If I don't go off road with the FJ... (1 Viewer)

[FJ Golfr & Cruiser]

is there any reason to buy it over a Honda Pilot?

I love the cool factor of the FJ. But I really don't expect to be an off road enthusiast. I've got two small kids, dog, work etc and very little time as it is.

That said, should I just go Honda?

 

[brian]

toyota has been biulding trucks way longer than honda. and while honda does make good stuff, i feel toyota is still a better name.

 

[Vitesse_6]

Tough question, I would think the Toyota IF you bought a 4X4 version would have a better resale value.
You need to decide what is best for your needs, If you bought the Toyota maybe you would take the road less traveled, Maybe not today but kids like to be in the outdoors too.
Good luck

 

[SHREG]

Almost everyone I have met has a "Landcruiser" story from days gone buy...... It usually starts...."When I was a kid my Dad....."

Ive never heard a "Honda" story.......not ever......

 

[tabraha]

is there any reason to buy it over a Honda Pilot?

I love the cool factor of the FJ. But I really don't expect to be an off road enthusiast. I've got two small kids, dog, work etc and very little time as it is.

That said, should I just go Honda?

Yeah, I'd say those two are pretty much polar opposites. I'd think Highlander and Pilot are more comprable and that if your not into offroading then the FJC would be cool, but grossly underutilized.

I think the 4Runner blends some of the FJC prowess with some of the Pilot's manners and room/accesibility best though.

 

[njcruiser]

if you are looking at a pilot just get a toyota highlander.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

Get the pilot.

I'm a diehard Toyota fan but for your use you are describing a pilot--about the same size as a LC 100 for 1/2 the cost. Consumer reports loves them--great crash test scores, navigation is cheap, etc. Currently the pilot is a better value than the Acura Mdx. The pilot is one of consumerreports highest rated suv's.... for more info check out www.hondapilot.org A bottom of the line pilot can be had for $27k Also check out www.edmunds.com and compare the dimmensions vs the fj or even the highlander.


The smooth and quiet V6 engine of the Pilot is similar to the Acura MDX's. They also share the same full-time AWD system. Fuel economy is reasonable. A comfortable ride and secure handling are assets. Although the Pilot is quiet overall, road noise was pronounced. The standard split third-row seat folds flat, creating ample cargo space. Cabin access is easy, and fit and finish is very good. Crash-test results are impressive. Stability control and three-row curtain air bags are standard on all trim lines for 2006. A mild freshening and a front-wheel-drive model are also new.

 

[ducktapeguy]

is there any reason to buy it over a Honda Pilot?

Yes, if your'e gonna take it off roading, the FJ would probalby be a whole lot better than the Pilot.

But I really don't expect to be an off road enthusiast. I've got two small kids, dog, work etc and very little time as it is.

Then the answer is probably no. I drive a Pilot every weekend (gf car) and it's a pretty nice car. It's not gonna be great off-road, but if you don't plan on going off-road then you won't care.

I went to the dealer yesterday thinking I was going to buy an FJ cruiser in the near future, but after sitting in it and playing around a while, I'm slowly changing my mind. Especially if you have two kids, take them down to the dealership and put them in the backseat. See if they can close those doors on their own. Or see how easy it would be for you to put them in the rear seats. There are a few practicalities that you will be sacrificing when getting the FJ, it may or may not be important to you. The only way you're gonna know if you like it is if you try it for yourself.

If I had kids, I'd most likely go for the Pilot or Highlander. But that's why I don't have kids yet, so I can get the toys that I want .

Edit: I change my mind. Go buy a fully loaded 4x4 FJ and dont' ever take it off-road. When you get tired of it and decide to get something else, I'll give you $500 for it.

 

[89s rule]

I have owned one honda which I bought new in 2000. (Accord coupe) Kept it 1.5 yrs and lost $7K when I sold it! Resale value shot me in the foot when it came to Honda. Only think I really liked it for was gas mileage.

Hva enothing but toyotas in the family now an dwill probably never go to anything else. (Unless I get a hot rod or something when I retire )

I say possibly look @ the 4runner? But definately stay away from a honda. Especially anything that they think is a truck. Honda and truck dont really go in the same sentance to me.

On top of those reasons, you really never know when the kids will want to go camping, cut accross a field, etc.

 

[saigonsmuggler]

Personally i would stay away from Honda...their transmission is not durable. My fiance was in a similar situation. We ended up with '06 Highlander. Highlanders have great crash-testing scores, extremely reliable, and very quiet & smooth on-road. I hear that the '07 Highlander may have the new 3.5L V6 engine found in the new Lexus RX350/ES350. We chose the '06 model because you can get them cheap these days...we got our Highlander at around $100-200 under invoice with 3.9% financing over 5 years (zero down). We got a rare base V6 model with side-curtain airbags (a must option IMO), JBL sound system, tow package, tinting, privacy glass, DRL, and steering wheel audio controls.

 

[dawg]

Have you looked at the 2 wd drive FJcruiser ?

 

[cruiserman]

Hondas are a PITA to work on. Pilots are tiny on the inside, but I imagine the FJ Cruiser is also.

 

[KliersLC]

Almost everyone I have met has a "Landcruiser" story from days gone buy...... It usually starts...."When I was a kid my Dad....."

Ive never heard a "Honda" story.......not ever......

When I was a kid my dad raced dirt track on a custom honda bike.........




















That he towed there with his 79 toyota 4x4 pickup

 

[kellymoe]

Hondas are a PITA to work on. Pilots are tiny on the inside, but I imagine the FJ Cruiser is also.

I have to disagree. I have a 06 Pilot and was very suprised with how much usable space there is in the Pilot. MPG aint the best, we got 21 MPG on our last trip to Mammoth but around town it's 14-16. After riding in my friends Highlander I am very happy I chose the Pilot. The Highlander felt like I was sitting in a small car where the Pilot looks small on the outside but is very roomy on the inside. It also does great in the snow without chains. It is actualy fun to drive in poor conditions. The trans is not up to towing heavy loads but a $150 trans oil cooler kit solves that problem. Toyotas are great, I owned a 1988 4rnnr from new and put 220k miles on without a problem. But so far I am very pleased with the Pilot for my DD. I have 2 Land Rovers for whelling so I guess anything would seem reliable next to them;p

 

[fourand20]

This one time at band camp.........

 

[nailbender]

The only complaint I have with my wifes Pilot is the Sound system sucks!! Worst I have ever heard ,old mono speakes sounded better. I would still buy it over Toyotas new joke.