Bought one, love it. I drive a semi for a living so the visibility seems fine. Most people never learn to use their mirrors properly. This thing is much quieter and smoother riding than the F150 I traded in.
The FJ Cruiser has "Clamshell" doors not "Suicide" doors. The difference is that suicide doors can be opened independently. Clamshell doors can only be opened by opening the front door first. Just so you know for future reference. Good reviews though.
I just rented one to use while visiting Seattle and completely fell in love. Visibility? It's fine as long as you know how to drive!!! The engine is awesome and the transmission was just fine. I want one!!!
Bought a 2007 FJ in '08. Drove it for 5 years. Zero issues. Added a 3" body lift - which helped tremendously with body dive etc. Other than that - just oil changes. I just sold it to a friend of mine and already miss it.
My first FJ was a 2007 and I have had a 2010 and now drive a 2012 and I love it. There was an article years back in Playboy that explains how to properly set mirrors for blind spots. Do that for any car and your fine. Oh, I've never hit anything because I couldn't see it. Hit a brand new Vette once but it was in plain sight. Never gotten stuck either.
The fact that you add the ridgeline(a crossover utility truck) and the CUV Ford Explorer as a similar model over vehicles that are actually in some way similar to the FJ Cruiser like it's direct competitor the Nissan Xterra, goes to show how little these guys know about this segment of vehicles.
its a variant of the original 1GR-FE 4L V6. Toyota added Dual VVT-I and upped the power. That new variant is used in the FJ, 2010+ 4unner, Tundra, and outside the US in the land cruiser, Prado, and Lexus GX400
had to pull a wrangler out of the mud with my 2007 cruiser...this car is a boss. At the light, cant help but to floor it. Cruising at 80 with just 2300 RPM..it saves fuel better than anyother car in its class.
Yeah. I test drove a FJ and a Wrangler a few months back and ended up getting the Wrangler. Toyota's are great and the FJ is a great ride, BUT the blind spot was a deal breaker for me. I did NOT feel safe driving it, so I went with the Jeep. If they ever fix that blind spot, I will be interested next time arounds. That said, the Wrangler is a much more livable car for daily driving than my CJ-7 20 years ago!!! Good luck
Thinking of buying a 2012 here in Bolivia. It was auctioned in PA, USA and ended up here. It has no collisions. My concern is a recall that says something about the TRD brake kits. Remedy says "If the vehicle is equipped with one of the trd brake kits, the brake caliper outer brake tube will be replaced with a newly designed one at no charge. During this service, if necessary, the dealer will make wheel balance adjustments. This remedy will be performed even if the vehicle has original equipment 16 inch or 17 inch wheels or trd 16 inch beadlock ring type wheels, which are not affected by the condition, to assure sufficient clearance in the event wheels are changed at a later time."
I like both the jeep wrangler and fj, but I would prefer the jeep for the convertible top, and removable doors. Makes for better visibility on road and off.
i copare that back door and seat of the fj cruiser to an extended cab tacoma, works well if you need to carry additional people once in a while, but a joke for a family vehicle. to me this vehicle suits either a really young person that doesnt yet have a family and will only use the back seat as extra storage or if a bunch of their friends need a ride to the mall randomly, or an older (like middle aged) person who's kids have grown up and have their own cars, then the back seat is either storage, or if you absolutely have to, you can at least fit people back there.
I am an FJ owner and I think this guy is way off. The visibility issue isn't so bad really at all. You learn pretty quick to trust your big side view mirrors which are very effective. Offroad these machines are beasts and as good or better than any other off road vehicle out there. I did a lot of research on jeep and fj cruiser before I made my choice to go with FJ. I'm so glad I did. I will always have a little smirk on my face when I run into broken down jeeps on the trail.
well . . . I just bought an FJ Cruiser 2014 and I guess they either made some improvements or this guy did not take that 2012 out on the road. In my FJ there is NO Wind Noise & NO Road Noise. Now there is a little engine noise but while your accelerating which every car has, but slack gas and there isn't any engine noise. The ride is very comfortable and smooth on my 2014 andI love the way that it handles. I will NOT take it out OFF ROADING becuz I bought it for normal family use with the intention to be able to drive if we met with horrible weather & road conditions. Yeah there's a blind spot so get use to your FJ & understand where its limitations are and stay safe. That outside mirror is huge and takes care of that 18" that is blocked. Turn your head either way look out the right rear or left driver window and blockage taken cared of. Oh by the way I can run regular unleaded & I averaged 19.6mpg on the 1st 2 tank fulls. Becuz I got it BRAND SPANKIN NEW w/only 14 miles on the OD I couldn't help but take her home nice n slow and the LONG way home. What a Dream Vehicle.
Honestly I don’t see the seat pillars to be a problem at all when it comes down to my visibility when I’m driving. If you just pay attention to what’s around you and check your mirrors constantly and wait 4 seconds before you change lanes Incase someone’s riding your blind spot
test drove the 2012 Wrangler and the FJ. the Wrangler felt light and small. probably easier going thru small gaps. FJ felt big and heavy, better high speed stability. FJ has better interior and the dash is very easy to operate with gloves on. Wrangler has more power, and convertible. Overall it depends what you looking for.
Great at what it was designed for and thats a very capable off road vehicle that can still be used to to grocery shopping. If you want something that is only staying in the city buy a camry. Still the FJ cruiser is a very cool looking vehicle
any idea my 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER shudders at around 35-45mph? they say it's the Torque Convertor or transmission fluid... I just got it and hope to make some mods. Thanks
". . . trying to make the car look very tough, very beefy . . . and you know, it ***somewhat*** is . . . " (3:05). Is the FJ really ONLY "somewhat" tough? From what I'd read it was a very dependable rugged off/on road vehicle . . . is this not true?
It's pretty much the newer Ford Explorer. Nice v6 roar, not the most efficient, blind spot with the c pillars, however the one thing the explorer has that the fj doesn't isn't aerodynamics that let it pick speed up real quick.
I'm talking about some of the main characteristics. Obviously the FJ is more off-road capable and built for it. I'm saying the Ford Explorer is very similar in the sense of its main design. No reason to get all butthurt
@@znovosad555 the fj has a 4 link rear suspension and factory diff locks... the explorer has leaf springs and open diff. the fj is a true off road vehicle like a jeep wrangler rubicon.
I love the fj I'm on my second one which is now the 2013 trail team cement model and love it dont get me wrong I like the jeep rubicon but went along with the japanese quality and on my older model fj never had an issue unlike my buddys wrangler jeep at 30000 miles you couldnt even swing open the rear doors hard to open needed big time lube anyways to each his own.
Jay Man it does have blind spots no doubt about that...i can live with them though, the rear camera helps a bit, to honest as I use it as my everyday vehicle you get use to it, I always reverse park wherever I can especially shopping etc, still love mine 👍
Obviously, 16 mpg is not a great number. But then you're not buying this car for fuel economy. (That's the Toyota Prius's department.) I wonder why they would choose a name such as 'suicide doors.' Why not include a free copy of the book "Final Exit?" I understand that he said rear vision not being great. But it looks like Toyota has compensated nicely with the rear camera in the rear view mirror. NICE!
Yeah. That's my biggest issue with this truck. It looks great (in my opinion anyway) and I'm sure it's a blast to drive, but when it comes down to it, you have to drive it and I want a car to be as safe as possible for me to drive as safe as possible. Oh well, I'll settle for a 4Runner LOL
I've jeep wranglers, GC and Toyota. Hands the best WAS the Wrangler cast iron engine I-6 engine jeeps. Virtually indestructible. After that jeep seem to have taken a different path. The FJ isn't all that great. It's got alot of flaws that I didn't like when I test drove it. I'd rather spend the money on the 4runner.
People in the US don't really appreciate the Toyota off road heritage. The only 4x4s you'll find on the harsh African terrains are Toyota trucks, Landcruiser and landrovers especially the defender90. They'll laugh you to scorn if you mention jeep or anything else
Takuma Hirosue lol my neighbor has one I snarl at it every time I see it. I'm in the middle of of getting a new vehicle. It's either going to be a Jeep Wrangler or something older like an Isuzu Amigo.
Oh & By The Way! MY FJ . . . ALL FJ's are so Cool Looking I would look for reasons to BUY one not the other way around. Its so cool looking EVERYONE of my neighbors have come by to ogle over her. Not to mention this is really the 1st New Vehicle I've brought home that I just have to pamper. The RETRO look w/contemporary STYLIN makes the FJ so HOT BEEFY & COOL its a beautiful BLEND of the International Scout, Jeep & FJ Series TOYOTA Cruisers! I can't help but PAMPER her. Not to mention the 3rd party & OEM add on ACCESSORIES for PERSONALIZING!
Bought one, love it. I drive a semi for a living so the visibility seems fine. Most people never learn to use their mirrors properly. This thing is much quieter and smoother riding than the F150 I traded in.
The FJ Cruiser has "Clamshell" doors not "Suicide" doors. The difference is that suicide doors can be opened independently. Clamshell doors can only be opened by opening the front door first. Just so you know for future reference. Good reviews though.
I just rented one to use while visiting Seattle and completely fell in love. Visibility? It's fine as long as you know how to drive!!! The engine is awesome and the transmission was just fine. I want one!!!
I love my fj cruiser....i traded in my hummer h2 for an fj, and its one of the best choices ive ever made!
STREETBEEFS FIGHTS congrats
I want one just wish they still made them cause it's hard to find one with low miles ...
Dodi Reyna I just got a 2007 with 140k km only, super condition
Bought a 2007 FJ in '08. Drove it for 5 years. Zero issues. Added a 3" body lift - which helped tremendously with body dive etc. Other than that - just oil changes. I just sold it to a friend of mine and already miss it.
My first FJ was a 2007 and I have had a 2010 and now drive a 2012 and I love it. There was an article years back in Playboy that explains how to properly set mirrors for blind spots. Do that for any car and your fine. Oh, I've never hit anything because I couldn't see it. Hit a brand new Vette once but it was in plain sight. Never gotten stuck either.
don't know what this guy is talking about.. it is one of the smoothest quietest rides out there
The fact that you add the ridgeline(a crossover utility truck) and the CUV Ford Explorer as a similar model over vehicles that are actually in some way similar to the FJ Cruiser like it's direct competitor the Nissan Xterra, goes to show how little these guys know about this segment of vehicles.
its a variant of the original 1GR-FE 4L V6. Toyota added Dual VVT-I and upped the power. That new variant is used in the FJ, 2010+ 4unner, Tundra, and outside the US in the land cruiser, Prado, and Lexus GX400
I like those loud engines. My liberty has one and have always liked that sound when getting on the gas.
If your worried about blind spots get mini mirrors on your side mirrors. Works for me. Either that or just turn your head when your switching lanes.
had to pull a wrangler out of the mud with my 2007 cruiser...this car is a boss. At the light, cant help but to floor it. Cruising at 80 with just 2300 RPM..it saves fuel better than anyother car in its class.
Yeah. I test drove a FJ and a Wrangler a few months back and ended up getting the Wrangler. Toyota's are great and the FJ is a great ride, BUT the blind spot was a deal breaker for me. I did NOT feel safe driving it, so I went with the Jeep. If they ever fix that blind spot, I will be interested next time arounds. That said, the Wrangler is a much more livable car for daily driving than my CJ-7 20 years ago!!! Good luck
Thinking of buying a 2012 here in Bolivia. It was auctioned in PA, USA and ended up here. It has no collisions. My concern is a recall that says something about the TRD brake kits. Remedy says "If the vehicle is equipped with one of the trd brake kits, the brake caliper outer brake tube will be replaced with a newly designed one at no charge. During this service, if necessary, the dealer will make wheel balance adjustments. This remedy will be performed even if the vehicle has original equipment 16 inch or 17 inch wheels or trd 16 inch beadlock ring type wheels, which are not affected by the condition, to assure sufficient clearance in the event wheels are changed at a later time."
I like both the jeep wrangler and fj, but I would prefer the jeep for the convertible top, and removable doors. Makes for better visibility on road and off.
You said in your 2012 4Runner review that it was the only vehicle with the 4.0L, but this FJ along with other Toyotas use it too. So which is correct?
i copare that back door and seat of the fj cruiser to an extended cab tacoma, works well if you need to carry additional people once in a while, but a joke for a family vehicle. to me this vehicle suits either a really young person that doesnt yet have a family and will only use the back seat as extra storage or if a bunch of their friends need a ride to the mall randomly, or an older (like middle aged) person who's kids have grown up and have their own cars, then the back seat is either storage, or if you absolutely have to, you can at least fit people back there.
do these cars handle well for like recreational off roading or mudding. or are jeeps better for that
16 mpg seems low my 04 4 runner with the same engine and 4 speed auto is getting about 17
I am an FJ owner and I think this guy is way off. The visibility issue isn't so bad really at all. You learn pretty quick to trust your big side view mirrors which are very effective. Offroad these machines are beasts and as good or better than any other off road vehicle out there. I did a lot of research on jeep and fj cruiser before I made my choice to go with FJ. I'm so glad I did. I will always have a little smirk on my face when I run into broken down jeeps on the trail.
well . . . I just bought an FJ Cruiser 2014 and I guess they either made some
improvements or this guy did not take that 2012 out on the road. In my FJ there is NO Wind Noise & NO Road Noise. Now there is a little engine noise but while your accelerating which every car has, but slack gas and there isn't any engine noise. The ride is very comfortable and smooth on my 2014 andI love the way that it handles. I will NOT take it out OFF ROADING becuz I bought it for normal family use with the intention to be able to drive if we met with horrible weather & road conditions. Yeah there's a blind spot so get use to your FJ & understand where its limitations are and stay safe. That outside mirror is huge and takes care of that 18" that is blocked. Turn your head either way look out the right rear or left driver window and blockage taken cared of. Oh by the way I can run regular unleaded & I averaged 19.6mpg on the 1st 2 tank fulls. Becuz I got it BRAND SPANKIN NEW w/only 14 miles on the OD I couldn't help but take her home nice n slow and the LONG way home. What a Dream Vehicle.
spacecowboy9 you are reading my mind exactly what I would write👍Love my FJ too
Ron I would love to see your review of the Land Cruiser. If you drive one, it must be awesome. I just want to know why you chose it.
Thats not bad, I am getting around 20.6mpg doing half highway half city cruising 100km/h in my 2013 jeep wrangler 2 door.
Honestly I don’t see the seat pillars to be a problem at all when it comes down to my visibility when I’m driving. If you just pay attention to what’s around you and check your mirrors constantly and wait 4 seconds before you change lanes Incase someone’s riding your blind spot
thats true. i bought an 07 back in 09 brand new just sitting on the lot, put 250k in 4 years and not a single problem.
test drove the 2012 Wrangler and the FJ.
the Wrangler felt light and small. probably easier going thru small gaps. FJ felt big and heavy, better high speed stability.
FJ has better interior and the dash is very easy to operate with gloves on.
Wrangler has more power, and convertible.
Overall it depends what you looking for.
ive been getting 17-20 mpg in nyc..must be that cali traffic...blind spots: when driving with no one in back seat, drop the head rests down.... doy
Great at what it was designed for and thats a very capable off road vehicle that can still be used to to grocery shopping. If you want something that is only staying in the city buy a camry. Still the FJ cruiser is a very cool looking vehicle
What about the wrangler rubicon?
if get a person from back side you must free seat belt for open back door it is crazy but i love it
any idea my 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER shudders at around 35-45mph? they say it's the Torque Convertor or transmission fluid... I just got it and hope to make some mods. Thanks
Needs the 5.7 V8 from the tundra = kick ass fun toy which is what the FJ should be about
Great review from this man.
I pick this over a jeep
Kelvon 499 Me too. And always will 😊
Iam cool I'll stick to my Hummer
The three windsheild wipers in this suv is cool
one of my favorite SUV's, and one of the few good Toyota's
Jeep is for the city dweller who goes off roading during the weekend in the park. Toyota is for real life daily off roader dwellers.
". . . trying to make the car look very tough, very beefy . . . and you know, it ***somewhat*** is . . . " (3:05). Is the FJ really ONLY "somewhat" tough? From what I'd read it was a very dependable rugged off/on road vehicle . . . is this not true?
My mom had one and loved it, that is until she had to drive somewhere. Thing was a money drainer because of it's thirsty gas tank.
capable like a jeep, indestructible like the old 80s Toyota pickup trucks
If that see pillar wasn't that big this would be a almost perfect SUV. Regardless it is better than any Land Rover or Jeep.
This car reminds me of those bullet-proof vans banks use to pick-up money and stuff..
Mark Nilo Dayrit
Its called armored vehicles/cars that is why its name has cruiser in it.
It's pretty much the newer Ford Explorer. Nice v6 roar, not the most efficient, blind spot with the c pillars, however the one thing the explorer has that the fj doesn't isn't aerodynamics that let it pick speed up real quick.
I'm talking about some of the main characteristics. Obviously the FJ is more off-road capable and built for it. I'm saying the Ford Explorer is very similar in the sense of its main design. No reason to get all butthurt
The explorer is a glorified mommy-van. Coming from someone who has actually driven it a lot. But it's extremely comfortable.
+Ashwin S right but what I'm saying is it's overall design is very similar to the FJ. My mom has one and I've driven it. Drives real nice
@@znovosad555 the fj has a 4 link rear suspension and factory diff locks... the explorer has leaf springs and open diff. the fj is a true off road vehicle like a jeep wrangler rubicon.
@@jak3est again like I already said I'm not talking about its offroad capabilities. Some of their characteristics are very similar
I love the fj I'm on my second one which is now the 2013 trail team cement model and love it dont get me wrong I like the jeep rubicon but went along with the japanese quality and on my older model fj never had an issue unlike my buddys wrangler jeep at 30000 miles you couldnt even swing open the rear doors hard to open needed big time lube anyways to each his own.
I have same one love it !!!!
jimmy cychowski the visibility ain't as bad as folks make it right?
Jay Man it does have blind spots no doubt about that...i can live with them though, the rear camera helps a bit, to honest as I use it as my everyday vehicle you get use to it, I always reverse park wherever I can especially shopping etc, still love mine 👍
jimmy cychowski Appreciate the reply man. Last question I got for ya is if you had to choose between Fj and Wrangler which one would you choose?
Jay Man fj.. mate
jimmy cychowski 4 reasons why?
All three make great off road vehicles.
FJ Cruiser or the VW Tiguan? Any feedbacks? please help :(
Toyota for reliability, easy to live with, looks better, etc. Vw for TSI engine.
I had one...this Jeep is fantastic.
I loved my fj!!
honest presentation , thx, !
we need a diesel version of this car.
@camaroman101 get it loaded the way I want, the wrangler comes out at a higher price. I compare this to the unlimited.
Great video
This guy is a great reviewer!
Obviously, 16 mpg is not a great number. But then you're not buying this car for fuel economy. (That's the Toyota Prius's department.)
I wonder why they would choose a name such as 'suicide doors.' Why not include a free copy of the book "Final Exit?"
I understand that he said rear vision not being great. But it looks like Toyota has compensated nicely with the rear camera in the rear view mirror. NICE!
Its 2019 and they still want 30-35k on a low mileage 2012.
I’ve been wanting one for years but the only thing holding me back is that they are one of the best cars that hold there resale value.
claims how noisy it was but could hear him just fine over all that wind and road noise! he wasnt speaking too loud....
good review , thanks
Please who can help me to Toyota FJ cruiser company I need to buy my ABS please
I just can't see what's better than this for 30k, as far as offroad vehicles go.
Have one, love it!
Traded my FJ for a FRS. Sometimes I miss it sometimes I don't.
im shocked at how many say its a loud noisy bumpy ride. i wouldnt trade mine for anything ..seriously.
we need a diesel versions (2)
빅원피싱클럽™ there’s an aftermarket company that makes Diesel engines for FJ’s
Not when you adjust your mirrors properly. You should google how to adjust mirrors.
Thanks, I was worried this would spiral out of control into a full out comment battle. ;)
Great color!
It happens the same here in Peru!
Yeah. That's my biggest issue with this truck. It looks great (in my opinion anyway) and I'm sure it's a blast to drive, but when it comes down to it, you have to drive it and I want a car to be as safe as possible for me to drive as safe as possible. Oh well, I'll settle for a 4Runner LOL
the jeep looking thing hes talking about is a fj40 land cruiser
THATS A BEAUTIFUL HOUSE BACK THERE
I've jeep wranglers, GC and Toyota. Hands the best WAS the Wrangler cast iron engine I-6 engine jeeps. Virtually indestructible. After that jeep seem to have taken a different path.
The FJ isn't all that great. It's got alot of flaws that I didn't like when I test drove it. I'd rather spend the money on the 4runner.
explanation is good.
gettin this wen i turn 16! 3 months!!
you're 22 now, how did that go?
beautiful
I need one soon
He had the mic on his shirt with a filter. haha
this car should be making around 300-350 hp for a 4000cc engine and 25% better fuel economy
16 combined because its a 4x4. the 2wd has better mpg.
This car is so much nicer and more reliable than a Jeep. I'm surprised at the number of people buy those pieces of crap.
People in the US don't really appreciate the Toyota off road heritage. The only 4x4s you'll find on the harsh African terrains are Toyota trucks, Landcruiser and landrovers especially the defender90. They'll laugh you to scorn if you mention jeep or anything else
The total time spent by people who bought this car actually going off road < 2%. Does that make any kind of sense?
Not suicide, clamshell doors
can somebody please explain why american cars have massive engines but fuck all power out of them?
I want one.
no the shorty 40, which was much better than the old jeeps.
It's ok. The Best are the older body Jeep Wranglers.
i agree with you
And they still cost the same after 9 years
Actually it was tributed to the fj40 in 1940
i would take a jeep wrangler, but this would be a better choice. jeeps are quite expensive.
Ke buen auto.....
i think the majority of americans care about the appearance of cars rather than the value for cost. then do americans like this car?
Takuma Hirosue hell no
***** hahaha i knew it.
Takuma Hirosue lol my neighbor has one I snarl at it every time I see it. I'm in the middle of of getting a new vehicle. It's either going to be a Jeep Wrangler or something older like an Isuzu Amigo.
***** yeah they obviously look better
He talked me out of the FJ cruiser.
Ill take my 2012 liberty
stock_jeep_life
Joking? Right
Lol, I laughed so hard when I read that and during the whole review too
Was thinking about trading my Element for one of these, thank you..... you talked me out of it.
No wonder why this is cheaper than Toyota Land Cruiser.
if they would take the second row of seat away and make the glove box a better angle that it wont hurt passengers' knees. I would buy it ~
Oh & By The Way! MY FJ . . . ALL FJ's are so Cool Looking I would look for reasons to BUY one not the other way around. Its so cool looking EVERYONE of my neighbors have come by to ogle over her. Not to mention this is really the 1st New Vehicle I've brought home that I just have to pamper. The RETRO look w/contemporary STYLIN makes the FJ so HOT BEEFY & COOL its a beautiful BLEND of the International Scout, Jeep & FJ Series TOYOTA Cruisers! I can't help but PAMPER her.
Not to mention the 3rd party & OEM add on ACCESSORIES for PERSONALIZING!