For those of you who were around for the video I posted of my friend fourwheeling her FJ and me in my H3, I want you all to know she saw this thread and came a little unglued on me for this. I thought it was funny.

 

Ah..she'll get over it..At least she doesn't have all the eco-freaks humping her FJ and flipping her the bird just because it's fashionably trendy to hate a Toyota.

 

According to my local Toyota dealer, as well as in some recent articles I've read, the next version of the FJ Cruiser will have color-matched rooftops, as there have been several complaints from prospective buyers with regard to the white-painted tops...it just looks too weird. Also, the new FJ might also possibly be offered in some of the vintage FJ 40 original color schemes as well.

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I test drove a fully-optioned Diamond Black 4x4 FJ Cruiser. This particular metalflake paint color of the Toyota looks identical to that of the Brilliant Black Crystal Pearlcoat (PXR) currently on the Chrysler '300 series' models...I know, as I have such a Chrysler. The FJ Cruiser drove very well, and I'm sure that its stout 4.0L V6 had plenty of power for any type of 'on road' driving, although we weren't allowed to take it on the freeway...which is located about six miles away from the dealership. Unfortunately, neither the Hummer dealer nor the Toyota dealer allows 'off road' test drives either; however, according to an acquaintance of mine who is also an automotive journalist, he gave the FJ Cruiser a '5 out of 5' for the FJ's 'off road' capabilities during one of his recent reviews.

To me, the FJ's exterior looks as if it was somewhat pieced together, and the 'out of place' white rooftop didn't help matters much either. The interior is constructed of virtually 'waterproof' materials, so that it can be hosed-out if it becomes too dirty/muddy. The salesman tried to 'sell us' on the special waterproof seat material; however, I still prefer leather seating as opposed to any type of man-made materials, and is why I also haven't installed a set of neoprene seat covers on my Corvette like many others have done. I'll also agree that the rear seat has absolutely no legroom whatsoever and there is just too much 'cheap looking' plastic throughout the cabin area. This also includes the dashboard, the cheap gearshift selector, as well as that lame-looking optional subwoofer in the rear compartment...it looks like a cheap inexpensive discount store boombox, plus the one in the high-end model we test drove didn't even work!

Also, all of the seat adjustments were mechanical...nothing was electric, and trying to scoot the seat-up, so the salesman could sit in back during our test drive, was a real PITA. Also, I feel that the FJ's cheap plastic fender flares are more prone to scratches/damage and will look old and faded after time. I'm pretty sure that the H3 is also capable of running larger tires/wheels with little or no modification; however, this cannot be said about the FJ Cruiser. As far as I'm concerned, for about the same price, a similarly equipped Hummer H3 is by far the much better investment. The H3 looks much better inside and out, and although it's completely 'off road' capable, it's also more 'driver/passenger friendly' whilst not being strictly utilitarian by design. BTW...to me, the FJ looks more like a shoe than a 'tater tot'...lol.

 

Don't know if this is true or not, maybe linus the gas guru or someone more knowledable about the fj could interject here but....
I was at my doctor's office last night and was reading a motor trend or automobile magazine, one of those. Anyway, they are doing a long term test report on the fj and the author of the article stated that the main downside to the truck was that you HAD to run premium fuel. He said running regular gas made for zero power and a bad engine knock. Also said that it is a major gripe among all the fj owners he has run across or talked to. Anyone else hear anything about that?

 

Although I can't attest to that personally, I did take the following quote from this Edmunds.com: Insideline Full Test of the '07 FJ Cruiser...

Regardless of tranny and driveline configuration you get the same Toyota aluminum block 4.0-liter, 60-degree V6 engine from the Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner. With dual-overhead cams, 24 valves and VVT-i technology, the engine manages 239 horsepower at 5,200 rpm, and 278 pound-feet of torque at 3,700 rpm. Note that both numbers are based on 91-octane fuel, which isn't required but is recommended.

 

ahhh, ok so I guess they were pretty much on the money then.

 

My friend runs 87 in hers, She has no problems with it.

 

Hey Dan here's one for you...

 

The FJ driver's seat has no lumbar support, which rules it out for me and my back.