1990 Toyota 4 Runner blown head gasket
My 1990 Toyota 4 Runner has a blown head gasket. Do I replace gasket or replace motor?
52 views
1990 Toyota 4Runner Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
The 1990 Toyota 4Runner was the first year of the second generation of Toyota's midsize SUV. It featured a complete redesign, not just of the engine or exterior or interior, but of the theory behind it; whereas the first generation of 4Runners had been based on the Toyota pickup, the second would look almost completely different from the truck.
The Toyota 4Runner continues to be a popular SUV due to its ruggedness, modifiability, and seeming immortality. The standard engine was a 2.0-liter inline four, while a 3.0-liter V6 remained a popular alternative.
The 4-door model was standard, with the 2-door option a difficult-to-find add-on. Reviewers have praised nearly everything about the 1990 4Runner, from its lasting exterior to ruggedness in frigid weather to its absolute reliability. The only complaints included fuel efficiency (although some actually said they get good mileage) and highway passing-speed pickup.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1990 Toyota 4Runner
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 22, 2023
have1990 SR5 , 260,000 mi. I have always changed oil every 5,000 mi. First oil change was at 2,000 mi. because thats your most ware time. Do not use no name gas. Run clean air Filters blow them out yourself . If you cant get them clean buy new. Great Value , Good Price, Best Paint on the Market and it will last you. Enjoy the Ride.
Feb 22, 2023
by Anonymous
Mar 18, 2013
great, reliable, and fun car to drive, particularly in the snow. pick-up style tailgate and a truck frame makes the truck very useful and utilitarian. a little tight in the driver seat for someone over 6'4", but otherwise a perfectly sized truck!Mar 18, 2013
by Anonymous
Jul 14, 2012
I love the Toyota 4runners. Bet trail riding vehicle thus far. It has plenty of room to take a trip on, yet is small enough to fit through tight trails when needed! I have been through 4 4runners and have never been dissatisfied Jul 14, 2012
User rating:
by Anonymous
Feb 22, 2023
have1990 SR5 , 260,000 mi. I have always changed oil every 5,000 mi. First oil change was at 2,000 mi. because thats your most ware time. Do not use no name gas. Run clean air Filters blow them out yourself . If you cant get them clean buy new. Great Value , Good Price, Best Paint on the Market and it will last you. Enjoy the Ride.
Feb 22, 2023
by Anonymous
Mar 18, 2013
great, reliable, and fun car to drive, particularly in the snow. pick-up style tailgate and a truck frame makes the truck very useful and utilitarian. a little tight in the driver seat for someone over 6'4", but otherwise a perfectly sized truck!Mar 18, 2013
by Anonymous
Jul 14, 2012
I love the Toyota 4runners. Bet trail riding vehicle thus far. It has plenty of room to take a trip on, yet is small enough to fit through tight trails when needed! I have been through 4 4runners and have never been dissatisfied Jul 14, 2012
by Kathy S
May 21, 2011
Paid off the last one and liked it so much I bought another one. I'm tempted to just copy my comments from the previous, because it all applies to this one as well. They are "hoping for 7 more words..."May 21, 2011
by Kathy S
May 21, 2011
By this time I had two small children in car seats. Room for lots groceries in the back, much more comfortable and plush than the 1985 4Runner. Still safe, solid, no maintenance issues, very reliable and easy to get into 4-wheel drive.May 21, 2011
by Anonymous
Mar 21, 2011
Rear antilock braking
Wet-weather traction (4WD)
Passenger and cargo room
It's a work horse, it can go anywhere, 4x4 is great, plenty of space, big chunky tires, reliable, and its high off the ground.
with minimal non-essential maintenance. Not the greatest on a hill! But then again, put it in 4wd and it zips up a snow covered hill just fine.
Mar 21, 2011
by Anonymous
Oct 17, 2010
Fully loaded 2dr 4Runner..what can i say. Love to take you along, but its hard to get in the back so, sorry. Love this 4Runner.Great on Gas. Moonroof, A/C, and power everything. And a short wheelbase ?!?!? drool drool droolOct 17, 2010
by Bryan V
Jul 14, 2010
i like every thing on this truck. big tires, 2 door rare edition 4 runner,3 in spring lift.
waste a lot of gas but i love it. i can go over a lot of things that i cant do in my
supra interior is in good condition and exterior excellent for its age.Jul 14, 2010
by Patricia L
Jul 02, 2010
I like the look and the ride but I dont like the speed.. slow as hell.. Interior is in mint condition and it gets me where I want to go.. It is a fun car to drive. That is all.Jul 02, 2010
by Andrew G
Jun 27, 2010
It is nice for off road, but city is shakey. It had no problems other than some lack
of maintainability issues. It is a good car though.. but its my car and I really love
the way it turns headsJun 27, 2010
by Anonymous
Jun 16, 2009
I love my Runner. She looks good! 2 doors are the best looking! Great in all weather, very little rust, totally reliable. Working on visor and other accessories to pretty her up even more. Had minor problems as she was a rebuild but nothing that costs too much. I'm gonna drive her until the engine dies and get a new one put in.Jun 16, 2009
by Zac H
May 22, 2009
I drove this one for around 2years before my half sister borrowed it and killed it while I was in bootcamp. great off road and bad weather, decent on road, not alot of power, but you don't really need it with going where this baby does. the back seats fold down for more storage, good for a small matress in the woods for "camping" lolMay 22, 2009
by Tom S
Feb 25, 2009
Acceleration - UNturboed diesel - alright
Braking - Usual
Handling - alright
Buildquality - its a toyota, few minor sqeaks here and there
Appearence - some people like....i LOVE it
Diesel - Lets not go there
Fun Factor- this car is awesum fun to drive on and off road.Feb 25, 2009
by Josh A
Nov 18, 2008
Its a beast.Doesnt have the quickest times on the road, but once you hit the beach, it'll make anything else eat dust.i'm doing up the sound system and i'm gonna intercool it.it needs a decent paintjob though...Any offers?Toyota makes the best 4x4's ever!!I've just put a new motor in cos the old 1 was on 418000 kms and decided to blow up.Nov 18, 2008
by Anonymous
Nov 10, 2008
life`s funner in a 4runner
good car for off road 4wding
millage is good 16l to 100ks
good looking car for 4wders who like their car lifted
all round good car
realy fun to drive
i wish i had one gettin one for me p`s yay
woot wootNov 10, 2008
by Anonymous
Aug 18, 2008
It's expensive to run but it starts first time every time and I feel safe in it.
It's a little sluggish but acceleration isn't what this car is about. It has a lot of torque and feels like it could pull a train.
It is also very comfortable on a long journey and (for an old car) it's a good looking vehicle.Aug 18, 2008
by Kevin G
Jul 30, 2008
it goes fast but doesnt get there fast but its great on gas with these awesome (not) gas prices..i like my toyota and take really good care of it....4X4 but i never off road it lift kit and 33's still to come and maybe on 20's...thats a 2009 goal. Jul 30, 2008
by Joseph B
Apr 02, 2008
I have had this truck for a few years now, and have put it through hell. I have taken it 4-wheeling and it gets the job done. It was built as a pre-runner, and it does that very well. It has been crashed, fixed it no problem, has quite a few dents and dings, but still runs strong. The 4-cylinder engine isn't the most powerful but it works for this truck.Apr 02, 2008
by Kodi R
Mar 20, 2008
I have had this thing since I was 16 and before that it was my mom's! It will run forever!Mar 20, 2008
by Gayle D
Feb 19, 2008
Fairly good gas mileage. Very little upkeep, other than regular check-upsFeb 19, 2008
by Christopher L
Jan 20, 2008
She was abused by her previous owner an I am tryin to get her back up to parJan 20, 2008
by Fox W
Jan 09, 2008
in the days of mini-van SUV's this one is truly a truck.Jan 09, 2008
by Srikuhan R
Dec 28, 2007
Great car, alittle slow.Dec 28, 2007
by Clifford M
Dec 23, 2007
Green Toyota 4Runner.
American Racing Rims
Wide Brutes
Performance Air Intake
JVC KWXC400Dec 23, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 04, 2007
I like toyotas. They get good gas mileage and can run forever. The only real problem that I have found is that they rust very easy. Other than that great vehicle.Dec 04, 2007
by Anonymous
Dec 03, 2007
I have owned the 1990 2 door 4 runner since dec. 1989...It has given me great service...at this point I am going to sell it.Dec 03, 2007
by Anonymous
Nov 10, 2007
it gets pretty good gas mialage, and runs like a beast.Nov 10, 2007
What users have asked
I have 33x12 TIRES, and they Rub, instead of getting a lift kit is their a cheaper way?
Would Spacers do any good?
3609 views
Is it worth it
I'm looking at a 1990 Toyota 4runner 4wd with 4x4 the salesman says it runs and drives great but it 226,181 miles on it and he wants $2600 for it. Is it worth it. Vin # JT3VN39W7L0007116
30 views
Suspension
Will the shockes and struts off a 2018 fit a 1990 4Runner
5 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1990 Toyota 4Runner?Compare this car
1990 Toyota 4Runner Pricing
Original MSRP
$15,713 to $19,053Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power vertical
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power vertical
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power vertical
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power · Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power vertical
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Bumper color: chrome · Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Truck Features
Pickup truck sliding rear window: power vertical
Audio System
Antenna Type: power · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: rear-only
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Exterior Features
Paint: two-tone
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy