2006 Toyota 4Runner

I owned a 2006 Sport Edition 4WD and recently traded it for a '09 after the '06 was damaged. I get unsolicited comments about the vehicle's looks - especially the Sport Ed. Wheels and the hood scoop (even though it's not functional).

Things I liked:
The Double Decker cargo system, built in hitch, JBL sound system (with controls on the steering wheel) and the outstanding fit/finish throughout. The materials used in the interior are very good, including the seat fabrics - much better than my Explorer. I could not find a flaw in either unit's paint. I can't say that about numerous Fords I've owned. Get yourself a set of Toyota rubber floor mats if you live in northern/wet climates - they'll save your carpets and are worth every penny of the $100 or so they cost at the dealer. The V-6 has plenty of power for normal driving - skip the V8 unless you pull a trailer or just like to push yourself back in the seat. The V6 saves about 2mpg and if "cap and trade" passes ($5 to 6 gas!), it will matter. The V6 also has selectable 4X4 whereas the V8 has full time AWD - personal preference. The transmission and brakes on this car are wonderful. The shifts are crisp and positive. The shifter also is a joy to use. The Sport Ed. has the cross linked shocks that the LTD and SR5 do not - makes it really handle - even for a car. You won't think you're driving an SUV. The SE with a V8 would be a blast. You'll look forward to cloverleafs. Passengers have commented to me on how well the Sport Ed. rides and handles. The brakes have lots of boost and will really bring it to a stop - right now. I owned my '06 for 3 years and did nothing more than change the oil. My '98 Explorer dinosaur was in the shop 6 times for warranty work (and had the crappy Firestone tires as the final insult). The T4R dealer only saw me the day I bought mine.

Things I don't like:
The seats. They have excessive side bolstering -if you're over 5'8", you'll be uncomfortable. They're too narrow for someone larger. I bought some high density foam and used an electric knife to trim it to fit the seat and wrapped it in a black pillow case. Works great. I'm 6'3", 200 lbs and could not have kept this car if not for the foam. My legs ache after about an hour without it.

The V6 sound. On the 4.0 V6, Toyota uses thin walled steel headers rather than cast iron exhaust manifolds. When pulling a hill or load at high throttle settings, you hear the exhaust noise through them. It sounds like a "chugging" sound, though it's also described as a "ticking". Toyota will do absolutely nothing about it. There's nothing mechanically wrong with the engine - just poor sound engineering on Toyota's part. You'll hardly hear it with the windows up. If it might bug you, drive a V6 first with the windows down. If it does, get the V8. Despite the sound, I did not find it objectionable enough to get the V8 the second time around. If it's raining or if you have the sound system on, you don't hear it. If you have the windows down and are driving next to a wall or concrete barrier at low speed, you'll hear it. It's just the nature of this V6 and is Toyota's price for saving some gas $. Rumor is no V8 in 2010 so get one now if you want it.

One annoyance is the customization features. Example: to change the door locks from unlocking when shifted to "Park" to unlocking when the door is opened requires a service visit. The owner s/b able to do this.
I've been very pleased with both T4R's.