Toyota FJ Cruiser

[Sane_man]

I test drove one when they first came out, and really liked it.

The option packages are very pricey and can drive the around $20k MSRP to $35k. I wouldn't pay over $23k for one, which can be done if you buy one without the port installed luggage rack, and the two option packages of gauges and radio.

[05 Busa LE]

UPDATE: after doing a lot of lurking on FJCruiserForums.com (an excellent site), I learned that they're having a number of issues with the '06 and '07 FJ's (I don't know if they've corrected them for '08, but I have read that Toyota has not been as responsive as one would expect): 1) the inner fenders are bending and cracking in the crumple zones; 2) the paint is chipping excessively; and 3) the windshield appears to be "soft," and is prone to excessive chipping and cracking. Needless to say, I'm now also looking at the Nissan Pathfinder. If any owners have experienced any of these problems, I'd be interested to hear about it.

[ibified]

Well, I recently went vehicle shopping as well, and was forced by the wife to look at the FJ. We test drove one, and I have to admit that it drove very nicely, and it was a good looking vehicle. However, I was underwhelmed by the power as well as the gas mileage, and I felt very cramped inside it. I could see me getting claustrophobic on long trips EASILY. Plus, I thought I'd miss the towing capability and the utility of having a full size truck. Then I found out that the Tundra was available with a 5.7 liter V8 putting out 382 hp and just north of 400 ft/lbs of torque. I quit considering the FJ pretty much immediately.

The FJ is a nice vehicle, dont get me wrong, but I look at it more of a novelty vehicle for a VERY small demographic. if you fit that demographic, then get one, by all means. As has been said here, it's a Toyota, so it's gonna run forever. Best of luck in your decision!

[Revlis]

I was looking at them pretty hard. Here's what I found after a brief test drive...

-Outward visibility is lacking, not the end of the world but in an RX-8 at the time, driving something with even more blind spots wasnt something I was ready to do.

-Handling was nice, nothing spectacular but it rode nice, and yeah it's a Toyota so it should last for about 50 years and only need a drop of fuel and oil once a month, it will lay golden eggs in the garage and IS what Jesus would drive.

Just ask any Toyota owner they'll tell you. But seriously they are reliable as the sun.

-In the end you have to decide if the Fashion is worth the sacrifice though. There are machines out there that are going to do most everything it can do better, but none of them look quite as cool as the FJ. It's Awesome... I wasn't all that serious about getting a truck or I might have one in the garage, blind spots be damned it's cool looking.

[Revlis]

UPDATE: after doing a lot of lurking on FJCruiserForums.com (an excellent site), I learned that they're having a number of issues with the '06 and '07 FJ's (I don't know if they've corrected them for '08, but I have read that Toyota has not been as responsive as one would expect): 1) the inner fenders are bending and cracking in the crumple zones; 2) the paint is chipping excessively; and 3) the windshield appears to be "soft," and is prone to excessive chipping and cracking. Needless to say, I'm now also looking at the Nissan Pathfinder. If any owners have experienced any of these problems, I'd be interested to hear about it.

It's not just Toyota, and remember that the Interweb is where all the nervous nellies go to boo-hoo about all their problems.

The paint is a factor of increased environmental pressures I think. More and more water based materials and the eco friendly doesn't usually mean paint tough.

The Windshield made of taffy thing is something else I've seen elsewhere, mostly on the BMW forums. I can attest to the BMWs windshield being... Well soft I suppose. It seems to chip and pit too easily.

[Revlis]

overpriced, under powered (less than stellar gas mileage as well).... and small inside.

fad vehicle nothing more.

Ah the Truth from the Unbiased GM Salesman...

[el stumpo]

PDBusa - The new FJ does have your AC Option...

I liked the FJ, but the wife would have nothing to do with it. We ended up with a Honda Pilot. (smart with 5 people in the family).

I have heard only the Hummer has better off-road capabilities (road and track I think? Or was it car and driver?). MPG is lacking.

I'm surprised at people saying overpriced when you can get one for $22k or so (Not with the $10k ac option above). It's probably going to be my next car (the Pilot is Mom's car)

[bone]

my wife liked them so we went for a test ride at the dealer. at around 60mph the steering wheel started shaking, alittle faster and it went away. got home and searched the internet and found this to be a problem with some of them, they need a special wheel alignment to get it just right. for us, if a brand new vehicle off the lot has problems with wheel alignment, its not for us. so she's still driving the xterra and happy( its paid off). also i didnt like the back windows not rolling down. just my experience.

bone

[Luvanicebum]

My Ford F-250 XLT Turbo Diesel will smoke a Tundra and pull a house in the process.
Try 22 mpg too.

[05 Busa LE]

Good points ... but for a new vehicle, you really shouldn't expect somewhat "common" problems throughout the make.

About 20% of the repondents on FJCruiserForums.com are reporting the inner fender well problems; numerous owners (especially those with the blue) are reporting the paint-chipping problem (which may come from a primer that's too hard and slick); and there's talk of a class-action suit on the soft windshield (particularly because they market it as being tough--like the paint--because it's an off-road vehicle).

So I drove the Pathfinder, which is not as cool, but it's much more comfortable and suitable for every day driving. I hope Toyota addressed the problems in the '08, which is now hitting the streets.

[8Daytona8]