Is all wheel drive necessary or a gimmick for most cars?

[Kevaclone]

Originally Posted by svo supporter

Whilst I'm not doubting what you have written, personally I have never seen a 2WD 100 series Landcruiser, nor a 2WD 4 Runner in person, despite dealing with a large Toyota dealership for 8 years. I'm fairly sure the 4 Runner is called that, because it is a 4WD . The name is actually a Toyota Hilux 4 runner. The normal Hilux was available in 2WD and 4WD.

IMA, the 100 series Landcruiser, I am fairly confident, has been discontinued. The new model is the 200 series.

I am happily correct though.

As I said not here in Australia, I have seen the underside of 4Runners in the US and definitely 2WD, these were around 2006 models(not sold here as 4Runner was replaced with Prado around 94)as for the 100 series I am only going on a conversation in a US Toyota group with interior pics of said vehicle with no 4WD/Hi/Lo lever(100 series GXL and higher had button for 4WD but lever for Hi/Lo)

I've also seen factory 1984 LWB Hilux(Tacoma) extra cab 2WD(again in the US)

I have never seen a 4Runner with a Hilux badge(mine certainly didn't) and the handbook called it just Toyota 4Runner, the US had 4Runner and Tacoma(no Hilux)
the Surf was always a Hilux Surf

Yes you are correct the 100 series model ceased late 2007

Back on topic sort of, there are kits available to convert Constant 4WD cruisers to part time 4WD because there are claims it uses less fuel and causes less wear to the front drive components, they also suffer from torque steer. I have noticed some of this in the Prado, but only since the tyres are almost worn out

My Parents own a 95 Liberty AWD and it gets a workout every day as their driveway puts some 4WD tracks to shame every time it rains(they live 1/2 way up a hill) So for them AWD is a must. Can't comment on fuel usage as it runs LPG which uses more fuel anyway