Toyota FJ Cruiser: My Take

Cars.com’s Joe Wiesenfelder seemed to enjoy reviewing Toyota’s new offroad sensation, the FJ Cruiser. When I got my hands on it there was little that impressed me. But that’s me. I have no desire to go off-road — ever — or look like I do when I’m on city streets.

I wasn’t impressed by the ride. The big tires probably do a great job on mud, but I don’t want it to feel like I’m driving through muck when I’m actually on the highway — and that’s just how the FJ handles. I will say, though, that it was surprisingly quiet inside the cabin.

Don’t get me wrong, the FJ is a terrific package for offroad enthusiasts, and I think the combination of the suicide rear doors, plastic-lined cargo area and edgy styling is commendable for any potential shopper.

I just don’t see myself ever driving an FJ. I’m one of those people who want their SUVs to work well in the paved world. And most SUVs that do can handle the amount of snow and gravel I travel well enough that I would never need to sacrifice comfort for canyon-crossing ability. But again, that’s just me. Plus, the thing’s ugly as sin.

Comments

Bah. It's retro styling! Definitely reminds me (in a good way) of the old Toyota Land Cruisers, still faithfully roving around the mountains in third world countries.

"Ugly as sin" might be a tad harsh. I, for one, think they look pretty darn cool and different. I can't speak to how they drive, but design-wise they're definitely a kick in the pants for the segment and they come in some pretty sweet colors -- how could you possibly lose your SUV in the woods when it's school-bus yellow?

You certainly forgot to mention the super cheapo flimsy plastic dashboard, switches, visors and controls that don't cut it for what this vehicle is priced at.....

paul, thats toyota quality, you know, what everyone raves about...

While the dash is certainly filled with colorful plastic I don't think it really is all that cheap and would rate the same as the paint matching plastic in a Chrysler PT Cruiser. The price is pretty reasonable due to the extreme off-road ability of the FJ. and remember this is coming from the guy that isn't a fan. But you really can't knock the vehicle for price or the plastic.
Although I thought the stereo controls were pretty bad.

Dave T, I am shopping for something in this class segment AND I am a fan of Toyota products(I also agree with you about the stereo controls), but the $31000.00 plus sticker on the FJ that I drove for a week didn't cut it for me(I also go off-roading -Something that 95% of these FJ's will probably never end up doing)... I do like the FJ styling! Paint finish was very good and engine power seemed ample. Gas mileage was not very good. I also forgot to mention in my previous post(still harping on the plastic parts here-lol!)about the plastic inner door release handles... These will be lucky to survive 2 chilly New England Winter's here before snapping off( just like in my Jeep)....

Glad to hear you don't like it much. That means Toyota did what they wanted to do.

Oliver
See My FJ Pictures at: http://www.fjcruiserowners.com

Does anyone relly need the type of vehicle they buy anymore. Here in Texas you see trucks with big tires, lifted 2-3 ft off the ground with huge bumbers etc. You also see folks driving in rush hour traffic in Jaguars etc. Maybe we should all be driving a battery powered personal mobility vehicles. ( with a lift kit , wide tires and a MP3 docking station , oh and Bluetooth capable , and keyless entry. ) Before long we will need software upgrades with our oil changes, I mean battery conditioning.

I have a new blue Fj cruiser, and here are the facts. 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. 33.84 to 1 crawl ratio in auto 44.81 in manual. Uses les gas than the hummer H3 costs less and man the hummer has way more plastic on it than the Fj. Not to mention the Hummer H1, H2 and H3 look like boxes on wheels use to much gas and cost to much. There's no were a hummer can go that I can't.

Hello,
I will want to make an enquiry about these car Toyota FJ Cruiser $31000 can u get back to me the final price and my mode of my payment is check if u are interested get back to me pls and can l trust u and what is the condition of the car.

Get back to me ASAP
reply
kris

I so want one, I currenly own a 4runner and love it, I saw one of these @ a gas station and asked my girlfriend if she liked it too since we dont agree much on cars. She loved it, thought it was the a cute litte suv. I love it too, and at 28,000$ with the #2 upgrades, this should sell fast and well. I cant wait to one one. Love it.

This thing is awesome. For all you posers driving it without even taking it off road, and all you who deck it out with off road equipment. You are the last people who should even think about posting a comment good or bad about it. If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything. I will take on and H3, 4 or 5 as well as any Jeep. Great price, great experience. HOOYAH!

I took the silver FJ for a test drive recently. Honestly, I think one can used to the "blind spots". I thought it had a great ride especially how high up you are. I want to buy one. But, I think I will wait they have been around for a year or two. Maybe by then, I'll be able to get a pre-owned in great condition. I really like the silver and the voodoo blue FJ's! Wish the rear windows opened and there was more storage!!

What !!!!! No way.. this thinks is UGLY...
"Bah. It's retro styling! Definitely reminds me (in a good way) of the old Toyota Land Cruisers, still faithfully roving around the mountains in third world countries."

Retro is not a hummer want to be. The old style cruiser was a lean surfer mobile. I can't forgive Toyota unless they come out with a style that is more like the old fj60 not the fj40.. And in diesel. This is a hummer want to be. Not a Hum-V want to be either. UGLY UGLY UGLY

Extremely ugly, overpirced. The front of the car is just plain ugly, with those small head lights it looks like a pig, sorry guys, this car is a huge dissapointment.

I love the car for it's unique look. I own one and what I don't like is the fact that I can't see the clock and outside temperature gages in the daylight. Gas mileage has gotten worse as I drive it. There are definate disadvantages to the suicide doors and lack of storage, but the new and unusual look far exceeds the small problems I mentioned.

As a Minnesotan I understand why people scoff at oversized tires but on a surprise snowstorm morning they sure payoff. I don't do off road but value the confidence I get from the FJ it really cuts through an unplowed road.

Honestly
I have owned an Hj45, a Bj40, Hj60, Jeep Grand Cherokee. A Toyota is NOT any better than Jeep. But no one can denny the fact that if one crossed a Fj40 with a Hummer and something went wrong you would end up with something looking like this one, it is plain ugly.
love the looks of the fj40
love the looks of the hummers
but this thing NO NO NO

For anyone that was skeptical about the offroad performance of the Toyota FJ Cruiser let me reassure you that it is all muscle. We took ours into the mountains and then down to Moab for serious offroading and even the jeep guys were impressed and we had air conditioning. One comment was ... That thing doesnt even sound like it's working hard ... this is while it was going up a 30 degree incline! We did make a few modifications which included a simple 3 inch lift kit. If you want to see more of what we did and what it accomplished check out the website

For some reason the url didn't post in my comment above. http://www.sfxperformance.com/project_fj.asp

Not in the market for an off road car, but this this is ugly, and of course, it is a personal opinion. The new Camry is ugly too.

Love the new FJ Cruiser, its so incredibly ugly it reminds me of the A-10 Warthog. Ugly all the way baby!

Why are you even commenting on an off-road vehicle if you don't like a real off-road vehicle. If you want your suv to drive like a car, then buy a freaking car. You're a nun. Please, provide full disclosure when you post.

I am looking into buying a car , and i find myself really drawn to the fj. Any body got some pro's and con's for me about this car?

Well i have a black Fj 2010.
Its pretty nice off-road and on the streets, specially here in the mid-east, its hot as hell in the summer, and cold as fcuk in the winter.

The 2010 is more powerful that then 2009 and 2008. For mine its 273 HP, i put a Uni-Chip init and a TRD intake filter, now i got it to 330 Hp. And the speed limit goes to 258 Km/H. So, for whom rlly think Fj sucks on road.? Call me ;P
But off-Road, call my father who got a 2008 Fj, he goes off-roading every week.! hes a maniac lol.

Peace.

The 2007 SUV had great exterior