Is the FJC child friendly? Considering many options to carry my family, among them an FJC. No space behind for two good-sized Britax's and a stroller would be a big no. Any input on that? Thanks and
Having had an Element with the same tyoe of doors, I think it would be a bit of a pain dealing with the clamshell doors with kids, especially if you have to buckle/tighten straps for the kids, once they are able to secure themselves, it would probably be quite a bit better. The main problem is when you are parked next to another vehicle in a parking lot, and you have to do the front/rear door dance. For a FJC, I might be willing to suffer the consequences though. Hopefully a FJC owner will put their two cents in...
I read a bunch of threads on the fjcruiserforum or whatever it is. Most seam to like it for the most part, just kind of a pain with the clamshell doors in the parking lot.
If I had small kids I wouldn't have bought the fj. I have a ten year old that can climb in the back, but he complains sometimes on getting in. I would say it's possible to lean in and strap small kids in, but I would not want to do it on a daily basis. Plus the view from the back seats are extremely limited and I would think small kids would get bored back their very fast not being able to see anything.
If you are interested in buying an fj just bring all the kids down to the dealership for a test drive, that should tell you right away if the fj is right for you.
I have two small kids (4 and 8) and it's no big deal with car seats. The 4 year old is still in a car seat and the 8 year old has a booster seat. Both kids really love the FJ, and as for limited view, the car seats get them up high enough to see out all the windows.
My kids range from 6 to 19, the 19 yr old likes to borrow my FJC whenever he can, my 6 yr old has been climbing in and buckling up since I bought it a year and a half ago.
Pros: It is a safe rig with all the abs,vsc, ect. and the side curtain airbags. not to mention how sturdy the frame is.
Cons. Biggest issue is the back windows don't roll down and view is somewhat limited. The parking lot/clamshell door thing is only a problem in tight parking spaces where you can't swing doors completely open.
Bottom Line: I love my Cruiser, the Kids love my cruiser and I have no regrets!
It works great for my dogs. The clam shell desighn prevents the back door from being open until you open the front door, and with the seats pushed back even just a little, they can't squeeze their way out.
It's much better then a 2 door, but probably not as good as a 4 door in some respects.
I have 5.5 yr old twins, a boy and a girl. I have owned the FJC since January 6th. I love the FJ and my kids like it too. The only problem is the clamshell doors in a tight space. Other than that it is great. Both kids are in Graco Boosters. My son can get in and buckle himself in. My daughter needs a little help, usually just holding the tab that the buckle goes into. There was a suggestion on the FJCruiserforums.com about putting some plastic tubing around the tab webbing to help support the tab. I've been meaning to do this mod, but I just haven't done it yet. As far as a stroller, I haul the Radio Flyer ATV Red Wagon with the matching trailer. It's a tight squeeze, but I can get it all in there. The FJC is a great rig and it is great off road as well.
We have a 10 month GreatGrandSon that we watch daily as for our GrandDaughter. We take him in the FJC just about everyday. Getting him in/out of the rear child seat is no problem at all. As far as the door opening, I always park away from the door bangers and cart shovers, and away from the congestion, saves paint, time and you get a bit more exercise.
Can’t help about room for a stroller and such, but you might be surprised how much you can carry in the back. Like mentioned earlier, take the kids and your required equipment to the dealer and test it first. I’m sure the salesperson will do all the heavy lifting.
It’s a lot easier than when we were putting our kids in the back of our FJ40.
I have 3 kids 11,8 and 6. They all love the cruiser and I have never had problems getting in and out. I like the fact that they can't escape from the backseat unless my door is open
3 Kids (9, 7, and 4)... We all love it! 4 and 7 are still in boosters.
It is helpful that they can all buckle in by them selves. Interior is AWESOME! Seats and floor both EASY to clean. We love the fact that the kids in the back cannot open their door with out us 1st opening ours.
For those of you with 3 kids (mine 6, 4, & 2) How easy is it to get them in the back seat with the buckles. Our 80 isn't difficult but sometimes have issues with them not being able to buckle themsleves due to the tight squeeze. two are in boosters with 1 in the full seat.
Also, does the 3rd seat have a shoulder strap or just lap?
I've looked at http://www.littleseats.com/fj_cruiser.htm as a possible option but worried about not having any room inside for day to day things. I have a Yakima box on my 80 series now but also have a little room in the back for a couple bags or such.
It cleaned up great
