I really wanted to stay out of this arguement, until I saw this. I couldn't agree with Koby more. I have a friend, a sister and 5 neighbors that have or are currently owning 88-95 model 4Runners....all have the 3.0 6cyl engine. I can not recall one that hasn't had less then 3 months downtime during their ownership (ranging from 1 year to 4 years) Currently my friend has an 88 1st gen 4Runner. Since he bought it 1 year ago he has had to replace the alternator twice, the starter, it overheats(he can't get to that until he can keep it running <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />) and most recently it stalled in the middle of the road.(my guess the fuel pump)but the code is reading the air induction system.

My sister had a 95 limited 4Runner that they bought brand new and had it in the shop for 1 month after only owning it for 4. multiple problems occured. Luckily they were able to get it refunded due to the lemon laws. Neighbors have had numerous issues. Most dealt with the head or head gasket. Quite a few having to do with the fuel system...and some electrical(not many) and then 2 with overheating issues. Now, I am not going to say that Isuzu is the best and most reliable. I would agree that on an overall basis Toyota and Honda are better. Part of the reason people keep buying them is based on reputation, unfortunetly since Isuzu doesn't sell as many units, it's reputation won't be as strong. Nissan I would not consider in there at all. I have not met 1 Pathfinder owner that hasn't had twice the number of problems any Isuzu I know of has. I would say that Isuzu is very reliable. In fact I only bought my Rodeo because 2 different sisters had Isuzu's and during the time 1 other sister went through her 95, 96 and then a 98 4Runner the Isuzu's never had any serious problems

As far as your problems go, I would say that some is pretty standard. Yes the altenators aren't in the best spot, and the starters do have a tendency to go out. I would take those problems any day over the dreaded headgasket problems a lot of the Toyota's faced. When you look at the problems you have you have to tell yourself it is the accessories(most of which aren't made by Isuzu directly) that go bad. I rarely hear about an Isuzu built engine that goes bad. They are some of the best made engines out there. In fact I had a friend that used to own an 88 Trooper in college. His dad (who is extremely automotively inclined) was with him when he went to do the mechanical check was so impressed with the build of the trucks he stated "This things are built as stout as any vehicle I have seen of this caliber" I know he sounded funny when he said it too. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" /> My point is that yes other cars may have better "realibility records" but what really counts is what is actually causing the breakdown...most of the problems Isuzu is faced with aren't even inherently Isuzu.

my $.02
Steve