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Comments
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
But, to be fair, it's unlikely FJ would match Rubicon in off-roadidness, since Rubicon has many various parts and enhancements specifically for off-roading. At the same time, if you don't plan on doing mind-boggling rock crawling, which Rubicon is capable of, FJ would probably be more than enough.
One factor is that the FJ and X are IFS and the TK is solid front axle, whic is better for off-roading. For me that's not enough to go with the Jeep, as neither it nor the X can match Toyota's durability. If I ever sell my 4R, I'll have to look at the FJ.
The same goes for FJ. It would go where 4Runner wouldn't, because FJ would have better approach/departure/breakover angles, and a smaller size.
Where it helps driving a bigger vehicle is when you need its ground clearance for crossing streams, or overcoming other obstacles, where ground clearance may be the difference between going forward or turning back.
Overall I like the new version - I think they did a pretty good job staying true to the original, at least in terms of the looks. But are they going to keep that huge grab bar in front of the steering wheel? It looks like something out of the Jetsons!
Sad to see Toyota folks seeking to match off-road capability of a Jeep product. There was a time when no jeep could come close to mathcing an FJ off-road (my flame suit is on!).
Like some others, I'd love to see Toyota bring in their more utilitarian vehicle. I saw some in Africa and they are unstoppable. Will probably never happen unfortunately.
Looking forward to seeing the finished product. Imagine I'll be in one eventually.
I do agree that something very utilitarian would be nice to have, like a truck with no A/C, only a manual tranny, totally removable doors/roof/windshield and priced under 17K. Hmmmmm, sounds like a basic Jeep to me
The LC78 I'm thinking of has a long wheel base (and the snorkel comes standard!).
Toyota Ken
The RAV is the right size for me, but it is just a high-roofed Corolla, so there will not be one in my driveway any time soon.
toyotaken: my bet is that Toyota takes the whole powertrain straight out of the V-6 Tacoma for the FJ. Which is a good thing.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I am guessing the same thing, if for no other reason than cost effectiveness and it's a proven drivetrain at this point. We only have a couple more months to wait before we know for sure though.
Ken
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Ken
"This topic has a lot in common with later posts in the "Hybrids are ugly" thread (early July 05), which ask why manufacturers aren't designing hybrids to target youth markets and first-time buyers.
One of the best examples is the upcoming 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser (non-hybrid, due in early 2006), a "reissue" of the classic off-road vehicle of the 1950s-1980s. In their press release, Toyota clearly states that they're targeting young/first-time buyers who love the outdoors. Yet hybrid technology is not an option and, according to some trades, not planned for the next several years.
Young? Outdoors? No two words scream "hybrid" any louder. The conservation ethic of today's youth dwarfs that of previous generations- especially true when you look at kids who love canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, and on and on. And yet auto makers continue to design and price hybrids for the white collar, over-30 crowd.
I've been on a waiting list for a non-limited Highlander Hybrid for several months, but after an agonizing wait, further research, and some serious soul-searching, I'm moving to Plan B: I can buy a Prius and 2/3 of an FJ Cruiser for the price of one Highlander Hybrid, assuming I can make it till early 2006 without a 4WD. The Prius will be our everyday, around-town vehicle and the FJ will be the "mobile field lab" for my biodiversity consulting work.
It's a disappointing compromise, but until the auto makers see the link between 4WD, outdoors, young buyers, and alternative energy technology, I'll have to settle for one Hybrid and one 20-mpg workhorse."
In other words, I LOVE the FJ concept and can't wait to own one. I just wish they'd make it in a hybrid.
I agree about your statements about who the automakers are pricing the hybrids for. The only reason I haven't looked into one is that I'm still under 30 and none of them are hip enough for me. (does hip still mean what it used to?)
As for RAV4, I've read a review of this car where the automotive journalist said that AWD RAV4 is much tougher off-road than many people think, but Toyota doesn't like to advertise this fact, perhaps in order not to hurt "real" truck sales
Ken
For those of you that can't make it then, I would try and post some photos, but I'm sure EDMUNDS will beat me to it.
I like playing poker and in about 6 months from now, Toyota will have to show us some of its cards... Take care.
I'm sure we'll be seeing more of these and sooner than we expect, but the whole Hybrid craze has taken a VERY conservative company like Toyota by surprise.
Ken
I have my doubts, but even if this is true, the RAV has that pogo stick "sport" suspension - that wouldn't be any fun AT ALL as soon as you got a few yards from the pavement.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
http://www.laautoshow.com/2005/debuts.aspx Maybe they consider last year the debut of it?
fj07: all the details escape me, but I do remember the FJ is supposed to debut at an earlier show, sometime this fall. LA is not until January, right? They are hoping to have them at dealers in February or March. You will also notice a striking DEARTH of Toyota and Honda vehicles on that list - both keep things close to the chest, including models they plan to debut.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
IMHO: Do not put a deposit unless you want to be one of those first few suckers!
Well that's a heckuva way to hold Toyota's feet to the fire......
I can just see the project meetings: "Geez, we better do this right or potential customers will buy one of our other products instead!"
Well they will still sell pleanty of 2 wheel Fj's for the posers but they sure will have a lot of 4x4 TRD package Fj's on the lot. And I can't help it that they did such a kick [non-permissible content removed] job with the Taco!!!
By the way, anybody test drove the new Xterra? Would you ever consider it over the FJ? Toyota typically has the reliability edge, but the engine in the new xterra is no slouch and for better or worse, the vehicle is more conventional looking with 4 real doors etc. than the FJ. I still plan on waiting to see the final FJ product in any event.
But is the Xtera on a frame or is it unibody? Don't know my Nissan's too well, I think the Pathfinders went away from the frame but not sure. No frame would keep me away I think.
The XTerra is the best competition for the FJ, and Toyota should keep it well in mind when setting prices. XTerras with the offroad package get up into the mid to high $20Ks, fairly steep on price. I would expect the FJ to come in lower being only a two-door instead of four, and being a more basic truck. If Toyota prices the FJ the same as the XTerra, it will lose a lot of sales there.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)