CrockPot

Got to roll around in this fully loaded 4x4 FJ tonight. Drives like a truck, there's no mistaking that. Decent power with the 4.0L V6, torquey...BUT, I would love to see the V8 in this mofo. This is a solid vehicle, and I couldn't help thinking that this full package is going to run less than $30K, what a steal.

I went in thinking the C-Pillar and long cabin w/spare tire would hamper rear and side viewing. And while it did to some degree, it definitely wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. Having sat in the FJ at the LA Auto Show, I thought the visibility issue was going to be a potential deal breaker in considering this vehicle, but having the chance to actual throw down some miles on the road, it wasn't the case at all.

Interior isn't "refined" or luxurious, but that's understandable given the price range and target audience. Not sure if there is a sunroof offered as an option, but I would have liked to seen one.

If you were considering the FJ, definitely check it out when it hits the dealerships, I'm sure you won't be disappointed...I wasn't.

Sarlacc

Are at the dealers now??? Or is this because of the wifey..

I will be living with my pathfinder for awhile...but i am in LOVE with this car...I wonder how good the 6spd is???

CrockPot

it won't be at the dealerships until march. my wife drove it home tonight.

Sarlacc

How long do you have it for?

I'm sitting here dreaming of driving one right now....I need to stop thinking about it...

Stapler

boy that brings back memories, the run around car my grandpa had for messing around in the desert when i was a kid was a old fj. Verry cool little truck.
Anybody know of plans for this to be a take off roof like the old one, or the jeep.

SodaLuvr

Wife work for Edmunds.com or something?

CrockPot

hopefully for the weekend.

CrockPot

corporate toyota.

CCColtsicehockey

thats pretty sweet. do you get to see a lot of the toyota vehicles before they reach dealers.

CrockPot

i get the perks by association.

srika

damn... just damn... I think this is gonna be the next big thing, as far as custom 4x4's is concerned.. wait til WCC gets a hold of some of these...

how big is it, compared to something like, an Armada? thx

nice on the corporate perks bit, I officially h8 you.

CrockPot

since the FJ is based on the 4Runner, i highly doubt it compares in size to the armada. it's in the midsize SUV category.

srika

ok... just asking because it looks HUGE in the pix...

West6MT

Very interesting. I hope the upcoming autoshow in Toronto (ONLY 2 WEEKS) has a few of these that I can look at. I would never buy something like that, but I think its pretty cool.

Osamu

i think it looks pretty ridiculous,

and this makes it their 6th SUV. I'm betting there's going to be some internal competition there. for a bit more you can have a V8 4X4 4runner, w/ proper doors. Or you could even get a V8 4runner 4X2 for about the same price if you don't need a 4X4 like most of us in So. Cal. Or even for a bit less you could have a V6 on-demand 4wd Rav4, assuming you're not going to actually be taking this thing offroad.

So i think, you really have to like the way this car looks to make it worth the money. I might be looking eventually for something to replace my old FJ80, so maybe i'll have to go check this thing out in person, and it might grow on me. Maybe if it were all black, not sky blue w/ a white top, i might actually like it. i just pray the 4.0L V6 is better than the 155hp 4.0L I6 in my FJ........but the I6 in mine has done almost 200k mi, without so much as a hiccup, so i hope this FJ can live up to that as well.

zeroday

i have an 04' v6 4runner and it has the same engine this thing does. it's a very strong/torquey v6. it's just as fast 0-60 as the v8 model from what i've read on t4r.org....just less towing capacity and a different engine note.

i'm actually considering trading my runner in on the fj but i'm concerned i'm too old for the thing at 32....image wise. if it's gonna be all kids driving them i don't want one.

CrockPot

the FJ is priced and marketed where it will NOT cannibalize toyota SUV sales. trust me, i've seen the market analysis...even proof read it. all i can say is that Xterra and Liberty sales will take a hit.

the RAV4 is a middle/late aged woman's car. 60-70% of the sales are to females, the median age of which is 48.

while image is very important to FJ sales, this car stands on its own beyond looks. definitely go test drive this vehicle.

Osamu

yea, it's true, it sure doesn't look like anything toyota has out right now. probably meant more to compete w/ the jeeps and H3. but 6 SUV's still sounds like a lot, but any competition that is there, probably existed before the FJ, and the FJ won't add any extra competition.

but either way, i'd still have trouble buying one over a 4runner. just cause if i am to buy another SUV, it'd definitly be a toyota (we already own 2) and my bro's 99' 4runner is probably my favorite SUV that i've ever driven.

I like the new rav4, i guess that means i have the same taste in cars as middle aged women, haha

Sarlacc

I would have no issues buying one over a 4-runner.

Aside from my liking the looks more in and out...it is more utility based (ala element) in the way the cargo area is all ruuber/plastic. Spill/stain resistant seats. etc.

I was told I didnt a 4x4 in so cal....and for the most part i do not...but I have been in situation already in the 4 months of owning my pathfinder where I've used it to it fullest advantage, and have no problems getting another one.

Deity711

I think that color with the white roof looks pretty ridiculous. Otherwise, the body style is very cool. I'd like to see it in other colors.

CrockPot

i wouldn't get the blue either. black or silver is where it's at.

Sarlacc

Black with 5% tint on the rear windows

35% up front.

Sarlacc

There is a dark cherry color that looks good, too....but not my style.

bigman

That thing is awesome. It stole the show from Honda's Element. It's great for a person that wants Jeep Wrangler like ruggedness with the exra room.

mattg

wow, i never even knew those exhisted.

srika

I gotta give props to Toyota for keeping the production model looking very similar to the concept...

dallison

i guess i need to see it in person to make a better decision if i like it

cob3683

I think they're cool but would never buy one.

Damn in my opinion

DownUnder

I think the new FJ is a badass truck, I’d definitely pick it over the Hummer wannabe H3.

CLpower

I saw that EXACT car driving down the 405 Thursday morning!!!


man I love that thing, a good friend in HS had a 76 FJ, i loved that fucking truck!

CrockPot

was it at or near the 405/110? if so, did you wave to my wife?

CLpower

405 between the 22 and 605 going west at about 8 a.m. I honked, driver waived. I was in a red GTO; FJ was in the carpool lane, it got on the freeway at Westminster Blvd I believe



BTW, before I traded in the CL I was cleaning it out and found a stack of old Car Toys plaques :lol:

CrockPot

wasn't her then. must be another toyota employee, they've got a few of these pre-production models rolling around.

CLpower

Yea, was an old white guy and his wife


man that thing was bitchin though.







btw, any word on Kao? Lost all his hair yet?

CrockPot

probably. i haven't seen or heard from that guy in over a year.

CLpower

Sucks, I hate losing touch w/ friends, esp. when I know i'm 50% of the problem.



I wonder if he's still w/ that big tittied ho

heyitsme

I really like this segment with the Wrangler and everthing but I think this FJ is a tad too ugly not only based on looks but also the two tone paint job. Think it also skipped over what the wrangler/old FJ market is about- Removable hard top, not huge ass suv looks/size so its more maneuverable on offroad trails, maintains a solid retro look, etc.

This FJ looks the size of a 4-door suv. It goes retro as far as a sparce interior and the front end of the vehcile but the rest, no way. Was hoping for a more modern version of the Icon FJ