Comments: 1-15, 16-25
I have owned the vehicle for a few weeks. ...No complaints; no problems.
I was afraid to parallel park for the first few days, as the rear visibility takes a bit to get used to. (I think it's because of the smaller rear window from what I've been used to)...However, after a few weeks of ownership, I feel quite comfortable backing up.
It is strange when you first "jump up" into this vehicle. You almost feel like you're sitting in the rear seat. I guess this is due to the windshield which is positioned further ahead than normal, and in an upright configuration. Further, this is the first vehicle I've ever got into that I actually had to pull the seat ahead. I'm not one of those drivers who cruises along with their wrists and elbows flopped over the wheel. Rather, I prefer to drive with my arms fully extended. Personally, I would have liked the seat to be able to raise up a bit higher, but I think the large head room gives one the impression he is sitting a tad low.
At any rate, the forward and side visibility is excellent. In fact, I commented to the salesman about the great panoramic view that this vehicle affords. He said he would use this observation for future sales.
...I absolutely love the roomy interior of the FJ Cruiser, and the dash layout is perfect. I used to own an Expedition, and for comfort and roominess, this Cruiser is right up there with it. (Especially for the seat comfort and roominess between the two front seats.)
The vehicle has got great lines to it, and definitely draws the spectators. I wanted the roof rack, as I think it helps with the over all look...Not to mention it's actually built to carry stuff. A few have commented on how heavy duty it looks.
With regards to power and gas mileage...Well I was used to the gutless "lemon" Liberty that I owned for a few years...But pulling out to pass with this guy, and you'd swear there was a V-8 under the hood...I'm not a "how many miles to the gallon", sort of a guy...If I had wanted to get great gas mileage, I would have opted for a Geo or a Smart car. There is always a trade-off...Personally, I prefer to travel in style where I can actually extend my arms and legs, and yet still have room for those in the rear seat...If I have to pay a bit more for gas; so be it.
The book calls for 91 octane gas; however, our local pump has 87, 89, and 94...I've been using 89, and haven't noticed any pinging yet. Mind you, I live at 2800 feet. (I've heard altitude can make a difference.)
All in all... I'm really happy with every aspect of this vehicle.
Hello... The operators of this web site have designated my FJ Cruiser as a 2006 model...It is actually a 2007 model, purchased in 2006.
The reason you won't notice any pinging when using lower octane fuel than is recommended by the manufacturer is that the ECM (with feedback from the knock sensor) detects the faintest hint of any knocking - and retards the timing until the knocking stops. Oh, and you lose power *and* fuel economy because of that spark because of that spark retardation. You don't *think* you hear it, because the ECM retards the timing.
People think they are being clever and thrifty when they use lower octane fuel in premium-fuel engines - but they aren't clever at all. Toyota recommended 91 octane minimum because that's what the engine needs to make its rated power and get the maximum mpg.
To the author of this review: As I understand it, because of the lessened amount of oxygen available at higher altitudes, a fuel will run at a "higher octane" levels, to some degree balancing out the lessened oxygen. So, that 89 you're putting in might still be too low, but it's within a level that the computer can correct for.
I agree with the above in all areas except one. The comments are generally helpful. However all engines, regardless of year, make or model, one will always get better gas mileage with higher octane. My wife calls me obsessive-compulsive about mpg and I have found that running the lower octane in engines save $$ and I don't miss the small decrease in power. Plus this guy clearly stated he is not worried about mpg.
Just a follow-up from my initial report...I now have 10,000 km. on the vehicle, and still no problems or complaints.
..I was a little hesitant about purchasing the FJ Cruiser (originally), as I had read that it was primarily designed as an off-road vehicle. ...Well..I just got back from a drive from B.C. to Reno NV., and I tell you, I had to work at it to keep the vehicle below 90 mph. on the I-5...I*ve driven this route perhaps 40 times in the last 13 years, and this is, undoubtedly, the most comfortable ride I*ve ever taken down there.
...Coming back, I ran into a heavy snow storm. I just slipped the gear shift into position locking the front and rear drives, and not a problem. ...The vehicle has a huge clearance, under the frame.
Ironically, on my drive within the US, I only saw 5 other Cruisers on the highway. Must be slower getting these vehicles into the US market, as I have seen the same number up here on a 50 mile stretch of highway. It also wasn*t aa big a head-turner in the US (as it is in Canada), as I think most mistake the FJ Cruiser down there, for a Hummer.
Incidentally...I did step up my comprehensive insurance, as because the vehicle is so new, the generic windshields have not been mass produced yet. Thus, I*d be looking at a 900 dollar bill to replace a cracked one (As opposed to the 300 dollar "Liberty" windshield)...Unfortunately, they sand the B.C. highways with road mulch, so I*ve already had numerous glass repairs.
I'm currently looking at buying one and I was wondering about blind spots on it (the whole back end looks like a huge blind spot) other than that I like the idea, make Hummer get a little scared!
This vehicle rocks. It looks different than anything on the market. I love it. As for the back up thing. Yes, it is limited viewing. So what. If you are really worried about it get a back up camera. It is 200 dollars, but adds one more cool factor to the SUV. Place it in the drivers side glove box and pop it up and use it when needed.
Just buy it you will love it!
Heck, you can get a back up camera at Wal-Mart for like, $90 bucks. I drove one for the first time the other day, and man, do I love it. It is definately a head turner. The back visibility does take some getting used to, and I thought about when I get one that I could take the spare tire off the hatch, and just keep it in the back... that way, the visibility might be a little better. I was fascinated by the fact that it had three windshield wipers. The model I drove was the 4x4 Automatic. Although I would prefer a 6 speed manual, my fiance can't drive a manual. She liked to too, since we have two dogs, and live by the beach. She is 5'0", and did just fine with it! It was kinda funny seeing her behind the steering wheel of this monster though...
These things rock.
I have about 15K miles and find its one of the best vehicles I drive (Have 4-Runner/350 Z/Z-71 Chevy PU/Grand Marque). I make regular trips into horse pastures, cross streams, up mountains and hills... I haul my boat (Pontoon) and horse trailers everywhere... and yes on the highway it is fast with exceptional acceleration so you have to watch your speed...overall gas (MPG) is about 20 city/23 highway on 87 octane... My son’s like it too …. Overall I rate this vehicle very high….
I too was interested in the FJ cruiser until it actually became available. First of all, it was supposed to start at 19k. When it finally hit the showrooms, it was more like 25k. All the dealerships I went to had jacked the prices even higher. Basically, the price was close to 30k out the door. At 19k, the build quality is what I would expect. At 30k, I feel it is a tad on the plastic, flimsy side. That and it gets horrendous fuel economy. In my opinion, Toyota could have had a real winner on their hands if they had delivered the vehicle within their spec prices. But they blew it and even today they are niche vehicles.
Highly capable off road! Looks tough. I really like this truck.
That said, if you are looking for for something to ride around town in (and can admit to yourself that, NO, you will never drive it in the mud) then get something else. What it has in off-road capability and style, the truck lacks in comfort, gas mileage, and 360 degree visibility. If you do plan to do some off-roading, then you can't do too much better than an FJ (at least not right off of the lot).
Quote-If you do plan to do some off-roading, then you can't do too much better than an FJ (at least not right off of the lot).
I agree the ifs (independent front suspension) and awesome offroad visibility are amazing...heh...
A shame for an enthusiast Fj lover! The original, a direct clone of the Jeep Cjs, had at least the attributes...
Highly capable! Have you tried it? Based on reviews, it is rather not capable! Without Rubicon tested criteria, what does it worth? The look?
I bought this a few weeks ago! Absolutely love it. I am a 5-foot tall woman and have no trouble driving this car. Backing up it has a radar unit that warns me when I get too close to something and the large mirrors help with the blind spots. I traded in my Jeep Liberty for this as I needed something bigger to fit my 1-year old grandson in while I go 4 wheeling, as well as just living up in the Sierra Nevada where we get snow 4 months out of the year!
There was this young man in a jacked-up truck the other night driving through town who kept trying to race me because he thought I was some young chick in the FJ cruising through town with my snowboard racks on top...as the FJ is such a cool looking car. To his surprise he found this 50-year old grandma with her 1-year old grandson ready to race him...so what I say...a FJ Cruiser is cool, fun to drive, lots of room, turns peoples heads, and is just a great car no matter what your age or station in life...