I've owned 6 Jeeps. A TJ Rubicon, JK, JKU, two XJ's, & XK. 3 bought new, 3 bought slightly used. I also have owned my Toyota FJ Cruiser, which I bought used in 2014 with 27k miles, for 7 years. It now has 80k miles (it is a 2012). It is basically a decade old, and the only thing I do is an oil change once a year. That is it. Every single Jeep I had, needed work. Every new one, every used one, all had problems. Alternator went out, starter (I know, wear and tear parts, but, FJ is 10 years old, all original), throw out bearing went out in first month on a JK I got new, and so on. I always liked Jeeps when younger (probably why I had a lot of them). But, I'll stick to the FJ's reliability.
I've had both. The FJ is far superior overall. I can do 120mph on the interstate and my lifted 2010 FJ rides nice. No Jeep EVER can say that. I can idle in 106 degree heat in SW Florida for hours with intake temperatures above 180 degrees and the air blows ice cold. Let's see the twin turbo new gen Bronco 2.3Litre micro motor do that. I've pulled full sized Diesel trucks from the muck. Also, every day I get out of bed my Toad is worth more money. So yeah, I'm a fan of the FJ. This vehicle is LEGENDARY.
@@jefferywhidby2407 Only Jeep I had that was smooth as butter on road was the Commander. Commander kicked ass, love that vehicle. Only kept mine a couple years then traded for FJ. Miss it. But, FJ still better.
I’m having such a hard time thinking about getting rid of my TJ rubicon but at the same time I’m completely over fixing the stupid small issues. Something new every week, leaks, front end, u-joints ect. Only thing issues free is the 4.0 motor lol. I’m either looking at a 4Runner or FJ. After reading this I have more confidence in getting rid of it lol
Having taken both off roading in several different terrains -I prefer the FJ, it doesn’t have to work as hard to climb, it’s more smooth on trails, and can carry much more when camping or long trails
I’m 16 years old and Im in love with these cars I wanna start working so I can put a down payment on it , when I’m older that is my plan for one of these cars
I started out with an 85 f150 that barely ran. Then got a 1999 ranger that also needed work. Then after a lot of saving got my dream car… an fj cruiser !! It can happen it just takes work
2 points that you didn't mention about the FJ that are important--First,during the Korean War the US ran short on jeeps and requested the Japanese to create a vehicle similar to the jeep.....they created the Fj40. The FJ Cruiser is the "son" of the Fj40. Secondly,Japan didn't quit making the FJ after 2014; they just stopped shipping them to the US at that time. The FJ has been in production since its inception.
The FJ was discontinued in 2014 only in North America; other countries went much later. Last I checked, they were still available for purchase as 2021 models in the Philippines. Originally, the white roof was a feature of the FJ-40 they adopted in the FJ, though later, some models had a painted roof option.
I have a 2007 fj with 163,000 miles. No issues. I friggin love it! I was caught in a flash flood with water at the top of my grill (thankfully I have a snorkel) and I only had to replace a pulley bc of all the debris that got into it. It’s an absolute beast! If the wrangler is indeed better off-road I don’t need it bc I don’t want to be in the situation where I would need it lol!
That FJ is more capable than the Jeep you currently have, if we are comparing the vehicles that you are currently testing, but yes if you install a front locker on the FJ it would be similar to a Rubicon, but it will kick ass in reliability and because of it the FJ is a better vehicle hands down, you do not want to be stranded when overlanding
If you guys watch the video from the big Florida interstate winter pileup, you can see an FJ is the FIRST hit by the semi, got thrown over the barrier, completing flattened and the dude walked away with only a few scratches. FJ safety is UNMATCHED by off road cars, Toyota cars, AND all cars of the time
Thanks for another well done video. I recently bought a 2013 FJ Cruiser Iceberg white with 20,000 miles and extremely clean. And it's all about smiles per gallon. Still debating on mods or leaving stock. I'm sure you know but just in case the rear seats have red knob which lets you remove the seat so every thing can lay flat. Thanks again. Keep the videos coming.
@Stop the Thyroid Madness Yup, kind of like driving a panel-van. - If you back in the parking spot, it's easier to keep watch on the traffic/pedestrian.
The updated wrangler with the pentastar 3.6 came out in 2012. Really good video. Thank you. I’m thinking about getting the 2012 wrangler. I like the FJ, the only thing is it’s a little bit too big for the small trails out here in Massachusetts.
Mostly the problem you will have in New England is finding an off roading club that allows not jeeps to join. I am in Maine and there isn't one club in the state that allows not jeeps. Because all of the off roading in Maine is private land you have to join a club.
If you want more cargo room and passenger room get a 4runner. If you want a shorter wheelbase and don’t use back seat adult passengers often get the fj. I personally have the 4Runner and it’s the perfect size imo. Big enough to carry a TON of cargo especially with the seats down...or you can get the 4Runner with a 3rd row for passengers yet it’s still small enough to be nimble and fit through any trail that the fj can fit through. But I love both. Two of my favorite suvs but I wouldn’t trade my 4runner for anything. The fj is just alittle too small with all the cargo and equipment I carry around all the time.
If your looking at an FJ, that’s actaully a little cheap (like $2-5k). And that FJ will be worth $26k in a year if you get it at $16k now and add mileage
One safety feature I really like on the FJ is 1. The trunk opens towards the road rather than the Jeep that opens up towards the sidewalk, which doesn’t protect you as much from traffic The window can also open without the door opening
The FJ rear door opens toward the street in the US. I'm a full time musician and I like that the FJ door opens in unison with the spare tire. And the door is insanely robust. The Jeep door feels very fragile.
FJ Cruiser VS Wrangler- Which should you buy? The answer is the Lexus GX. ~Owner of a 2013 FJ A Toyota drives to the off roading event, has an awesome time and drives home. Wranglers arrive on trailers, have an awesome time and go home on trailers. That is everything I need to know about Wranglers.
@@dirtsailoroff-road5580 between 2007 and 2014 they sold at least 10 jeeps for every one FJ... chrysler is always going to flood the market with their models.
Hmm which is better? An suv made by a successful company thats known for making quality vehicles, or suv made by a company thats gone bankrupt multiple times, and has a bad reputation for quality, lol.
I’m in the FJ camp as well but I also really like the Wrangler and overall it did win this fight as it’s been a far better sales success while the FJ is now dead in the US.
@@DrivenCompanion As has been seen in the US,the FJ is FAR from dead. The Japanese should consider bringing it back.......they have changed very little on it.
@@DrivenCompanion If Toyota had kept importing the FJ sales would have bounced back. The FJ was released just as the US economy crashed, It didn't really recover until 2 ish years after the FJ stopped being imported. Jeep has proven that if you produce it people will buy it. Imagine if Toyota imported any of the stripped workers Land Cruisers how popular those would be. Or dare I dream a diesel engine vehicle.
No comparison. Jeeps are mechanical junk. I've had both. The Jeep was fun but always broke down. My Toyota's I've owned don't. toyota does have some modelss that have weak transmissions and brakes. Jeeps are just mostly junk.
The only Wrangler I'd buy is the I6 TJ, with that said, we all know that Toyota's have a better build quality but to me the FJ Cruiser is just Fugly , at his limits is not as capable as the Wrangler and does not does have as much after market support.
Ive had a 1972 fj40, a 2007 fj cruiser, and now only jeeps. Now have a pristine 1999 tj 4.0l 5sp 125k bought for only $4000, and a 1991 jeep wagoneer with a gm ls engine transmission axle swap bought for $5k. And i would never own an old fj or new fj again. The 1972 fj40 was a death trap. Even with $40k put into it and lost much money selling it at a loss. The 2007 fj was also a night mare. When it broke it was ridiculous expensive to fix. Though as an everyday pavement car was better than a 2 dr jeep or new jeep. But fj parts are ridiculously expensive, as are engine transmission parts. jeeps are cheap, jeep replacement parts are cheap, body parts are cheap, engine transmission transfer case axles diffential parts and swaps are cheap and easy to do. I prefer 2005 and older. The new jeeps are junk. Though if you find a 4dr jeep with blown engine you can get them next to nothing and then do a gm ls, lx or dodge hemi engine swap with solid axle swap, for very little money. Fj owners are not mechanics they don't know how to do anything on their own car. Fj owners are hippster wanna bes in a click. When their fj breaks they are the ones screaming for help on the trail because they know squat of fixing a vehicle and bought into the bull shite hype toyotas dont break.
I've owned 6 Jeeps. A TJ Rubicon, JK, JKU, two XJ's, & XK. 3 bought new, 3 bought slightly used. I also have owned my Toyota FJ Cruiser, which I bought used in 2014 with 27k miles, for 7 years. It now has 80k miles (it is a 2012). It is basically a decade old, and the only thing I do is an oil change once a year. That is it. Every single Jeep I had, needed work. Every new one, every used one, all had problems. Alternator went out, starter (I know, wear and tear parts, but, FJ is 10 years old, all original), throw out bearing went out in first month on a JK I got new, and so on. I always liked Jeeps when younger (probably why I had a lot of them). But, I'll stick to the FJ's reliability.
I've had both. The FJ is far superior overall. I can do 120mph on the interstate and my lifted 2010 FJ rides nice. No Jeep EVER can say that. I can idle in 106 degree heat in SW Florida for hours with intake temperatures above 180 degrees and the air blows ice cold. Let's see the twin turbo new gen Bronco 2.3Litre micro motor do that. I've pulled full sized Diesel trucks from the muck. Also, every day I get out of bed my Toad is worth more money. So yeah, I'm a fan of the FJ. This vehicle is LEGENDARY.
@@jefferywhidby2407 Only Jeep I had that was smooth as butter on road was the Commander. Commander kicked ass, love that vehicle. Only kept mine a couple years then traded for FJ. Miss it. But, FJ still better.
I’m having such a hard time thinking about getting rid of my TJ rubicon but at the same time I’m completely over fixing the stupid small issues. Something new every week, leaks, front end, u-joints ect. Only thing issues free is the 4.0 motor lol. I’m either looking at a 4Runner or FJ. After reading this I have more confidence in getting rid of it lol
@weshorne4128 Still not a single issue on thr FJ. Just standard maintenance.
@ auto or manual?
I’d take the fj or 4runner over a wrangler anyday personally.
Yeah
If you buy the FJ buy a good back country map. If you buy the Jeep, buy some good tools.
Love this
Lmao exactly… needless to say I bout the fj 🤣
Having taken both off roading in several different terrains
-I prefer the FJ, it doesn’t have to work as hard to climb, it’s more smooth on trails, and can carry much more when camping or long trails
I’m 16 years old and Im in love with these cars I wanna start working so I can put a down payment on it , when I’m older that is my plan for one of these cars
And with that plan you'll definitely have one!
My first car was a 95' wrangler and I could not recommend a better first car!
I started out with an 85 f150 that barely ran. Then got a 1999 ranger that also needed work. Then after a lot of saving got my dream car… an fj cruiser !! It can happen it just takes work
2 points that you didn't mention about the FJ that are important--First,during the Korean War the US ran short on jeeps and requested the Japanese to create a vehicle similar to the jeep.....they created the Fj40. The FJ Cruiser is the "son" of the Fj40. Secondly,Japan didn't quit making the FJ after 2014; they just stopped shipping them to the US at that time. The FJ has been in production since its inception.
FJ Cruiser has been my favorite vehicle I have ever owned ❤
The FJ was discontinued in 2014 only in North America; other countries went much later. Last I checked, they were still available for purchase as 2021 models in the Philippines. Originally, the white roof was a feature of the FJ-40 they adopted in the FJ, though later, some models had a painted roof option.
I have a 2007 fj with 163,000 miles. No issues. I friggin love it! I was caught in a flash flood with water at the top of my grill (thankfully I have a snorkel) and I only had to replace a pulley bc of all the debris that got into it. It’s an absolute beast! If the wrangler is indeed better off-road I don’t need it bc I don’t want to be in the situation where I would need it lol!
That FJ is more capable than the Jeep you currently have, if we are comparing the vehicles that you are currently testing, but yes if you install a front locker on the FJ it would be similar to a Rubicon, but it will kick ass
in reliability and because of it the FJ is a better vehicle hands down, you do not want to be stranded when overlanding
FJ all day
Interesting historical information!!!
Good comparison, thank you.
I will buy FJ !! 👀
This was a very good and useful video
Great comparison in between vehicles
Fj cruiser 2021 models still available here in South Africa
Lucky you! The continued existence of the Fj outside the US gives me a bit of hope that a 2nd Gen could happen and maybe come back here.
If you guys watch the video from the big Florida interstate winter pileup, you can see an FJ is the FIRST hit by the semi, got thrown over the barrier, completing flattened and the dude walked away with only a few scratches.
FJ safety is UNMATCHED by off road cars, Toyota cars, AND all cars of the time
Lucky owner FJ👍
17:40
As the Jeep leaks water from the roof onto the interior. lol
U can keep that jeep I will be taking the Toyota
Thanks for another well done video. I recently bought a 2013 FJ Cruiser Iceberg white with 20,000 miles and extremely clean. And it's all about smiles per gallon. Still debating on mods or leaving stock. I'm sure you know but just in case the rear seats have red knob which lets you remove the seat so every thing can lay flat. Thanks again. Keep the videos coming.
Wow what a find. 20k miles is incredible.... I felt pretty good about mine at 88k
My 2013 had 35K on the clock when I bought it in 2020.....I felt like I got a screaming deal until now. LOL. nice find on your FJ.
My 2010 Iceberg is showroom clean with 53,000 miles. All I do is clean her when I'm not navigating the Everglades.
I just saw a 2014 FJ with ONLY 53 MILES(!!!!) and $20k of mods auction off for OVER $90k
Worst thing about the FJ is the visibility. Great video.
FJ does not have a visibility handicap. It has a "millenials' inability to use windows and mirrors" handicap. It's perfectly fine.
You learn soon enough to always back-in into a parking spot... it reminds me of driving a panel van
@Stop the Thyroid Madness Yup, kind of like driving a panel-van.
- If you back in the parking spot, it's easier to keep watch on the traffic/pedestrian.
The updated wrangler with the pentastar 3.6 came out in 2012. Really good video. Thank you. I’m thinking about getting the 2012 wrangler. I like the FJ, the only thing is it’s a little bit too big for the small trails out here in Massachusetts.
The footprint of the FJ is close to the 2 door Wrangler.
Mostly the problem you will have in New England is finding an off roading club that allows not jeeps to join. I am in Maine and there isn't one club in the state that allows not jeeps. Because all of the off roading in Maine is private land you have to join a club.
I would love to see the comparison FJ vs Toyota forerunner
Its same motor drivetrain and chassis
If you want more cargo room and passenger room get a 4runner. If you want a shorter wheelbase and don’t use back seat adult passengers often get the fj. I personally have the 4Runner and it’s the perfect size imo. Big enough to carry a TON of cargo especially with the seats down...or you can get the 4Runner with a 3rd row for passengers yet it’s still small enough to be nimble and fit through any trail that the fj can fit through. But I love both. Two of my favorite suvs but I wouldn’t trade my 4runner for anything. The fj is just alittle too small with all the cargo and equipment I carry around all the time.
@@andyham6094 thank you for the information I also have a 4Runner and I love it 😎
I've got a comparison coming. Should be up in the next couple weeks!
Loving my FJ.....only issue is gearbox hunts around for right gear at town speeds...is this normal ?
Yes. When in traffic or on hills, put her down a gear or two. She's smart, but she could always use your help.
FJ wins on crash safety as well.
the JK has a 5 star front end crash rating, a 5 star side impact safety rating and a 4 star rollover rating.
Nice color on the FJ
Is $16k steep for a 2008? I know it depends on mileage...just wondering. Thanks!
Like I said they've got strong resale value. Sometimes it feels like you might as well buy new with vehicles like this.
@@DrivenCompanion a new vehicle would run $40,000 at least
No it would not be steep.....I bought my 2007 FJ day after Christmas 2018 and the price was a little over 16k. One of the best decisions I've made.
If your looking at an FJ, that’s actaully a little cheap (like $2-5k). And that FJ will be worth $26k in a year if you get it at $16k now and add mileage
Is that fj stock or lifted??
I have an 07 2 door Rubicon with the 6 spd manual and I've been averaging 20mpg, much better than my RAM Rebel.
That's actually not bad at all
Where did u buy your roof rack fairing and brand? Thanks
Go check out bajaracks. Its the FJ OEM basket
What size tires on the FJ?
295/70/r17
Good stuff
One safety feature I really like on the FJ is
1. The trunk opens towards the road rather than the Jeep that opens up towards the sidewalk, which doesn’t protect you as much from traffic
The window can also open without the door opening
The FJ rear door opens toward the street in the US. I'm a full time musician and I like that the FJ door opens in unison with the spare tire. And the door is insanely robust. The Jeep door feels very fragile.
The FJ has much more cargo space, as in, you can fit 4 adults and backpacks (to go hiking)
FJ Cruiser VS Wrangler- Which should you buy? The answer is the Lexus GX. ~Owner of a 2013 FJ
A Toyota drives to the off roading event, has an awesome time and drives home. Wranglers arrive on trailers, have an awesome time and go home on trailers. That is everything I need to know about Wranglers.
I got the Fj cruiser. The FJC is harder to find. Jeep is a dime a dozen.
jeeps are still made, they canned the FJ, but if you've priced a used wrangler lately, they dont lose value
@@dirtsailoroff-road5580 between 2007 and 2014 they sold at least 10 jeeps for every one FJ... chrysler is always going to flood the market with their models.
FJ.... ALL DAY.
Let's add reliability in that comparison!
Key question: which will last longer with minimal problems? FJ wins hands down.
If FJ is so much better it shouldn't have been discontinued great vehicle but ill go with jeep
Fj hands down all the way I will never sell it 2014 model 48,000 miles 33 tires everything stock custom black wheels that’s it
Jeep with Toyota's quality.
Get a 4.0 TJ and a 4.0 4th gen 4runner :^)
Hmm which is better? An suv made by a successful company thats known for making quality vehicles, or suv made by a company thats gone bankrupt multiple times, and has a bad reputation for quality, lol.
I’m in the FJ camp as well but I also really like the Wrangler and overall it did win this fight as it’s been a far better sales success while the FJ is now dead in the US.
@@DrivenCompanion As has been seen in the US,the FJ is FAR from dead. The Japanese should consider bringing it back.......they have changed very little on it.
@@DrivenCompanion If Toyota had kept importing the FJ sales would have bounced back. The FJ was released just as the US economy crashed, It didn't really recover until 2 ish years after the FJ stopped being imported. Jeep has proven that if you produce it people will buy it. Imagine if Toyota imported any of the stripped workers Land Cruisers how popular those would be. Or dare I dream a diesel engine vehicle.
Jeep
Honda Element also beats Jeep
2nd
2007 purple people eater fj...aint skeered
Wrangler looks cheap..
And is!
No comparison. Jeeps are mechanical junk. I've had both. The Jeep was fun but always broke down. My Toyota's I've owned don't. toyota does have some modelss that have weak transmissions and brakes. Jeeps are just mostly junk.
The only Wrangler I'd buy is the I6 TJ, with that said, we all know that Toyota's have a better build quality but to me the FJ Cruiser is just Fugly , at his limits is not as capable as the Wrangler and does not does have as much after market support.
JAJAJAJA. FJ. THE BEST
Hahaha! A jeep that is reliable!? That is funny!
First
Ive had a 1972 fj40, a 2007 fj cruiser, and now only jeeps. Now have a pristine 1999 tj 4.0l 5sp 125k bought for only $4000, and a 1991 jeep wagoneer with a gm ls engine transmission axle swap bought for $5k.
And i would never own an old fj or new fj again. The 1972 fj40 was a death trap. Even with $40k put into it and lost much money selling it at a loss. The 2007 fj was also a night mare. When it broke it was ridiculous expensive to fix. Though as an everyday pavement car was better than a 2 dr jeep or new jeep. But fj parts are ridiculously expensive, as are engine transmission parts.
jeeps are cheap, jeep replacement parts are cheap, body parts are cheap, engine transmission transfer case axles diffential parts and swaps are cheap and easy to do. I prefer 2005 and older. The new jeeps are junk. Though if you find a 4dr jeep with blown engine you can get them next to nothing and then do a gm ls, lx or dodge hemi engine swap with solid axle swap, for very little money.
Fj owners are not mechanics they don't know how to do anything on their own car. Fj owners are hippster wanna bes in a click. When their fj breaks they are the ones screaming for help on the trail because they know squat of fixing a vehicle and bought into the bull shite hype toyotas dont break.
Uh give me a millisecond to think....FJ period. I'd like to get back home without the Jeep breaking
Haha, the Jeep??? 75 year old technology, I'll pass along with the Jeep being a Dodge it will break down, lol