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Toyota FJ Cruiser Thoughts

By: Johnny Toyota


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The Toyota FJ Cruiser ranks in the middle out of 29 reasonable Midsize SUVs. This ranking relies on our analysis of 64 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota FJ Cruiser, and our research of trustworthiness and safety info. In accordance with its iconic namesake, the eye-catching Toyota FJ Cruiser delivers solid off-road performance. If you need to stand proud of the bunch and can live with a sub-par interior and on-road ride, it's a solid choice.

Upon its 2007 introduction, the Toyota FJ Cruiser quickly wowed critics with its out-of-this-world looks and impressive off-road performance. Still, the retro-styled SUV's low points are a restricted rear seat, poor visibility and sub-standard interior materials.

If you are set on retro styling and want a more comfortable interior, consider the all-new Ford Flex.
"FJ pays a price for its exaggerated styling and off-road-biased engineering," announces buyer Guide. "On-road performance and daily usefulness don't match those of less-radical rivals.

It is solidly built, highly capable off-road, and looks like no other SUV." For 2009, the FJ gains new security features including roll-sensing side airbags, active head restraints and an optional rear backup camera.

The FJ Cruiser comes in one trim with a V6 engine and automatic transmission. It's available in either two- or four-wheel drive.

Be sure to check for current Toyota deals that may be available on a new FJ Cruiser.

"This cool reflash of the old FJ Land Cruiser is a rough and ready off-roader with look-at-me styling. It has two conventional doors and two rear-hinged mini doors.

The price of entry may be low, but the crude on-road dynamics of this five-seater will have you paying in other ways."-- car and Driver

"It's stylish, fun, practical and cheap. Buy one if you need to stand out on the street or trail." -- Forbes

"What's more important, style or substance? The good news is that the FJ offers both." -- Motor Trend

"The Toyota FJ Cruiser represents replenished interest in off-road capable cars. As conventional buyers move away from truck-based SUVs like the Ford Explorer into unibody crossovers more adept at tackling the difficulties of suburbia, one could fear that the little legion of responsible off-roaders could be left at the back.

Fortunately , the FJ Cruiser shows the automakers aren't deserting those who basically know what a transfer case can do -- even if our test model, which represents the volume model in Sunbelt markets, doesn't have a transfer case." -- Left Lane reports

FJ-Cruiser Performance - 7.9 ( Good )

The 2009 FJ Cruiser excels as a top quality off-road machine. Though its on-road ride is galvanizing for a truck-based SUV, it still isn't just about as smooth as its crossover rivals.

"Like a Hummer, the FJ feels giant but with little windows," announces Car and Driver. "It drives like a Tacoma, meaning getting there is less than 1/2 the fun." Another one of the FJ Cruiser's low points is disheartening fuel economy.

FJ-Cruiser Exterior - 9.2 ( fantastic )

The 2009 FJ Cruiser's striking, retro design not only stands out in its class, but looks particular from each other SUV on the market. "Toyota's FJ Cruiser will make a lot of heads swivel with its conspicuous mashing of cute cosmetics and urban grit," claims the L. A. Times.

One of the FJ's controversial exterior elements is its rear-opening "suicide doors."

FJ-Cruiser Interior - 7.4 ( Good )
The five-seat FJ Cruiser's interior is one of its low points. Many find the rear seat cramped and clumsy to access, while others complain of cheap interior materials. "Interior decor is more functional than rich," says shopper Guide.

"It includes washable rubber-like flooring, water-resistant fabric trim, fake metal, body-color painted accents, and some low-budget plastic panels." Though the inside could be functional, reviewers have opposing viewpoints on seating comfort.

FJ-Cruiser Safety - 9.6 ( fantastic )
The 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser receives high scores in federal government crash tests. [**] poor visibility is a major detriment to the SUV's safety.

FJ Cruiser
reliability - 7.0 ( Good )
The 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser reliability score shown is the forecast trustworthiness rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates.

This score is predicated on trending the past 3 years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automobile studies, particularly the vehicle Dependability Study ( VDS ) and the initial Quality Study.

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