Preview of January Consumer Reports' FJ Cruiser coverage

[rsa]

theautochannel.com has summarized the evaluation of the FJ Cruiser (and other SUV's) that will be included in the January issue of Consumer Reports. The full theautochannel article can be found here.

Mostly predictable. CR's bottom line: the FJ Cruiser scored too low to be recommended. I'm not getting huffy because CR prefers the Acura RDX over the FJ Cruiser. They have their priorities, I have mine (off-road capabilities are not factored into the FJ Cruiser's scores).

Although the FJ Cruiser’s styling attracts a lot of attention, it also creates many compromises. Visibility is significantly limited by the small windows and wide roof pillars, and the rear-hinged rear doors give poor access. Handling is clumsy and the ride is very jittery. Impressive off-road ability and a strong powertrain are among the vehicle’s strengths. The FJ Cruiser ($30,621 MSRP as tested) is powered by a 239-hp, 4.0-liter V6 that is refined and delivers very good acceleration. Its five-speed automatic transmission shifts very smoothly. The cargo area is good. The FJ’s brakes are very good.

The one unexpected comment from CR was about the handling and ride, "clumsy and very jittery". Those are words I'd expect to see describe a pre-2007 Wrangler, not the FJ Cruiser.

Stu

[Bang Bang]

Everyone is entitled ot their own opinion...even if it's a WRONG opinion!!!

[SoonerFJ]

I have actually ridden in and driven an Acura RDX and I have to say that it was a major disappointment. The ride was rough, acceleration was sluggish, and the turbo-4 engine a loud vibrating mess that seemed over worked. It definately had more bells and whistles, but I cant imagine the functional use of it outside of someone that wants a more luxurious RAV4 clone. I would take a stock FJ at half the price over a loaded RDX any day.

[1983FJ60]

it IS clumsy and jittery.

it's a ****ing truck that's meant to go off road.

you can't have on road manners and off road prowess.

i think that this will be a huge problem for toyota since this is a car people buy on looks and will quickly trash on its lack of friendliness on the streets. it was intended to be for the handful of gearheads who were mad at toyota for not having many off-road vehicles with the 'land cruiser' name on them in the US.

i drive a 2500 silverado and a 40 series--so the FJC is a space age wonder compared to the 40, and handles well compared to the dreadnought chevy.

but if your're replacing a cr-v or a sedan with your first toyota truck, you'll be disappointed.

it's a big, heavy, clumsy block.

if that's all you drive, that's no surprise or disappointment.

[Vik]

1983FJ60 previously said:

it IS clumsy and jittery.

it's a ****ing truck that's meant to go off road.

you can't have on road manners and off road prowess.

i think that this will be a huge problem for toyota since this is a car people buy on looks and will quickly trash on its lack of friendliness on the streets. it was intended to be for the handful of gearheads who were mad at toyota for not having many off-road vehicles with the 'land cruiser' name on them in the US.

i drive a 2500 silverado and a 40 series--so the FJC is a space age wonder compared to the 40, and handles well compared to the dreadnought chevy.

but if your're replacing a cr-v or a sedan with your first toyota truck, you'll be disappointed.

it's a big, heavy, clumsy block.

if that's all you drive, that's no surprise or disappointment.

In complete agreement and well said. My wife drives a BMW 330 and after driving my FJ she quipped: "It's like driving a big, fat, sloppy girl."

But she's my girl....

[Ron]

Here are a couple of snipits from the January 2007 CR article.

The summary ratings:


The FJ Cruiser "take-away" summary:



And, the CR article states: "Off-road performance was terrific."

[Mustang]

The thing about Consumer Reports is that they hate cars and trucks. Therefore, you end up with reviews that start from a basic negative perception. It is like having a gay guy judge a wet t-shirt contest.

I like Consumer Reports for their reliability data but there is no reason why someone who thinks the two best cars on earth are the Corolla & Civic should be judging off-road vehicles.

[Salvor]

Mustang previously said:

The thing about Consumer Reports is that they hate cars and trucks. Therefore, you end up with reviews that start from a basic negative perception. It is like having a gay guy judge a wet t-shirt contest.

I own an Xterra and a FJ..there is no comparison. The FJ is miles ahead. In fairness the XTerra is an older model and I understand they have made some progress in recent times but it will barely do 60 MPH and is rough and has terrible handling.

[bncsauve]

[quote=Mustang;263826]The thing about Consumer Reports is that they hate cars and trucks. Therefore, you end up with reviews that start from a basic negative perception. It is like having a gay guy judge a wet t-shirt contest.

Good one!

[AF Chief]

Don't get wrapped up around any ratings that don't count for squat when it comes to an ORV.

This vehicle, along with the real competition, is not for everyone...and thats a good thing.

The ONLY consumer report rating that should matter to most of us is reliability.

Otherwise, your damn right I have a blind spot (stay out of my way).