Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Is AUX supposed to be included in the base standard radio, or is it only included with the option packages?
Wrong. There is no such thing as a "Wrangler with a V6". All Wranglers through model year 2006 still use the old Rambler-based I-6 engine.
"The Wrangler is fighting a loosing battle against modern designs and technologies"
First off, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler is a complete redesign - including options like 4-doors and an available diesel engine. I agree that the FJ will be a strong competitor, but don't count Jeep out yet. Jeep's main weakness is in the areas of reliability and the willingness of the manufacturer to stand behind their warranty - definitely not Daimler-Chrysler's strong point. That's where Toyota will do better.
More importantly, the fact that the Wrangler avoids "modern designs and technologies" helps it keep its place as a great off-road vehicle. Hopefully, the FJ will borrow some of that philosophy.
The 2007 *better* be a vast improvement. Ooo - nobody cares about a diesel engine, btw. Well, it should be interesting. I suspect a repeat of 30 years ago. The old FJs were noticeably superior back then as well, if quite a bit more expensive.
Now, if Jeep put out a Wrangler for $15K, then it'd be a whole other game. No options other than AC - no anything. Basdic vehicle with the understanding that you need to spend $5K on it customizing it. As it is, you spend $18K plus a hardtop, and so on - and it's not even the i-6 model yet.
maybe after i drive one i'll be firther persuaded...
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
While I certainly would not want to commute in a Wrangler, it does have its strengths.
I like the FJ, but I don't think I'll be in the market for an FJ anytime soon, as I have a 2002 4Runner with 4WD, TRAC, VSC, etc., and it has nearly the same wheelbase as the FJ, and I can add a Toyota rear locker if I want to take it rock crawling. The only drawbacks are the smaller V6, one less gear in the tranny, and slightly worse aproach and departure angles. I'm not sure the FJ is THAT much of an improvement over what i have for the money I'd spend.
My dream 4*4, though, is a Volvo 303. 16 inches of clearance and better off-road ability than a HumVee. Maybe a Unimog in second place. (though 8mpg kinda sucks - lol)
44 degrees approach, and 40 departure!!! Whoa
No good to you, if it breaks in the middle of the mountain, though
The FJ is as tough to get into as my buddies Tundra Extra Cab with the suicide mini door. But once you are in it your knees are not up to your chest and pressed against the front seat. I was relatively comfortable with about 2" between my knees and the front seat set for me. By the way I am 5'-11". So for offroading with three buddies it would be cool but for a 6.5 hr drive up to Mammoth for snowboarding it would kinda suck. So I guess if I sell my truck before March then I will get the X and if I am in the market in March it will depend on if there is a dealer mark-up on the FJ.
I do agree that the FJ doesn't really compel one to trade in one's old 4Runner, unless it is the pre-'96. Perhaps for the extra power, but in some ways the old model is actually nicer. Less stand-out stylish on the outside, but nicer inside than the very bare interior of the rubber-floored, plastic-dashed FJ. However, the FJ has got some cojones under the hood that put the 3.4L 4Runner in the weeds. :-)
Not to mention the available Torsen and a 6-speed transmission.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Diesel engines offer the advantage of high torque at low rpm, which is very useful in real off-road situations. I'd love to see a diesel option in the FJ, but Toyota hasn't done much with diesels lately, so that probably won't happen.
Not to mention the available Torsen and a 6-speed transmission.
I agree. There are some definite improvements with the FJ over my '02 Runner: 240hp V6 (nice trq too!), 6 spd tranny, available locking rear diff, slighly better angles, 32" BFG ATs, FJ heritage... enough so I will be curious and maybe take a test drive. I do have 4 doors, more cargo room, 18/23 gas mileage, the ability to sleep in the back, and best of all, it's nearly paid off. :P
I don't know about your 4Runner, but my 2000 V-6 4WD was EPA-rated 17/20 just like (pretty much) the new FJ is. How did you get to 18/23? Is yours 2WD?
And one thing you mentioned especially struck a chord with me: the ability to sleep in my truck, which I have taken advantage of many times over the years (had a '90 before the '00). I wonder how short the FJ is - would it be possible to sleep behind the front seats, or is it too short in length? And I forget, do the back seats fold totally flat with the rear floor so you COULD potentially sleep in there?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
In 4Runner, from the back of the front seats to the tailgate the length is 6 feet. Someone shorter than 6 feet could sleep in a 4Runner. But to sleep in an FJ you would need to be under 5 feet, as FJ is 11 inches shorter, and you can bet those 11 inches would be taken from the back of FJ.
However, if FJ's front passenger seat folds flat, I could have a solution even for those of us taller than 6 feet. But the passenger seat doesn't appear to be folding flat, shame! Perhaps, an aftermarket shop can arrange for that, but that's extra $$$ on top of the vehicle cost.
However, if that's the only solution which would allow 6+ feet tall guys to sleep inside, so be it. If I ever do as described above, I'll let everyone know. It's fairly simple and not very expensive (once you have flat folding front passenger seat).
:-(
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Agreed
I'd love to see a diesel option in the FJ, but Toyota hasn't done much with diesels lately, so that probably won't happen.
Except all over the world. 'Yota is ready to make the plunge big time here when 'clean' diesel is accepted everywhere in the US. Big block diesel Tundra is in design and under wraps.
I have a 4WD (selectable-fulltime w/VSC, TRAC, ATRAC). Not sure what it's rated, but I have achieved 23 mpg on certain trips (all hwy driving) with 87 octane. Lowest I have measured is 18 in all city driving, and my avg in mixed driving is 19/20 mpg. I have the stock Dunlop tires, which could be part of the the difference--if you have MTRs, that might sap your mileage a couple of mpg.
I figure in real-world use, the FJ would do about the same.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Um, no - similar in ability in stock form, yes. But the Wrangler is super easy to modify into a more formidable offroad rig than the others - in fact there is not a single lift kit on the market that I know of for the Xterra. But Price competitive? No way! An Offroad equipped Xterra is $26.5 base price and 30k nicely equipped, and a loaded Wrangler Rubicon (which even then cannot be had with the level of options that come standard on the FJ) is TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS MORE than the FJ. A base '06 Rubicon is 28k, base Rubicon Unlimited is 29k and with hardtop and some options tops 32k. Jeep clearly makes good profits from this 10 year old/50 year old design... The FJ "nicely equipped " is 23k. No contest.
[[I am 47 and have my name in the hat for a FJ. I have owned FJ40's years ago and can't wait to get the new one. ]]
Agreed! and I'm 46.
[[First off, the 2007 Jeep Wrangler is a complete redesign - including options like 4-doors and an available diesel engine.]]
The 2007 Wrangler is NOT a complete redesign, in spite of the hype. It's the same old TJ, adding a new stretched 4door (WTF for?) different shaped flares, and a new grill (I like it.) Same suspension, same WWII box body. The diesel is indeed a great idea - I would love to have a real 4x4 that gets 25-30 mpg. I wish Toyota would bring their turbodiesels back to the US, today I think they'd sell well here. The ones overseas are terrific.
In fact, a diesel Unlimited could possilby get my dollars over the FJ,even with the higher pricetag.
The Xterra did get Motor Trends Truck of the year award and it does have one of the best engines ever made.
Looking forward to seeing the FJ in person but am somewhat dissapointed at the gas milage.
23K you are most likely talking a 2WD FJ with no options. Besides, I've read the pricing starts at 25K. A 4WD FJ plus an off-road option with A-TRAC and a locking diff (check toyota.com - they already show FJ's options but no pricing yet), and you are really paying a pretty penny there. Through in a "Convenience" option, which includes a cruise control (feel like pressing the gas pedal for 5 straight highway hours?), and that's another 2 grand or so.
BTW, Unlimited Wrangler won't be renewed for 2007. So, this is the last model year, and it will be quite a rare vehicle.
And at that price level, I think the three will be roughly equal in offroad ability. While the Rubicon has an existing aftermarket of offroad parts, it is not like Toyota is an unheard of manufacturer in this realm - I am sure there will be stuff available very shortly. It is my hope that while the aftermarket ramps up, TRD will offer a decent selection of stuff in the meanwhile.
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)
http://www.968.net/modifications/images/snowplow_01.jpg
http://www.prolynx.com/walinchi/blog/REDNECK%20SNOWPLOW.jpg
http://halhope.com/gif4/snowplow.jpg
http://www.hillsdale.edu/personal/Westblade/pix/humor/RedneckPlow.jpg
It comes STANDARD with rear locking diff (on MT model)
and the option packages don't take it anywhere near 30k. I can imagine if you start adding winches, roof racks, side bars and stuff at dealer prices the price could skyrocket, but that's not smart...
Here:
http://www.rooney.org/tlc/FJC/FJ-Cruiser.gif
http://www.rooney.org/tlc/FJC/FJ-Cruiser-2.gif
http://www.rooney.org/tlc/FJC/FJ-Cruiser-3.gif
2006 Xterra
Off-Road Styles (MSRP: $23,850 - $27,150)
4dr SUV Manual 4.0L 6cyl
4dr SUV Auto. 4.0L 6cyl TMV
4dr SUV 4WD Manual 4.0L 6cyl
4dr SUV 4WD Auto. 4.0L 6cyl
S Styles (MSRP: $22,250 - $25,050)
4dr SUV Manual 4.0L 6cyl
4dr SUV Auto. 4.0L 6cyl
4dr SUV 4WD Manual 4.0L 6cyl
4dr SUV 4WD Auto. 4.0L 6cyl
SE Styles (MSRP: $25,750 - $27,750)
4dr SUV Auto. 4.0L 6cyl
4dr SUV 4WD Auto. 4.0L 6cyl
X Styles (MSRP: $20,050 - $22,850)
4dr SUV Manual 4.0L 6cyl
4dr SUV Auto. 4.0L 6cyl
4dr SUV 4WD Manual 4.0L 6cyl
4dr SUV 4WD Auto. 4.0L 6cyl
bcmalibu99ls - I'll bite. I have an older 4Runner with seats that fold back and I'm not that tall, so camping in my rig isn't a problem, but I am interested in the FJ and I am curious about your front passenger seat/flat floor solution. I am disappointed that it appears the FJ won't be able to accomodate sleeping inside very well, but I'm wondering about your idea and whether it could help in the FJ's case with its not-quite-flat rear seats.
Why? Because they had the pre-production model not 10 ft from the original concept. And it was apalling. Everyplace that there was metal on the outside, there was now plastic. Everylace where there was glass, it's plastic.
One looked and felt like it was a solid piece of engineering that could survive a minor war and the other - it was thin plastic and all looks. Shoot, one of the bumper edges had fallen off during the show. The entire front bumper was thin plastic hardly any better than what they use for a typical dashboard cover. If you so much as tapped a log offroading - I swear the entire front end would disintegrate.
The interior was a repeat - the dash was probably the cheapest plastic that I've seen outside of an Aveo. Just sad how they made a visual-only carbon clone of the original for what looks like 5-10K less.
P.S. A Volvo V40 wagon had a longer rear area with the seats folded. Unless you are 4.5 ft long, you ain't sleeping in that thing.
Looks identical to the concept. Not built half as well. You'd be fooled and not know the diference without experiencing what I did, because it looks great and feels great, but for all of its off-road prowess, it's got zero ability to survive even the most minimal of real abuse.
The front bumper - I wish I could figure out how to d/l the pictures from my PDA to my desktop. 20 gauge aluminum is now 3/4 as thick plastic. The front headlights are crummy plastic covers instead of sealed-beams. The rear corner window areas are plastic instead of proper glass. It went on and on. The bumpers - those little wings off the edges - held together with plastic. It reminded me of something out of a Hollywood set - all looks and yet man it was only skin deep.
Now, I'm SURE it will kick butt off-road. But it's built like a tin can. God help you if you bump into something with it.
I'll get a picture or two up later today if I can. Don't believe the reviews - it's such a letdown from the original concept and obviously is built with cost-cutting in mind at every turn. I'd take a Wrangler XL over it for off-roading if I wanted it to survive a week. Evn my friend's 4-Runner looks like it is put together twice as well.
The question becomes: how does the production FJ compare to the XTerra, Wrangler Rubicon, and perhaps H3? Price being similar on all three, it is obvious that there has to be a balance between the hardware, the feature content, and the overall bash-it-up-edness. The Rubicon obviously excels in bash-it-up-edness, is low on feature content, high on hardware, and is fairly unpleasant to drive on the road - it is an offroader from stem to stern.
However, H3, XTerra, and FJ are all designed to be as much onroaders as offroaders, and have similar levels of feature content and hardware, so how do they compare as far as bash-it-up-edness, and how flimsy or cheap do the interior and exterior fittings feel?
The production model is always a letdown in some way (or many ways in some cases) from its concept roots, but you have to look at the market to truly judge a vehicle.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
Check one out - if they build it this cheaply, it's going to crash and burn in only a year or two with the hard-core off-road crowd.
Goltgo, the sleeping arrangement I have in mind depends on 1) having a folding front passenger seat and 2) FJ's interior length. Once I take the measurements at the Vancouver auto show, I'll let everyone know if we have a solution. The passenger seat can be folded by a custom shop, but the length is what we'll be stuck with...It can really be a matter of a few inches, so we'll see
Of course, there's always the possibility of carrying a roof-top camper, but you can imagine the mileage drop and the resulting off-road tippiness...or carry a tent and sleep by your beloved FJ, snakes and all