Test drove an FJ Cruiser today.

Elwood 2000 · December 8, 2006

I have seen these in magazines before and thought they were pretty neat. I had time today and at the new huge "Toyota Palace" that was just built, no one (seriously, NO ONE was there for the hour that I was there) was around, so I looked one over and took a test drive.

Personally, the looks I feel are a "love it or hate it" kinda thing and I love it. It is definately different. The drive and ride is excellent as is the power from the 24v, V6 engine. Leg room is a bit shorter than what I am used to in my Silverado, but it is a smaller vehicle as well. Back seat leg room is decent, a bit more than what is in an extended cab Silverado and storage room behind the rear seats is plenty. The floors and back of the fold down rear seat are a hard rubbery-plastic material, the seats are a comfortable cloth that are supposed to be water-proof. The dash and center stack layout is very simple and functional while being attractive. The entire interior has a very modern "industrial" type of look. The supposed Off Road ability is supposed to rival that of a Jeep Wrangler with the Rubicon Package. It has ABS, Stability control that can be turned off for off road, plenty of air bags and completely loaded is priced at right at $30k with less equiped models at around $26k.

All in all, I really liked it. While I have not driven an H3, I do hear complaints about it being short on power. Other than that, people seem to like it as well. Is Toyota going to put a dent in Jeep and H3 sales with this vehicle? It seems to do very well in town, on the highway and off road, something that not every vehicle can do very well.

Also, is there really enough market for an "out of the box" type of off road machine?

No flames please, just good discussion. I want your thoughts.

M J · December 8, 2006

ive heard those things get crappy gas milage, do they make it with a v8? that would explain that.

but i think they loook odd, but i gues thats half the appeal.

speaking of the H3, i am not a fan on the fender flares on the wheel wells.

Elwood 2000 · December 8, 2006

Only the V-6. The sticker on the window says 16 city and 19 highway. Comparable to the Jeep and probly not too bad considering it is about as aerodynamic as a brick in the wind, just like a Jeep and H3.

4doorluv · December 8, 2006

i like the 6 speed i test drove one and was doin bout 85 in third on an on ramp, i made a black sales man turn real white lol

Machine · December 8, 2006

They're very popular with the college hotties in Austin. Maybe because of the yellow and odd blue color options? I like the FJ, but not if it's on its way to being classified a "girl " ride like the miatta, lexus RX and SC, bug and cabrio, boxter, and Hummer 3, etc. Labeling and female popularity may be different in your area, though.

General Lee 01 · December 8, 2006

I kinda like the FJs... But I like the H3s better. Given the choice between the 2 I'd take the H3. I don't like ANY of the new Jeeps, so they're out of my equation.

Will the FJ be Toyota's proverbial "sledghammer" to dent up the sales from Jeep or the H3? Who knows?

I do get the impression though that if cars could talk the FJ Cruiser would say "Sure I have 4 Wheel drive, But don't expect to get anywhere too far off the road without problems with me.".

Import Hater · December 8, 2006

I really like the FJ. Only in the Blue/White though. Supposedly there is an all black special edition version, but I haven't seen it yet. I dig the whole retro look. And the starting price in the low 20's or just over $30k for full up is very nice. A fully dressed H3 is around $10k more.

The Toyota, without having driven either, I'm sure has more grunt than the H3. If GM would just stop clinging to the ridiculous marketing that 20mpg on the highway is something to be proud of and just put a bigger engine (like the all aluminum 5.3L) in the H3, I think I'd totally go for it as my next everyday car.

If you go to Hummer's site, you can compare some other SUVs to the H3. And Hummer still wins on the approach angle, and all those other important clearance angles for off road.

From what I've seen, Toyota is selling the FJ like hotcakes. And Hummer is offering discounts to move their stagnant fleet of H3s. If a new Silverado just proves to be too much money, I may lean toward the H3.

Wingnut · December 8, 2006

I love those things.

I'd buy one LONG before I bought an H3, and I like the H3.

ZZebes · December 11, 2006

I read a review on its off road capability and apperantley it did really well off road so who knows, i couldnt fit in one if my life depended on it so none for me.

bdeboer · December 11, 2006

Only the V-6. The sticker on the window says 16 city and 19 highway. Comparable to the Jeep and probly not too bad considering it is about as aerodynamic as a brick in the wind, just like a Jeep and H3.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not trying to flame the FJ, but aren't those worse mileage ratings than the silverado with a V8?

http://www.chevrolet.com/silverado/specifications/

Elwood 2000 · December 11, 2006

They probly are, but they are not very aerodynamic at all. Yes, the front end is rounded a bit, but that windshield stands very tall and upright.

Personally, I think that most aim for high teens and we have to settle for that. In all honesty, I feel that these rigs, (FJ's, Silverados and others like them) should be getting in the mid to upper 20's with todays technology, but that is just my opinion.

bdeboer · December 11, 2006

They probly are, but they are not very aerodynamic at all. Yes, the front end is rounded a bit, but that windshield stands very tall and upright.

Personally, I think that most aim for high teens and we have to settle for that. In all honesty, I feel that these rigs, (FJ's, Silverados and others like them) should be getting in the mid to upper 20's with todays technology, but that is just my opinion.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Maybe the new 6 speed automatic with the displayment on demand will get closer to the mid 20's "if" the conditions are right.

asilverblazer · December 11, 2006

Will the FJ be Toyota's proverbial "sledghammer" to dent up the sales from Jeep or the H3? Who knows?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If I took a crap and stuck a Toyota emblem on it it would sell like hotcakes too.

The only demand for the out-of-the-box-offroaders are for those compensating for something. In most cases Hummers included.

Chestah · December 14, 2006

This guy I know recently bought a Maroon FJ, they seem ok, just not something I would like to drive as a main vehicle.

Giant · December 14, 2006

I hate about everything new!!!! not becasue it doen't look cool, not becasue it doesn't (I'm sure) drive nice, or have nice features, but becasuet pretty much EVERYTHING that I will EVER be able to afford less then 6-10 years old is WAY TOO SMALL!!!

When will these manufacturers come out with an entry level, first time car buyer level car that I can fit in AND afford.

I think manufacturers should give people over 6'4" a discount on trucks and full sized cars. to keep it from being abused they only allow one person to get a discount on one vehicle in one year, unless married where he could get 2.

I think auto makers assume that if you are tall you must be a basketball player and make TONS of money. it would be nice if they would think about the guy that is 7' tall and has no money.

Or better yet, setup cars and trucks to come with a "tall" package, where they can get the seat pushed back, and the roof a bit higher, or more room in the dash, etc...

Now back to why I really wanted to post. the FJ cruiser looks like something I had when I was a kid and it had TONKA stamped on it. Even if I did like it, its too small for me or my wife. I hate shoping for cars anymore.

just a rant... I'll shutup now.