Q: Ok. I want to get either a 96-2002 Toyota 4runner or a 1996-2003 Nissan Pathfinder. I like both. I just want to know which one burns less gas and more reliable. Any feed back would be great.
A: None of these is going to get great mileage - your best mileage will be 20-21 mpg if you're the average driver. Hypermiling may improve that some, but don't get your hopes up. The older Toyotas can be had with a 2.7l 4-cyl engine and the 5-speed manual tranny, that'll get up to 23mpg and is much easier to drive frugally - hypermiling is a snap with a manual, very difficult with an auto. As to reliability, I'd have to say Toyota. I've been driving one for 20 years - the same one. I'm not in the market for a new one, either.