universe of SUVs, the 4Runner has settled firmly into its niche and shows no signs of giving up its slot. This is a vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts who want a rugged vehicle that can stand up to rough terrain, yet be stylish enough to still "clean up nice." Traction control and the stability control system help provide secure, sure-footed handling in inclement conditions; 4WD can (in the right hands) improve these capabilities further. It's a tough, reliable vehicle that can handle a variety of road conditions with aplomb.

For those among you who prefer a cushiony ride and sedan-like handling, a 4Runner is the wrong vehicle. It's not as plush or roomy as car-based SUVs, nor are ingress and egress as convenient. Look at a Highlander instead (if you're set on a Toyota).


Rating

Four stars: a jittery ride and cramped interior lower the 4Runner's overall rating. Presumably the impending update to the platform will decrease the bouncy, jittery ride. Interior room is a function of the platform and the overall design, meaning that its unlikely to change appreciably without a wholesale change to a more "urban" niche in the SUV continuum.



Take-home-a = "Tacoma." It's a pun (groan...)


Amount Paid (US$): 41/day
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: SR5