Explorer vs 4Runner - Pros & Cons

north_fur · #1 01-13-2005, 09:49 PM

What are the straight pros & cons of a Toyota 4Runner 4X4 VS a Ford Explorer?? Note I will PULL a 3500 pound recreation camping trailer in the summer with my suv...so it has to do this.

I'm looking for a vehicle that is a proven WORK HORSE that keeps working without expensive life support and thereby keeps the long term cost per mile down. I'm not loyal to a marketing brand but will value a brand IF it keeps earning my respect with super performing products and good follow-up product service.

Simple and good engineering design and manufacturing quality are the keys drivers for me. I don't need fancy and impractical features that make you go broke after the initial warranty is off.

I want to avoid vehicles that have a bad reputation for ongoing
(1.) powertrain problems (engine & transmission) and
(2.) electronic/electrical problem probe vehicles.

forest_grump · #2 01-14-2005, 04:04 AM

Both are unfit for extended heavy towing up to and exceeding 3500 pounds as there are hills involved and that kind of weight should only be pulled for short distances such as to local lakes pulling a boat or a trailer nearing that weight...extended driving wsith kind of weight most certainly will lead to higher cost and upkeep ( have you priced OD A/T transmissions lately?they run between 2500.00 to 3500.00 and that kind of weight on extended trips will greatly shorten it's life)

If you don't mind a Std. transmission and want a choice between those 2 ...I would suggest asking Toyota what max towing rating is on a V6 3.4L in a 2WD model if 4X4 is not required (if you not going to use it then don't buy a 4X4 as wear and tear upkeep will be higher when 4x4 parts wearout)

If you want a vehicle you can take to the mud and rough terrain then by all means get you a SUV in a 4x4 or on streets a 2WD version,you want to pull a heavy load like that a few times a year and don't want an SUV AND a TRUCK to pull a heavy load like that camper of yours also....rent a truck to pull it and let them pay insurance and upkeep...you come off cheaper in the end and get to drive a nearly new ride each time if renting from a place that rotates their stock and keeps 2 years old or newer on the lot....goodluck

P.S. Explorers are what most mechanics refer to as Ford Exploders because theys always blowing up something and leaving you walking and a ticking timebomb with high milage waiting to explode something else like that 3,000.00 AOD lol

Mrbikerman · #3 01-14-2005, 05:00 AM

Are you thinking new or used? The new 4runner's tow rating is much higher than the previous gen's especially if you have the v8. I feel bad for Toyota, being compared to a ford. LOL

Found On Roadside Daily
Fixed Or Reparied Daily
Fake Off Roading Dump

Anyone got some more?

forest_grump · #4 01-14-2005, 04:24 PM

Ford should never be used in same sentence that includes dependable,good engineering design and manufacturing quality,low maintence with high milage....much less the part where he stated-I want to avoid vehicles that have a bad reputation (Ford Exploders have a very bad reputation-seen anyone driving 2004 Explorers???Now wonder why lol)

forest_grump · #5 01-14-2005, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrbikerman

Are you thinking new or used? The new 4runner's tow rating is much higher than the previous gen's especially if you have the v8. I feel bad for Toyota, being compared to a ford. LOL

Found On Roadside Daily
Fixed Or Reparied Daily
Fake Off Roading Dump

Anyone got some more?

If he wants one in a Std.Transmission model and 2WD then a V6 4runner with towing package will work and a V8 Toyota even better yes...
Any Toyota which has an owner that mentions it's name in same sentence as Ford should leave them stranded in the worst of places I think.

Forking Old Rebuilt Dodge
First On Race Day (got to get to track first to fix it in time to race)
Found On Road Dead
Floundered Onery Residing Dumpheap

CorRUNNER · #6 01-23-2005, 09:19 PM

Pick the 4Runner. FORD's are just terrible....plain and simple. But if you really want one, stay away from the explorers and get one of the new F-150's. My friend has had her 04 explorer (she bought it brand new) for one year and has had the transmission already replaced 3 times. All she uses it for is to get herself from A to B. She hasn't towed a thing. NEVER consider picking a FORD over a TOYOTA.

mx6rrr · #7 01-23-2005, 09:39 PM

I agree with everyone here

I would go with a 4Runner. I used to own a '98 which was great (leased)...very fun and reliable, we put 50k miles on it in 2 years and had no probs. Also, we used it to move to Texas from Wisconsin than back. I pulled my RX-7 with it back and worked fine, also used it for our camper. A couple things are that the 4Runner is more expensive but the resale will be higher, and when we had a heavy load, the rear sagged quite a bit...but there are suspension upgrades availible, and make sure you get a tow-pkg. Also, I think '99 is the year they started upgrading the drivetrain.

mx6rrr · #8 01-23-2005, 09:42 PM

Also, check out this site:
http://www.theautochannel.com/newcar...titleid=430400

Brian R. · #9 01-23-2005, 09:45 PM

If you are going to tow often with an automatic, upgrade the transmission cooler and thus extend the life of your tranmission by alot.

AlienEvolution · #10 01-24-2005, 11:13 PM

Definately the Toyota.

98% of all fords are still on the road; meaning only 2% ever made it home.....

Heh, Toyota all the way!

tc442 · #11 01-28-2005, 03:33 PM

heard they were recalling the f-150...and say not to park it in a garage bacause it could catch fire just sitting there due to wiring problems involving the cruise control in the column...lol

AlienEvolution · #12 01-28-2005, 05:02 PM

ROFL

kusawakate · #13 01-29-2005, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrbikerman

Are you thinking new or used? The new 4runner's tow rating is much higher than the previous gen's especially if you have the v8. I feel bad for Toyota, being compared to a ford. LOL

Found On Roadside Daily
Fixed Or Reparied Daily
Fake Off Roading Dump

Anyone got some more?

If Not
Fixed Or Replaced Daily
It'll be
Found Off Road Dead

And that's from personal experience. LOL

97Limited · #14 02-11-2005, 02:45 PM

I can even believe someone would even want to compare a 4Runner to a Ford 'Exploder' that makes me laugh. Fords just plain and simple SUCK!! I'm already on my second 4Runner and i would never drive anything else. Once you drive a Toyota you can never drive anything else!!

Fix Or Repair Daily
F'ed On Race Day

Toyota's all the way

Sopaw · #15 02-12-2005, 07:50 PM

Well, this IS a Toyota forum, so you'd be able to guess where the brand loyalty comes from. Having said that, my dad has had 4 Explorers, and they were all pretty darned good. Having said THAT, I've owned 4 Toyotas of various types, and they've been excellent (the first was a '71 Hilux, no less). Take your choice, I guess, but I like Toyotas.

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD