Toyota FJ Cruiser

zombo

Sunroofs,leather seats,power running boards all not available on the FJ! What's a status conscious,yuppie soccer mom to do!Buy a Hummer,Tahoe,or Escalard instead is my guess.Those kids are likely to get claustrophobic in that windowless back seat anyway!

stever

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Tonka truck for real life (The Driving Woman)

Steve, Host

brazenhead

Well it is now may 4 one week past the original delivery date of my FJ. Today was supposed to be the new delivery date and still no FJ. I'm thinking if mine doesn't show tomorrow i'm going to tell the salesman i want the demo FJ for the weekend. You guys think he'll go for it?

jamesbass1

Yeah that would be sweet. Give it a try, couldn't hurt. BTW, the saleman has the ability to track the shipment of your FJ. What does he say happened?

ron41

If you go to 4wdtoyotaowner.com there are good pics of the FJ's off road abilities before any modification are done to the vehicle.

stever

"this thing just screams "FUN!" on a level not seen since the new Mini Cooper debuted in 2002."

Say "Hello!" to 2007's Coolest Ride (Karl on Cars)

Steve, Host

brazenhead

Unfortunately the only way he can track the shipment of the FJ is to look on his computer screen and read aloud to me the date shown. The only reason i believe him is because he also has a Tacoma coming that he has purchased on that same shipment. I hope he throws in a free gift with my purchase, and not the scale model we are all supposed to recieve.

gagrice

Hey all you Fj owners. What kind of Mileage are you getting? A guy that is buying a ranch from us came by in his new Hummer3. He loves it. Has an older Acura MDX as well. He is happy with the mileage. Got 22 MPG on a trip to Los Angeles this week. Was kind of small inside. I don't think I could get used to a small SUV. He claims the ride up the 2.7 mile fire road to the ranch is much more controlled in the H3 over the MDX.

kootenayfj

4 tanks of premium gas since April 10. My wife did one fillup and didn't save the receipt, but the other 3 were pretty consistent, 13.1 L/100 km. ( I think that's 18.5 miles per US gallon) All three Saturdays we were in 4WD (Hi and Lo) for at least 2-3 hours up and down around 1500 metres (~5000 feet).
Working like a charm on and wayyyyy off road, and still attracting lots of ooohs and ahhhs, even with the scratches. Having the iPod connection is very handy in the bush because it doesn't skip.
Only complaint (such as it is) is that Toyota didn't anticipate the number of us who'd want trailer packages, and so we're still waiting for ours......

jamesbass1

You betcha. This vehicle oozes collectabilty. I've been in the Toyota family since 1986, and can hardly believe they've resurrected the FJ..,man, this company knows EXACTLY how to market to the USA. Right now, I'm contemplating the Land Cruiser, as if space constraints were not a problem, I'd jump all over the FJ yesterday!!

gagrice

This vehicle oozes collectabilty

It will never have the collector appeal of an early rust free FJ40. To find a clean original 1964 small window FJ40 today you will pay over $20k. I paid new for mine $2400. That would mean in 40 years the FJ Cruiser would have to sell in the quarter million dollar price range. It is just another plastic car. They will be in the recycle heap in 10 years or less.

voodoofx

It's hard to imagine any modern mass production vehicle becoming a collectors car, but obviously many will. But to say [the majority?] of FJs will be scrapped in less than 10 years is downright stupid. Of the Toyotas made in the last 20 years I'd better the vast majority are still running [with the obvious exception of accident victims]. Why do you post on this forum?

brazenhead

I've been driving by the Toyota dealership almost everyday for the last 2 weeks waiting for our FJ to arrive. Well today was finally the day (my wife's birthday). As we were driving by my wife was saying "oh, not here yet", I burst out a "yes it is look" and there it was our silver beauty still wrapped in plastic just off the truck. The only problem is it arrived on a Saturday and a PDI has to be done before i can bring it to it's new home. So 2 more sleeps before i can get her dirty.

gagrice

Why do you post on this forum?

It should be obvious that I did have an interest in the FJ. If you are secure in your purchase, what others say about the vehicle should mean nothing. Even the leader of Edmund's loves the FJ. I am just disappointed in it. I wanted something more like the original which overall I liked. I did go to see the FJ and the only one they had was on a truck load of Toyotas coming in. It was probably sold. I wandered around the showroom for 20 minutes and no one asked if they could help. Maybe they saw me next door going over the new GL450 and figured it was a waste of time. I rarely see a 1990 Camry around here so I think 10 years is fair 15 at the outside. They are making cars so complex these days that it is not economical to repair them after the warranty is up. It is called planned obsolescence.

steenh

I think the reason you don't see many 1990 Camrys is that the economy is strong enough that people don't WANT to drive 17 yr old Camrys, not that they can't. They still run at 17, which is more than you can say for a 17 yr old Ford, Chevy, Chrysler. I had a '94 Camry that is still in the family at 160k miles. Total of $1000 in unscheduled maintenance. Had a 90 Ford Escort that completely crapped out at 105k.

The future "collectability" of FJ will be determined by the number of production units they sell here as much as anything. If they mass produce and saturate the market, supply will exceed demand... no collectability factor in that. I suspect they will not over-produce to keep the price and margins up. I also think they'll have to toughen up the exterior at some point (less plastic) and that version will be the "collectable" version.

gagrice

they'll have to toughen up the exterior at some point (less plastic) and that version will be the "collectable" version.

That is precisely my point. Look at the 10-15 yr old cars with plastic bumpers. They look like crap. Plastic deteriorates in the sun. If my wife's 1990 LS400 was left out in the sun it would look like bleep also. Cars over the last 15 years are better from a mileage aspect than older cars. Not from a longevity standpoint. For those of us that rarely put 100k miles on a car in 15 to 20 years, the longevity is more important.

Will the FJ be more than a niche vehicle? Only time will tell. I got money that says it will not have the lasting appeal of the original FJ.

By the way there are a lot of domestic PU trucks 20+ years old still on the road giving good service. I guess that is why I like trucks better than cars.

voodoofx

I repair plastic bumpers for a living so I think I qualify as an expert on the subject. Bumpers on 10-15 yr old cars often look like crap because they've been hit and scraped numerous times. I do 90% of my work for 2 dealers, one sells MBZ the other Porsche, Audi and Ferrari and see 20 yr old cars with perfect original plastic bumpers all the time. If the FJ is a niche vehicle it increases the odds that it will become "collectable". I too like old FJs but I need something more dual purpose. In a previous post you call the FJ a gas guzzler but wasn't the old FJ even worse? The old FJ was also very uncomfortable and not capable of freeway speed. Unlike you I can only afford one house and one personal vehicle at a time.

stever

Not too mention all the money that collectors spend to "recondition" their rusted out chrome bumpers.

Some of y'all may be interested in the Classic? Collectible? Special Interest? Just Old? discussion.

Steve, Host

gagrice

FJ a gas guzzler but wasn't the old FJ even worse?

I am sure that it was. I cannot remember even checking back then. Even though gas was a bigger hit on my budget, it was not worried about like it is today. You still have not convinced me that plastic bumpers are good for anything except cutting cost to the manufacturer. I do hope all of you enjoy your Fj Cruisers. I will probably test drive one when they are less in demand.

jamesbass1

What a load of sour grapes. The high prices, etc. are quite common for all auto mfg'ers when they just release a specialty vehicle like the FJ Cruiser. The price you pay for being an "Early Adopter". So what if you have to wait awhile until the high demand cools down in order to get your perfect FJ. If you've been buying Toyota for awhile then you should know that a lot of their models come to the US loaded from the factory. No news there.

rick_reno

I've had 5 of the older FJ's (3 FJ-40 and 2 FJ-55's). I'd agree, the older ones were very uncomfortable and they were not built for freeway speeds. Regarding plastic vs. metal - with the rust problems I dealt with on all my older FJ's, I'm happy to see them use plastic. My new FJ will cruise on the freeway at 80mph, and I can hear the radio and carry on a conversation. Try that in an old one. I've only had it on a freeway once, the nearest one to where I live is 50 miles away - the new one does great on the fire/dirt roads we have here in N. Idaho.

jamesbass1

Wrong again, "buddy". I'm a photographer. Looks like you don't like people disagreeing w/you, and resort to personal attacks in order to prove your point or whatever. I really don't think Toyota will miss your business. Now, why don't you go over to the Jeep Forum for awhile, since you dislike these vehicles so much. You're not contributing here, just plain ole fashion bashing.

ron41

I've had my FJ since the end of March. I've only seen two. Is it me or it not too many FJs on the street. Plus I get looks and questions as if I'm driving something from out of space !!!!! It's fun!!

stever

Toyota's answer to the Karman Ghia?

Toyota FJ Cruiser vs. the Toyota Land Cruiser 78 (Straightline)

Steve, Host

steenh

Great article... I'd buy a 78 in a heartbeat.

stever

I'd buy a 78 in a heartbeat. I would too, but they quit making Karman Ghias in 1974. :shades:

No 78 in the US ... maybe a G-wagon would tide you over instead?

Steve, Host

gagrice

I'm glad to see that I am not the only one disappointed with Toyota over their decision to build a foo foo FJ instead of an off roaders SUV. I expect to see an FJ any day now on the road with wheels that have spinners on them. Hopefully Toyota marketing people read these forums and get the point that all of us are not happy with their marketing decision.

The LC78 also has a 4.2L diesel engine which makes far more sense than the FJ's premium-only 4.0 gas engine

brazenhead

This FJ may seem like a foo-foo FJ to you, but to a great number of us who have purchased one it's everything we expected. I personally just drove mine off the lot last night and am quite pleased with my buy. For those who have mentioned that visibility is poor i agree with you, but that is why i am able to turn my head and actually use my eyes when driving. So anyway (gagrice) not all of us are unhappy like you said in your post. I'm sure if you owned one of your own your opinion may change, and if not that's why it is your opinion...

goathead

Few comments:

To say that the FJ isn't a capable off road SUV is simply wrong.

To say that Toyota put too much emphasis on styling, and could have improved visibility otherwise is accurate, but misses the point that the FJ is the most capable off roader that you can get at its price-point. It could be better (and probably will be in the future), but it is has been a long time since Toyota sold something this capable without it being in a very different price range.

The premium only comments are incorrect, ask you dealer, read the manual, premium gives optimal performance but it'll run on 87 just like the tacoma. Your dealer should have a memo from Toyota telling them this.

While I wouldn't mind a diesel, it is a safe bet that this would have increased the price outside their targets.

ron41

People if you prefer another SUV go buy it and stop itching about how the FJ is a waste!!!Some people don't regularly go off road every weekend and some people never go off road. Whatever your on road and off road needs are the FJ can possibly meet most of them. I haven't seen a vehicle yet to meet all needs for all people. Get real folks!!! Personally, I wouldn't take a vehicle new or used and try to destroy it off road. Some people really have either too much idle time on their hands or are plain indifferent. But to each his own !!!!! The FJ Cruiser is what I bought and most importantly it's what I enjoy driving in a variety of settings. Those people who complain about the FJ, simply drive what you prefer and have a good life. P.S. If anyone wants to put spinning rims on their FJ ,they bought it!! I've seen customized style jeeps etc. Become a little more tolerant people.

steenh

Agree that the bashing is not helpful.

Every vehicle targets a market. FJ is targeting a market and I have no doubt it will be very successful. I like the FJ, don't love it as it is, but like it and believe it's a very capable off-roader, and definitely like Toyota as a whole. Someday I may buy an FJ if it transitions into "my" market segment (a bit less flash).

You don't want to totally eliminate those that have opposing views though (just the bashers that don't offer anything constructive)... Toy probably reads these boards, and maybe will make changes to help them target the market more effectively... that may mean moving closer to "my" market... may not.

voodoofx

I agree with you guys. I'm very happy with my FJ. It's a very nice ride on highway and tears along heavily rutted high desert trails with ease. What exactly makes it "foo foo"? On one of the IH8MUD forums guys who are obviously keen off-roaders [many are old FJ owners] discuss the best suspension & tire mods. The new FJ is garnering a lot of respect. It's not perfect, what is? I intend to change the front bumper for one of the rugged steel ones already in production from several companies. I'll sell the stock assembly to recoup most, if not all, the cost. It needs a little lift to get a set of 285 BFG A/T's to fit on the rplacement steel wheels. Those stupid mirrors are definately going. Once the FJ is set up right it is going off-road.
As I've posted before, my FJ runs fine on regular getting about 17mpg. I suspect "Gagrice" is........in New York that's never seen a ........ that's why all he does is bad mouth without offering one bit of technical criticism. So please tell me why it is "foo foo"? Why are all the pro reviewers wrong?

stever

Click on someone's name to see their profile; you may find out more about them that way. In Gagrice's case, he sees mostly ice roads. :shades:

Let's stick to debating the cars please.

Steve, Host

voodoofx

Wow, that last post lasted even less time than the one before.
Surely a "debating the cars" would be more than saying the FJ is "foo foo". How silly is that? From my experience the only serious negative as far as drivability goes is the large turning radius. If someone thinks the body is too wide, too short, or the suspension needs massive work etc. I'd not only not complain I would appreciate the input. If Gagrice is in the Arctic you would think he would appreciate an FJ.

voodoofx

For the cost of a G-wagon you could buy both a new FJ and a fully restored FJ40 with plenty of change.

gagrice

I think you have identified most of my concerns as an owner. Plastic where it should be metal. Turning radius. Blind spots. I will reserve my opinion on IFS until it is proven to be the equal of solid axles in serious off roading situations. I am not a fan of the chassis it is built on. I do not consider the 4Runner or the Tacoma serious off road machines. My question to Toyota is WHY not give us the real thing. You have them available all over the world. Toyota has plenty of almost good off road vehicles. Why not one for the off road crowd? What is the significant difference between the 4Runner and the FJ? According to my latest Off-Road Adventures Mag, they have many parts ready to sell for the FJ, thanks to the Prado, 4Runner & Tacoma. That is part of the two page ad for the FJ Cruiser.

Now to the foo foo comment. I looked at the new Mercedes ML, GL & R class. I feel the same about all the plastic they use on them. To me a $60k vehicle should be steel. I don't like the plastic on my PU truck. At least the bumpers are steel.

If Gagrice is in the Arctic you would think he would appreciate an FJ.

I seriously doubt the FJ would last more than a year. Anything less than 3/4 ton HD PU trucks have very short life spans on the gravel roads and extreme cold. Chevy & Ford 1/2 ton IFS last about a year before the cold gets to the CV boots. Axles snap when the temperature stays 30-40 below for weeks at a time. I have never seen a Toyota in the oil field as a work vehicle.

damnedyankee

anyone seeing the price drop? Is the $4m to $5m premium the dealers were demanding starting to erode?

my wife and I are interested in a silver or black cruiser with a manual tranny. just for kicks i did a search on auto trader (manual tranny only) and I am finding several black cherry with ridiculously low mileage. sounds like the dealers are beginning to see some price competition.

Going to sit tight and pick up a used 4Runner (2001 - manual tranny). I can have fun with some mods like a little lift and a katzkin interior for less.

Unless I can buy 2007 cruiser at or under MSRP i will wait for latter model year which i expect will have some practical improvement.

What are others thoughts re current price levels?

ron41

It's cool with the same color scheme as my fj: all doors open with hood. It's a keeper. One thing, I don't have a roof rack and the model does.

fjtoyjeep

Do the FJ Cruisers come with any kind of security system? For example, at a minimum a key that has a chip in it?

voodoofx

I have no idea how to post a link , but if you go to "FJ Cruiser-ih8mud.com" you will see impressive photo's and read threads by people that know what they are talking about. Having parts that fit various models means nothing. That is what a smart manufacturer does. If toyota thought they could make money with a vehicle for hard core off-roaders they would sell it here. I would not buy one. Why not just buy a 4Runner? Cos I dont want to look like a soccer mom. I dont need the space. It may have a large turning circle but if I had not read about it I would probably not have known or cared. Everything else I dont like can be changed for very little cost. How many people off-road a bone stock rig anyway? Also a passenger vehicle [i.e. FJ or ML] with steel bumpers could not be sold in the US.

i

gagrice

Also a passenger vehicle [i.e. FJ or ML] with steel bumpers could not be sold in the US.

I'm finding that out. I guess buying a beater and fixing it up is the way to go. Probably less money that way.

murphydog

OK, Toyota fans in the know. Is there any word on a sunroof on future versions of the FJ? A sunroof would put me over the top on a purchase. :shades:

voodoofx

Finally something I agree with, but for a lot of people an FJ is a great compromise. Better tham most [new stuff] off- road and a nice ride on street. Plus it's a Toyota [I have 3].

gagrice

Plus it's a Toyota [I have 3].

I have owned three also. The only one I miss is the 1964 FJ40, in spite of a lousy engine. The last one a 1994 PU was a constant source of expensive repairs. You see why I don't believe the reliability stories one reads. Experience is what sticks in the mind.

voodoofx

I own 3, an 03 4cyl. Camry, an 04 Tundra Limited V8 4x4, and the FJ, but I've owned a 96 4Runner, an 87 4Runner turbo, an 88 p/u, a Corolla GTS, at least 3 celicas and several more. I've never owned a Toyota lemon. I know people that have, but always something they bought used [and abused]. Early V6's had head gasket problems but otherwise I think there is little to fault.
Most guys I know that owned FJ40's took out the Chevy 250 copy and replaced it with a 327 or bigger.

gagrice

Took out the Chevy 250 copy and replaced it with a 327 or bigger.

That is what I should have done with mine. Several guys in the Tierra del Sol 4X4 club did that in the late 1960s. I sold mine after the 3rd valve job in 50k miles. Bought a VW Bug and took a job in Alaska. It was years before I would even look at another Toyota. We did have fun in the FJ40. Went all over the CA back roads and trails.

jamesbass1

I've owned 3 Toyota's as well. First, a 1980 Cressida w/a large in-line 6 cylinder. A/C ran so cold you could hang meat in there in July! Second, a 1986 4Runner w/Turbo & digital dash, which was traded in w/over 300,000mi. for my 3rd Toyota. A new 1995 4Runner V6 that I still own w/352,000mi. Probably will be buying a new Land Cruiser in the next 1-3 months as my business requires a larger vehicle. Can't imagine someone actually "hating" a FJ Cruiser. They are niche specialty vehicles for a particular market, and seem pretty easy to beef up if you want an even more serious off-roader. Price ain't bad either IMHO.

goathead

The FJ is my 4th Toyota. 70 FJ40, 87 Corolla, 95 4runner, 07 FJ. The 87 was traded in after 11 yrs, 150K miles, never had a repair. The 95 was a good solid truck, traded in this year with 140K miles, did some serious off roading in that one - it had dents on the bottom of the back bumber that would have destroyed the FJ back bumper. I like the FJ a lot, acknowledge its flaws, wish some parts were designed better, find its price/performance to be a very compelling story. Done.

stever

I followed a neighbor down the road this morning; he was in a maroonish FJ with a white top. It had no tags, temporary or otherwise so maybe he got it to test drive, but if demand is high, maybe he sprung for it.

The color didn't appeal to me as much as the blue ones that keep showing up on Edmunds pics; looked a bit sedate for a cool car.

I suppose you could complain about the spare blocking the rear view except the windows are pretty small in the first place. But that's looking in, not looking out.

Steve, Host

dreasdad

quite a few dealers will not charge over msrp but they may already have a waiting list. We never charge over but have a list about 3 months long on 2wd and 6 months on 4x4