Toyota FJ Cruiser
We've been holding off on writing about the FJ Cruiser until we test drove one, but it seems they're sold out at every Toyota dealer nearby. So, we're just going to highlight it here before it becomes really old news. The FJ Cruiser (starting at $21,700) is one of the few SUVs with a suspension and frame system that was actually created for real off-road use. Combine that with a spectacularly progressive design that looks nearly identical to the original concept, and you've got the coolest thing on four wheels that isn't afraid of a little dirt.
Bill: I bought the FJ back on March 30th, right after it came out. Those first couple weeks, I believe, will be as close to a rock star as I ever will get. People gawking on the road. Pounding on my window when I park. Asking a lot of questions.
The car itself is great. Fun to drive, good power, comfortable for my 6'3" self. While the back seats are comfortable, they are a little tricky to get in and out of, so I would say no to a this being a family vehicle. It does the deal as a SUV.
Check out this video of Bill tearing it up in his FJ at Sand Lake Oregon. The video even has a rockin' Gnarls Barkley soundtrack.
Lex: Great vehicle, but i was put off by the fact that the dealers are marking them up. Tell your readers that the lowest price I've found so far was $35K, a far cry from the $21K they advertise.
Fred: The visibility is lousy. I din't buy one because I couldn't see out of it — not only rear blind spots, but also front and sides, because the door panels and dash are too high. It looks awesome, and looks great on showroom and trade show floors, but just isn't practical to drive. The rear seat access is a problem as well, with the ridiculous half door.
Jay: The FJ rocks. My boyfriend bought one, and it's a neat car. I do find it difficult to check my blind spot, and also the window in the back is a bit small, but I'm sure people can get used to that. The MPG is also pretty decent on the car (considering it's an SUV). We plan on doing some off-roading with it.
Thai: The FJ cruiser styling wise, is fantastic. Its rugged good looks, make it a very striking SUV, one that gets a lot of looks and questions. I myself approached an owner, and while talking with him, his wife, jokingly, offered me a tour (of the vehicle of course) for 20 bucks. She stated that everyone has been coming up to him asking about it. Of course, his was the rather loud yellow they offer, so I can imagine the attention he must get.
That lead me to the dealership where I was given a chance to test drive the popular little SUV. I use the term "little" loosely, because it is a mid-sized SUV, and with 239 horses under the hood it carries its weight very well. The ride is very truck like, but well mannered for having the abilities it boasts off-road. Acceleration up hill was a breeze, and body roll was not an issue rounding corners, of course its not an F1 car, but definitely not the rollie pollie SUV that we as Americans are use to.
The interior is very well made in Toyota quality, and the SUV is 100% made in Japan. Not that I don't trust US made cars (I owned a Jeep a few years back), but there is a level of craftsmanship that US made cars have not yet achieved. Unfortunately, I did not get the chance to take this beast off-road where it is getting incredible reviews. But I can see how the nice ground clearance, and big fatty tires would allow you to do many things with it off the beaten path. The engine is a 4 litre V6 with the variable timing that was made so popular by Honda/Acura 10 years back or so. It sits in a huge Engine bay and everything is reachable for service, making it easy to work on. The oil filter is right on top and can be changed by your 5 year old son if needed. The lists of options include everything from a 400 watt (subbed) stereo to rock rails for when you go rock crawling. Its offered in a 5 speed auto or a 6 speed manny, and comes in 5 different colors. Currently dealerships are selling at sticker with no discount, and some are even marking the truck up a few grand (booo).
The few pitfalls I noticed, as I began to look to my blindspot for cars during the test drive I did notice that the ease of driving this car during traffic was not at its optimal range. And with its Commando-ish windshield it made things look cropped, and made you feel like you were in a armored para-military gun cruiser from WW2 (zek hiel?). I would have to say that you have to be a very good driver to get this thing from A to B on a daily basis without being honked at once or twice. The rear seating is tight as well, but smaller friends can still sit comfortably without complaints, bigger friends can get their own.
Overall the SUV is very attractive, appeals to both older and younger buyers because of its modern styling and off road heritage. I'm sure Toyota will be selling them like hotcakes during breakfast hours. They have me as a customer based on two test drives and my wish to be out in the woods and mountains more. I can't wait for mine to show up in the port of LA, so I can finally get it dirty.
Dan: I've had the FJ for a month now. My only complaint... it sucks gas... Premium gas. But that complaint is far overshadowed by my adoration for the vehicle. My other ride is a 2002 WRX Wagon...modified. The FJ is WAY MORE FUN to drive. I bought it with the special 12 spoke alloy/chrome wheels that are fitted with Pirelli Scorpions. I also opted for the leather (some dealers won't offer this, I hear) and an additional parking sensors for the front of the vehicle.
I must say, I'm a speed freak and I feel more secure taking an on-ramp @ 60MPH in the FJ than the Sooby wagon (w/Perrin anti-sway bars). The car "seems" to roll but it's actually YOU swimming in the seats and not the FJ rolling. Ride comfort is pretty good. Better than my Scooby with 115x45x17s, of course.
With the advent of Toyota entering NASCAR, they are working on a supercharger for the 4liter/6. On a prototype X-Runner, it gingerly squeezes out 400+ horses. It will be available soon to 4liter/6 ownwers. Yikes! That'll quench my hunger for speed. I just might say bye bye to the Scooby wagon.
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