New Rugged 4WD from Toyota

[Kent]

FYI - For those that are interested.

Looks like Toyota is coming out with 4WD called FJ Cruiser. I pulled some info from internet and I’m posting here. You can read more about it from Toyota web-site or other forums. The current car magazines have articles on it as well. This vehicle looks like it would be a great tow vehicle for those that like a rugged 4WD.

V-6 239hp and 278 lb ft torque.
2WD or 4WD with locking rear diff.
L-183.9” W-74.6” H-71.6”
Wheel Base - 105.9
Towing 5000lb
$25,000 range
19 gal fuel tank
EPA 17 / 21 mpg - Motor Trend reported 18.2 mpg.

• 4x2 Automatic - $21,710
• 4x4 Manual - $22,890
• 4x4 Automatic - $23,300

4x4 models are available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 5 speed electronically shifted 5-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the manual transmission models come with a full time 4x4 system. The 4x2 model is available only with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

Standard Features:
• Front and Rear Disc Brakes
• Advanced Dual-Stage Front Driver and Passenger Airbags
• Power Windows and Door Locks
• Tilt Steering
• AM/FM/CD Audio With 6 Speakers Including 2 Ceiling Speakers
• Water Resistant Seat Fabric
• Rubber-like Floor and Rear Deck Floor
• Swing Type Rear Door with Flip-Up Rear Window
• Rear Window Defogger with Intelligent Timer
• 8-Way Manually Adjusted Drivers Seat (4-Way Passenger)
• Auto Limited Slip Differential (2WD Models Only)
• Torsen Limited Slip Differential (4WD MT Models Only)
• Rear Differential Lock (4WD MT models only and optional on all other models

[Donna D.]

We have a number of members tugging with a Toyota. Al started a topic back at the end of December about this model too: New Toyota Tug?

[Gina D.]

This car looks VAUGELY familiar

[Benita]

So Gina,

Now you get to power up and haul your dream Bigfoot while still keeping the styling and functionality you like.

[Gina D.]

can I borrow a few grand from ya?

[Jackie]

This car looks VAUGELY familiar

Gina - that's an Element on steroids

[Suz]

Funny you should mention it. I was just looking into this the other day. I expect to see some of these with eggs behind them in the not so distant future.

[Mary F]

Gas mileage rating is disappointing...

[Donna D.]

Did anyone happen to see the report on CNN about AAA going after the vehicle manufacturers regarding their SUPPOSED fuel mileage rating?

Did you know the manufacturers come up with those figures by driving the vehicle at 48mph?? That's right 4 8 m p h. Not the 55-75mph most of us expect to drive.

No wonder the fuel mileage is never close to accurate. But they use it to entice buyers

[Lizbeth]

What's with the big blind spots with the huge pillers inside? Those are nasty looking! Other than that it looks pretty good, but those things would keep me from buying it

[Gina D.]

The Element has a similar problem Lizbeth.

You need to relearn to drive with your mirrors. Alla the bad old days and 70s panel vans.

[Lizbeth]

I've driven an Element. I don't think the blind spots are too bad. Maybe the pictures of the Toyota make the spots look biggger than they are? I'll have to see one in person.

[Frederick L. Simson]

That's right [b]4 8 m p h. Not the 55-75mph [b]most of us expect to drive.

After making all the little repairs to the damage I caused, by driving the Fiber Stream at 75 mph; that guy up ahead of you only doing 48 mph will be [b]ME.

[Gina D.]

I don't think the blind spots are too bad.

Until...

you see your first waving finger gesture from the guy that you almost splatted in the left lane when you almost wakked him cause you could see.

There is a really narrow DEAD blind spot there. I have been embarrassed more than once.

I need to get a roundy sticky domey thingy for my mirror.

[Frederick L. Simson]

a roundy sticky domey thingy

You engineers, and you technical jargon...

[Gina D.]

watch out, or I will explain how a dubiculous works.

[Time K]

I'll say it looks familiar!

[Rick]

Just picked up my new TOW today (goodbye Durango!)

FJ rated @ 5000 lbs / 21 city and 28 highway.

[John Perry]

Just picked up my new TOW today (goodbye Durango!)

FJ rated @ 5000 lbs / 21 city and 28 highway.

Congratulations, it is the best investment you could make in a vehicle. As far as I am concerned there are only 2 manufacturers that I will buy vehicles from and they are Toyota and Honda.
Toyotas have only one problem. You can't kill them. My oldest grandson is driving my 1976 Toyota pickup. It has over 400,000 miles on it and has never had any major problems. One clutch, several sets of brakes, tires, tune ups and oil changes is the only money I ever spent on it.
I did have it repainted and the seat recovered before I gave it to my grandson. I had 3 offers of over $2500.00 for my almost 30 year old truck after the paint job. That would never happen with a domestic vehicle.

Congratulations on a wise decision,
John

[Roger H]

The FJ Cruiser's granddaddy... The 1966 FJ45 LandCruiser Wagon





Y'know, Gina, when I first saw an Element, I said...

This car looks VAGUELY familiar

The new FJ's mileage is actually rated slightly higher than my '02 Tundra with, I presume, the same V6 and a new tranny. It's a fairly heavy vehicle for its size. FWIW, I used to get a SOLID 12mpg with my FJ60s. It didn't matter whether I was hauling, empty, uphill, downhill, in the back country, stop-and-go, or highway. 12mpg was all it'd do. I find that the new FJ's 21+ is pretty refreshing!

Roger

on edit: There's STILL something that's just WRONG about not having a 2F engine in a LandCruiser!