CD Article: 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

Can a way-cool cruiser have off-road ability and a reasonable price-tag too? That's the Toyota FJ Cruiser, says Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh. It'll tackle the bush with the best of them, but is “surprisingly civilized” on pavement and starts under $30,000. This funky retro truck has “some minor faults,” she says, but it's “flat-out, ear-to-ear-grinning fun.”     More...

[ovr50]

I don't know much about the FJs off-road ability, or how it drives in town; but I'll say one thing - they sure stand out on the street, especially in the blue, red or yellow colors.  Saw a blue one today, and you just have to look at it - it kind of demands attention.

[G0dspd]

I've only seen 2 or 3 in Ottawa and I'm sure none of them will ever see mud or dirt.  I've heard it's OK for off-raoding and OK for "normal" driving ... but only 1% of owners will ever know it's limits.  It's a cool and outdoorsy SUV nrought to you by Toyota ... and great for posers. 

[AVToller]

I saw a VERY dirty one here in Port Alberni last week.  I still don't like the looks, but agree with Ovr - they DO  demand attention.

[Wolfe]

I've seen a bunch around Toronto in the last week or so.

I'm sure none of them will ever see mud or dirt.

Sure they'll go off-road. When driven by their third owner. 

[mdxtasy]

I see a lot of them around.  Blue, Yellow, Black, and that nasty plum colour.  The black is nice, but the blue is my second favorite.  It's a big car too....wide and very tall.   

[Railton]

I like the rear doors!
Railton

[Bullet Blue]

I just parked behind a silver one today at work, It's not as bad I in the pics,but it still takes some getting used to.

[a4_tom]

My friend is getting one for his fishing expedition.

[jww]

As a pure 4wd vehicle to haul all, hold all, do all - I give the FJ top marks. Ride is average, but what do you want from this baby? It's a truck. The last time I was in a brand new Pathfinder, I found the ride bone-jarring (but that's because I am used to cars and not trucks).

Toyota has a winner that will compete well with the traditional 4wd Jeeps, etc.

jww

[Prius]

I dunno.. I found the rear compartment relatively comfortable. Not sure why she found it cramped.

[Trainman]

Sure they'll go off-road. When driven by their third owner. 

Like me!     Can't wait but it is a bit small in the back seat for the family.  More likely I will buy an XTerra to replace the Pathfinder when the time comes.

[wing]

I dunno.. I found the rear compartment relatively comfortable. Not sure why she found it cramped.

I thought it was rather small for the size of vehicle.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I thought it was rather small for the size of vehicle.

Small? It's pint-sized for legroom. I didn't even attempt to swing my legs behind the front seats when I climbed back there. I'm glad Jil mentioned it.

[Gwendly]

most isolation(sp?) cells at prisons are more comfortable than the backseat of the fj. Anyone who is claustrophobic(sp?) should prolly not sit in the backseat either

[Shaun]

Hey look like REAL OUTDOOR and best sharp!   

Shaun

[84im]

It looks like Toyota came up with a good idea, then made the mistake of asking focus groups from California what they wanted the vehicle to look like.  Having said that, I'm sure it's a great off road vehicle.

[a4_tom]

Have anyone watched MotoringTV's review on FJ earlier today? The ratings seem like a mix reviews. Part-time 4WD with automatic and full-time 4WD with stick shift are weird combinations though.

[tpl]

The REAL test of the FJ cruiser is how well it will sell in Africa.   Landrover owned that market until the original Toyota Land cruiser came along.  I think that the Land cruiser is still sold... with a proper diesel engine and a winch...but the FJ is smaller.

That may well explain the transmission/AWD difference.  The REAL worldwide  sales FJ would be manual

[G0dspd]

There's a new Land Cruiser due in 2008.  Looks like the new Tundra ... death of the Sequoia?