Toyota FJ Cruiser or Hummer H3

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Gonna put this over in the H3 section too. Obviously you're biased, but thought this might be fun...

I've only begun to look, but I see lots of similarities between the FJ & the H3.

If you have an opionion let us know

stever

Let's keep this one and link it to both groups; that way we can keep all the posts together.

monty2222

There is no comparing Toyota quality to anything else, especially Hummer. I would take the FJ. It also looks good, not like a Jeep Cherokee with fender flares like the H3.

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I agree now. The more of the Hummer I see, I'm sort of over it. Plus, it's GM :-)

dewey3

I've had my FJ for 4 months and have no complaints. I took it offroad at Paragon Adventure Park and it dominated. Never once did I get stuck compared to the Rubicons and H3s. The H3 could barely maneuver through part of the trails.

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I can see now that I wasn't thinking clearly when insisting the H3 is close to the FJ. The more I learn about the FJ, the less I like the H3. In-fact, the H3 just looks ugly now. So yes -- next purchase will likely be the FJ. 'Just a matter of when' Thanks!

rayvyn

I've owned my Hummer H3 for 13 months now and I too am a long standing believer in Toyota... I have owned my share of Toyota's so as my GM H3 passes 15000 miles I too am wondering just how long to wait before moving to a Toyota... So much so that I have spent nearly 2 full days going thru and test driving the FJs and I have finally found my answer... Never!! The FJ is a sad example for either an off roader or a replacement for an H3... Inside and out - off road or on it is handily beat by the H3... Over and over I see online comparisons that have completely incorrect data for the H3 and in the end it comes down to feel and function... Anyone can see the H3 has better function - it is written in the many specifications available (the accurate one's anyway)... But feel - there is simply no comparison... The H3 feels like a capable truck and the FJ feels like a plastic toy... I entered into my search for a more reliable car than a GM (any GM) knowing I would buy a Toyota FJ and have came away knowing I will never own a 2007 FJ... I would pay the $23,000 retail price and I will certainly never pay the inflated $30,000...

alltorque

Why would anyone of sound mind, spending their own money, even consider buying a Hummer - any Hummer ? Surely the most pointless road vehicle of the last 25 years. If you want to go serious off-roading you buy a Land Rover.............a proper one, not the luxury, leather upholstered hairdressers versions. If you only stay on-road buy an Audi. Next.

mrjones944

They dont sell the proper Land Rovers for less than a small fortune from what I have seen...same with the Audi

alltorque

Can't argue with that.............but surely just a small fortune is worth parting with for the best ? Over here in good old Blighty the Hummer is horrendously expensive, (it's a specialist import so just put a £ sign in place of the $ sign and you're probably pretty close).

Seems to be pretty much the norm. The Cadillac CTS 3.6 is listed over here at nearly £30k which, at 1.96$ per £ equates to around $59k. Now think of our gasoline prices at circa $6.40 per USG, (Diesel is more expensive), and you could get the impression we get screwed for our motoring pleasure - compared to USA anyway. Sorry, will stop before this turns into a rant.

glennkawesch

I would take the FJ as well.

Thanks,

Glenn Kawesch

tired_old_dave

If the pound was equal to the dollar and petrol wasn't taxed to kept the pound at home and you got to drive the H3, you would be with us. The way our country has been spent, you may get the chance.

Two past toyota's but there will not be a third.

mrjones944

I always like to hear peoples rationalization for what makes a certain vehicle the best. My truck (01 2wd Ford Ranger 4cyl) is by no means the best truck out there when all factors are thrown in but then again I never come close to reaching the limits of the vehicle. 115K miles and $200 in repairs over 6 years while still returning 25+ mpg and being able to haul anything from motorcycles to furniture. It has gotten stuck once in the snow after I flipped the thing in a ditch once but then again...I rolled it into a ditch. I would like to get an Fj or a Wrangler or hell even a Rover but then again it wouldnt be the best for my lifestyle. The most offroading I do is jumping curbs or crossing over rail crossings. So the best to me would be a small truck based vehicle (4x4 would be nice for winters), with a bed that can haul crap, and maybe a backseat so my lady would stop bothering me. The v8 sport trac is what I am looking at but the fuel economy sucks and it costs $30k for the package I want. Hell all the cars and trucks I want are $30K. Considering that the best for me is the truck I have thats paid for...until it dies

alltorque

T.O.D., Sorry, but really would not have any Hummer..........even if the price was attractive and fuel was cheap. I simply don't like the looks of any of them. Make a Land Rover Defender, (that's the basic army-style job, popular with farmers etc), look decidely chic.............and I reckon the LR is better off-road as well. Money no object I'd go for an Audi Q7 with a big TDi motor............or a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S if I was being really silly with the kids' inheritance. Each to his own, as they say.

We're coming to Nevada + Arizona in Jan/Feb so may see if I can blag a test drive in one just for the hell of it. May be pleasantly surprised; but I'll be surprised if I am surprised, if you see what I mean.

tired_old_dave

Looks like you got the real monetary message. Have never driven or ridden in a land rover. At an organic meeting many years ago, an American with many years in Australia, without a doubt said he preferred land rover to toyota.

We had a diesel as you probably know, not the one always wanted, but that cured me. Our dealer's salesman said that a lot of visiting Europeans staying at the nearby Gaylord Texan come in for visits (and test drives). He said one such person starting out on the test drive, accidentally opened the hood instead of releasing the emergency brake and stated "I've popped me bonnet". Have fun.

offroader5

FIRST OF ALL THE FJ IS 30K FOR A REASON! I DONT OWN ONE BUT FROM OWNING 3 TOYOTAS IN THE PAST THERE IS QUALITY BEHIND THE FJ. YOU SAY THAT YOU HAVE OWNED TOYOTAS IN THE PAST AND NOW HAVE THE H3. YOU WILL SOON FIND OUT WHAT KIND OF GARBAGE YOU HAVE INVESTED IN ESPECIALLY IF YOU TAKE IT OFFROAD! WHEN I MEAN OFFRORD I MEAN MY BACK YARD HERE IN ARIZONA WHERE I GUARANTEE YOU WILL BE VISITING THE DEALER THE FIRST MONTH! ALL GM'S RIDE AND DRIVE GREAT THE FIRST YEAR OR TWO. JUST DRIVE A 150,000 MILE USED TOYOTA AND THEN DRIVE A 25,000 MILE GM AND YOU WILL SEE THE DIFFERENCE!!!!!!

offroader5

LAND ROVER HAS THE RIGHT IDEA! THE ONLY PROBLEM WITH THEM IS THAT THEY WILL TAKE YOU THERE AND IT WILL RETURN ON A TOW TRUCK, THEY NEED TO MAKE THEM MORE RELIABLE!

offroader5

MY FRIEND YOU SAY YOU HAVE NOT HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH YOUR RANGER. TAKE IT DOWN TO AN ALIGNMENT SHOP AND HAVE THEM LOOK AT THE FRONT END. YOU WILL NEED TO SPEND AT LEAST WHAT THE TRUCK IS WORTH. DO IT FOR YOUR SAFETY AND OTHERS BECAUSE THEY HAVE AN ON GOING HISTORY THAT FORD STILL HAS NOT PERFECTED!

tidester

I recommend turning off your CAPS LOCK. People tend to ignore messages typed in ALL CAPS.

tidester, host

blue330xi

things to consider.

Hummer +
-Full time 4wd with locking center and rear differential on both auto and manual models (toyota manual only).
-Extensive factory offered underbody armor.
-Upcoming 5.3l version supposed to come out in 1 year or less.
-Better approach and departure angles.
-Factory 33in tires optional
-Better crawl ratio via lower geared transfer case and lower differentials.

Toyota +
-Great reliability according to consumer reports.
-Faster and a little more fuel efficient.
-About 1/2in more ground clearance and better break over angle.
-Factory 32in tires offered

rdhollem

Been a 4-wheeler since '72. 69 Bronco, 76 Cruiser, 79 Cruiser, 79 CJ5, 81 Bronco, 93 G Cherokee, 96 Discovery, 98 4-Runner, 04 Z71 Tahoe, 07 TRD FJ.
76 Cruiser most rugged, 81 Bronco best pulling (front ls & rear locker), 98 4-Runner most reliable (240,000+ miles, < $1000 repairs), 04 Tahoe most comfortable. Jeeps were least reliable, Cherokee had to be towed in (4 times). Early Cruiser had problems with rust and valves. Couldn't afford parts for Discovery. FJ best equipped and capable for all-around/off road use.
Purchased FJ over Rubicon, H3, & Xtera because of MPG rating, towing rating, and superior Toyota quality/reliability.

bschatz

I test drove the H3 and the FJ and found the FJ to be jerky on the small bumps that I encountered. I found the the H3(with out the adventure pac) to ride better in everyday type driving. I felt the FJ, with is styling outside and plastic toy like inside to be more for a younger person than myself. The inside of the H3 was more to my taste. I live in Colorado(over 7,000 feet you lose 25% of your power)and am in the mountains quite a bit. So I felt both would serve me well in the snow, mud, hilly as well as city conditions that I encounter. The H3 seemed a bit under powered for all the weight it carry's Not so the FJ. I went with the H3 however, I put a Vortic supercharger and a better exhaust system. Costly but for my situation it has been very good.

extech2

Please tell us how does the H3 behave on the highway. We drove one briefly in city traffic and I felt a very slight vibration through the chassis - it wasn't the tire balance type vibration. We didn't have enough time to determine if it was the road or something with the vehicle. Otherwise I loved it, I've never been in a more solid car/truck in my 59 years.

tired_old_dave

Still bored and lazy but just this last minute read this post. Very interested in the vortec upgrade and exhaust. Also don't believe in K&N from ford experience and a filter test link from a gentleman at lost. GM paper filter, nano no oil filter, curious. No mods intended soon. Would've liked a push rod long stroke inline 6 at the least. Did pushing more fuel/air in the mountains destroy your mileage?

tired_old_dave

Test drive more of them and if you don't buy the adventure package try for replacement of the "goodyears". Their st's on the crd are junk (even at the bottom of goodyears own list when I looked almost two years ago)and have read of puncture problems with the base h3 goodyears.

azz7772

i have had my h3 for 9 months now and have had no trouble........ but i have had alot of pleasure it gets looks everywhere i go even from fj owners lol also the h3 is very solidly built and has no inner fender cracking like the fj's.

sddoc07

If you head over to Edmunds.com and compare the 2008 H3 (5 cylinder) and 2008 FJ - they're a heckuva lot similar than you would think. In fact, the H3 has near-equivalent 2008-rated gas mileage (city is worse) and cargo room (seats up) while its rear seat room, regular fuel requirement (vs premium), 4 doors, and superior bhp all seem to be clear advantages. Even the depreciation costs appear near-equal. Seems like this is one case where Toyota imitated GM, and not the other way around. If you add the V8 of the alpha model to the mix, I think the H3 is pretty dominant. All it lacks is a bare-bones, off-road only model. Don't forget that you can also get a navigation system and sunroof on the H3 too.

tired_old_dave

Blue_Beauty has passed her first year anniversary, 14k miles, and one dealer trip to replace one of the plastic push pins that hold the leather seat cover on.

canyonman

FJ is a really wierd looking vehicle, tail lights, windows look strange.

does nothing for me.

okko1

i recently purchased a h3 alpha and am very pleased. detroit rules. 300hp and 325 ft. lbs. of torque make this suv both capable and fun to drive. it has a 5 star crash rating and 60-40 all wheel drive. americian made you bet ya. :P

tired_old_dave

Second anniversary, that one plastic push pin, the best oil in the engine, a new not needed air filter, and of course the bill stines (cheaper installed by me than struts and alignment for the bu at a repair shop).

Just came from the active h club forum and its' pages of front solid axle swap thread. Blue_Beauty will stay a street machine. Almost wanted to pick up a cheap new '08 and consider a gear change out for highway mileage. hummer no hummer dealers dropping out and now they are delivering the h3t. Is hummer alive or not?

Considering an unlimited jk - even though burned on three chrysler products. And then those wrangler commercials hit tv (kudos to their marketing agents if not an in house commercial). Did not read 20K+ posts at edmunds wrangler forum but nice banter between the old timers and steve and tidester. Even they are worried about the quality issue on newer models. Keep making leaking roofs for years-reminds me of the old subaru posts here with owners wanting to know if they would fix known issues. Want a non leaking roof properly engineered and built. Does wrangler have a decent tranny and torque converter.

Then I remember an old post about how we became a society spending way too much on transportation in stead of enjoying the quality parts of life. Then I look at our street, our vehicles stay in the garage, and I see what looks like a used car lot with too much inventory and decide not to buy any vehicle ever again(that won't last long).

tired_old_dave

Was going to respond to an old post by "rdhollem" but decided to post these thoughts.

Just missed the chance for employee pricing (extended to supplier pricing) on the jk. Short garage so couldn't follow all the advice to buy a give-away-price for a full sized truck. Options included cuv suv etc. Tired old back sometimes struggles to get down into the bu. The jk is old tech-grew up on recirculating ball, it has sfa, body on frame, coil springs separate from the shocks, tires with a sidewall on a rim that isn't afraid of a little hole in the road, doesn't have a mechanical fan though, design leans to open roof idea but it does have roll bar, and just saw a link to the release where cerberus is building electric jeeps with a motor for each wheel something alluded to much earlier with a five motor post-surprised to see it come from them (good luck and hope the ability to sync all the wheels has been completed). Jeep reliability like gm? get a peach or a lemon?

sage3

I owned an Xterra and a few other SUV's but at todays fuel costs I cringed at every fill up and so traded in the X for a little more fuel efficiency. If the economy did not slow, the gas prices would have continued climbing, and so;
Do any of you think that at some point the cost of fuel would keep you from either the FJ or H3? If so what would the cost of gas have to be?

fhrabetin

I now live in Bend OR but several years ago I lived in Yreka CA. Bought a 2003-04 Murano new. It spent most of the first month in the dealership with ukn problems-dealer couldn't figure out what was happening/wrong. Fast forward 2 years and 40,000 miles. Local Bend dealership knew my first name and cell number. They couldn't keep it running and I gave up and traded in for an FJ. No regrets, only go in for oil change and tire rotation. Have a K&M air filter which improved power and gas mileage with OR 10% gasohol- RIP OFF. Better angle of approach vs. Murano for fishing off back roads and don't have to worry going over rocks on questionable trails. It's short and not as wide as Hummer so i goes into garage and easier to negotiate on narrow dirt roads. Steering radius not nearly as good as Jeep Wrangler but better power and mileage on open road. Steelhead poles are a tight fit fully assembled inside the vehicle.

tired_old_dave

Better_half doesn't like me using "Blue Beauty" to reference the JK on order. She suggested "Blue Rubi". Things happened and couldn't get to our dealer. Want to "thank" the people from KY and NM who came to TX to beat us to the punch. Maybe someday we'll be rich enough to turn the keys over to leapin lizards.

tired_old_dave

screamin lizard not leapin lizards-gettin more tired every day.

tired_old_dave

Blue Beauty woke up beside Bu and but spent the night with Blue Rubi

tired_old_dave

both, I think, didn't think it through. Blue Beauty is a great daily driver with full time 4wd and Onstar for Better_Half. Should've been two H3's. One with highway gears and smaller tires and one with part time 4wd and a strong front end for the jeeper. Toyota's design and execution are what they are. Less than a week with Blue Rubi and every day the satisfaction and enjoyment goes up. Did not notice any drive line hum like the H3 had even quieter than the redline lubed H3. Blue Rubi is quiet and still feels like a jeep. The H3 should've had the A pillars like the JK has. Surprised by the how much better the minivan motor is purring since the 6 on the odometer is approaching 300. Drove in the rain this weekend, BFG mudders were great, to Dallas for the Jeepfest and saw three Screamin Lizards, it was nice to know their history. The go pedal is hard to restrain and follow the advice of Arthur St. Antoine in Motor Trend " ... Wrangler: Go slow with pride." .

tired_old_dave

Ten days and 600 miles later still loving the rubicon. Gassed up Blue Beauty and it feels like a country cadillac, better_half sure has a nice daily driver. No a/c windowns down redline in everything and had to hit the go pedal to avoid them. Where did that burst of power come from that 3.5 motor. Got back and gassed up the rubi, saw a miata column all numbered up (rally) from Gaylord Texan. Then the idea that the base rubicon was like a sports car 4x4. We are lucky to have two great American products.