History of the Toyota 4Runner

History of the Toyota 4Runner

Here at Orland Toyota we are getting ready to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 4Runner. Keep reading to learn more about the history of this iconic SUV and how it has changed over the years! 

1st Generation

The first generation of the 4Runner captured the essence of the 1980’s. Launched with the 1984 model year, the 4Runner was more pickup truck than anything else, featuring two doors, a fiberglass frame over the rear seats and cargo area, plus the now-signature retractable windshield in the rear tailgate. This first generation lacked what we think of as modern comfort features but was ideal for rugged adventures. 

2nd Generation

For the second generation, which ran from 1990-1995, a more SUV-like appearance arrived. The fiberglass frame was replaced with an integrated frame that covered the whole exterior and rear doors were added to make it easier to access the rear seats.  The engine options stayed the same, with customers able to choose from a 4-cylinder or V6 powertrain. These additions made the 4Runner more accessible for everyday drivers who were interested in the new SUV segment. 

3rd Generation

Many sources will reference the third generation (1996-2022) as the point when the 4Runner found its niche. The body was redesigned for SUV appearance and functionality, keeping the core off-road capabilities of its original generation but more geared towards downtown and highway driving. Not only was the performance smoother, but the interior was also made more welcoming with redesigned seats and front console area. A longer wheelbase also helped, providing extra room for passengers and cargo. 

4th Generation

The fourth generation of 4Runner vehicles was from 2003-2009 and many are still on the road today. It continued to shift towards comfort and car-like appearance with rounded edges and higher trims with premium luxury features. Engine choices were also different for this generation, seeing the loss of the 4-cylinder engine option and the addition of a V8 engine option. 

5th Generation

As of 2022 we are currently in the fifth generation of the 4Runner. With so many crossovers and SUVs now on the market, it was important to Toyota that the 4Runner still had unique elements to offer. The distinctive trim levels offer something for everyone, from luxury Limited trim to the rugged TRD Pro trim. Now available with a third row seat for added passenger capacity, the 4Runner can work for families as well as single adventure enthusiasts. 

Now that you know a little more about the history of the Toyota 4Runner, come to Orland Toyota to explore our new and pre-owned versions! Once you take a test drive you’ll understand why this model has been a top-selling vehicle for nearly 40 years. 


History of the Toyota 4Runner - Orland Toyota

1990 4Runner

1996 4Runner

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Testimonials

Vicky Nyder
Vicky Nyder
GOOGLE
6-12-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Larry from service was absolutely on top of every customer in line for getting serviced. He came up to me with a smile and got my car topped off as soon as I pulled up. Especially on a day when they were understaffed due to the weather. Thank you so much for the great work!

Chanel Purry
Chanel Purry
GOOGLE
6-11-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Larry the valet service member was so helpful. He did not hesitate to help me get my wheel locks replaced and was very persistent about what I needed to the techs. This just goes to show the great quality of service this location provides. Thanks again Larry and Orland Toyota!

Cheryl Scantlen
Cheryl Scantlen
GOOGLE
6-8-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Very relaxed experience. Felt the sales personal were not pushy. I didn’t feel pressured or like I was being taken advantage of.

Ernesto Arias
Ernesto Arias
GOOGLE
6-8-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Personal working the service costumer service and sales Personal are very helpfull and sharing good information, well trained to treating people well.

Laura Lenick
Laura Lenick
GOOGLE
6-6-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Jack was very pleasant and easy to deal with. Not pushy Dan in finance not pushy very easy to deal with

Catherine Stowers
Catherine Stowers
GOOGLE
6-5-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Nour made the car buying process incredibly stress free and smooth. She answered all of my questions and was patient while I waited to get exactly what I wanted. I highly recommend this dealership and especially working with Nour!

Janice Trammell
Janice Trammell
GOOGLE
6-4-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Professional, friendly and efficient

Jackie Moore
Jackie Moore
GOOGLE
6-4-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I have no problem with the painting it looks extremely nice and I didn't have to wait the entire time. I had an amazing experience with Orlando Toyota, the service person was very pleasant and he kept me informed about my vehicle. I would make sure to send others to this service place.

Stanley Westbrook
Stanley Westbrook
GOOGLE
6-4-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Yvonne did not bring in the car (Stan) the husband did. I was very happy with tge speed of service repair, maybe an hour tops. But most rewarding I was very pleased which doesn't happen often with the cost of repair!!

Barbara Fredin
Barbara Fredin
GOOGLE
6-3-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Brenda Franklin
Brenda Franklin
GOOGLE
6-1-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Zach was so helpful in syncing my new phone back through my dashboard. He was also kind enough to preset my radio stations. It's so helpful when young people help 72 year old with technology!! Zach did all this after they completed my Auto Butler Paint Protection Reapplication on my car.

Alex Paez
Alex Paez
GOOGLE
5-29-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Peggy Conway
Peggy Conway
GOOGLE
5-29-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Robert Kezelis
Robert Kezelis
GOOGLE
5-29-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great staff, professional work, efficient and cost effective

Michael Freeman
Michael Freeman
GOOGLE
5-28-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

My wife and I purchased a RAV4 from Patrick O’Day at Orland Toyota a couple days ago. We were treated with professionalism and respect. We paid a fair price and exceptional service. Everyone there was friendly and helpful. I will definitely visit there again when looking for another vehicle.

Jane Fabian
Jane Fabian
GOOGLE
5-28-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Terrence Balas
Terrence Balas
GOOGLE
5-27-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Claudia Zamora
Claudia Zamora
GOOGLE
5-23-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Gregory Davis is a wonderful salesman. Answered all my questions. I am so happy with my new 2026 Tacoma. Thanks Gregory you the best!!

Christopher Ziegler
Christopher Ziegler
GOOGLE
5-23-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

My wife and I love this Toyota Dealer. The front and back office staff, as well as the management team, are so professional and friendly. They always make our car buying experience quick & painless. Absolutely no pressure or trickery. We’ll keep coming back here and refer friends and family for as long as they keep up the great work!

Elizabeth Foley
Elizabeth Foley
GOOGLE
5-22-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great service!! Got a Corolla!

tmorrar
tmorrar
GOOGLE
5-21-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Omar in service is very great to deal with. Very informative and easy to talk to and understand

Joce
Joce
GOOGLE
5-19-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Nora was a pleasure to work with, very easy and smooth process. loved the energy in here! 10/10

Jeanne Galzin
Jeanne Galzin
GOOGLE
5-16-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Jim Francis was excellent to work with for the purchase of my Camry XLE. He gave me great advice and was very knowledgeable. Thank you Jimmy!

Sara Schultz
Sara Schultz
GOOGLE
5-15-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

The whole process of buying a new car was very easy at this location. Patrick O'Day was super helpful, honest, and upfront with us. He let us drive the car without him since he knew we already put a deposit on it. I understand these cars basically sell themselves, but he didn't push a lot of extras on us. We also appreciated the knowledge and expertise of Dan Salmon, the finance guy. Carolyn was also extremely helpful through email communication at the beginning of our car search. Orland Toyota definitely got our business easily today! Thank you for everything! The kids absolutely love our decision!

Michael O'Malley
Michael O'Malley
GOOGLE
5-15-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Lutfia Kassem
Lutfia Kassem
GOOGLE
5-14-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Kurt Shelby Sr
Kurt Shelby Sr
GOOGLE
5-14-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Natalia Serrano
Natalia Serrano
GOOGLE
5-13-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I had an amazing experience at Orland Toyota! My salesman, Jacek, was incredibly patient, professional, and helpful throughout the entire process. He kept me informed every step of the way and always made sure I was updated with any changes or progress. The entire staff was friendly, welcoming, and informative, which made the experience smooth and stress-free. The delivery of my new RAV4 was also such a great experience. Jacek took the time to help me set everything up in my vehicle and thoroughly explained all the features, controls, and ins and outs of how everything works. Any question I had, he answered with ease and never made me feel rushed. I truly appreciated the excellent customer service, attention to detail, and care shown throughout the entire process. Thank you, Jacek, and the Orland Toyota team for making this such a positive and exciting experience!

David Brown
David Brown
GOOGLE
5-11-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

At 78 years old I have purchased many new and used vehicles for my wife, myself and my three children. I can say the vehicle I purchased yesterday from Orland Toyota was the best experience to date. With the help I received from online, Gary, to sales, Patrick and documents and payment, Dan I drove away knowing I would not hesitate to direct friends and family to that crew.

Ruth Hansel
Ruth Hansel
GOOGLE
5-11-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Gregory was a great salesman, not pushy and really listened. This is the third vehicle we have bought from them

Georgina LaVarier
Georgina LaVarier
GOOGLE
5-10-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

The salesman Mr. Craig Harris was excellent and very attentive. He basically knew what I was looking for. I appreciated the customer service that I received. I would definitely recommend Orland Toyota.

Brian Walczak
Brian Walczak
GOOGLE
5-9-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Great experience all around! Ty was friendly and very helpful and Dan in finance helped navigate the best options for me. Great place to go if you don’t want to get “sold” but to have folks who actually want the best option for you.

Sama Faik
Sama Faik
GOOGLE
5-8-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Annette Sultanian
Annette Sultanian
GOOGLE
5-4-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Carol Krause
Carol Krause
GOOGLE
5-4-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

The sales person was very personable. He was persuasive, but not in a pushy way.

carrie fedynich
carrie fedynich
GOOGLE
5-2-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Adrian was so great to work with! The whole process went smoothly and I ended up with a beautiful car!

Taylor Dennis
Taylor Dennis
GOOGLE
5-2-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Pat was great! Very helpful

Jake Greenawalt
Jake Greenawalt
GOOGLE
5-1-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I had an excellent experience working with Jack Kowalis at Orland Toyota. From start to finish, Jack was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely focused on helping me find the right vehicle—not just making a sale. He answered all my questions clearly, made the process smooth, and never made me feel pressured. If you’re looking for a trustworthy and easygoing car buying experience, I highly recommend asking for Jack. He goes above and beyond to take care of his customers. 5 stars all the way!

Lynn Rooney
Lynn Rooney
GOOGLE
5-1-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

I had a wonderful experience at Orland Toyota my salesman Jack Was excellent explained everything showed me where everything was on the car taught me how to use it, Was very nice very patient very knowledgeable about the Toyota product and company would absolutely recommend to family and friends had a positive experience with everyone who helped me and I will definitely be buying my next car from Orland Toyota. Thank you for everything.

Kristin Garcia
Kristin Garcia
GOOGLE
4-30-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star
Karen Jilek
Karen Jilek
GOOGLE
4-27-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star

Jim Faciana is one of the best service consultants at Toyota in Orland Park. I continue to bring my vehicles here primarily because of him. Jim is consistently attentive, professional, and goes above and beyond to assist both me and my husband. Our cars are always repaired on time, and the work is done right the first time—no callbacks or repeat issues. That level of reliability and service is hard to find.

AKUMA K 86
AKUMA K 86
GOOGLE
5-27-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star

Only problem I have is that after my oil change they did put the sticker in window to let me know when is my next oil change.

Ken Christensen
Ken Christensen
GOOGLE
5-2-2026
Full Star Full Star Full Star Full Star Empty Star
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