Couple of thoughts. I didn't get to drive either of the two pre-sold units, silver and vodoo, both 4wd loaded, MSRP $33+. But no dealer criminal "premiums".
Toyota has the price much higher than they advertised in the years long buildup to the release, IMHO. From what they implied, I was expecting a nicely equipped model in the $22-$23 range maxing out around $28. But with the price of Hummer 17's these days, who knows. They are going to get as much as they can until a competent manufacturer appears to bring prices to a responsible level.
I owned a new 1987 Jeep Wrangler and a 1992 Landcruiser and all 4wd trucks since, Toyotas and an Isuzu Trooper so that's my background. I also owned a MIni Cooper which I liked a lot but sold before I got crushed by lunatics in semis.
The FJ is very pleasing to the eye both in its form and in the detailed finish that has become standard Toyota work. I like the heck out of it but the two drawbacks which have been obvious by now are the limited back seat ingress and egress and leg room and the limited view looking out the passenger side for passing or just seeing. If you are accustomed to a king cab type view its not so bad, similar.
It looks like the FJ took ideas from both the Element and the Mini Cooper for its modern utilitarian, but retro look. It works.
There appears to be a fair amount of room in the back and they could have created more leg room in the back seat. The seats are comfortable and everything is real nice but if you don't need 4wd or want a serious offroad vehicle the Element would be a much better choice, more user friendly, more room, almost same quality, although the FJ surely appears to be tougher and I would suspect outlive the Element long term.
Great head room, I could grown 10 inches and not feel cramped. I think that really makes it feel bigger even though it appears fairly short.
Well, I just bought a Tundra 4 door 4wd in August and I don't think it can be beat for value/use and I shouldn't even think about it,,,but like most of you I'm a car nut and it strikes my fancy. Bottom line: I'll either find a mid 90's Cruiser or wait a year or so and get an FJ or just wise up and be happy with a great vehicle thats paid for!
Toyota has the price much higher than they advertised in the years long buildup to the release, IMHO. From what they implied, I was expecting a nicely equipped model in the $22-$23 range maxing out around $28. But with the price of Hummer 17's these days, who knows. They are going to get as much as they can until a competent manufacturer appears to bring prices to a responsible level.
I owned a new 1987 Jeep Wrangler and a 1992 Landcruiser and all 4wd trucks since, Toyotas and an Isuzu Trooper so that's my background. I also owned a MIni Cooper which I liked a lot but sold before I got crushed by lunatics in semis.
The FJ is very pleasing to the eye both in its form and in the detailed finish that has become standard Toyota work. I like the heck out of it but the two drawbacks which have been obvious by now are the limited back seat ingress and egress and leg room and the limited view looking out the passenger side for passing or just seeing. If you are accustomed to a king cab type view its not so bad, similar.
It looks like the FJ took ideas from both the Element and the Mini Cooper for its modern utilitarian, but retro look. It works.
There appears to be a fair amount of room in the back and they could have created more leg room in the back seat. The seats are comfortable and everything is real nice but if you don't need 4wd or want a serious offroad vehicle the Element would be a much better choice, more user friendly, more room, almost same quality, although the FJ surely appears to be tougher and I would suspect outlive the Element long term.
Great head room, I could grown 10 inches and not feel cramped. I think that really makes it feel bigger even though it appears fairly short.
Well, I just bought a Tundra 4 door 4wd in August and I don't think it can be beat for value/use and I shouldn't even think about it,,,but like most of you I'm a car nut and it strikes my fancy. Bottom line: I'll either find a mid 90's Cruiser or wait a year or so and get an FJ or just wise up and be happy with a great vehicle thats paid for!
