OK folks - the good PR people at Toyota have delivered me a pre-production FJC for evaluation this week.
I am in the southwest suburbs of Dallas county and if anyone is interested, contact me offline and we can maybe go drive schedule permitting.
I recently found this forum (this morning in fact) as I am preparing part one of my review for the print product I write for.
Part two will cover more in-depth and offroad. I am keeping part one to introduction, background and onroad experience.
So far, I love the truck and the ride and drive experience. Very, very quiet and smooth but blind spots as one would expect. Truck kind of reminds me of cross between Element, H3 and Xterra but LOVE the styling and heritage with FJ.
Glad to see so much buzz and excitement over something that really has not made its presence fully known in the mainstream (yet).
Viral marketing at its best, I suppose.
Contact me at autoworld@todaynewspapers.net.
Might even try for a run out to Barnwell time permitting.
AutoworldDavid
P.S. Interested in thoughts and comments from folks that i can use along with the article.
What did they let you have, a 4x4 Automatic or Manual? Probably pretty well optioned out too, I would suppose.
I'm assuming a automatic for my next comment. If you get into any hill country, I would be curious to know how it drives in cruise control going 60-70 mph. The engine rpm at 60 mph will be about 1700 rpm in fifth gear, fairly back on the horsepower curve to hold uphill cruise control. Does it handle hills without downshifting? How would you rate the delivered horsepower in this situation compared to other vehicles in the same class?
P.S. Interested in thoughts and comments from folks that i can use along with the article.
Greetings...I'd mention the over MSRP pricing fiasco that has surfaced. This will prevent the cars from getting into the hands of those that Toyota intended.
Truck kind of reminds me of cross between Element, H3 and Xterra
LOL, comparing these vehicles with an FJ in this forum is enough to spark a cripple fight!
Please tell us how you feel about the seating position. Thats my main one right there. Im hoping if its like the Prado, wich is like the Lexus GX, wich is similar to the LandCruiser. High off the ground seating position is what I love about a 4x4 rig. I put spacers on my driver seat of my 4Runner to achieve this position.
Also, the seat comfort on long drives. I sure as heck don't wanna drive all the way to Hollister Hills sitting on a flat surfaced rock. And interms of 4wheelin, can you actually try and see if you can get the FJ stuck? thanks
I knew I struck gold when I found this forum board.
You guys (and hopefully gals) are asking questions that some journalists don't come up with when they have the engineers in front of them.
My tester is a 4x4 with six-speed manual tranny.
It is outfitted with the xjammer stereo system as well. Interior plastic could be improved, especially the door panels. As this is a pre-production unit, I certainly expect this plastic to be upgraded with at least some grain or softer materials. Side sill armrest is hot as blazes in this Texas sun when resting my arm.
Truck rides VERY well on road with minimal noise. Seating position is much more comfortable than H3. The truck even made a hit with my girlfriends dad who, let's just say is well into retirement years. He wants to take it to the deer lease.
This is one aspect that continues to surprise the mainstream is how well Toyota does with new vehicles across the spectrum of consumers.
Scion xB was a hit with folks way out of target demographic and FJC is proving to be following the same course.
More to come.
AutoworldDavid
Glad they gave you a 6 speed manual. I bet it is a blast to drive.
My comment about the engine rpm being 1700 at 60 mph for the automatic in high gear changes with the manual tranny and differential. You should experience about 2000 rpm for 60 mph with the MT in 6th gear. My question is still the same. How much does the cruise control lug down going uphill at 60 mph.
I'm not in Toyota's target age group for the FJC either, as I will hit 60 later this year. Although Kansas is my current home, I grew up in Colorado and want the FJC to track up old mining roads, get to high country lakes for fishing, and just general back country enjoyment.
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Autoworld David :
Like your girlfriends dad I'm a Baby Boomer. I like to call it Baby Bummer because of the being old.. But count me in the class of buyer who is seriously looking at this truck . I looked at the H3 but the power, or lack of, and the problems the people are having with them turned me off. I have owned Japanese products and have no problems like the they have with American built...Keep us posted.. thanks...
There have been several rumors of a special edition version coming out later this year. All I am hoping for is a tan or green color option, but any validity or denial you could get from Toyota regarding this would help me in timing my purchase.
Other than that, enjoy your rides in the FJ and this forum, but beware as both are probably equally addictive.
Some key complaints / questions I'd like answered are:
1- Why did they make the front bumper so cheap and flimsy?
2- Why are the color choices less traditional? One would expect heritage colors such as tan, or red.
3- Why is the turning radius so large?
4- How easily will the plastic flooring scuff and what can be done to protect it?
5- Are the accessories up to Toyota standards or is after market the way to go?
6- Is the rear hinging door a problem when parallel parked?
If you could answer any or all of these questions I'll buy 5 copies of your rag.
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Titanium Metallic '07 Option 2 with rack, Goodyear MTR's, semi automatic grill mounted 9mm, Heat seeking missile launcher, Smoke screen, tire shredder, ejection seat, rear mounted even spray oil spreader, satellite communication interface, bullet proof glass, and a tire cover.
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