By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Now Toyota has revived the FJ, and promoted it through print and video adds as an incredible 4x4 for the 21st century. Leaning heavily on the original FJ’s good reputation, Toyota seems to hope we will consider this new product as an option for the serious off-roader. BUT Does it stack up to it’s serious competition: The Jeep Wrangler?????? Lets see:
Comparing the best of the best, we pit the 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon’s specs against the 2006 Toyota FJ Cruiser C package (the best they offer for off-road).
Turning Circle Curb to Curb – Jeep: 33.5ft, FJ:41.7ft, difference: you need 8.2 more feet to turn around in the Toyota.
Minimum Ground Clearance – Jeep: 10.3in., FJ:9.6in, difference: you can drive over boulder’s that are 0.7” higher with the Jeep.
Approach/Departure Angle – Jeep: 44.9/33.9, FJ: 34/31, difference: you can tackle steeper embankments without digging the bumpers into the dirt if you have the Jeep.
Crawl Ratio – Jeep: 66:1.0!!!!!!, FJ 41.8:1.0 ???? duh??
Tail lights – Jeep: mounted inboard away from trees and rocks, FJ: Sticking out on the rear corner, Comment: Toyota hopes to get rich selling taillights to off-roaders. Why not just sell the vehicle with them already broken from the factory!
Bumpers – Jeep: Steel with tow hooks, FJ: Plastic with NO tow hooks, Comment: PLASTIC?????? How Fisher Price.
Locking Differential Axles – Jeep: lockers in the front and back, FJ: Rear Locker only
Suspension – Jeep: solid axle front and back, FJ: independent front and solid rear, difference: Solid is solid! with better articulation, Toyota needs to look back at the ORIGINAL FJ!
Tires – Jeep: 31” Good Year Mud Terrain, FJ: 265/70R17 All Season Wadials – Cwazzie Wabbit
Wheel base – Jeep: 93.4in, FJ: 105.9in, difference: 12.5in, if you’re thinking FJ at this point you might also consider a yellow school buss as an off-roading option.
Tread – Jeep: 59.5in, FJ: 63.2in, difference: 3.4in, Hmmmm Hope all the trees on the trails are further apart than 63.3in!!
Weight – Jeep: 3776lbs, FJ: 4290lbs, difference 514lbs, That’s like three of your buddies or two fat chicks!
Engine – FJ: 278TQ & 239hp, Jeep: 235TQ & 195hp, difference: ok the new FJ’s variable valve timing engine has some more hp and more torque. However where you need the torque for most trail driving is just above idle. The Jeep’s 4.0L in-line six produces an incredible 85% of it’s peak torque at idle. This makes for about 200ft-lbs. Oddly enough the Toyota 4.0L V-6 produces the same amount at idle. So even here the Jeep is not really handicapped. Furthermore, that extra 514lbs of lard the Toyota carries around soaks up the extra hp and TQ difference to make things pretty even in this department.
Well I guess I could go on and on, but really if Toyota thought they were making a trail rig to beat out Jeep’s best, it looks like they should try again. This is while neglecting to mention that the new FJ’s doors are not easily removed, the top does not come off, and the windshield does not fold down. My prediction is that Toyota will sell piles of these FJs in the first two years as novelty vehicles just as Chrysler did with the PT Cruiser. However, off-road, when every one sees the Wrangler beat the snot out of it like Mike Tyson on Pee Wee Herman, the sales party will be over.
Different strokes for different folks, people! The Wrangler has been around for umpteen years, and yes, during that time some other car companies have still managed to sell a few other models that people have chosen for going offroad! Get over yourselves! Everything is not a challenge to the Jeep.
In fact, I am sure the reason this project got the green light at Toyota corporate is because Nissan has been running away from Toyota with sales of the VERY popular XTerra. And when you pit the XTerra against the FJ, I think you find the FJ highly competitive. If the FJ can steal 1/3 of XTerra's very lucrative annual sales, it will be well on the way to its sales goal. That's all Toyota cares about, I'm sure.
And BTW, anyone who has been offroad more than once know that once you really get off the road, most of the trucks you see are modified anyway. Seeing as the FJ uses the same basic chassis layout as the 4Runner has been using for well over a decade, I am sure there are lots of choices available for lift kits and whatnot.
The difference really is that for those less extreme off-pavementers, the FJ still makes a good highway cruiser and general all-around, much as the XTerra does, and as the Wrangler most certainly does NOT. The Wrangler is a very narrowly focused vehicle - it does the one thing it is meant to do very well, the best of anyone, but sucks in a lot of other areas.
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)
I was hoping for a vehicle like my 1964 FJ with a great new engine. I guess I will wait till Jeep brings the Wrangler with a diesel. It seems that Toyota already has enough foo foo wannabe SUVs. Why another one? I guess they are trying to compete with GM for the most models.
I've also read on another forum that FJs skid plates may need to be replaced with more serious armour. But that appears to be all the improvements one needs to make for some good fun in the mud
Doesn't Jeep Libery offer a CRD?
Turning Circle Curb to Curb – Jeep: 33.5ft, FJ:41.7ft, difference: you need 8.2 more feet to turn around in the Toyota.
Wheel base – Jeep: 93.4in, FJ: 105.9in, difference: 12.5in, if you’re thinking FJ at this point you might also consider a yellow school buss as an off-roading option.
Weight – Jeep: 3776lbs, FJ: 4290lbs, difference 514lbs, That’s like three of your buddies or two fat chicks!
***
Let's be fair - compare the Wrangler Unlimited. These are great - bigger room, better on-road, and still great off-road.(bit better for trails and such, in fact, due to the slightly longer wheelbase)
Turning Circle:36.0 Ft FJ:41.7ft. = 5.7ft.
Not 12ft, but still noticeably shorter. 35-36Ft is the critical "don't exceed" limit for serious off-roading. Thankfully, Jeep is easy to retrofit with a better steering ratio if you are serious about boulder-hopping. FJ? It's like comparing the options with a ready-to-drive RC car versus the kit ones with the hundreds of parts.
Wheelbase:103.4 105.9in = 2.5 inches.
This is going to be pretty much what the new upcoming long wheelbase Wranglers will be like - but with the better engine.(short wheelbase I'm sure will still be available). Not worlds better than a FJ, but enough in all aspects, for less money, so that you have to wonder what's up?(10K in dealer crap and add-ons is what - lol)
Weight:3977lbs FJ: 4290lbs = 313lbs lighter(manual transmission, of course - only an idiot or yuppie princess buys a Wrangler Rubicon with automatic) That's two average passengers - and as anyone can tell you, a couple of passengers IS a noticeable difference in most vehicles.
If you can check out one of the new long wheelbase, redesigned Wranglers this fall(saw mine at an auto show) - it's simple, rugged, yet is all the goodness you want. My old Volvo 240 came to mind. Very straightforward design with a few touches of luxury here and there, but still 95$ focused on being a great, entry-level SUV(ie - no clutter, plastic, crud, electronics...).
And the options on it - they make a drastic difference. Spend the money for the better rear-end on a Wrangler and it is worth the money. Get a winch, get better skidplates.. the list goes on. DVD entertainment system? What's that got to do with plowing your way up sand dunes?
However, it is unfortunate
For true off-roaders there are better choices as there are better and cost effecient choices for more mild off-roader types. Anyone who buys an FJ must realize that! People will still buy it for its build quality and reliablity.... And some... most will just buy it for its off-roady LOOK :surprise: .
As far as first impressions go, I am still not a huge fan of the large C pillars. That being said, GO SEE ONE IN PERSON!!! I did. It is much better looking than in the pics. Also, I test drove one last week, and then immediately placed a deposit for one. PLENTY OF POWER and decent cargo room. I do plan on doing some upgrades, however, including an ARB bull bar and warn winch; Donahoe coil overs, possibly OME in the rear; and American Racing Mojave teflon rims matted to P285 BFG Mud Terrain tires (maybe beadlocks instead; cannot decide). Anyway, it should be a pretty good rig when I am done with it.
Finally, a word regarding off road capability and Jeeps. People seem to defend their CJs Tjs, etc. like one of their own children. A little hint: the Wrangler is not the end all, be all small platform trail and rock rig; that would be the LAND ROVER DEFENDER 90, which I am proud to own. Check the stats on that rig; they're quite nice. I just couldn't wait till the new Defender comes out, which should probably stomp all over the new Heep Rubicon just as my 1994 D90 does. Thus the FJ in the interim.
So, I plan on keeping my D90 and adding the FJ Cruiser primarily because of its better amenities and reliability factor. With both of these rigs I will be unstoppable!!!
Compare its size to the 4Runner (nearly the same)
Then compare its price to the 4Runner (nearly the same)
And you'll end up buying a 4Runner.
The "styling" is weird, and initial sales will be to those who want to be "stylish"; soccer-moms and college students :P
The FJ is the H3's little sister.
The H3 is a complete pile of crap. It is made by GM -- duh. Can you say horrible reliability, resale value, and an anemic engine to boot. This is coming from one who used to own a couple of their "fine" vehicles, as well as GM stock. Luckily I sold all three. Furthermore, I see tons of soccer moms driving the H3. I mean tons. And then there's H3x, what's up with that???? Blingidy bling bling bling!!! What a poser rig. Doubt you'll see too many FJ's on dubs or on Unique Whips!!! Thank God for that!
Finally, I am not in the soccer mom category. Perhaps you are. In that case, I'll see you at Moab. I'll be the one with the tricked out D90, and my girlfriend will be in the FJ killing you in your H3 sitting on dubs.
Peace out homie, :shades:
Thanks for proving my point
So will her FJ be smurf-blue, short-bus-yellow, or prince-purple?
Although the styling of the FJ is very unique, I find that my Scion xB is a lot more comfortable and offers more passenger room than the FJ, at half the price!
FJ vs 4runner
The FJ is costing me $6K less than the 4runner. It comes with a stick, and presumably the same Toyota quality that I'm used to, both important to me. The new 4runner is just too big, overoptioned, & expensive for me, I feel that this vehicle has lost its way a bit. I guess if they were priced the same I'd get a 4runner, but they aren't.
FJ versus Xterra Offroad
This is the toughie. The X has better access to the back seats, more cargo space with the back seats up, and better visibility from the drivers seat. The FJ has a more solid build, drives better (tighter), better offroad ability (not that important to me), more comfortable front seats, Toyota reliability. The FJ looks cooler, too bad the couldn't stretch it a few inches, but it is what it is. The actual space in the back seats is similar. In the end the FJ is costing me about $1500 less.
FJ versus others
So lots of people are doing other comarisons, but IMHO most of these are silly. FJ versus Rubicon? These are so different anyone who is trying to make this decision should be thinking about how many people they are taking, and how much cargo they need. I;ve seen people trying to decide between an FJ and GTI, no comment needed here, some people need to take a step back & decide what they really want/need. I looked at a Jeep GC, like its ride a lot but when I looked at its reliability ratings I just can;t do it (note: also more$$$ upfront). Liberty is too small.
In the end I'll probably buy the FJ when it comes in. It does have flaws (most notably the back windows & visibility). But on my list it comes in even with the X, for a fair bit less money.
-G-
$28k US (pricing is as per carmax.com) or about $33k CAD, you will have to add a gift/duty to Revenue Canada to the tune of 6.1%... You can also get side airbags/curtains if you spend $29k! Toyota.ca does not deserve any business :mad: after their "access pricing" bull!
There is a 90%+ chance that you live close enough to the US border to pull this off without too many problems... I have done it and it is was not too bad!
That being said, I plan to spend a good $5K making my Black Diamond FJC the way I want it.
Your warranty coverage is GOOD in Canada. Again, I have done all of this on a '04 HL and saved a few grand... for my parents! However, if you must have manual... your choices are very limited.
I know someone who did this for a doublecab pickup, saved $5K which made it worth the risk of having no warranty in Canada.
As I say for the same cost I would get the 4runner, but not without warranty - The FJ B pkg will run me 31,400 canadian (plus taxes/destination/fees/etc).
Interesting analysis.. wrong but interesting..
First criteria for many buyers is ... size of the vehicle.
The Civic doesnt dent Prius sales and the HCH is a wonderful vehicle. Hybrid Fit? Puleeeze.
Oh.. hybrid premium TCH vs Camry .... there is no premium.
4c XLE, V6LE and TCH are all in the same $500 umbrella.
Pithy analysis tho... just wrong. Thanks for your 'insights' so to speak.
FJ.. customer drove the FJ and then went across the street and drove a Wrangler and came right back and bought the FJ @$33,000. Go figure.
No single group of visitors knows as much as this group. Stylists, yes certainly. Those with tons of money, absolutely.
I want side airbags and that will probably mean spending close to $30k USD at MSRP for FJ
****
Many peolpe want the Prius for a highway/commuter car that has access to the HOV lanes as well. Size isn't a factor so much as silly high mileage and the incentives and PZEV sticker on the bumper. They want a Hybrid. Period. But $22-24K out the door is a lot of money - it totally defeats the "economical" point of a hybrid when it's so expensive that you never actually end up saving money over just buying a Corolla.
Being able to get a hybrid of any kind for abot $15-$16K really IS important to many people.
- Best subcompact on the market.
- Seats 5
- same mileage as an Insight
- $16K.
Yeah - it will sell well. Very well.
Yes, I know I got a very good deal, I have a good relationship with a local dealer, they wanted to get me into an FJ, and I was close to buying elsewhere. When the initial demand dies down & it is discounted like this consistently I think a lot of the negative comments about it being overpriced right now will become moot & it will be FJ versus XT on their merits, which is a tough call.
And what does that tell you about the FJ customer? They care about "quirky" styling and impulse buying more than test-driving.
The FJ screams "Soccer-parent-in-midlife-crisis" and by next year with its fruity colors and white topping it will just be the next dated trend right next to the PT Cruiser and New Beetle. Its not retro, its tacky, its not classic, its "cutesy".
But thats just what Toyota wanted and expected, if they cared about a loyal, knowledgable demographic, they would have made a functional SUV.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
That aside, the extended wheelbase "Rubicon" is good on-road and off. For 95% of serious off-roading, it will suffice, other than power. But next year, they are going to fix that. More power, better on-road behavior, and a truly decent interior for a change.
1) Remove the back seat cushions and fold the back seats flat;
2) Purchase a piece of foam which would fit into the depression by the tailgate and raise that area to reach the level of the back seats, thus making the entire "bed" flat;
3) If you are taller than 160 cm (63 inches = 5'3 feet), get somethig like a milk crate to fill in the cavity between the end of the folded back seat and the back of the front seat. Then, get an air mattress, and sweet dreams!
The (unscientific) measurements (using a tape) were:
1. Tailgate to the end of the folded back seats - 160 cm (63 inches = 5'3 feet);
2. Tailgate to the back of the passenger seat moved all the way forward - 200 cm (78 inches = 6'6 feet) - that's your total available sleeping length;
There's a 40 cm (1.3 feet) long gap between the end of the folded back seats and the back of the passenger seat pulled all the way forward. That's where the milk crate comes to the rescue.
3. Side to side between the storage boxes by the tailgate - 105 cm (41 inches = 3'6 feet) - that's your total available sleeping width, unless you can raise your bed above the storage boxes, and they are like 60 cm (2 feet) high, but I forgot to measure!
4. Side to side above the storage boxes - 142 cm (56 inches = 4'9 feet)
What I liked about the vehicle after touching/feeling it:
1. The front seats are comfortable, supportive;
2. Lots of headroom/legroom up front, even for rather tall people;
3. The back seat folds down easily;
4. The vehicle feels tight overall;
What I didn't like:
1. The cover of the GPS holder on top of the dash is very flimsy and would break very soon, it seems. The covers of the storage boxes near the tailgate are also flimsy;
2. The switch to open the back door is hard to reach, if you are sitting in the driver's seat;
3. The front bumper is indeed very weak and would likely perish in even mild off-roading.
FJ was the most popular vehicle on the floor (I attended Pacific Intl Autoshow in Vancouver, BC). The new Jeep was also present, but it was roped off, so couldn't check it out inside.
All in all, I still like FJ, but will wait for the prices to come down.
***
Too bad - you'd be wiping the drool off of your shirt. Jeep finally makes a decent interior in a 4*4?(no, hell is still semi-molten, though it has cooled off a bit - lol)
(Saw it at the L.A. auto show)
Okay, it's not "OMG" so much as - gosh - all of the glitches and problems are... gone? It has the interior of a Liberty and the exterior is all Wrangler. Better engine, too. What we wanted in the first place. The prototype of the Jeep pickup also was fantastic looking as well - didn't get to sit in it, though.
And with the FJ markups, the prices are about the same.
Compared to its competition, the FJ may be seen to have two advantages; price and oddball looks. The problem is, now that the looks are new and trendy, the prices are too high. And by the time the price drops, the unique look won't be in demand anymore.
Lexus RX330 > FJ < 4Runner