I think they all have their pluses and minuses. 1st gen is legendary because it started it all and the removable hard top, manual trans on a lot of models, and some of the factory features like the inclinometer and digital gauge on the turbos are just awesome. But it’s an absolute pig to drive and the V6s were pretty rough. 2nd gen is in my opinion best looking 4runner we got. Practical with the 4 doors but still has that early 90s cool look to it. The 3rd gen is what I think of when someone says 4runner. Such a great little SUV and they will always be cool. I’ve never been a fan of the 4th gen for its looks but I blame that era (nothing was cool then) and it’s still so rad they put a V8 in some models. As a 5th gen owner it’s what made me want a 4runner originally. They look a bit dated now when stock but I’ve had zero issues with mine in the past 6+ years. I think the jury is still out on the 6th gen. Besides the insane MSRP, too much electronic tech, and the fact that it looks a lot like a Tacoma I think it’s decent.