Possible New Cruiser for a friend-what to look out for

[sardog12]

I have been researching the FJs for the last week for a friend who is interested in one. She is looking to do work where she might have to go into some lightly swampy areas around New Orleans and is looking for something that will be capable as well as comfortable around the New Orleans area. She has more or less narrowed her search to the FJ and the Jeep Commander. She is looking for a compromise of cargo room and capability (feeling comfortable if she should need it) and judging from that and the research I have done, I think the biggest bang for her buck would be with a FJ. While I am familiar with offroading primarily with my Jeep, I have seen a few FJs on some of the trail rides our club has had recently and I must admit that I was impressed with them. They held their own in some places I thought they would have more difficulty. I have seen and read of plenty of the FJ Cruiser's strengths and capabilities, especially compared to the Commander, but I am looking at an honest opinion of some of their weaknesses. For example, is the engine strong enough, or does it show to be weaker at lower speeds or highway speeds? Is the blind spot in the back as bad as mentioned due to the large pieces of metal behind the rear doors? Thanks for any input you might have.

BTW, I didn't post this in the newbie section specifically because I am looking for technical responses from people who have had their vehicles for a while and have done something with them other than just a lift because it looks good.

[FJ Tex]

well as you mentioned Capability certainly lies with the FJ. from there the rest is mostly subjective. yes there is a fairly large blindspot, however "knowing is half the battle" and $2 convex spot mirrors is the otehr half for me. the front winshield is a little short so if you pull too close to a stop light, you may have a hard time seeing it. and some have had issues with the glass cracking because it stands so upright that rocks from the road dont skip off of it well. but again the solution is ismple, keep a responsible following distance. as far as comfort is concerned this really boils down to what she feels she needs. power seats? GPS? Leather? heated seats? climate control? if so you will be disspointed in the FJ. personally i dont consider teh FJ to be sluggish in ANY way whatsoever. there are otehr vehicles in its segment which weigh less and have more HP (like the Xterra) but the FJ is still quicker 0-60.

not to bash but unfortunately i've seen a LOT of problems with Jeeps since they've been owned by chrysler. i've not personally ridden in a Commander but i would be suspicious of its fit and finish on the interior. ultimately i think the best idea is to get her to Test Drive both.

[sardog12]

Thanks, Tex. This is exactly the sort of things I am looking for. I will pass these notes along. Obviously, I am partial to the Wrangler, but can still be objective enough to note it isn't perfect. I also lend more credibility to an owner of a vehicle that can recognize the good and bad points of a vehicle, no matter how "perfect" that vehicle may be for them. I have been doing more research with my friend and she is still trying to compare the original two as well as the Xterra. I am going with her for a test drive tomorrow, so we'll see how they do head to head.

[DominicG]

i cant really compare the FJ capabilities to anything except for my old samurai (really a mountain goat in disguise). only other 4x4 ive ever wheeled, so i wont go there.

but i am amazed by this vehicle every time i go wheeling. i've never had any problems or an obstacle i could not overtake.


Power wise, the fj is more than powerful. highway power is awesome. acceleration is alright for its class and power rating. this rig has plenty of power to get up and move.

[billybongo63]

I was working at the Miwaukee public safety building ( Cop Shop!).

The Cheif spied my FJ and had a lengthy discussion on why he was getting one for his wife. Other than the obvious off-road reasons I bought mine for, the safety features are some of the best in the industry.

Vehicle Stability Control re-acts to ice before you even realize you'ver hit it, A-trac can help you get out of sticky situations, Curtain side airbags are a plus if ever broad-sided.

the list goes on, but what blew my mind was how it handled like a musclebound sports car right off the show room floor, tight corners with no body roll, off the line quickness, massive stopping power and an incredibly smooth comfortabe ride.

Good God, I think I'm going to buy another one!-Bill

[RoverGGM]

They still make that "Commander" ?

I thought it tanked last year.

[sardog12]

This ('08) is the last year for it.

[FJShocK]

Have you test drove both vehicles? That would be the first thing you should do. Although the FJ is known for it's offroad guts, I think it is very comfortable and well mannered onroad as well. The visibility thing...again, you really have to try it for yourself and see how you feel. Overall its a very solid vehicle.

[tmaxxgod4]

billybongo63 previously said:

what blew my mind was how it handled like a musclebound sports car right off the show room floor, tight corners with no body roll, off the line quickness, massive stopping power and an incredibly smooth comfortabe ride.

Good God, I think I'm going to buy another one!-Bill

WELL SAID!

i love mine! i still have 2 jeeps a CJ7 and a TJ, the FJ is a beast compared to them... its a sports car on road.. a unstoppable 4x4 off road.... and has a amazing heater and ac

[chango]

FJs are gas hogs; if she never goes off road I would suggest something less thirsty. I would be in serious money trouble if I didn't have an economy car as a second vehicle to make up the difference.