Toyota FJ Cruiser

marketable

Hey what's up! I too am an owner's son....My father owns a Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha motorcycle dealership in San Francisco. Common Bond bro. Do you work at your dad's dealership? Where? Anyways could you send some pictures to my email address of the FJ. I've been waiting for this vehicle since the concept was unveiled in 2003. You would be so awesome if you could....If you need anything in return please let me know.

Ryan
(BTMSKI@aol.com)

fj07

The photos have to uploaded to the internet, I have a website and I can hook you up if you want to e-mail me the photos. I will put them up in my site and attach them to the boards here. My e-mail is kuz@vehicleshoot.com

bcmalibu99ls

The B-pillar is so large probably due to safety considerations, as there is no actual pillar inside the vehicle (just like in Honda Element).

As far as the view from the back seat, I would imagine if it were possible to make it better without sacrificing any major part of the vehicle, it would have been done. But FJ is a driver's car anyway, not a family vehicle. I doubt you would see many FJs with four people in it. I can't recall too many Jeep Wranglers with four people, and Wranglers have very good views all around, without the roof

The good news is that the roof rack is "available," so it would be possible to get an FJ without one. It would save some fuel and wind noise for sure.

Still can't see anywhere if the front winch would be an option (probably not).Too bad! And in Vancouver they showed an FJ with a front and back winches. That would've been some machine, eh

Also, will the front passenger seat fold flat as promised earlier by Toyota? If not, only very short people would be able to camp inside.

scootertrash

The way you were discussing visibility and then mentioned the roof rack, I thought you were going to suggest I put my passengers up there. At least they could see that way.

fj07

Here are fjjr's photoshop's. Well the ones that came through to my e-mail.
Here it is Grey

Now black wich I could hardly tel the difference on my monitor from Grey

And now brown

Maybe you can re-send me the green and silver ones.....

mrjjgittes

Did I read it right that the standard wheels will be black? I wonder if the wheels on the yellow FJ in the new pics are the ones? They almost look like a bare wheel that takes a hubcap. Does toyota sell another vehicle with a wheel like that now? Maybe a tundra or tacoma stripper work truck? Seems kind of odd to me.

bcmalibu99ls

If you plan on carrying passengers often, and yet want a rugged and somewhat affordable off-roader, perhaps Nissan Xterra would be a more sensible solution, as it has four doors and offers theater-style seating, which improves the view for the rear-seat passengers

wheelz4

That hugely massive b (or is it c) pillar, along with the odd roofline, just destroys the look of the FJ for me. The only way it looks even half acceptible is in a dark grey or black, with a matching roof and darkly tinted windows. What were they thinking(smoking)?

verboten

You need the pillars to support the weight on the roof for all you guys/gals who want to put canoes and small children up there. Also, NHTSA is going to make the the roll over requirements more stringent for SUVs due to all the deaths. Therefore, the larger the pillar the stronger it is (it should have a roll bar). In addition, the C pillars location and size was probably due to the early prototype, which had a two piece retractable rear window. Lastly, it's different from 99.9% of all the other SUVs with small pillars.

I love it and can't wait to have the first limited run.

abraindrainer

Frankly, the FJ interior is going to be its weakness. First, it only has 1.5 doors on each side and the rear seating looks very cramped. So let us not kid ourselves, there is a good reason why 4Runners, blazers, exploders, etc currently only come in 4 door configurations. As cool as it looks from the outside, FJ rear seating and access are pathetic: "What were they thinking(smoking)?" Toyota could have made better access to the rear seats because this vehicle is not much different in size to the 2nd generation 90-95 4Runner... those have very small rear doors but they are real doors.

I think some earlier posters have already pointed out (a number of times) that there is no view from the rear quarters and blind spots are pretty hideous on the FJ. However, it seems that has not stopped 300M from selling well so that is not seemly that important to many buyers.

This is certainly a cool looking vehicle but it will have ergonomic issues... It is so tempting to just jump in and get an '05 V8 4Runner for 6k off MSRP! :P

fj07

And now for Green and Silver.. I could definately go for an Army green FJ!!!

mrjjgittes

I like the silver.

fjjr

Ya, it will probably half to be a Black or Silver one for me!---With the roof rack though :P Did you get the off-road designed brown FJ--------Love that Look-----I'll be getting the Black rims with some gritty off road rock crawlers for the mud and Ice---definately be getting this one dirty!

bcmalibu99ls

Thank you, fj07, for the pics. Silver FJ has such sad eyes...it just longs to climb the mountains and meet a nice mountain goat to socialize with...

arcpass

IMO, silver looks the best of all the colors I've seen. However, if they produce as many silver FJ's as they do silver Tacoma's, there will just be too many on the road that look the same. I have a silver Tacoma and that is the predominant color I see. They're all over the place.

tacojeff

Count me in too on silver, I'm slowly stating to warm up to this rig. Trying to visualize this FJ with
a more stout aftermarket front bumper, winch or aux lights, 33" tires and 2' lift has me interested.
It would be nice if the TRD version took care of this for me. I'll pass on the roof rack however.

fj07

I just removed the roof rack, the thanks goes to "fjjr" for the photoshop colors...
Glad to hear you guys all want silver, cuz' I would go army green with black powder coated off-road wheels.

wheelz4

I don't have a problem with the piller being wide for the reasons you state, but it just seems excessively wide. I'm sure 6-8" would do the trick, rather than the foot or more Toyota has gone with. Visibility is just as much a part of safety as a well-supported roof. The blind-spot from those pillars could hide a Mack truck or two!

fj07

I guess it's time to step up those drving skills and learn to use those mirrors. Honestly, how many post are we going to get on this pillar. It is what it is. You don't really know if it will effect you untill you sit in it at the LA Auto Show or the dealership.

0012

Today I was driving my car (Toyota Avalon). I paid attention to the right rear/side visibility. Between the blind spot in my Avalon and the configuration of the head restraint, I now know why I use my right rear view mirror. It is safer than straining back for a prolonged look. When I get my FJ Cruiser, I'll just continue to use the mirror.

bcmalibu99ls

and attach them to the main mirrors. Walmart sell them, as should automotive stores. I had a minor blind spot in my Malibu as well. Those small mirrors are a very inexpensive investment, and could definitely save from an accident

mrsaber

I went into the local dealer yesterday and he said he expected FJ's to show up in Jan or Feb. Has anyone else gotten a date from the dealer. I like the looks of this from the picks but not sure how the kids are giong to like that back seat.

ducatiboy

I have also heard Jan/feb but I have heard as late as March/April.

Anyone else?

bmwr69s

Anyone know if Toyota will delay the manual transmission FJs? Similar to what VW has done with the Passat, offering autos only the first 3 months.

chiefjojo74

I hope not. The six speed is the one I'd want for sure.

scootertrash

I'll be at the SEMA show 30 days from now, I'll be sure to take some pics and get some info.
A couple of years ago, Jim Farley of Scion was there out on the floor answering every question, and getting front-line feedback.
He was quite cool and not at all a "suit"

freaking102

I agree that the backseat looks like a miserable place to ride. And there is nothing worse than being a passenger in a 2-door car (those baby suicide doors aren't as useful as a real 4-door). And the interior is full of angular oddities. Watch out, you'll poke your eye out! And you'll rub your backside raw on those flat backseat benches!

fj07

I have ridden in the back of a Tundra with the suicide doors (Off-Road) and yeah it's a little tough getting in but this will have more room and you will fall back into the seats compared to an upright bench in a Tundra. So it will be WAY more comfortable to get in and ride in the back of this in my opinion.

derail1

It does look really good without the roofrack, and for those of you concerned with gas mileage, im sure that not having a roof rack will help out a bit. I know that when I throw my Thule rack onto my car now, it drops the mileage by about 5-6 mpg on the highway. of course, this things not exactly built to be a highway cruiser...
Do you think you'll be able to sit in one at the SEMA show scootertrash? That might quell some of these HUGE rumors about the C-Pillar nightmares.

scootertrash

Things at the SEMA show are pretty "hands-on", I don't recall ever seeing any cars there roped-off.

If it's going to be "unveiled" Tuesday, I hope they'll have some out on the floor the other three days.

Part of the reason the manufacturers unveil vehicles there, is so aftermarket suppliers can take detailed pictures and measurements to develop accessories.

fj07

Many of you probably saw this e-mail but I know I will be on the road up to Pamona next weekend because the FJ will be center stage at the Off-Road Expo Oct 8th & 9th. :shades: I am shocked that it is being shown before the SEMA show!!!

allen101ca

I hope they allow full access...not just a roped off area.

allen101ca

> Subject: Meet the FJ Cruiser Face-to-Face
>
> TOYOTA FJ CRUISER
>
----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> See the FJ Cruiser at Off Road Expo(r) 2005
>
> See the all-new FJ Cruiser center stage at Off Road
> Expo(r) 2005 in
> Pomona, one of the most exciting events of the year for the off-road
> industry. This is a chance for off-roaders to meet face-to-face with
> the innovative minds behind many of the products that are on the
> market today, and many that are still in early creative stages.
>
> Also making appearances will be:
>
===========================================================
> - The FJ 40 that won the 1973 Baja 500, provided by Specter
> Off-Road, Inc.
> - Ivan "Ironman" Stewart, a legend in off-road racing, and
> his super-tough Tundra
> - Johnny Greaves' CORR Tundra
>
>
> Admission:
>
===========================================================
> - $12.00 for ages 12 and over
> - FREE for children under 12
>
>
> Show Dates at Pomona's Fairplex:
>
===========================================================
> - Saturday, October 8th, 9:00 - 6:00pm
> - Sunday, October 9th, 9:00 - 5:00pm
>
>
> For more information on the Off Road Expo(r) 2005
> Visit:
> http://toyota.mx0.net/r?xcWccvvEclHnvEqHWHcnvH
>
> For updated FJ Cruiser information visit:
> http://toyota.mx0.net/r?xcWccvvEclHnJEqHWHcnTn

scootertrash

As they used to say in the old drag racing commercials..."bring your camera!"

fj07

I have about a two hour drive but I will have the pics posted on the net and in here that night. No Worries!!!!! It's what I do......

kdhspyder

It worked with Scion and it seems to be what Toyota has planned for the new FJ... 'Word of Mouth Marketing'. I've heard that given the expected supply in the first year - something under 45000 units (?) and the continuing high number of hits on its website - that there will be no formal Marketing launch-hype.

Suddenly the FJ's will appear on the lots in limited numbers and then they will be gone. Early birds will get them. Given that there are about 1600 dealerships in NA, on average a store should get about 20 a year; i.e. 1 or 2 per month.

Moral: If you want one early then become friends with someone at a local store. Be the first one called.

FWIW

kdhspyder :shades:

abraindrainer

That is some funny math :confuse: 45k units for 1600 dealerships is actually more like 28 per annum per a dealership or 2.4 a month. Obviously, some dealerships will get many more and some will get much less. Given the current glut and depressed pricing on '05 SUVs, it is actually more likely that there will be an oversupply of FJs at your Toyota dealership. Look at the current pricing on HL and 4Runner! Dear KDHSpyder, stop hyping!

bcmalibu99ls

And what is the current pricing on HL and 4Runner?

arcpass

I searched this forum but couldn't find the information on where the FJ Cruisers will be assembled. Japan? USA? Mexico? Does anyone know for sure? :confuse:

nippononly

most likely will be in Japan, which is where they still make the 4Runners.

HL and 4Runner, if you want a V-6 4WD, are only a hair off $30K these days, at least on the sticker. Toyota is dealing HARD on Runners, Highlander not so much.

Either way, Toyota would be making a mistake to ask that much for V-6 4WD FJs.

bcmalibu99ls

The good thing about Toyota...is that it has so much cash, that it can easily afford to sell cars for very little profit, if at all. For example, I've read several times that Prius is probably sold at a loss for Toyota. But that's how they develop a loyal customer base and create a very solid reputation. And that's worth much more than heavy discounting. Just ask GM

abraindrainer

'05 HL is currently going for $26k (V6 4WD with everything but leather and MSRP $31.5k) whereas '05 V8 4WD 4Runners are selling $6k off MSRP (V6 models are only $4-4.5k off). 4Runners with either engine can be had for under $27k and Extended cab 4WD Taco is selling from $23k. Once '05s are all gone, the prices on '06 should moderate and get closer to these levels. Given this pricing structure for Toyota alternatives, how much is FJ really worth?

joesmithe

Like many of us, I have been wishing (praying) for years for a return of the real LandCruiser. This vehicle is not it... But I am keeping an open mind and hope I like it once I get to see it in person. However, with the coming of Diesels to the JEEP line - if Toyota really wants to grab my interest (and my checkbook), they need to respond with the same.

All this talk of Hybrid is crap. Have any of you priced the cost of long term maintenance on those things? And the cost premium that Hybrids demand on initial purchase? The added weight of a hybrid will NOT be an asset off road. Have any of you remembered the day you crossed that stream that was just a little deeper than you thought... and water was coming over the top of the hood?? Do you really want to do that in an ELECTRIC vehicle??

I want a solid, rugged vehicle with REAL off road capability - that has decent road manners. I am not a soccer mom, nor am I a city dweller looking for the latest in "cool". Leave that to your Scion crowd.

And Toyota - are you listening? If you want to sell me one - plug in a Toyota-quality TURBO-DIESEL!!!

scootertrash

A diesel would be a really cool option, and would have some off-road and efficiency "cred"

lfang

bcmalibu99ls

That's the first good shot of the dash I've seen, and it looks neat! The radio looks like it's either melting or flying away, haha

fj07

Hope they have a Serius Sattelite Option on that head unit!!

fj07

Maybe Taco owners can chime in on this. From what I can tell on the door controls it looks like only two window controls (Back little windows don't open ) One for power locks and then another mystery button. Stereo controls on the wheel, Looks like three control sticks coming off of the steering column? What is all on those? Dash has light dimmer on left, then hazards and rear defroster next to stereo and typical climent controls below that. Now the interesting stuff. The 8 control buttons 7 of which you can see. Three that are being used and possibly one more behind the auto shifter. My guess is that they are to switch from 4wheel high to low and the third button not sure. :confuse:

bowmar9

The three control buttons that are marked appear to be rear diff lock, TRAC cancel, and an AC power outlet....400W with engine running, 100W with engine off; must have an on-board power inverter, Wow!

Also, the lower right control stick coming off the steering column is the cruise control

allen101ca

one of the door buttons might be the heated mirrors.