My FJ Cruiser test drive

[Thom]

Well, since Green's was kind enough to tell us that they had one, I thought I'd check it out. When I walked into the dealership, Lance Royalty greeted me, asked me if I wanted to drive it, and tossed me the key. Just like that. No salesman riding along, just me.

New Circle Road was very busy, almost seemed like the day after Thanksgiving. Since it was the only one that they had, I figured I shouldn't keep it very long, so I drove it to Richmond Road and came back. I did creep over some cement parking markers, but that was the extent of my off-road experience.

Sticker price was $31,800. OUCH! It was completely loaded and had the automatic. Keep in mind that I had just driven my 40 to the dealer and my usual ride is a 94 Dodge heavy-duty 1/2 ton truck.

The air conditioning was whisper quiet. I drove with the window down most of the time, but wanted to see how it sounded. The stereo kicked some serious butt and was easy to use. The engine was quiet and powerful when needed, but I didn't get to stretch it out like I wanted to. Everything seemed very solid and well-built like a typical Toyota.

One interesting thing was that the automatic is rated higher by the EPA. The manual transmission is rated at 16/19, but the sticker on this said 17/21.

I've never been the type of person who has to be the first on the block to have something, but this FJ made me feel like I was driving the coolest car in town. Lot's of double-takes, probably helped by the bright yellow paint.

Would I like to have one? No doubt, but it would have to be a stripped down model. I've never spent that much on a car and never intend to, but low $20's sounds doable. I'll wait until the base models come out and then re-evaluate. But it's nice, very, very nice. I urge you to go try it yourself, you'll be impressed.

[Jukelemon]

Blind spots have been the most pointed out flaw-would you agree?