Recently my roommate picked up a loaded FJ Cruiser. Since then I have had some time to compare and contrast the 2. I can't compare it to my current configuration on the Fj40, but I do remember what mine was like stock.
First the dislikes about the FJCruiser: The blind spots, can't be ignored, and have been beaten to death here, so I won't elaborate on that. What I didn't expect is the incredibly long reach to flip down the sun visors. I almost had to relaese the seatbelt to do this simple task. Riding in the backseat is like riding in a cave. The windows seem like decorations. I'll compare it to sitting in that goofy "window" seat in an airplane that is between two windows. From the driver seat the passenger side "A" pillar is a little distracting at first, but is quick to get used to. The front bumper is a joke at best, the end caps are loose and look like an afterthought, completely useless, unless you like a decreased approach angle. The oil pan, and fuel tank "skid plates" are plastic too WTF! The Factory supplied tires are a joke too.
What is there to like? How about the fully boxed frame! It extends all the way back past the body (this will make an aftermarket rear bumper difficult to make look right IMO), Still I hadn't read about this, and was very surprised while crawling under it. The "sliders" are an excellent touch, and should stand up to mild punishment, the coating on them is thin though (yup! already scared them). The A-TRAC seems to work just as advertised. from a spotting point of view more usefull than the electric locker. It hasn't been in a position yet to really need the locker though. I do like the suicide doors. It is much easier to get in the rear seats than a hard top FJ40. To add to that, you are facing normally in th erear seat. This Ugly Duckling gets alot of attention in traffic (for now anyway) Had a H**p Rubicon driver nearly break his neck and wreck his P.O.S. oogling it. Chicks seem to dig it too.
There are a few other minor likes and dislikes, but nothing serious. As mentioned by many this thing is very compliant on the highway, and surprisingly capable off highway as well. Is it a "Real" Land Cruiser? By designation NO, but I wish when my FJ40 was stock it was this capable, and comfortable.
For as much as my opinion means I give it a thumbs up!
First the dislikes about the FJCruiser: The blind spots, can't be ignored, and have been beaten to death here, so I won't elaborate on that. What I didn't expect is the incredibly long reach to flip down the sun visors. I almost had to relaese the seatbelt to do this simple task. Riding in the backseat is like riding in a cave. The windows seem like decorations. I'll compare it to sitting in that goofy "window" seat in an airplane that is between two windows. From the driver seat the passenger side "A" pillar is a little distracting at first, but is quick to get used to. The front bumper is a joke at best, the end caps are loose and look like an afterthought, completely useless, unless you like a decreased approach angle. The oil pan, and fuel tank "skid plates" are plastic too WTF! The Factory supplied tires are a joke too.
What is there to like? How about the fully boxed frame! It extends all the way back past the body (this will make an aftermarket rear bumper difficult to make look right IMO), Still I hadn't read about this, and was very surprised while crawling under it. The "sliders" are an excellent touch, and should stand up to mild punishment, the coating on them is thin though (yup! already scared them). The A-TRAC seems to work just as advertised. from a spotting point of view more usefull than the electric locker. It hasn't been in a position yet to really need the locker though. I do like the suicide doors. It is much easier to get in the rear seats than a hard top FJ40. To add to that, you are facing normally in th erear seat. This Ugly Duckling gets alot of attention in traffic (for now anyway) Had a H**p Rubicon driver nearly break his neck and wreck his P.O.S. oogling it. Chicks seem to dig it too.
There are a few other minor likes and dislikes, but nothing serious. As mentioned by many this thing is very compliant on the highway, and surprisingly capable off highway as well. Is it a "Real" Land Cruiser? By designation NO, but I wish when my FJ40 was stock it was this capable, and comfortable.
For as much as my opinion means I give it a thumbs up!
