Any thoughts on Toyota FJ Cruiser ?

[Andrey]

MSRP starting at $21K it looks reasonable. I still have to develop my "like"-"dislike"......

Any thoughts ?

[TEN36VX]

I think they look good.
However the interior looks cramped in the back.

[Joe_Black]

I've heard and read nothing but good things about them, plus it's a Toyota. Was really excited to hear they were going into production, but became very disappointed now that I can't go down the street without seeing one. There must be 15 or 20 just here in town, and I live in a relatively small town.

The VX really spoils you with individuality.

[Maugan_VX]

they look like crap IMHO.

[Joe_Black]

I was just looking at two in the drive-thru lane which I can see through my office window and it occurred to me what they look like. Anyone remember that Disney sci-fi movie "The Black Hole"? There were a couple floating robots with retractable heads. The way the roofline is on the FJ and the round headlights make me think of those robots. Just had to share...

[WormGod]

I saw a blue one yesterday. It was cruising up the road at a "hefty" speed. The way he was driving it, there will be minus one FJ here very soon. Anyways, it didnt impress me. I got the "wow" factor for a second, and then reality kicked in and I wasnt so impressed. It was a hideous light blue and then what came to mind was plastic patio furniture. Just looked.... cheap. But, it IS a Toyota, so it is probably a pretty rugged, reliable truck and will run forever if you take care of it. Priced to sell too.

[nfpgasmask]

they look like crap IMHO.

I 2nd that. I really don't like the design. It looks too close to the H3 imo. Me thinks its kinda ugly, but the price makes it look a little nicer I suppose. I'm sure its a decent truck, being from Toyota. I was actually going to test drive one, but fate intervened and I found my sweet EB 2001 VX instead!!!

Bart

[mbeach]

Pro: As stated, it's a Toyota.

Con: It's offered in a 2wd configuration. This just betrays lineage, as if it's a Landcruiser in name only.

[volume311]

Probably relly good off-road but really goofy lookin.

[VehiGAZ]

A buddy of mine bought one the week they started delivering them to the Boston area. He really likes his, and said that a VX owner would be right at home in one - sun-visor visibility out the front, blocked-by-the-spare visibility out the back, restricted access to the rear seats.

Actually, he said there is plenty of room in the back seat when the fronts are positioned for normal-height adults, and getting the kids' seats in and out is not a problem.

I like the design, myself - although it is a bit awkward. I saw a silver one on a Toyota lot today, actually. I really like the look of the long wheelbase and the high ground clearance. It looks like it would be VERY effective off-road.

My buddy got his L-O-A-D-E-D and paid sticker for it - around $28k, I believe.

I was thinking about getting one myself, but I won't now that he has it.

[Andrey]

to be honest with you I have not seen personally on the street yet... I guess I should test drive one. The look is definitely "off" main road.. I might need another vehicle but going with Highlander or something like it does not excite me mutch...

[ISCE]

On my daily stop and go on the beltway I saw one the other day and in person just didn't like the looks at all. Also the light blue is just too light, looked more like a baby blue to me, but that's just my personal thoughts on it.

The cool thing is this: they were staring out at the VX as the PV2 gurgled past :-)

I've seen several on the road now, WAY more than the times I've seen another VX. I am sure it would be a decent vehicle, but just wasn't impressed seeing it up close.

[Triathlete]

This ones pretty cool!

[Reg Hinnant]

I was disappointed in the length & width. I like the VX size.
And Oh BTW, the Toyota dealers are making sure you wont find one at base price.

[Todd Adams]

And Oh BTW, the Toyota dealers are making sure you wont find one at base price.

That will change.

I had the Toyota folks with Linda and I on 2 of our EJS trails. One of the FJ’s was a pre production and the other a production model. Since I was driving by myself so I did not get the opportunity to drive one but did get to see them in action with not so skilled drivers behind the wheel taking directions from the so called experts that were hired by Toyota. I can tell you this, after a week in Moab the fleet of FJ’s were showing off a few “trail trophies”.
The FJ is very good off road. More capable stock than the VX with the traction control system and rear locker stock along with 32” tires. Since it is based on a proven chassis there are already many after market options including an ARB for the front already.
I am not crazy about the interior and dash but I can live with that even though you sit quite low and the visibility over the hood is a bit limited. I do like the suicide rear doors for easy access to the rear seating. I also like the fact that you can just take a hose to the interior to wash out the mud and dirt.
This will be an easy vehicle to upgrade into an even more capable off roader. With 33’s a bit of lift a winch and a front ARB it would take on all but the most difficult trails.
Everyone has his or her own tastes for the FJ looks but I have owned 2 Land Cruisers in the past including an FJ 55 which much of the retro looks come from on the new FJ. Now I just have to decide what color.