Suburban Dad: Toyota FJ Cruiser
These feelings were reinforced just minutes after I got into the new FJ. A guy in a convertible Saab let me merge into his lane in traffic, then pulled alongside me to ask, “Is it as cool as it seems?” It may be the SUV equivalent of the midlife-crisis car.
The FJ sounds cool; the exhaust note is a deep, throaty rumble when heard — and felt — from inside the car, though my wife said she could also hear me coming from down the block.
It feels cool. The six-speed manual transmission is easy to handle and was perfect for the rain I drove through, since I prefer more control over acceleration. I’ve also heard (but haven’t experienced) that the automatic can be a little pokey. The stick shift reminded me of my early pickups, but I know that issue alone would keep it off my wife’s list, since she doesn’t drive stick.
It looks cool; I could use it to commute, go to the mall — and then run it offroad down to South America.
The high ride is cool, but I found getting into the car without running boards a little awkward, not to mention painful to my knees.
Even the dash is cool: The oversized center controls give the FJ more personality than a lot of SUVs these days have.
Sadly, despite all that coolness, when it comes to being a family car the FJ falls short. The reactions from my family — and my own reality check — forced the FJ off my wish list.
The Wife: This car had been on her consider list since she first saw it in Cars.com’s Tailgating feature, and she was excited to hear I was bringing one home. She loved the space for the front two passengers, but the love affair quickly went south. “There’s just too little space for the kids” in the backseat, she noted. If only Toyota had moved that second row back about 4 inches, they might be comfortable. Since they’re just getting to be teens now, it would only get worse.
The Teen Son: “Oh my God, that car looks cool,” were the first words out of his mouth when he saw it parked in the driveway. That was rare praise from a normally critical source, but his joy soon turned to mutterings. He didn’t like the suicide doors in the back, complaining that they’re too hard to get through, just look at the picture below. That lack of second-row legroom also ticked him off.
The Tweener Daughter: She hated the suicide doors too, but only because she hated that they were called “suicide“ doors. She wasn‘t a fan from the get-go; she found the FJ too big, too hard to get into and lacking a third row of seats.
The 10-Year-Old: He was the only one who came close to enjoying the FJ as much as me; he loved the triple wiper blades on the windshield. “It makes it look like an insect,” he noted. Still, he joined everyone else in complaining about backseat space and the difficulty of climbing in and out.
In my mind’s eye, I can see myself — 20 years younger — driving an FJ down a two-lane highway, window open, on a hot summer day. Can I see myself buying the FJ for my family? Not in this lifetime.
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this may be weird, but look at the first pic at the top, is that already out of alignment? Look at the inside edge of the treat on the left, then compare it to the right.
I think that's just the camera angle.
I'm sorry but this thing is really goofy looking... the interior is cheap and looks like a cross between Little Tykes, Tonka, and Buck Rogers. At first glance, it catches the eye, but it has ZERO 'grow on you' potential, at least for me. All the proportions are awkward, it shouts JV, and the performance is just average on and off road. When SUV shopping a few months ago, the FJ was on our MUST DRIVE list. We were really excited about it, but as we pulled up to the dealer, and approached it, and when it came time to open a door, look at the dash, seats, console, etc. We started laughing. We drove it, and made fun of it the whole time. The sales guy was pretty peeved ;-) I think my son's (age 17) words were "You have got to be kidding me.... this looks really dumb dad." One word comes to mind when I look at it "GIMMICK" and that really what it is. It is the Element Honda Should have made...... That said, some will love it, and it will have a cult following. KUDOS to those who do. That's what the American car market is all about... love what you drive, drive what you love. I ended up with an equally scoffed at vehicle, a Hemi Commander, and I love it.
Just average on and off road!
This vehicle is anything but average off road!
I give you the average on road stuff due to tires,
ground clearence etc..
And the Commander is (very nice) and probably better on the road, but that big truck sits low-way low and would scrape it's underbelly on everything, even modest trails so they really are not the same animal.
If you're buying this based on looks and not going to use it off road at all I'd be a tad worried about the owner's life with the FJ.
I agree the stock Commander, is probably not up to FJ performance off road, but there is no comparing the two, they are different animals. But thats why a 3" lift and REVO's were my second purchase. I now have about equal clearance/approach/departure, certainly better ride, utility and capacity, and except for the longer wheelbase, probably about equal off road ability. But again, the FJ & Commander are as different as the Sequoia and Wrangler. In that Comparison, I think a Rubicon Wrangler would walk all over the FJ, cant wait to see the comparisons.
This thing is ugly, out of proportion and very difficult to see out of. I sat in one, but won't waste my time driving it. They were never made for "families". Mostly 30-40 somethings with another car for the precious cargo. I get a little nervous when I see one around me knowing how blind the corners are-similar to the Infinity FX 35/45. Let's hope it goes the way of the MR2 and dodo bird.
this car sucks. plain and simple. for starters, the mileage is horrible (below 20). now if gas is at $3 a gallon now, why make an investment? for shame, toyota. and to think you could pull off better mileage. also i've been in one of these, and the interior looks hideous and cheap. i'm not buying this car. toyota has to make some pretty huge changes to change MY mind.
this car sucks. plain and simple. for starters, the mileage is horrible (below 20). now if gas is at $3 a gallon now, why make an investment? for shame, toyota. and to think you could pull off better mileage. also i've been in one of these, and the interior looks hideous and cheap. i'm not buying this car. toyota has to make some pretty huge changes to change MY mind.
Well, of course it is not a family vehicle! It is a sport utility vehicle! DUH!?!?? I absolutely love my FJ! I really don't understand the little ones having a hard time getting in the backseat and not not having any legroom! I had two adults; one of which was about 260 lbs and had no trouble getting in at all! You just move the seat up! The leg room was fine as well. The looks are way cool! I like things that are different and the first time I saw one I had to have one! I really wanted the Hummer Truck but knew it was out of my price range, short of saving the money for a few years!
On the "seeing out" portion, that is something you can figure out. I can see out of mine just fine. It is just something you get used to and figure how to use to your advantage. Yes, it does need improvement in that area, but I won't give it up because of that. As far as the gas mileage goes......I do not base my car buying on the gas mileage. If I did, I would never have the vehicles I want.
Gas will continue to rise and I will continue to drive my FJ Cruiser no matter how high it gets!!
my ipod will not work on the fj hook up aux plug in, any sugestion.
Just want to say how much I love the FJ. I've had mine for about 8 months, and I still get stopped by dudes at the gas station asking to take a peak inside.
It was never designed for kids. The back seats are a joke... Sometimes I wish they weren't there.
The FJ is awesome on and off road - especially the latter. I did a lot of research on the Wrangler vs. the FJ vs the Xterra, vs. the H3 (not under any real consideration)... the FJ has the approach and departure angles, horsepower, clearance and beef to tackle even the most rugged terrain.
I've really beat the piss outta mine in the last few months. I still love it. I love it more everyday.
If you're a soccer mom, or dad for that matter, please stay away from my favorite vehicle. I don't want you ruining it with 3 rows of seats.
Coming from someone who has trouble double-posting a form (see: William @Apr 17, 2007 3:01:52 PM & Apr 17, 2007 3:01:56 PM), I wouldn't put too much stock in that opinion.
Haha it's hilarious to hear people say that the fj stinks off road. To even try and compare the wrangler and commander to it is a joke in itself. And i think most people would purchase a toyota product over a jeep product 9 out of 10 times. Counsumer reports recommends only one jeep vehicle, while it recommends 90% of toyota's. (much better quality) Granted the backseat would be better if it was spacier, I'm 6'3" and have no problem getting in and out of the second row. The larger side mirrors help reduce the blind spots caused by the smaller rear window. And who said anything about it being slow.? (not that an SUV should be fast) But it is the second fastest 0-60 in its class. second only to the xterra. If your looking for a family SUV, the FJ is not for you. But for everyone one else its a great buy.
I loved the concept when I first saw it. They stayed close to it for the production model. I did consider other vehicles such as the H3, Jeep Wrangler 4 door, 4 Runner, etc. I chose the FJ based on the drive, styling and the Toyota name.
I really do like the interior because it is minimalistic and no clutter. I like the fact there is no carpet, just my all weather mats. I think the dash and all gauges are easy to read. I also feel that there is a lot of room inside. I also like the outside rugged boxy styling. I had purchased a book on the design of the FJ from Amazon.com and saw some earlier concepts that looked much better. But still love the final design. I love the drive as well, it is very smooth on the road with good acceleration. Have not taken it off-road as of yet.
My fiancée and I own the FJ and an Xterra and have no kids. We currently live in the North East, so these vehicles serve us very well up here. This is not a family SUV or a luxury SUV and does not pretend to be. So for everyone who wants a plush interior with lots of gadgets and 3 rows of seats, this is not for you.
I loved the concept when I first saw it. They stayed close to it for the production model. I did consider other vehicles such as the H3, Jeep Wrangler 4 door, 4 Runner, etc. I chose the FJ based on the drive, styling and the Toyota name.
I really do like the interior because it is minimalistic and no clutter. I like the fact there is no carpet, just my all weather mats. I think the dash and all gauges are easy to read. I also feel that there is a lot of room inside. I also like the outside rugged boxy styling. I had purchased a book on the design of the FJ from Amazon.com and saw some earlier concepts that looked much better. But still love the final design. I love the drive as well, it is very smooth on the road with good acceleration. Have not taken it off-road as of yet.
My fiancée and I own the FJ and an Xterra and have no kids. We currently live in the North East, so these vehicles serve us very well up here. This is not a family SUV or a luxury SUV and does not pretend to be. So for everyone who wants a plush interior with lots of gadgets and 3 rows of seats, this is not for you.