That’s a great combination! That vehicle is made with such integrity. Americans don’t want to take care of their cars anymore so they buy junk. In a dry state the 4Runner can last a lifetime.
I love the 4Runner. One of the few affordable SUVs still built on a bonafide truck frame, not on a lame ass front wheel drive crossover frame. And still Japanese built. The Tahara Plant is one of those factories where the workers start the day off with physical exercises to get everyone motivated. They've definitely got their shit together over there.
Sindelfingen? Not even close. Tahara has won more platinum awards than any auto plant in the world. The fact that the average S class falls apart and depreciates like a lead balloon after a few years is testament to their horrible quality. Mercedes lost their way after W124 & W 140 era of cars and never recovered.😢
I wish like hell the 4runner would come back to Australia. I still have my 1992 V6 4runner but have done an engine upgrade and installed the quad cam Lexus 4.2 litre V8 which makes the vehicle a pleasure to drive and more economical then the V6. Its unbreakable and still going string
Same here. I'm sure made in Georgetown, Kentucky is also good, but not quite the same as a genuine Japanese built model. This also goes for Volkswagen and BMW. I don't mind supporting American jobs........Chattanooga, TN and Spartanburg, SC......it's just a German brand car is best built in a German factory like Wolfsburg or Nuremburg.
When something is made in Japan, that something is THE very highest quality possible. NOBODY builds things like Japan. TOYOTA is just the finest example of that fact. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Japan.
Worked at the gm plant for years. When a flaw happens, “JUST ROLL IT THROUGH!” In the USA it’s all just sales numbers now and how much they can push out. Once upon a time it wasn’t like that at all. It’s nice to see Japan actually put quality control in their vehicles.
For some reason I love the fact that these are still imported from Japan. Really gives it a nice "cool factor" along side being just an awesome SUV. Love my 19 T4R TDR OR!
Could not agree more.I have an 03 4x4 v8 sr5.200k. 1.5.lift factory 265/70/16.all.terrain..pull boat and toys with NO issues,just brakes and tires.Wife has 2015.trail edition all stock they are loved members of our family.
I have owned three runners with today having a new 23 off road.. No other everyday truck can match its build quality and give you the reliability consistency.. you have to own one to really appreciate what it brings to the table….
My 92 Lexus ES300 is made in Japan and still running strong. It also came with manual transmission, its a keeper. Never had issues and can barely hear it running. Thank you Japan.
Great!!! I've been wanting to see that plant for years. My 2011 Toyota 4Runner IS the best vehicle I've ever owned. My first Toyota was a early 70s Corona with the four headlights. I'm 70 years old and I've owned and driven a lot of vehicles in my time. Keep up the great work! Thank you.
I drive a 2003 4Runner SR5 V8 that’s been in the family since it was brand new. Had to go look in the glove box, but the little point of origin sticker that my Grama hung onto states “Final Assembly Point: Tahara Atsumi Aichi, Japan”. Pretty neat to know my almost 300k mile truck was put together in this facility and road tested by dedicated workers before being shipped to Carson City, Nevada ❤
Frank Crooker How did you make that connection? Anti-American-assembled vehicles is not the same as anti-American. Take it easy. Actually I had the same sentiments as fitfad. It’s a huge bonus that 4runners are assembled in what is known as the most advanced auto factory in the world. Right alongside Lexuses and Land Cruisers.
I'm on my 5th 4Runner... 3 generations 3-5... My current keeper is a 2005 Sport V8 with 250k miles... Love them & will probably always own one of some sorts.
Very nice video, thank you. I have owned land cruisers, gx460s and one prado. All great vehicles, was always interested in seeing their point of origin.
I have a 2009 Tacoma, its absolutely amazing off road and I plan on keeping it until it dies which wont be for another couple hundred thousand miles. Cant wait to get a 4 runner or Tundra. Toyota and Japan is the best quality period.
This was awesome! Thanks for doing this. 4Runner remains my dream machine, but alas, needs to be better on fuel at this point. I can totally relate about the travel distance in Japan. I worked in a factory near Tokyo, travelling back and forth over a period of three years from Canada. Mid way through our production, we had an issue with a raw material supply from a sub supplier, in Kyoto. Myself and a quality team member decided to drive the 6 hrs from Yokohama to make an inspection. Well, the factory team and management could simply not comprehend that we would drive that far. We were like heros and gods... just for a few days. We rented their Sienna style minivan, the Toyota Alphard (which became the El-fart), made the return trip and did the factory audit ... legends. We were told you simply do not do long drives like that in Japan! From my experience, though it was a non-toyota factory (and not vehicle related), was that the Japanese operators may not necessarily be more skilled, but rather typically they seem to take a higher level of pride and ownership in their work than we North Americans at time might. Not just a job, but their work task is a reflection on them as a person, and a poor job done is their honour impacted. This is a broad generalization of course. But, work is life for a lot of the guys I knew. This is seen at every level; for example, it's not unusual to see taxi drivers, when stopped, out polishing every inch of their cars to ensure the best reflection of themselves in their job.
It’s why I love my 4th Gen 4Runner and my 2Gen Lexus GS430 both proudly made from that famous Tahara plant. The LS, GS are also assembled there as well. There’s a night a day difference I’m sorry to say the way Japanese assembled Toyota’s are versus US ones.
The 4th gen in my opinion has better quality materials than the 5th gen 4Runner. But the none the less both vehicles are reliable and quality vehicles.
Amir there’s no debating on overall powertrain of Toyota’s they’ve always been tried and true. It’s more of interior overall fit and finish. I had a Highlander once that was US made and materials just wasn’t as detailed and put together as the Japanese ones its little details that makes a difference on Japanese assembled Toyota/Lexus vs US ones.
I'd be more concerned about the quality of the parts and the subcontractors for those parts. Toyota has definitely cheapened out their vehicles since the late 90s.
@@wasabitoburrion4409 And you are so damn right! The only reliable vehicle that i would buy from the big three, is the Jeep Wrangler or Rubicon with their V6 Pentastar. For now my budget only permit me to buy a Toyota Corolla (Canadian model).
awesome and very interesting, that was interesting to learn that every lexus gets test driven but only 1 in 5 toyotas get test driven. its still better than other than other manufacturing plants lol
Had a 1999 4runner Limited V6 4WD rust bucket Then I had a 1998 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD. Decent truck. Now I have a 2005 4runner Limited V8 4WD. Very awesome and super fast. The Hilux Surf in the same generation doesn't have the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8. Don't I feel special. 🤘🏼
Sold a 2002 Sequoia Limited with 112K miles and currently own a 1997 4Runner Limited 230K miles, 2012 GX460 142k miles, 2013 Highlander Hybrid Limited 145k miles, and a 2018 LX570 9,000 miles. I've seen how Toyotas are abused overseas in developing countries and they just keep working with minimal maintenance. Toyotas and Lexus' Stateside are pampered compared to how they are driven overseas. Thank You for this video! Maybe a US tour of Indiana and Texas plants would be in order?
Neat video, I knew the USDM 4Runner was made in Japan. What I didn't know is that its made in the same plant/assembly line as the big daddy $85,000 200 series Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser 200 is Toyota's flagship, their best made, most durable truck they make, designed for a 500,000 mile/20 year lifespan. Glad to know that the same people screw together your $40,000 4Runner. Also this plant should undergo a HUGE retooling late this year or next year. New king daddy Land Cruiser is coming. Kind of wondering if we will get a new Prado/Lexus GX and 4Runner at the same time(Prado/Lexus GX is the same truck, 4 Runner is the same platform but smaller)
I'm thinking about buying a Lexus IS (3rd gen, or 4th gen) and it's made at the Tahara plant! If I do, I hope to visit this plant one day for a tour and see how the cars are made. I could literally spend all day in such a plant and never get bored.
@@Pickuptrucktalk Yeah, I plan to visit Japan for at least a week so I don't feel like I have to be rushed to go everywhere. Do you just contact the plant via email or something to let them know you are interested in a tour?
I own a 2010 4 Runner cool to know where it's built , interesting I was in the USMC stationed at Okinawa in 1959 35mm cameras were selling for $ 35 complete Ham radio set $ 50 many Japanese bargains that were quality and innovative . In the 1990's I sold Japanese transistors to both commercial and military marketplace the Japanese top mounted circuit board stuff were 7 years ahead of anything we produced and had a waiting list of 2 years now that's innovation !
Excellent educational videos about 4Runners, Toyota trucks and Lexus manufacturing from scratch to excellence in quality and engineering. Thanks a lot. Sincerely Babur Ejaz
One of the major selling points for me when I was buying a 4Runner was that it was made in Japan. I've had too much trouble with vehicles produced in the US and Mexico. Our automotive industry, in my opinion, has gotten too lax. You look at our assembly lines, and they're full of out-of-shape people with unkempt appearances, wearing various different outfits. I know it might sound authoritarian, but I think that that lack of uniformity, lack of grooming standards, etc.. is what fosters a culture of shoddy workmanship in our production facilities. If we implemented required uniforms, required grooming standards, and fostered a culture of precision and professionalism within our assembly plants, we could rival the Germans and Japanese in build quality. But we won't.
@4:10, the models produced at this site are 4Runners, LandCruiser Prado, GX460 & LandCruiser. The fact that these vehicles are manufactured at the same location, does this means these 4 vehicles share the same fundamental structure (aka, same platform) and key body components? When I googled, the world renounced LandCruiser Prado is not sold in US. But here, we have GX460 instead. And Lexus GX460 is in fact Toyota LandCruiser Prado. Is this true? Does it also mean 4Runner is also related to LandCruiser Prado? I am interested in the AWD aspect (and the transfer case) of these vehicles. It is also interesting to know the last model update of 4Runner, LandCruiser & GX460 were way back in 2008(?) and rumor has it, they all are going to have a mild model refresh in 2021(2022?). This leads me to think these vehicles are all the same other than the sheet metal and shapes.
Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk overall under-chassis suspension there basically similar you can look it up on 4Runner, LC Prado forums alot of stuff in common.
4 Runner shares the same frame as Land-cruiser Prado 150 and GX 460. All are well made and extremely reliable. If you notice the rear door on the GX even opens from the drivers side instead of passenger side. Prado was deigned for Asia/Europe market and is a right hand drive model.
Just watched your video and it’s interesting to me as to why they wouldn’t let you video makes me wonder what they’re hiding,as transparent as they say they are.
Sadly, nothing. I talked with the chief engineer about this while over in Japan a few months ago. Just not a lot of energy behind redesigning it right now IMO. There is a long interview with him on this channel. Grab a beer, pop some popcorn and enjoy! LOL. There is a time card on the intro of this video so you can skip around: th-cam.com/video/YppBqPCbwqc/w-d-xo.html
regi mathew Rumors are that production of the 4-Runner for sale in the US market will be moving to the US from Japan. I would guess Toyota is holding off on a redesign until that happens.
Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk lol 😂 but I think ur the first person u did go to Japan to take at least the pics of it coz I literally searched the you tube to find out the production of the 4 runner . Thanks for the info good review 👍🏻
@@Pickuptrucktalk Considering the fact TMC is building a body-on-frame plant for the Tacoma in Mexico, there is a chance the new 4runner could be built there.
What was your total time spent inside the manufacturing plant? Did you notice anything that was totally different than US manufacturing plants?(other than the final inspection people)
About two hours. I noticed a few differences - the organization of the factory was better than I've seen in older GM plants, the lack of ear plugs for the workers was interesting, the amount of space was larger than you would have thought for a reclaimed piece of property. The assembly process is damn near identical to San Antonio. It is really all about that final Japan inspection that separates the two plants IMO.
Doug Kreutzer Coming from a former employer of a Japanese owned supplier to Toyota, it's mindset (way of life). For the Japanese, their job is priority number one in their lives, even to family. I have witnessed Japanese engineers working 16-18 hour shifts to fix various problem out on the factory floor, whereas their American counterparts went home after a 10-12 hour shift. They eat, breathe, live and sleep their job. I was told to be unemployed in Japanese culture is to be the equivalent of a scum. They have zero empathy for those who don't devote their life to their job in Japanese culture.
@@lawnguy3267 The Japanese work hard, thats right. But that is not "job for money" Many Japanese are working hard for something more than money ... maybe self-esteem or something like that (sorry, English is not my first language, cant find a suitable word). I bet youve not been to Japan, not seen real Japanese lives.
Wuaww, gracias por el video, sabias que en Colombia somos amantes a los Vehículos Toyota? espero que puedas investigar nuestra historia con Toyota aquí, seria muy interesante, es por nuestra geografía que necesitamos este tipo de Suv´s y Pick Up´s y por otras cosas... Bye!
I don’t know really. This was a special trip I coordinated with the global Toyota PR team. None of them had ever been to the plant before. I don’t think they typically give tours.
You look at video of an American Car Mfgr Plant and you see some bored looking dude slouched over wearing a Nascar t shirt talking to another employee just looking miserable and distracted. And they wear no job uniform just street clothes.....
Union goons make US cars. No care, no loyalty to the product or the job..Loyalty is to the union and the pay check. No wonder US made vehicles and most other US made products are inferior.
I own a 2016 Toyota 4runner and No video exists like this about the 4runner assembly. very interesting. You have found a white space in Pickup/SUV information on youtube. Keep up the good work. Your videos are interesting/insightful. and very well thought out. I hope your Channel gets the viewers it deserves. If you come across any Future Toyota 4runner/tundra information please pass it on. Also no one has seen the updated infotainment system in the 2020 Toyota 4runner yet. I'm wondering along with all the other 4runner owners how they got a bigger screen into the 4runner. Thanks for your channel!
I work at a Toyota plant. And while I'm not positive what happens at the end of the line, the quality that comes out of my area (paint) is definitely questionable. I see defects all the time. Most are stamped and sent to assembly anyway.
@@Pickuptrucktalk somebody told me they work for Toyota and he said in 2 years time they are releasing a diesel tundra, that will come with two engine options and the Tacoma will have a v6...that's what I was told so...
I have just bought (5-14-22) a 2022 4RUNNER and the only reason I didn't buy the 4 Door truck is the 4Runner is Made in Japan. As a proud American it makes me sick that I do not trust USA workers to build a solid product.
Very interesting facts about final inspection and that every Lexus gets driven and every fifth 4Runner. I wonder if final inspection is the same with other models at other plants in japan.
Wasabito Burrion Yes, they do a final inspection on the line as well. The only difference on paper is the Japanese inspectors are certified. Some people believe the Japanese are better inspectors and they assembly line workers pay more attention to quality. It is an interesting argument with no way to prove one way or another.
@@Pickuptrucktalk Proof?? Are you kidding? The simple proof is in resale value and dealer repairs. You can check which vehicles are good or bad at Edmonds.com or Consumer Reports. I always to my homework before I drop 30K+ in a vehicle.
Don't forget to check out our interview with Toyota truck's chief engineer Mike Sweers from Japan as well. th-cam.com/video/YppBqPCbwqc/w-d-xo.html
INcredible vid! Thanks! This makes the 4runner waaaaay more valuable than other toyotas...incl the Tacoma and Sequoia and other suvs non land cruiser.
Thanks.
Noticed one different between USA and Japan plant. The worker in japan are slim!
Proud to be Japanese American and proud to own a Toyota 4Runner 🇯🇵🇺🇸
That’s a great combination! That vehicle is made with such integrity. Americans don’t want to take care of their cars anymore so they buy junk. In a dry state the 4Runner can last a lifetime.
I had 4Runner for 11 years and I didn't have a single issue with it. Hats off to the Tahara plant.
I love the 4Runner. One of the few affordable SUVs still built on a bonafide truck frame, not on a lame ass front wheel drive crossover frame. And still Japanese built. The Tahara Plant is one of those factories where the workers start the day off with physical exercises to get everyone motivated. They've definitely got their shit together over there.
Agree everything except for the affordable part 😅
The highest quality car plant in the world.
Mercedes Benz Sindelfingen is better
Sindelfingen? Not even close. Tahara has won more platinum awards than any auto plant in the world. The fact that the average S class falls apart and depreciates like a lead balloon after a few years is testament to their horrible quality. Mercedes lost their way after W124 & W 140 era of cars and never recovered.😢
Nobody has better production quality than Tahara.
@@marcelpatel9017 Japanese culture already shows when you see how clean they keep their cities too
4runners & Land cruiser are the way to go.if I want to drive Japanese vehicles I want it to be made in Japan and nowhere else
I wish like hell the 4runner would come back to Australia. I still have my 1992 V6 4runner but have done an engine upgrade and installed the quad cam Lexus 4.2 litre V8 which makes the vehicle a pleasure to drive and more economical then the V6. Its unbreakable and still going string
I agree 100% . In my country Japanese Suzukis are sold along Indian Suzukis and no one has a clue of the HUGE differences in safety between them.
Same here. I'm sure made in Georgetown, Kentucky is also good, but not quite the same as a genuine Japanese built model. This also goes for Volkswagen and BMW. I don't mind supporting American jobs........Chattanooga, TN and Spartanburg, SC......it's just a German brand car is best built in a German factory like Wolfsburg or Nuremburg.
Gay
@@steinwaygrande9736 yall got the 70 series LC though, its just as good if not better
When something is made in Japan, that something is THE very highest quality possible. NOBODY builds things like Japan. TOYOTA is just the finest example of that fact. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Japan.
Totally agree. Impressive work ethic and pride.
Land Cruiser, king of all SUV’s.
King of the most boring SUV's
@Jack Z Every few months a TH-cam comment makes me literally LOL.
Nah, 4Runner is better at offroading
I own a 4runner but my next vechile will be the glorious land cruiser
@@fredbrackely Maybe so, but it will outlast many.
Worked at the gm plant for years. When a flaw happens, “JUST ROLL IT THROUGH!” In the USA it’s all just sales numbers now and how much they can push out. Once upon a time it wasn’t like that at all. It’s nice to see Japan actually put quality control in their vehicles.
Hence the 8L90 transmission
For some reason I love the fact that these are still imported from Japan. Really gives it a nice "cool factor" along side being just an awesome SUV. Love my 19 T4R TDR OR!
Could not agree more.I have an 03 4x4 v8 sr5.200k. 1.5.lift factory 265/70/16.all.terrain..pull boat and toys with NO issues,just brakes and tires.Wife has 2015.trail edition all stock they are loved members of our family.
I have owned three runners with today having a new 23 off road.. No other everyday truck can match its build quality and give you the reliability consistency.. you have to own one to really appreciate what it brings to the table….
My 92 Lexus ES300 is made in Japan and still running strong. It also came with manual transmission, its a keeper. Never had issues and can barely hear it running. Thank you Japan.
Proud owner of 2019 4runner SR5 4WD here. I love it.
I had read that the 4Runner was made only in Japan. Now I know where and how. Thank You.
If Toyota made the 4 Runner in America, the quality would be just average
@@wasabitoburrion4409 Highlander is made in US, Sequoia as well.If workers take pride in what they build, it will show.
toyoscio
Yeah but neither of those vehicles are as well built as the 4Runner, Fortuner or other Japanese made vehicles.
I've had 3 4runners and none disappointed me. 4Runner truck is one fine tune automobile.
Great!!! I've been wanting to see that plant for years. My 2011 Toyota 4Runner IS the best vehicle I've ever owned. My first Toyota was a early 70s Corona with the four headlights. I'm 70 years old and I've owned and driven a lot of vehicles in my time. Keep up the great work! Thank you.
5 years later, this video helped me buy a 2024 TRD Off Road Runner. 😊
I drive a 2003 4Runner SR5 V8 that’s been in the family since it was brand new. Had to go look in the glove box, but the little point of origin sticker that my Grama hung onto states “Final Assembly Point: Tahara Atsumi Aichi, Japan”.
Pretty neat to know my almost 300k mile truck was put together in this facility and road tested by dedicated workers before being shipped to Carson City, Nevada ❤
4runner, Land Cruiser Factory in Busan
...😂👍
Excellent tour. This is why when I drop money on a new vehicle, I give it to Toyota.......
My 2013 4Runner still going strong w/ 37K miles, Japan Quality is awesome!
I was sold when I saw the 100% made and assembled in Japan sticker on my 2019 4runner
Frank Crooker
Lmao ok triggered boomer
Maybe if the US started making decent cars we’d start buying them.
Frank Crooker How did you make that connection? Anti-American-assembled vehicles is not the same as anti-American. Take it easy. Actually I had the same sentiments as fitfad. It’s a huge bonus that 4runners are assembled in what is known as the most advanced auto factory in the world. Right alongside Lexuses and Land Cruisers.
Frank Crooker love my country 🇺🇸 but the big 3 will never make quality vehicles like the ones built in Japan. That’s just a fact
I'm on my 5th 4Runner... 3 generations 3-5... My current keeper is a 2005 Sport V8 with 250k miles... Love them & will probably always own one of some sorts.
The greatest company in the world, and the greatest manufacturing country in the world.
I only buy Toyotas built in Japan 🗾. Quality is truly job #1👍😊
I just bought a 2020 Toyota 4Runner limited… It’s so nice I’m almost afraid to drive it!
Very nice video, thank you. I have owned land cruisers, gx460s and one prado. All great vehicles, was always interested in seeing their point of origin.
The GX series is a Prato dude, so I guess you could say you’ve owned a few Prados.
I have a 2009 Tacoma, its absolutely amazing off road and I plan on keeping it until it dies which wont be for another couple hundred thousand miles. Cant wait to get a 4 runner or Tundra. Toyota and Japan is the best quality period.
This was awesome! Thanks for doing this. 4Runner remains my dream machine, but alas, needs to be better on fuel at this point. I can totally relate about the travel distance in Japan. I worked in a factory near Tokyo, travelling back and forth over a period of three years from Canada. Mid way through our production, we had an issue with a raw material supply from a sub supplier, in Kyoto. Myself and a quality team member decided to drive the 6 hrs from Yokohama to make an inspection. Well, the factory team and management could simply not comprehend that we would drive that far. We were like heros and gods... just for a few days. We rented their Sienna style minivan, the Toyota Alphard (which became the El-fart), made the return trip and did the factory audit ... legends. We were told you simply do not do long drives like that in Japan! From my experience, though it was a non-toyota factory (and not vehicle related), was that the Japanese operators may not necessarily be more skilled, but rather typically they seem to take a higher level of pride and ownership in their work than we North Americans at time might. Not just a job, but their work task is a reflection on them as a person, and a poor job done is their honour impacted. This is a broad generalization of course. But, work is life for a lot of the guys I knew. This is seen at every level; for example, it's not unusual to see taxi drivers, when stopped, out polishing every inch of their cars to ensure the best reflection of themselves in their job.
My 94 Toyota V6 extra cab truck was made in Japan, probably this plant, absolutely no problems with it from factory workmanship.
I love my 2019 4Runner Limited in Blizzard Pearl with Redwood interior. Very nice!
Had no idea my new lexus IS was actually test driven in Japan! Wow, what a journey from Tahara to Colorado. Great video!
It’s why I love my 4th Gen 4Runner and my 2Gen Lexus GS430 both proudly made from that famous Tahara plant. The LS, GS are also assembled there as well. There’s a night a day difference I’m sorry to say the way Japanese assembled Toyota’s are versus US ones.
The 4th gen in my opinion has better quality materials than the 5th gen 4Runner. But the none the less both vehicles are reliable and quality vehicles.
You think so ? I have a tundra which was built in Texas and I never had any issues. Still going strong with close to 200k miles on it.
Amir there’s no debating on overall powertrain of Toyota’s they’ve always been tried and true. It’s more of interior overall fit and finish. I had a Highlander once that was US made and materials just wasn’t as detailed and put together as the Japanese ones its little details that makes a difference on Japanese assembled Toyota/Lexus vs US ones.
I'd be more concerned about the quality of the parts and the subcontractors for those parts. Toyota has definitely cheapened out their vehicles since the late 90s.
@@MrAnonymousRandom How so?
Nice video! Japan is definitely marvelous country.
Excellent video. First look I've seen so far on the Internet into the 4Runner manufacturing plant. Good work!
Thanks!
Proud 2019 4Runner TRD Pro owner, window sticker says this was the birth place of my baby
I love my 4th gen 4Runner!
My old 1980 FJ-40 Land Cruiser also came from Japan.Top notch quality, something that the big three have'nt learn yet!!!
Even Japanese big 3 are now big 3 quality problems on their North American built products.
@@wasabitoburrion4409 Hmm, you should get your facs right before editing wrongfull comments!
Sorry Phill, what I actually meant to say was that, in North American built quality doesn’t quite match up with its Japanese built quality.
Editing error again
@@wasabitoburrion4409 And you are so damn right! The only reliable vehicle that i would buy from the big three, is the Jeep Wrangler or Rubicon with their V6 Pentastar. For now my budget only permit me to buy a Toyota Corolla (Canadian model).
I dont care if they are expensive or not
As long as its being built by Japanese people
Its the best
what a brilliant production set up, probably smartest on the planet, thanks for the tour! no wonder Runner and Cruiser are bulletproof...
Now that was pretty cool to see! To build the facility like that right there with the loading dock right there on site 👍 good video
I'm excited. I'm waiting for my 19 4runner super white. It arrived in USA on Feb 9th!
I cant wait to pick it up on the 18th and ask what plant it was assembled in!
It's ready! 6pm I pick it up!so stoked!
@Y Marina all I care about is WHERE it will take me! I'm satisfied
Gerad Berish congratulations. Great vehicle,love my 2014 trail.
You will love it. Just got a 19 4RUNNER TRD.
Toyota #1
At 4:05 you can clearly see the 4runner Gx and land cruiser prado all share the same platform.
4Runner is a well built SUV
The 5th gen 4 runner is mechanical perfection ! 6 th gen dropped the ball !
awesome and very interesting, that was interesting to learn that every lexus gets test driven but only 1 in 5 toyotas get test driven. its still better than other than other manufacturing plants lol
Had a 1999 4runner Limited V6 4WD rust bucket
Then I had a 1998 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD. Decent truck.
Now I have a 2005 4runner Limited V8 4WD. Very awesome and super fast.
The Hilux Surf in the same generation doesn't have the 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8. Don't I feel special. 🤘🏼
Awesome video! Thanks!
Awesome! Proud my 2019 4 Runner limited was built there. We love it!
I love my toyota 4 runner 🏃♂️
I've been wanting to see this for years
Nice
I love my 2018 4Runner SR5P. Thanks for the great informative video
Mine is magnetic grey
Sold a 2002 Sequoia Limited with 112K miles and currently own a 1997 4Runner Limited 230K miles, 2012 GX460 142k miles, 2013 Highlander Hybrid Limited 145k miles, and a 2018 LX570 9,000 miles. I've seen how Toyotas are abused overseas in developing countries and they just keep working with minimal maintenance. Toyotas and Lexus' Stateside are pampered compared to how they are driven overseas. Thank You for this video! Maybe a US tour of Indiana and Texas plants would be in order?
Neat video, I knew the USDM 4Runner was made in Japan. What I didn't know is that its made in the same plant/assembly line as the big daddy $85,000 200 series Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser 200 is Toyota's flagship, their best made, most durable truck they make, designed for a 500,000 mile/20 year lifespan. Glad to know that the same people screw together your $40,000 4Runner.
Also this plant should undergo a HUGE retooling late this year or next year. New king daddy Land Cruiser is coming. Kind of wondering if we will get a new Prado/Lexus GX and 4Runner at the same time(Prado/Lexus GX is the same truck, 4 Runner is the same platform but smaller)
Thanks!
Nice review of the Tahara Assembly Plant. I would love to tour this plant. How to get access to tour this legendary plant?
Lexus GX 460 - the most versatile SUV
I tow a landscaping trailer with it then throw on my suit to eat caviar off 1000 dollar prostitutes chest while power trading stocks in my portfolio
@@7428marcus haha now that’s the proper way to use a GX. I really like my 22 GX460…the thing is a TANK!
I'm thinking about buying a Lexus IS (3rd gen, or 4th gen) and it's made at the Tahara plant! If I do, I hope to visit this plant one day for a tour and see how the cars are made. I could literally spend all day in such a plant and never get bored.
It is a REALLY cool plant facility. Just takes you a hell of a plane ride and car trip to get there!
@@Pickuptrucktalk Yeah, I plan to visit Japan for at least a week so I don't feel like I have to be rushed to go everywhere. Do you just contact the plant via email or something to let them know you are interested in a tour?
elusivellama not sure if they give public tours. I worked through the company’s PR team.
Thank you
I own a 2010 4 Runner cool to know where it's built , interesting I was in the USMC stationed at Okinawa in 1959 35mm cameras were selling for $ 35 complete Ham radio set $ 50 many Japanese bargains that were quality and innovative . In the 1990's I sold Japanese transistors to both commercial and military marketplace the Japanese top mounted circuit board stuff were 7 years ahead of anything we produced and had a waiting list of 2 years now that's innovation !
1. Thank you for your service. 2. Thanks for sharing. Crazy how different things were back then!
Thank you Sir for your response
Bob Scruggs no. Thank you for commenting!
Japanese people most intelligent in the world
Excellent educational videos about 4Runners, Toyota trucks and Lexus manufacturing from scratch to excellence in quality and engineering. Thanks a lot.
Sincerely Babur Ejaz
Good am sir. May i ask how I can book a tour there (Toyota Tahara ASSEMBLY PLANT) ? Thank you.
They don't offer public tours.
One of the major selling points for me when I was buying a 4Runner was that it was made in Japan. I've had too much trouble with vehicles produced in the US and Mexico. Our automotive industry, in my opinion, has gotten too lax. You look at our assembly lines, and they're full of out-of-shape people with unkempt appearances, wearing various different outfits. I know it might sound authoritarian, but I think that that lack of uniformity, lack of grooming standards, etc.. is what fosters a culture of shoddy workmanship in our production facilities.
If we implemented required uniforms, required grooming standards, and fostered a culture of precision and professionalism within our assembly plants, we could rival the Germans and Japanese in build quality. But we won't.
When it comes to longevity and reliability, German made cars are absolute garbage.
That is really strange that some of the best buit vehicles come from a country that has none of the natural resources to build anything!!?
Another reason why Toyota is big on Hydrogen. They could finally have a locally produced energy source.
Not sure what natural resources have to do with assembling a car but ok
@ Just think it is interesting that's all.
@Sean DeLong The most important thing is the human resource. The Japanese have real craftsmanship. You have to study history some more, son.
Russia have all resources and can't build high-quality SUV...last 100 years...lol
Click bait. Doesn't show any video of actual inside of the plant.
Thank you. That was interesting.
Fascinating.
Tahara, where my 2006 prado was made, as well as other great Toyota's.
Always wanted a 4runner but can't afford one,,Very Nice SUV.
There's a reason for that LOL
Any FJ cruiser? In South America they still selling brand new ones, why the USA not?
subbed..I love knowing how my stuff is designed and built.
Same. I'm hoping to do more videos like this.
@4:10, the models produced at this site are 4Runners, LandCruiser Prado, GX460 & LandCruiser. The fact that these vehicles are manufactured at the same location, does this means these 4 vehicles share the same fundamental structure (aka, same platform) and key body components?
When I googled, the world renounced LandCruiser Prado is not sold in US. But here, we have GX460 instead. And Lexus GX460 is in fact Toyota LandCruiser Prado. Is this true?
Does it also mean 4Runner is also related to LandCruiser Prado?
I am interested in the AWD aspect (and the transfer case) of these vehicles.
It is also interesting to know the last model update of 4Runner, LandCruiser & GX460 were way back in 2008(?) and rumor has it, they all are going to have a mild model refresh in 2021(2022?). This leads me to think these vehicles are all the same other than the sheet metal and shapes.
Sorcerer Stone 4Runner and GX460 are LC Praudo based
Similar platform and they share some parts yes. How similar? I’m not really sure.
Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk overall under-chassis suspension there basically similar you can look it up on 4Runner, LC Prado forums alot of stuff in common.
Rain Santiago makes complete sense.
4 Runner shares the same frame as Land-cruiser Prado 150 and GX 460. All are well made and extremely reliable.
If you notice the rear door on the GX even opens from the drivers side instead of passenger side. Prado was deigned for Asia/Europe market and is a right hand drive model.
9:40 Interesting looking bridge.
Just watched your video and it’s interesting to me as to why they wouldn’t let you video makes me wonder what they’re hiding,as transparent as they say they are.
Japanese people dont car how the massproduction is they dont care hiw the car looks but they are 100% into quality
Andre Erik Höglund this is very true, take jeep wranglers for example, they are mass produced but look at the reliability 👎👎
2007 gs450h still on the road. Made in Tahara plant
Honor still exists in Japanese culture. I pray to God they stay homogeneous.
I wonder if the Lexus GX is built here as well?
Yup. Built in Tahara.
Any worker can stop the assembly process at anytime for quality control
Any updates on redesigning the 4 runner 🧐
Sadly, nothing. I talked with the chief engineer about this while over in Japan a few months ago. Just not a lot of energy behind redesigning it right now IMO. There is a long interview with him on this channel. Grab a beer, pop some popcorn and enjoy! LOL. There is a time card on the intro of this video so you can skip around: th-cam.com/video/YppBqPCbwqc/w-d-xo.html
regi mathew Rumors are that production of the 4-Runner for sale in the US market will be moving to the US from Japan. I would guess Toyota is holding off on a redesign until that happens.
Lon Moer I wrote that rumor and did a video on it. 😂
th-cam.com/video/gpxEzfzLPsA/w-d-xo.html
Pickup Truck Plus SUV Talk lol 😂 but I think ur the first person u did go to Japan to take at least the pics of it coz I literally searched the you tube to find out the production of the 4 runner . Thanks for the info good review 👍🏻
@@Pickuptrucktalk Considering the fact TMC is building a body-on-frame plant for the Tacoma in Mexico, there is a chance the new 4runner could be built there.
Question, if japan had a nuclear meltdown how radioactive are the products coming from there.
4Runner is a real 🚙
What was your total time spent inside the manufacturing plant? Did you notice anything that was totally different than US manufacturing plants?(other than the final inspection people)
About two hours. I noticed a few differences - the organization of the factory was better than I've seen in older GM plants, the lack of ear plugs for the workers was interesting, the amount of space was larger than you would have thought for a reclaimed piece of property. The assembly process is damn near identical to San Antonio. It is really all about that final Japan inspection that separates the two plants IMO.
Well, what I recall from my tour of San Antonio a few years ago. I wish I would have filmed that, so I could have looked back and compared them.
Doug Kreutzer Coming from a former employer of a Japanese owned supplier to Toyota, it's mindset (way of life). For the Japanese, their job is priority number one in their lives, even to family. I have witnessed Japanese engineers working 16-18 hour shifts to fix various problem out on the factory floor, whereas their American counterparts went home after a 10-12 hour shift. They eat, breathe, live and sleep their job. I was told to be unemployed in Japanese culture is to be the equivalent of a scum. They have zero empathy for those who don't devote their life to their job in Japanese culture.
@@lawnguy3267 The Japanese work hard, thats right. But that is not "job for money" Many Japanese are working hard for something more than money ... maybe self-esteem or something like that (sorry, English is not my first language, cant find a suitable word).
I bet youve not been to Japan, not seen real Japanese lives.
@@oirarnoknutgib I would say they have personal pride and satisfaction in what they build.
Let’s try it again: Toyota’s North American built quality doesn’t quite match up well with its Japanese built quality.
I wish the next gen Fortuner and Hilux will be built in Japan
Wuaww, gracias por el video, sabias que en Colombia somos amantes a los Vehículos Toyota? espero que puedas investigar nuestra historia con Toyota aquí, seria muy interesante, es por nuestra geografía que necesitamos este tipo de Suv´s y Pick Up´s y por otras cosas... Bye!
Why these cars doesn't sell in Japan?
Way too big. Japan has small roads.
@@Pickuptrucktalk There are some car dealers in Japan that sell big Japanese cars.
DuranGan you are correct. I saw them when I was outside if Tokyo. No idea where people actually drive them in Japan.
@@Pickuptrucktalk but not officially
How can i get a tour of the plant. Whats the requirements
I don’t know really. This was a special trip I coordinated with the global Toyota PR team. None of them had ever been to the plant before. I don’t think they typically give tours.
I am big fan Toyota 4runner 👍 ❤️
I got one of those.
You look at video of an American Car Mfgr Plant and you see some bored looking dude slouched over wearing a Nascar t shirt talking to another employee just looking miserable and distracted. And they wear no job uniform just street clothes.....
Thank goodness they’re still made in nippon
Union goons make US cars. No care, no loyalty to the product or the job..Loyalty is to the union and the pay check. No wonder US made vehicles and most other US made products are inferior.
Toyota can build decent cars in America though. Camry, Tacoma, etc. They build the Hilux Trucks in Thailand and the Australians seem to love them.
I wonder if my 4Runner was test driven? I hope so.
I own a 2016 Toyota 4runner and No video exists like this about the 4runner assembly. very interesting. You have found a white space in Pickup/SUV information on youtube. Keep up the good work. Your videos are interesting/insightful. and very well thought out. I hope your Channel gets the viewers it deserves. If you come across any Future Toyota 4runner/tundra information please pass it on. Also no one has seen the updated infotainment system in the 2020 Toyota 4runner yet. I'm wondering along with all the other 4runner owners how they got a bigger screen into the 4runner. Thanks for your channel!
Thank you!
I would like to contact the factory directly to find out when the 2022 4Runner will be or is in production. Can you provide contact information?
Sorry, I have no factory contact.
I work at a Toyota plant. And while I'm not positive what happens at the end of the line, the quality that comes out of my area (paint) is definitely questionable. I see defects all the time. Most are stamped and sent to assembly anyway.
Tell Mike sweers I can't wait for the diesel tundra in 2 years..I'm excited
What diesel?
@@Pickuptrucktalk somebody told me they work for Toyota and he said in 2 years time they are releasing a diesel tundra, that will come with two engine options and the Tacoma will have a v6...that's what I was told so...
So they built my 2019 4Runner ?
Yes.
I have just bought (5-14-22) a 2022 4RUNNER and the only reason I didn't buy the 4 Door truck is the 4Runner is Made in Japan. As a proud American it makes me sick that I do not trust USA workers to build a solid product.
Very interesting facts about final inspection and that every Lexus gets driven and every fifth 4Runner.
I wonder if final inspection is the same with other models at other plants in japan.
I think it would be the same inspection elsewhere in Japan since it is regulated by the government.
Does Toyota do the same final inspection in their North American built products?
Wasabito Burrion Yes, they do a final inspection on the line as well. The only difference on paper is the Japanese inspectors are certified. Some people believe the Japanese are better inspectors and they assembly line workers pay more attention to quality. It is an interesting argument with no way to prove one way or another.
@@Pickuptrucktalk Proof?? Are you kidding? The simple proof is in resale value and dealer repairs. You can check which vehicles are good or bad at Edmonds.com or Consumer Reports. I always to my homework before I drop 30K+ in a vehicle.
@@16B9 That's not what I'm saying. I'm saying making an argument comparing final-line inspectors from different companies. That is a tough one.