Toyota is a longtime player in the sport-utility game. The company's original LandCruiser gained a solid reputation for toughness; early versions are still a common
sight wherever off-roaders gather.
The 4Runner was the company's second entry into this booming market. At first, it was
little more than a Toyota pickup with a plastic shell over the bed and extra seats.
Customer demands for more sophistication were answered after a few years with an
all-steel version, though 4Runner's truck ancestry remained all-too-readily apparent.
And when a 4-door version was added to the line, it was conspicuously lacking in room
for the rear seat passengers.
As the market has grown, so have the choices. Direct competitors include the new
Nissan Pathfinder, Isuzu Rodeo/Honda Passport, and Chevy Blazer/GMC Jimmy, as well as