2007
Toyota FJ Cruiser 4x4 SUV
Retro
Styling and Affordable Pricing
Susan Frissell
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SPECS |
When eyeing the new 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser on the auto show floor last year I looked forward to its arrival. Appealing in style and practicality, the all-new FJ Cruiser appears to be another Toyota hit.
Resembling Toyota's FJ40 sold from 1960-1983, the FJ Cruiser fits into Toyota's lineup somewhere between the RAV4 and the 4Runner, and calls out to the adventurous, aggressive youth segment. Promising to deliver "true off-road ruggedness", the FJ Cruiser-when not loaded up-is also affordable.
Our test vehicle came equipped with just two options including the Convenience Package (Remote keyless entry, cruise control, power outside mirror with Image lift, rear parking sonar, privacy glass, rear wiper, daytime running lights, $1,840); and Carpet floor mats and cargo mat, $199. With a MSRP of just under $23,000, consumers can easily hike up those numbers with upgraded packages of one kind or another (read: 17-inch radials and six-disc CD changer), side-curtain airbags and roof rack, etc.
Colors are limited in the FJ Cruiser and all come with a two-tone white top. Not sure why this is, we preferred to see it mono-color. Our test vehicle was a white/black combination, less than exciting. One can opt for a bright yellow, gray, black cherry (a personal favorite), or blue.
Driving the FJ Cruiser was somewhat disappointing. But then, one must keep in mind, this is a $22,000-some vehicle not to mistaken for a more luxurious offering. Its ride is a little rough, its interior less polished. But then, this is a rugged, off-road vehicle.
It took some getting used to the side view mirrors on the FJ. Although large enough, they are placed too far forward creating an obstruction when trying to see sideways out the side window. One sits low in the driver's seat with a lot to look out on. The dash and instrument panel are snazzy and room is at a premium. Storage space abounds and the seating comfortable.
The FJ has a rather small windshield, reminiscent of Jeeps past, with three windshield wipers to clean it! The seats are comfortable and supportive and we especially like the waterproof fabric.
Braking in the FJ Cruiser was jerky, pitching the car forward. And although there is seating for five, rear seat passengers must watch they don't hit their heads when climbing into the back. This writer hit her head on the door frame trying to navigate into the rear seats. The two front doors are visible, the back two are access doors. Clumsy too is the fact that the handle for the access door is on the inside making it annoyingly hard to reach and open with one hand. Once you're seated in the rear, try closing that door by yourself!
And leg room is limited, especially if the driver happens to be long-legged and needs her seat as far back as it goes.
The FJ's rear door is heavy however, the pop-up window is genius. Why don't all vehicles with a rear door have a window that lets in air? The door swings open to the side and second-row seating flips forward and folds flat.
A car for action, the FJ has bottle holders to go with the water repellent seating, washable carpeting and floor mats. Other features we liked are the in-dash compartment to store goodies, the running boards to make entry/exit easier and the placement of the three optional upgrade gauges on the dash displaying temperature, direction and decline.
We enjoyed driving Toyota's 6-speed manual transmission. Shifting is seamless and the vehicle glides along.
The FJ Cruiser is a fun vehicle for those with an active lifestyle. We decided it wasn't"daily-driver" material.