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1998 Toyota 4Runner consumer reviews

$20,658–$21,558 MSRP range
side view of 1998 4Runner Toyota
(42 reviews)
100% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 4.6
  • Value 4.9
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.8
Explore the 1998 Toyota 4Runner

I bought my 98 4Runner Rand new.

I bought my 98 4Runner Rand new. 2.7l 4cyl with 5sp manual trans. Yes it was a base model. It was Augent green with cloth tan interior steel rims, it did have running boards. I knew people in the salvage industry and for $300 I got a limited leather interior $125 for the alloy wheels, $50 roof rack, rear spoiler. For the first 50K miles I changed the oil every 10K miles, after that I changed it every 100K miles. Changed the filter every 10K and topped the oil off. I sold that car with 360K miles on it and the new owner drove it to NM from Pensacola Fl. I loved that car and had it not been hit in the left rear by a lady with zero insurance I’d still have it today. I was going to put a GM 5.3LM engine in it until the accident. That car was driven very very hard and never failed me. I did put a clutch in it,plus a rear end dif, brakes, and several sets of tires, but still what a car. My wife still talks about that vehicle to this day. I often think of buying another, but ones of that age usually look rough. That car made so many trips with me and my two boys, and again never let me down absolutely fantastic. I bought a brand new 2006 Camry and have had the same luck with it also a 2015 Camry

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great SUV

I purchased this SUV new in 1998 from a Toyota dealer in AZ and would have been happy if I got 5 years use from it. The vehicle is now 24 years old and with 175K miles, it just keeps going. That's only 7000 miles/year, but it's by far the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned. Instead of getting a replacement for it, I decided to keep it maintained to see if I can get another 5 years / 40K miles from it. Best and most dependable Toyota ever.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
10 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Best car for off-road I’ve ever have!

I have gone everywhere in Florida with my 98 4runner. This truck will get you thru all types of trails. Parts are very accesible and is an easy to repair. I have done almost all repairs in my own house just watching YouTube. Very fun and cool truck

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Off-roading
  • Does recommend this car
14 people out of 15 found this review helpful. Did you?
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The 4runner is Best SUV's i have ever owned

The 4runner is Best SUV's i have ever owned it has great handling good power and off-road ability it tows very safe and is very reliable also its very comfortable for short and long trip plenty of room for the family and good mpg for the size of vehicle

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
8 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
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My 98 Toyota 4 runner has 617000 miles on it today

I love my Toyota 4 runner I put a 100 miles on Max every day since 2002. I have been the only driver. Will soon retire Max and purchase a new vehicle. Bittersweet.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
11 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Built in Japan - these SUVs just run and run

Only repair needed on my car the first 150,000 miles was replacing the motor to the antenna. Drove to Colorado (3,000 mile round trip) with 220,000 miles on it and never doubted it would never let me down and it didn't. other owners say they go 350,000-400,000 miles before engine replacement, then go again.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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I can't stress how much I love my Black 1998 4Runn

I purchased my 1998 Toyota 4Runner in 2003 for about 11K. I love my car dearly and sadly someone crashed into the front of my car and the insurance company is calling it a total loss. It was soooo reliable and almost never gave me any problems. I had to do the normal maintenance stuff but that was it. It always started, AC still blasted cold air, heat was amazing, windows and lights still worked. My baby(vehicle)was 21 years old and had 172K miles on it. I am so sad that I have to give it up. I want to get another one but these cars are mad expensive, but I can understand why, durability. This car will always be my best purchase! Cup holders could have been better, but that would be my ONLY complaint. If this accident didn't happen I strongly believe it would go for another 5 to 10 years. Even after the accident, I was able to drive home and drive the next day with no issues, while the other persons car had to get towed. So since the car was older, it would have almost cost 75% of what the car was worth to fix it, so that's why it was claimed a total loss. I cried for about a week after that news cause how can they say my car isn't worth the fix. It never let me down it was the most loyal thing ever. Anyway, BEST CAR EVER!!! I certainly got my money's worth out of that car.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Very Reliable

A great car to own and be proud of. Reliable engine that could last over 400k miles with proper service and maintenance. Drive it forever.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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400,000 miles and still running great!

Bought a used 98 4Runner Limited 15 years ago because I needed a work truck that was dependable on-road and off-road. I work in remote areas and carry equipment that can't get wet. Didn't really want a Ltd. version, but it had 4wd and was a good deal. It now has 408,000 miles and still runs great! I've driven it all over the place and hauled all kinds of gear. I keep thinking I'll sell it and get a newer version, but then wonder "why?" Now, after reading all of your comments, I think I'll just tune it up and keep it. Thanks!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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From daily driving to 4X4 adventures, BEST VEHICLE

I have the 4 cylinder, standard transmission version of this truck, and it is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. I bought it 4 years ago with 240k miles on it, and have put 50k more on with only minor repairs needed. The 4 cylinder is not powerful (I am downshifting with the tractor trailers on long mountain passes), but it gets 26mpg on the highway!! Amazing for a 4X4 of this generation. I drive it on the freeway to work and take it bouncing through rugged New Mexico back-country, and it has so far risen to every occasion. Parts are relatively cheap and extremely easy to find, and if you are a DIYer, there are Toyota forums all over the web about how to fix things yourself. I have moved several times since purchasing it, and you can fit an amazing amount of cargo inside with the back seats folded down. This vintage of 4runner is just the best. They don't make them like this anymore. If you are looking for an older vehicle and find one for the right price in good condition, BUY IT!! They regularly sell for well over KBB value in most states.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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