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CAR REVIEWS AND RATINGS
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| Ratings |
( Maximum score is 100 ) |
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| Overall: |
 ( 100 )
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| Comfort: |
 ( 80 )
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| Performance: |
( 100 )
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| Quality: |
( 100 )
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| Appearance: |
( 100 )
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| Comments |
Favorite feature: |
1. Rugged looks 2. Nice ride with sufficient power and very quiet engine |
Least favorite feature: |
The price and having to really dig deep into your pocket for electric seats |
Advice to buyer: |
The Cherokee for a more elegant design. The 4Runner for a tough guy look and the Durango to haul more kids. |
Detailed review: |
Upon my first drive of a Sport Utility, I determined that we probably wouldn't witness the racing of these vehicles at a future Talladega. But then again, what my family really needs is 4WD capabilities for the next coming of our friend El Nino! I assiduously studied ten SUV's and found three to be the creme de la creme, the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. Keep in mind I need to keep the price below $35,000. The Toyota 4Runner has the rugged good looks that make it appealing to those us with a youthful disposition. It certainly gives me the impression that this vehicle is the choice for the back country. It is positioned higher off the ground for better clearance and allows you excellent vision over the cars ahead. I just hope I'm not ever in crutches during the life of this vehicle. Visibility is an important feature to me and the 4Runner did not disappoint. You don't have to worry about a tire obstructing the rear window, it has the huge side mirrors for towing and passing and the front hood is not as obstructive as the Cherokee.
In my opinion, all SUV's handle well inside city limits. The best test is to see how they handle a 6% grade at 65MPH on the corner. After this important test, the 4Runner and Jeep Cherokee scored the best with the Toyota having the best steering feel to it.
The sport utilities are still emerging from the infancy of their original designs and in the case of the 4Runner there is a big improvement with interior designs of the 1999 model over last years. A complaint I do have is the inability for electric seats in the SR5 model which is still priced at $36,000! The gas mileage is very good which rivals the Cherokee and is well ahead of the gasaholic Durango.
This is an excellent choice for your sport utility selection. All things being equal, the 4Runner is the top choice for my tastes. Unfortunately, the catch is that the price is heading for the moon! Do the slight advantages justify the extra $6,000? My local Toyota dealer seems to resist any negotiations with the price compared to the others. I guess I should wrestle with these questions quickly before the snow begins to fly again. |
Also considered: |
1999 Dodge Durango
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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| About This Reviewer... |
Email address: |
info@rafterj.com |
Location: |
JOLLY ACRES, South Dakota |
Other vehicles owned: |
1995 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
1994 Mazda MX-3
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Review submitted: |
November 20, 1998 |
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T
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