Toyota! While I love my FJ, there are a number of things we can do to make the product better, sell better, perform better, etc. The following changes deserve serious consideration and probably implementation on either the Second Gen FJ or ASAP. And the standard or optional improvements MUST be kept within a reasonable price range.
1. The MPG must come up, significantly, while the level of octane needed in the fuel must come down, WITHOUT a significant dent in HP or torque (e.g., engineer the power plant for greater efficiency, improve aerodynamics, etc.).
2. A strong, V6 hybrid option should be available to both reduce gas mileage and increase the offroading expedition distance ranges.
3. Visibility must improve, particularly in almost all areas behind the driver.
4. The front windshield needs an increased slant of about 10 degrees to reduce rock chips, cracks, etc.
5. The fit and finish need improvement, i.e., bring it up to normal Toyota levels of quality while maintaining the rugged look (no damn leather, heated seats, or any of that ****).
6. The plasticy "space age," "1980s Battlestar Galactica" look of the interior dash, especially the sides of the dash, should go back to the 80s.
7. The skid plates need to be at least 1/10" thick, rust-resistant (if not stainless steel), high quality steel, and more coverage (e.g., over the T-Case and underlying exhaust pipe at the T-Case, the lower links, the rear shock mounts, the gas tank - steel 1/8" think steel, not plastic, etc.)
8. Increased factory ground clearance is a MUST (e.g., at least one inch), with no rake or only a slight rake re the front suspension.
9. Real offroad (e.g., MTs, XTs), or at least rugged AT 34" tires should come as an reasonably priced option. The standards should be REAL AT tires, none of that 2007 Dunlop tripe.
10. The front and rear bumpers need a shave to provide increased approach angles, especially the trailer hitch.
11. A true roll cage, optional or standard, is sorely needed either on the inside of the cab or under the interior materials of the cab.
12. A factory-installed Warn Winch (with at least two winch options) should come as an option, included with an upgraded battery and, perhaps, an upgraded alternator for better winch operations.
13. The plastic and/or rubber cladding, mud flaps, wheel well covers, etc., need better attachments (e.g., no clips... anywhere... all screws, nuts, or bolts) and increased durability.
14. The available options packages and options need a serious reduction in price, as they are currently unreasonable.
15. An easier, lower, more durable, usable opening back window is needed for realistic access.
16. The headlight adjustments should be made much easier and more accessible... no dealer adjustments required.
17. The marker lights on the mirror either need to get brighter so that one can actually use them, or go away.
18. The dashboard on the passenger side has tons of empty space inside that reduces front leg room; this is an easy fix.
19. Factory option rock rails should extend out far enough to actually protect the vehicle's body and quarter panels by moving the FJ out of harms way.
20. Optional GPS System should allow for better integration into the dash and be affordable, i.e., comparable to aftermarket systems.
Follow this list, and the Second Gen FJ will still fly off the showroom floors, even if most SUVs (e.g., Hummers) are going the way of the Dodo Bird! :rocker:
1. The MPG must come up, significantly, while the level of octane needed in the fuel must come down, WITHOUT a significant dent in HP or torque (e.g., engineer the power plant for greater efficiency, improve aerodynamics, etc.).
2. A strong, V6 hybrid option should be available to both reduce gas mileage and increase the offroading expedition distance ranges.
3. Visibility must improve, particularly in almost all areas behind the driver.
4. The front windshield needs an increased slant of about 10 degrees to reduce rock chips, cracks, etc.
5. The fit and finish need improvement, i.e., bring it up to normal Toyota levels of quality while maintaining the rugged look (no damn leather, heated seats, or any of that ****).
6. The plasticy "space age," "1980s Battlestar Galactica" look of the interior dash, especially the sides of the dash, should go back to the 80s.
7. The skid plates need to be at least 1/10" thick, rust-resistant (if not stainless steel), high quality steel, and more coverage (e.g., over the T-Case and underlying exhaust pipe at the T-Case, the lower links, the rear shock mounts, the gas tank - steel 1/8" think steel, not plastic, etc.)
8. Increased factory ground clearance is a MUST (e.g., at least one inch), with no rake or only a slight rake re the front suspension.
9. Real offroad (e.g., MTs, XTs), or at least rugged AT 34" tires should come as an reasonably priced option. The standards should be REAL AT tires, none of that 2007 Dunlop tripe.
10. The front and rear bumpers need a shave to provide increased approach angles, especially the trailer hitch.
11. A true roll cage, optional or standard, is sorely needed either on the inside of the cab or under the interior materials of the cab.
12. A factory-installed Warn Winch (with at least two winch options) should come as an option, included with an upgraded battery and, perhaps, an upgraded alternator for better winch operations.
13. The plastic and/or rubber cladding, mud flaps, wheel well covers, etc., need better attachments (e.g., no clips... anywhere... all screws, nuts, or bolts) and increased durability.
14. The available options packages and options need a serious reduction in price, as they are currently unreasonable.
15. An easier, lower, more durable, usable opening back window is needed for realistic access.
16. The headlight adjustments should be made much easier and more accessible... no dealer adjustments required.
17. The marker lights on the mirror either need to get brighter so that one can actually use them, or go away.
18. The dashboard on the passenger side has tons of empty space inside that reduces front leg room; this is an easy fix.
19. Factory option rock rails should extend out far enough to actually protect the vehicle's body and quarter panels by moving the FJ out of harms way.
20. Optional GPS System should allow for better integration into the dash and be affordable, i.e., comparable to aftermarket systems.
Follow this list, and the Second Gen FJ will still fly off the showroom floors, even if most SUVs (e.g., Hummers) are going the way of the Dodo Bird! :rocker: