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Comments
To those who hate it: Time will tell if your opinions become facts.
To those who love it: Enjoy
For me, I plan on using it just for bad dirt roads in desert & mountains; doubtful I'll do too much actual rock crawling. The vehicle I'm replacing is totally different - an 84 300ZX (manual), but one I've really enjoyed driving into the ground using it the same way (dirt roads, trailers over the mountains, etc.)
The automatic seems kind of like a no-brainer option; easy. Spend your time doing something else besides shifting. Yesterday I finally found a manual in stock to drive. For regular driving, it seemed OK, but it was REALLY fun to shift into low and then drive it...
http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/14/new-sae-testing-methods-admonish-toyota-honda- - -to-hold-their-hor/
Basically what it boils down to is that Toyota and many others, keen to have ever-more power, like CPU ratings used to be - rate their engines under optimal conditions and with premium fuel and so on - in a lab.
The new rules state that the engine must be run like it would be if it were installed in the appropriate car. If the car states it can run on 87 octane/doesn't list premium as being required, the test must be run using 87 octane gas. This alone dropped the Camry from 210 to 190hp. It must also use the rated oil, and have A/C and all the accessories attached as well.
GM and Ford have rateed theirs in actual driving condition for many years, so they see little if any change. The Camry and Avalon - lost a lot of power on paper. For some cars, it's a sobering experience. Mazda started last year, for instance - which is why the older RX8s look like they put out more "HP" - but it's exactly the same engine.
So it appears as if most of the "Imports have more power" claim is just that - numbers on paper to look better. Next year they'll all have to re-test their cars and the results might be a bit sobering.
As for the FJ - tested under optimal conditions, with premium fuel. Expect 87 octane and real driving to drop 15% off of that figure, at least.(course the sticker should be lowered in the first place)
Just wait until the new 2008 EPA tests come around. You'll see highway mileage climb a bit, but especially for anything larger, city mileage will plummet. We're talking about going from 21/28 in an Avalon(IIRC) to 15/30. It's going to really hurt SUVs to be rated on real-world testing. My friend has a 2 year old 4-Runner(newest style) - and says he never gets better than 16 mpg combined, though for long highway trips it does better. He estimates he's getting 12 city and 20-ish highway.
"As for the FJ - tested under optimal conditions, with premium fuel. Expect 87 octane and real driving to drop 15% off of that figure, at least.(course the sticker should be lowered in the first place)"
The hp figures for the FJ (237hp) ARE in accordance with the latest SAE methods. The new SAE test methods are required for all NEW models instituted after the rules went into effect; since the FJ was introduced after the new rules, then the FJ was tested according to the new rules. As far as the FJ goes, there is no story here.
Toyota (and Honda) voluntarily also retested most of their fleet (ie. Camry going from 210 to 190hp) even though these models (or engines) were not new when the new test methodolgy was adopted. If the Camry (not a new model when the new SAE methods were adopted for '06) was dropped to 190hp running on REGULAR, what makes you think that the newer FJ hp figures are based on Premium?
If the FJ was tested under the latest SAE methodology, then logic dictates that the hp figures for the FJ ARE WITH 87 octane.
All Toyota's and Honda's adopted the SAE testing requirements at the beginning of 2005. All the current horsepower ratings are according to the SAE methodology.
The EPA ratings should be interesting for one and all.
Since then I have almost camped out at the store. Finally, today I was in luck. The delivery truck passed me headed toward the dealership. I actually followed it there. I met my salesman outside as they drove it off the truck. It was Black Cherry, 4WD, Auto. option package #2.
As I headed out of the parking lot on my maiden voyage, I was impressed with the comfort and agility. The 4Runner influence is certainly noticeable. after the first 15 mins. I had the overwhelming urge to pull it off road and see what it could really do. The salesman wouldn't let me take it "rock climbing" but I found a close by steep terrain road.
Awesome! As nice of a ride as it has on the road, it begs to be taken off road. The paperwork took too long, but it's mine now. (It's being trained to 'Sit' in my driveway next to my '91 Land Cruiser...)
See one, Buy it.... you won't be disappointed. (unless you wait for just the right color...'")
You're probably right, though. The new rules went into effect in 2006, so the FJ probably has to be tested under the new rules. Whether it may do better with premium or not I don't know.
It's a non-issue.
Thanx!
I've seen people trashing the FJ in reviews because of it being overpriced & coming with too many options ath their local dealer. This seems to me like writing a bad review of a movie because you rented a DVD and it was scratched.
I'm intrigued and certainly tempted, but too much of a tight-wad to jump into the current sellers market.
Any historians, economists or other experts out there willing to speculate on how long it takes for excitement over a new model to simmer down to the point that prices level out? Anyone know how Toyota production plans match up with predictions based on intitial demand?
I understand that they seem to think that the entire first year's production of ~ 50K units will sell out with no effort at all. There has been no advertising for it and none is intended. It's all word of mouth and reviews.
51000 units by 1700 stores is about 30 a year or 2-3 per store per month. Some stores already know that they will have 3-5 times that many available to them so smaller stores may get one every two or three months.
At one vehicle every other month there is neither any interest to promote it nor any interest to discount it.
I read through a lot of the postings on this forum today. For the record, I'm:
1) Not a soccer mom,
2) Not a yuppie with too much money and not enough sense,
3) Not just looking to get noticed.
I AM, however:
1) Female,
2) Experienced off roader,
3) Happy with my FJ Cruiser, and frankly, more pleased every day with the purchase,
4) Surprised at the extreme responses shown in some of the postings,
5) Certain that what vehicle I drive does not define me, even though I live in the ultimate land of the automobile - Los Angeles.
Addendum: although the blind spots in the FJ Cruiser are obvious, if you've ever driven a large truck or pulled a long trailer, those blind spots are no worse than that. Just get used to using those mirrors again.
:lemon:
Before I order, I want to know if anyone has any extreme likes or dislikes that I might be able to order options for before I get vehicle.
I have seen Voodoo, and Silver. Think I am sold on silver.
THX!
Was able to stop by a local dealer this past weekend to have a quick look at the new cruiser. Slipped onto the lot to avoid sales pests. First checked the sticker and started laughing... as there was a second sticker that plainly said - "Dealer Markup - $3,000". Next, looked at the colors, and realized there isn't a single color I REALLY like. (Yellow is close - but come on Toy - NO RED?? what were you thinking?)
Liked a lot of the innovation and features... but was hugely disappointed when I sat in the Drivers seat. The low roofline, and upright windshied so far in front of me made me feel like I was looking out of a low narrow rectangle. With the two large A-pillars, your field of vision is SIGNIFICANTLY blocked ahead on both sides. I don't know if this is something I just have to get used to... or an accident waiting to happen. I predict lots of in-town and parking lot accidents! And can you even see an overhead traffic signal while waiting at an intersection... or do you have to always lean forward and look up? (I'm 6' tall - and tried all the seat adjustments. Cool feature BTW)
Damn... I can live with "B" and "C" pillar issues as I have no problems using my mirrors. But not so sure about the terrible view out the front.
Overall... really bummed. Will take the wife to look next. I am afraid she won't be happy either.
Maybe if Toyota brought over a nice Diesel one in Red... my interest would be turned up enough to overlook the other issues.
:confuse:
Checked out price for 4Runner and it was 42K for base model SR5 with no options.
Only "plus" here is that 2006 4Runner gets 4.6% interest rate on lease, FJ is 8.3% Made a big down payment (2003 Subaru Outback) so quite affordable at ~400$ (Canadian) a month, again all taxes in.
Loving it so far. Took it a bit off-road on the test drive,(did great, only scratched it up a wee bit) going to make a major test this Saturday in the Selkirk mountains.
And my wife (who is the weekday driver) took it to the hospital where she works Tuesday morning and most of the Docs were making noseprints on her FJ and not on the new Hummer H3 that arrived the same day. Nuff said.
Enjoy! Drive it in good health. :lemon:
Colors just don't impact me that much, I have black, like silver, yellow looks great as does blue - much better in person than in pictures. Any of these would have worked for me fine.
Does anyone know what the results are for roll-over tests on the FJ? I would hope that the thick A pillars are functional.
That was the first month of sales. So, everyone who really wanted to buy an FJ for a long time, went ahead and bought it. The real test for FJ will come this Summer (fuel prices are predicted to be 10% higher than last year), and when the new Wrangler comes out in the Fall. We'll see!
As much as I liked the way the exterior looked--the vehicle looks as stunning in person as it does in the photos--the interior looked just really dark, & like something out of a military vehicle, or Road Warrier movie. I guess that's the idea? And that will appeal to some. The narrowness of the windshield just seems ridiculous, unless you're driving around Bagdad a lot & it would give snipers less of a target perhaps.
If I had the $$ to buy one as a "toy" or 2nd vehicle, I might, but I think the visibility issues might get frustrating if I drove it all the time. Still, I am intrigued....
Just my 2 cents.....
John
Hmm, maybe that's a good thing? :-)
BTW, the price for regular unleaded in Vanccouver tonight is $1.12 per litre, or about $4.50 per gallon CAD, or about 3.60 per gallon USD, and it's not Summer yet
I still, after 1000 miles, have not decided wether or not I like my FJ. It drives and handles well on and off road. BUT those damn A pillars. A few nights ago driving thru a twisty canyon in heavy rain I could not see into the corners without constantly leaning forward. The door mirrors are too close in and narrow. Why is there a hump in the back glass so that even if I move the spare visibility is very poor? Why all the "easy scuff" hard plastic?
and probably very capable off-road;
problem is that it appears that this vehicle was designed
inside a computer.
I am 5'9" and have owned three Landcruisers; and I can
say from experience; this one is the absolute worst in outside visibility and interior ergonomics;
It does not have the typical Toyota feel, look, or proper ergonomics; ie) things are not where you would expect them to be.
The visibility is so bad that I would classify it as dangerous, really. You heard it from me, first;
I predict a class action lawsuit based on the inability to see traffic next to you.
I cannot think of any other vehicle, ever, that had such poor visibility. The gigantic pillars that block lateral views, and the tiny rear window;
what gives!
What should they do; they (Toyota) should stop listening to the kids with the computers they pay too much to play (with their computers), and go outside and drive one, on a trail, and on a busy highway with traffic jutting in and out and sideways.
I will wait a few years, as it takes at least that long for them to justify retooling and changing a body style, unfortunately.
I will stick with the real Landcruisers.
later
g
The visibility concern from a driving perspective is easily fixed with a pair of convex blind spot mirrors. Not sure why you'd expect a lawsuit, there are vehicles on the road with worse visibility. It does take some getting used to, but as I say, $5 worth of added mirrors solves the blind spot problem.
Also, bear in mind the cost difference between the FJ and what you would call a 'real' landcruiser, few people will be deciding between these 2.
After 3 hours of bushwhacking, (and a hose-off) I picked up my kids (9 and 11 years old) and wife and we did about 2.5 hours on highway/country roads listening to the iPod through the FJ sound system...very nice ride. Kids say they were very comfortable.
True story: including the bushwhacking, trip, and a week of commuting, we managed to use up about 3/4 of a tank of gas. Filled it up with premium (1.18 $CDN/Litre) at the local gas station. While I was there a guy with a Jeep Wrangler Sahara Edition was also filling up. He asked about the vehicle, and when I mentioned it did OK in the woods, he said (and I quote) "You're not really taking that up in the mountains are you?" It should be noted that his Wrangler was a couple of years old, and completely scratch-free. So, I guess not all Wrangler owners are buying them for traversing the Rubicon either.
Three things I'd change if I could:
1) volume control on the radio could be a bit bigger if I'm actually going to use it with my hunting gloves on.
2) the roof rails are not parallel with each other, so I can't move the roof-racks around much from the way they come from the factory (at least I haven't figured out how to yet)
3) the cargo area floor is a bit slippery, so boxes of gear or coolers tend to slide around while playing off-road. Solved that one with a 10$ piece of indoor-outdoor carpet. Could have used bungee cords too I guess.
Loving it so far!