Toyota - 4Runner

Toyota is a longtime player in the sport-utility game. The company's original Land Cruiser 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 6-cylinder versions of the Jeep Cherokee and Ford Explorer. All are ruggedly constructed, capable, stylish and competitively priced, and each has established a solid customer base.

An all-new 1996 4Runner has been created to capitalize on the success of earlier iterations. It has much to live up to, and a few past flaws to overcome.