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Yeah, the article acknowledges utility of each vehicle. I didn't have a problem with how the FJ compared.
It just seemed to be a weird comparison. Given the market niche that each vehicle is intended for, the range of vehicles that was compared was a bit too wide. If a buyer was in the market for a smallish SUV, would the Kia, FJ, and BMW be in the list together? Just on price range alone, I doubt it.
Where are all the other small SUVs, Element, Vue, etc.? It was as if they had a bunch of tests for several vaguely-related vehicles available, and decided to plop it all into one article, just to get it out there.
I've seen better from CU.
Scottie
__________________ 07 FJ Cruiser -- Sun Fusion 4x4 AT, CQ, UR, boards, rack modded to 1/2 rack, Nitto Terras
Saw a Kia Sorento coming down some hard stuff in engineer pass colorado couldn't believe what I was seeing(how did he get there helicopter drop, must be expensive). Definatly not as tuff or even close as the FJC baby !!!!!My truck's not noisy except when I've got the Fjammer slamming, yeahhhh
COMPETENT CLIMBER Four-wheel drive, a high ground clearance, and a locking rear differential activated by pressing the switch on the dash give the FJ Cruiser exceptional off-road capability. But activating the 4WD disables the stability control.
FORM OVER FUNCTION The wide rear roof pillars and rear-mounted spare tire severely limit outward visibility, creating large blind zones that can be a problem when backing up or changing lanes.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser’s throwback 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 disconcerting at its limits. The ride is very jittery. Impressive off-road ability, a strong powertrain, and excellent first-year reliability are its only real strengths.
THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The FJ Cruiser’s soft suspension helps isolate the cabin, but its constant jostling is uncomfortable. Constant exhaust noise is tiresome, and wind noise increases with speed.
Handling is clumsy, with pronounced body lean and frequent tire squeal. Steering requires large inputs but is responsive and has some feedback. The 44-foot wide turning circle is ungainly. In our emergency handling tests, the FJ repeatedly lifted its inside front tire and briefly lifted both inside wheels before stability control intervened, but it didn’t threaten to roll over. It posted a slow speed in our avoidance maneuver.
The 239-hp, 4.0-liter V6 is refined and offers good low-end response. It returned 17 mpg overall on premium fuel. The responsive five-speed automatic shifted smoothly.
Braking performance is very good. But the pedal is soft and the nose dives dramatically when you brake. Headlight performance was very good.
Off-road performance was terrific. The FJ pulled our 5,000-pound trailer to 60 mph very competently in 19.2 seconds.
INSIDE THE CABIN
The interior has a rugged, industrial look. Hard plastics are body colored or look like metal to liven up the otherwise dark, cave-like interior.
Tall drivers are given plenty of leg and head room, but shorter drivers felt they were sitting too low even with the seat raised fully.
The steering wheel only tilts in coarse steps, and some drivers found it oddly canted.
The firm front seats lose support over time. Short drivers have to climb into them. Access to the rear seats requires a big step through the narrow door opening, and front passengers first have to remove their safety belts and open their doors. Once in the uncomfortable seats, it’s a long reach to close the heavy door.
Most controls are big and easy to use, and the gauges are clear. Modest interior storage consists mostly of open bins. The tailgate swings to the left to ease loading at the curb.
SAFETY NOTES
The center-rear head restraint is too low even when raised.
Driving with kids. Some infant seats may be difficult to secure using safety belts in the outboard rear seats.
!!!!!My truck's not noisy except when I've got the Fjammer slamming, yeahhhh
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