Recognition from FJC drivers??

[rjp1]

Too bad Toyota created such a poor vehicle devoid of any real connection to its roots, other than a bezel surrounding round headlamps, to try and suck off the heritage and following created by the Land Cruiser. At least when Land Rover introduced the Defender series here in 1992, they did so with a modernized version of a vehicle that was of a similar make and substance as their roots. I do not think that Toyota could have failed any more miserably.

Although I have some understanding of the Landcruiser heritage (perhaps not as much as most on this board), I still don't get why people come to the FJ Cruiser board just to bash it, talk to why it doesn't "live up to the heritage" or explain why their vehicle is superior. To be honest, this is a better explanation as to why people don't wave / talk to you

 

[woody]

I've never understood that either....guess I "wave" at anyone with a Cruiser (FJ or Land) and pretty much anyone else that drives anything that looks like it's set for offroadin...

 

[LandCruiserSteve]

I still don't get why people come to the FJ Cruiser board just to bash it, talk to why it doesn't "live up to the heritage" or explain why their vehicle is superior.

I think your assumption that there's nothing but bashing of the FJC is a bit exagerated. I'd say that the majority of comments in this forum are actually pretty favorable. (I've even considered the purchase of one myself.) But, there's very little similarity (if any) between the FJC and the traditional Land Cruisers. And, that's typically what's being pointed out here.

To be honest, this is a better explanation as to why people don't wave / talk to you

I doubt that. I'd say the majority of people currently driving FJ Cruisers sadly have no idea of what's being said here in the real Land Cruiser world.

 

[woody]

I doubt that. I'd say the majority of people currently driving FJ Cruisers sadly have no idea of what's being said here in the real Land Cruiser world.

that also goes for the majority of 80 and 100 series owners too, but some 80-series folks are "coming around" as more become trail tested...

 

[BMRisko]

I used to get waves from built Cruiser owners (mostly 40s and 80s) when I was in my built and abused Grand Cherokee on 35s. So yes, if I ever do switch over to a FJC, you better believe I will still wave at all cruisers, or atleast the ones that look like they get used.

 

[rjp1]

I think your assumption that there's nothing but bashing of the FJC is a bit exagerated. I'd say that the majority of comments in this forum are actually pretty favorable. (I've even considered the purchase of one myself.) But, there's very little similarity (if any) between the FJC and the traditional Land Cruisers. And, that's typically what's being pointed out here.

I doubt that. I'd say the majority of people currently driving FJ Cruisers sadly have no idea of what's being said here in the real Land Cruiser world.

I agree that a majority of threads are informative and, for the most part, positive. Every now and again a thread like this starts as a legitimate question only to have a bunch of people start bashing ("Rav4", "such a poor vehicle devoid of any real connection to its roots", etc.)

With respect to heritage, was not the FJ40 a utilitarian, low price-point vehicle that, although good overall, had it’s share of weaknesses (e.g. power plant)? Was not some of it's subsequent success the result of aftermarket parts and the ingenuity of the people who purchased them? Could one not argue that the FJ is potentially the 2006 (2007 according to Toyota) version of this … perhaps more so than the gadget filled, leather clad models that have come to market more recently under the Land Cruiser badge? I’m not implying these vehicles are not trail worthy but probably deviate more from the original FJ40 "heritage". I think the real story will be told five years from now when you see modified versions of the FJ on the trail.

Anyway, just my 2 cents worth. Bash away.

 

[uhoh7]

Well maybe it's time for you old timers to educate us.

What do the 80s and 100s have in common with the classic FJs, which allows them the right to the sacred "landcruiser" appelet?

Alot of FJ bashing seems to be comparing the rig to modified 80s and earlier.

More accurate might be a comparison of stock vehicles. Box stock, it could be argued that the FJ cruiser is more capable offroad than any stock landcruiser ever---though I don't know if it could make it up Mt Fuji, hehe

Of course if you want to do huge lifts, giant tires, crawl boxes, the old rigs are a piece of cake--more or less. The IFS on the FJ is going to limit extreme lifts. But by the time the FJ is as old as an 80 I bet there will be many many mods.

It's 2007. The FJ cruiser is a modern truck---like it or not. The road ride is reportedly better than any landcrusier ever, and it's fastest 0-60 cruiser so far. It's safer in traffic than any cruiser--if you spring for the GY option.

The achillies heel is visability which I agree is over the top blind....but many a sceptical buyer now says it's no bigger.

No other new vehicle in the US does better as a dual purpose on/off road rig.

Instead of ranting about how the FJ doesn't deserve the "cruiser" name, classic FJ owners should be happy that toyota and the FJ give such huge props to the classics.

The FJ Cruiser will make your classic FJ worth more money. Be grateful.

 

[saskdiesel]

I agree that a majority of threads are informative and, for the most part, positive. Every now and again a thread like this starts as a legitimate question only to have a bunch of people start bashing ("Rav4", "such a poor vehicle devoid of any real connection to its roots", etc.)

With respect to heritage, was not the FJ40 a utilitarian, low price-point vehicle that, although good overall, had it’s share of weaknesses (e.g. power plant)? Was not some of it's subsequent success the result of aftermarket parts and the ingenuity of the people who purchased them? Could one not argue that the FJ is potentially the 2006 (2007 according to Toyota) version of this … perhaps more so than the gadget filled, leather clad models that have come to market more recently under the Land Cruiser badge? I’m not implying these vehicles are not trail worthy but probably deviate more from the original FJ40 "heritage". I think the real story will be told five years from now when you see modified versions of the FJ on the trail.

Anyway, just my 2 cents worth. Bash away.

OOOOO sensitive issues!
I don't know what you heard about the 2F but when my 1975 FJ40 rolled over 430 000 miles I had it rebuilt.
And I expect another 400 000 out of it once again. The 2F is a simple long lasting extremely rugged engine that suits third world usage.
It's no powerhouse but 220 ft lbs at 1600-1800 rpm is nice. And it will happily run on any fuel you put into it.

 

[Felix]

At least one FJ Cruiser owner gets it.

After last night's club meeting a couple of us were driving our 40s through the restaurant parking lot when a guy ran up to my window. He (well, probably his parents) had just bought the FJC that was sitting on the lot of the dealer across the street. I guess they ended up eating at the restaurant right behind us clcc guys having beers. Anyway, he was excited about his FJC and interested in comparing it to our FJ40s.

 

[Voodoogirl]

I have no problem with the old or the new, like 'em all. only thing I don't like are all the bad attitudes;p . But remember things like... it's called an FJ Cruiser, not a LAND Cruiser. And, maybe you should be a little proud that they liked some of the old Cruiser features. And, don't forget, this was not going to be a production vehicle, but there was sooo much feedback from people wanting one that Toyota gave the go ahead. Doesn't mean eveyone will like them, but they are what they are.

This kind of reminds me of riding my motorcycle. I wave to ALL other riders, but there are a few that don't wave back because 'I'm not on a Harley'. Pretty sad. Who cares!! They should be happy there is another person that likes to ride. I will wave at my fellow cruiser friends...even the ones that think mine is not worthy, for whatever reason.

This could just be a great reason to get more people into the thing you all love so much!


Stepping off my soap box now......

 

[Corey]

Very well put.
I had mentioned last week that it is not a Land Cruiser, but a whole type of rig, so people should nt get all bent out of shape about it.

Your words Vodoo hit the mark.

 

[76FJ40]

My wife was walking to her FJC in a parking lot yesterday when she was approached by another woman. The other woman recognized the FJC AND was wanted to talk about how it compared to 40s, 60s, and 80s. Pretty anmazing!

My wife thinks of her FJC as a Land Cruiser and I just can't bear to break her bubble.

 

[KAZOO]

Some of these posts seem reminiscent of the blathering that went on when the Trails had the gall to put a Lexus on the cover. The horror oh god the horror. Yeah so 80% of the people buying these new FJ's are clueless and it is not a complete clone of the previous Cruisers but hey how many of us poo poo'd the 80"s at first? I think time and trails will tell the tale in the end.
Congrats to all you new FJ owners Keep the chrome at home and never be scared to wheel this new machine to it's full potential.

 

[speyrod]

do you think 40 owners waved when they were new?

 

[Stumpalama]

What's all the hubbub, Bub?

Easy fellas.
I heard the same thing when the 100 was came out in 1998. Everyone on the LCML saying how the "Mall Cruisers" didn't acknowledge their exisistance, didn't wave didn't recognize another (apparently older and thus, wiser) Land Cruiser.
Why are you so wrapped up in being acknowledged by someone else? I admit I love it when someone acknowledges my truck, but I don't feel slighted or hurt if they don't (LC owner or not).
Actually, come to think of it, more non-cruiser owners than cruiser owners comment on my rig. Perhaps it's a small member issue.
Do you drive you cruiser just to be part of a crowd? Nonconformist conformist? Interesting... a study in the psychology of LC owners and their belief that "mine is better than yours 'cause it's older".
Is Toyota a for profit company? Yes. Was it a little bit of genius to reintroduce a vehicle equating it to the heritage and history of the Land Cruiser? Yes. Is it any less reliable, or capable (STOCK) (not you torque splitting, nv4500 having, SOA'd, ARB'd heathens)? I'd say not. Nor is it a Land Cruiser, neither is a Hilux, nor is a 4runner, nor is a Tundra or Tacoma.
How about everyone put their bits back in their pants and agree that an FJ Cruiser is not a LAND CRUISER; however, that does not imply that it is not a capable or tough 4wd.

Oh, and if it isn't a Land Cruiser, than why would you want someone in one to wave to you?

Cheers-
Flame away.

 

[woody]

I heard the same thing when the 100 was came out in 1998. Everyone on the LCML saying how the "Mall Cruisers" didn't acknowledge their exisistance, didn't wave didn't recognize another (apparently older and thus, wiser) Land Cruiser.

lol...I actually forgot that the internet existed with the 100-series came out...

wonder what blasphemy would have resulted with the introduction of the automatic tranny in the FJ62?

 

[Gold Boy]

Why did Toyota drop the "LAND" word? And called it FJ Cruiser?

GB

Oh yer... We do the cruiser wave all the time here in BC.

 

[Stumpalama]

Waay back!

I was on the LCML when they were still complaining about not being recognized by soccer moms driving the FZJ80 and LX450.

 

[Adventure Teq]

Face it, most people who drive their cars and Land Cruisers have no clue about what they are, especially 100 series snob Cruisers (don't get me wrong there are non-snob drivers and I'd own one and wheel the s*** out of it too). The majority of the 80s series I see runnin around here are pimped out on dubs with home boys driving em. I actually rolled down my window at a stop light the other day and got this 80 driver's attention and pointed to my apron emblems and was like "see that" he was like "huh" and I just said "it's an old school Land Cruiser" and he was just dumbfounded and didn't know what to say. So I tried to encourage him and let him know that his 80 was sweet and I'd like one one day.

Like I said, they're clueless. Even most 60 series drivers are the same around here. We are a small part of the offroad world and most folks just don't get it. That's why I usually just give a wave to someone that is actually an offroader rather than just Land Cruisers (of course I'll always wave at cruisers though too).

The FJC will be no different. There will be a few dedicated drivers like you'll find on this forum that might appreciate the FJC along with our older trucks and it's heritage but most just don't know. It's not their fault, they're just unaware of the facts and prolly wouldn't give a s*** even if they knew. It's just a car to most.

 

[CandyPants]

We are the few, the proud, the knowing....

My brother introduced me to cruisers back a few years ago and I have seen him go through four of them (40, 55, 60, and an 80). I thought everyone one of them was awesome! I got a chance to drive a 40 on a Georgia Cruisers ride and LOVED IT. I had a 4-Runner before and didn't have a clue what to do with it (well, except for a little mudding here and there). I would have bought a 40 if I knew how to FIX a 40, but just don't have that in my tool bag. So...the FJC worked out nicely for me. New truck, capable, good looking (even if a bit hummer-ish...sorry, but I hear that all the time), and easy for me to maintain.

Mind you, I am not one of the 80% that doesn't know the heritage, and I still drool over the 40's when I see them. The first day I had it a guy in his lifted 60 passed me on the highway and actually rolled down his window to make sure that I saw his "thumbs up."

Oh, and for the record, when anyone asks me what the heck I am driving (which happens everyday), I make sure to tell them it's an FJC and that it is the new brother to the classic Land Cruisers. See...we are not all silly women in FJC's that don't know what they've got. ;p