2007 FJ Cruiser

[Rex Raider]

For those that don't know, I work indirectly at a Toyota dealer now. (I dont work for them, but the owner of my dealership also owns that one, and we share a common lot & inventory).

We got an FJ Cruiser yesterday. Its by far one of the least attractive vehicles I have ever seen. I don't really understand its purpose in the lineup.

It was being ooh'd and aah'd over by all the Toyota employees. I guess I haven't drank enough of the water here yet to get excited about it.

Not really a review. More of a first impression. I hope to drive it before the end of the weekend.

[pagemaster]

. I don't really understand its purpose in the lineup.

Entry level, off road recreational vehicle, very good off pavement, and something that is not the norm for Toyota.

You have to admit that it is the most different looking Toyota you have ever seen.

Also, the FJ is not a retro vehicle.

[Rex Raider]

I never called the FJ retro, but you do have to admit it is a modern take on an old design. (which in my books qualifies as retro).

[01cavalier]

I think the FJ is butt-ugly. Looks weird in photos, and stranger in person.

[SobeSVT]

I think the FJ looks amazing and is everything the Honda Element is not. This previous comment is only about the exterior, since the FJ interior is a major let down.

[SSrevolution]

Originally Posted by pagemaster

Also, the FJ is not a retro vehicle.

Care to rephrase that?

Anyways, I concur it looks hideous at least in my opinion.
Ergonomically, engine, and suspension wise I've heard it is great. But it is nice to hear from Rex that it isn't the greatest vehicle ever.

The media loves this thing, the magazines praise it for its styling. One cannot help but think if GM or Ford came out with this it would be bashed because it is ugly.

[Zephyris]

The FJ is supposed to be a nod towards a vehicle that can compete with Jeep's offroad vehicles. Of course, it only has a solid front axle and not a solid front too... so the off road enthusiasts will either shun it or do a solid axle swap to it.

My friend took me off-roading a few months ago and I only saw about 5 vehicles out of 50 with any kind of independent suspension.

[mystikranger]

The FJ does have a weird styling, but if it can do the job, it'll sell. Because overall, it's a Toyota.

[pagemaster]

I never called the FJ retro, but you do have to admit it is a modern take on an old design. (which in my books qualifies as retro).

Care to rephrase that?

The new FJ is not a retro vehicle like the PT crusier or HHR.

The new FJ is desinged to basically show what the FJ cruiser "would" or what it would of "evolved" into had stayed in production up until now. it is a little different than a real retro vehicle.

The new Camaro, or the Dodge Charger are not retro vehicles either.

[coaster.n3rd]

I... I... I kinda want to hit it. Not with another car or sledge hammer, not the people that drive it. I just want to walk up and slap it and tell it NO!

The Vibe/Matrix does the same thing.

[Aerodynamix]

Originally Posted by Rex Raider

For some reason, the owner of my dealer (Mazda) bought one of these - same colour too. It really boggles my mind.

Originally Posted by coaster.n3rd

I... I... I kinda want to hit it. Not with another car or sledge hammer, not the people that drive it. I just want to walk up and slap it and tell it NO!

[Randle2I]

I didn't realize they where out yet. I personally think they're hidious. I'm not a fan of the differant color roof on the Mini & I'm not a fan of it on this. I dont like the fender flares, the rear quarter looks "frumpy" (for lack of better words) and the overall design just has no sense of flow. In black they look better, but still lack a continuity that I dont care for.

[Perfectionist]

Personally, I think it is rather ugly. But, I would rather see these on the road over an H3 (I have a hate for Hummers that I believe to be indescribable) or a Wrangler (Time for a redesign already!)
The more I look at it, the more I think the FJ is kind of one of those uglys that are kind of cute in their own way.

[member12]

I loved the old FJ. A friend of mine in High School had a 1967 Land Cruiser...IdK if that was the same, but it sure looked like it. It had a straight six (engine blocked cracked- he put in a Chevy 350 V8), a three speed, jump seats out back....that thing was sweet.

I like the front OK, but that back looks too weird on the new ones...that and its too "modern" to pass as an FJ. The Jeep Wranger is a little better for people like me.

[TaHoE]

Originally Posted by Perfectionist

Personally, I think it is rather ugly. But, I would rather see these on the road over an H3 (I have a hate for Hummers that I believe to be indescribable) or a Wrangler (Time for a f-cking redesign already!)
The more I look at it, the more I think the FJ is kind of one of those uglys that are kind of cute in their own way.

I am not even going to touch your Hummer statement because it's your opinion. However the Wrangler is being updated this year...don't fret. Anyway, when it comes to off-roading...."If it ain't broke...Don't Fix it" is the way it has been for decades, hence the popularity of Solid Axles for off-road vehicles.