Toyota FJ
Toyota FJ questions and answers
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Q: Toyota FJ Cruiser or RAV 4, buying a new car in the spring, which would you recommend?
We have and love our Toyota Highlander. We will be buying another vehicle in the spring. Of the two mentioned, which would you suggest? Im leaning toward the FJ Cruiser.
A: Just off my personal opinion. I would go with the Fj cause its a bit cooler:-) Just one thing to keep in mind and to check for when you test drive is that the fj has the orst blind spot. I've worked for toyota for 4 years, and thats one of very few things ive found to have a problem with. That and sticking gas pedals.lol. But over all amazing vehicles. The new engines that toyota dropped in the new rav 4's seem to be the bes for gas mileage out of the two. But all said, your choice.
hope i helped any. Enjoy.
Q: Is the new Toyota FJ going to be available with a diesel engine, too?
I just found images of the new Toyota FJ on the web, and man, I love that car.
But it seems to be available only with a big V8 engine right now.
I like those, too, but my wallet doesn't.
Is there going to be a turbo diesel available in that car?
A: At this time "no Diesel".
The FJ screams 'Diesel' considering a modest 15mpg. My guess, in the US Toyota will instead use the new Lexus Hybrid Drive-Train.
Strictly my opinion, the FJ is the worst driver visibility car ever. To the rear, to the far right passenger side and even straight ahead. This is especially true for small drivers. (Note, in my neck of the woods the FJ is a preference of kindergarten and soccer moms standing upright at maybe "5ft plus" under the limbo bar.)
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@Huba: If I remember correctly, the US has not commissioned a new Diesel refinery since 1979, in fact the US has not built any NEW refineries (Diesel or otherwise) since 1979. Result, there is not enough Diesel fuel capacity in the US. It must therefore be imported from Europe. This "explains" perhaps the high US price of Diesel and is the reason behind the legislative "efforts" (particle and sulphur emission) to all but ban Diesel powered passenger cars in the US, and instead promote hybrid-drive trains.
Note, if those hybrids get ever bigger batteries -- as in GM's new generation of plug-in "hybrids"-- they will run most of the time burning US coal. I.e. these cars run off the electricity grid and do not burn gasoline (a nightmare for many Exxon executives).
If Detroit would actually build in the not so distant future twice as efficient gasoline cars (40mpg), the oil industry will have to shut down some gasoline refineries. This, since the new cars will consume only half the gasoline which we can produce today with the existing equipment.
From Exxon's perspective, only a "Kyoto Protocol" dreamer would "thoughtlessly" require Detroit to invest massively in production facilities for Diesel passenger cars, and require the oil industry to modify or even build new Diesel refineries. This at a time when the European competition is eager to sell their already proven high performance Diesel cars in the US.
Finally for the record, the "best" car would actually be a "Diesel hybrid". VW has recently announced a 4-door, full (European) sized Diesel hybrid passenger car which is expected to do 79mpg.
Q: Would you recommend buying the Toyota FJ Cruiser?
I am interested in the Toyota FJ Cruiser TRD. I have read the reviews by the pundits but do not give them too much thought. I want the opinion of an owner/operator. Please give me your personal review of what you like or dislike. Also, do you recommend buy it.
A: I had one for a few weeks for a rental while I was in co.
I liked it alot, I was going to buy one, but I needed an open bed truck and the fj isnt an open bed truck. It felt like you were driving a truck, the 4x4 works great on and off road(co. bored 4x4 rental it was fun). My only complaint was that it had alot of blind spots and that made it hard to drive through denver's rush hour traffic, but other than that it was great. Its a Toyota so its going to last long and be reliable.
For a rental I loved it, but gas is so high now,
to me it would be more of a fun to have toy vehicle, not an everyday work vehicle.(well for a young teen-mid 30s it would fun vehicle to have), my son came with me to co for a 2 weeks and we both had no trouble seeing over the dash;but were both 6foot+ tall. Idont know how old or tall you areso, I cant say if its the vehicle to buy,It reminds me of the old blazers,and jeeps, just newer and 2000 tec.
at the same time your getting a truck so Its not going to have
all the high tec gadgats like a new car does.
If you want to stay with toyotas,
look at the highlanders, or 4runners
but if yo want a 2 door suv/truck
look at jeep. The compass and wrangler are good vehicles to
hope I was able to help
Q: My friend has a Toyota FJ Cruiser and is having a XM/AM Button Problem?
My friend has a 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER and she recently signed up for XM. However now the XM/AM button, when you push it, it only selects AM. It never turns over to XM.
A: She will probably have to take it to a dealer to find out what is wrong with it.
Q: Are there any defects in a 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER?
I am thinking of purchasing a used 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser because its way cheaper than buying new. What makes me hesitate is that 2007 was the first year for it and am worried it may have 'bugs' in it. Would anyone be able to tell me if there are any 'secret' defects in the 2007? Thank you.
A: My 2007 FJ Cruiser has not had a single problem that was not my own fault.
The FJ actually came out early in 2006 as a 2007 model, and some of those built in 2006 had an issue with the front windshield, which Toyota took care of. Other than that, there were no issues with the FJ.
With that said, I warn everyone who is looking into buying an FJ that there are some special things aboutthis vehicle that you will need to get used to.
If you are tall, and need the seat pushed all the way back, you might find it hard to see overhead stoplights.
There are huge blindspots thanks to the lack of glass on the sides. You will need to learn to rely on your mirrors.
If you live in areas that get a lot of snow, or the temperature gets really low in the winter, you will find that during the winter you will lose 3 to 5 miles per gallon because of winter formulated fuel.
Also, in the winter during periods of exreme cold, I found that my FJ would lock itself. One time it happened while the keys were in the ignition as I ran into my house to get something. Fortunately, I had the spare keys available, so I could unlock it easily, but I would suggest not leaving the keys in it for any reason if you don't have a second set readily available.
But, if you can handle these little things, you will find the FJ Cruiser to be one of the most reliable vehicles you will ever own. I call it my 2nd best vehicle (my Cadillac DTS is the best I have ever owned so far).
Q: Does your 2007 Toyota Fj Cruiser have a hole on the dashboard?
I have a 2007 Toyota Fj Cruiser on the passanger side dashboard on the top there is the cover for the airbag which holds it inside I guess half of that ruber cover is hard but the other half if bends when I push it down Does your FJ cruiser airbag the same >>/????
A: it is designed that way so when it deploys, the airbag will protect the passenger, not the windshield. They are lightning fast in that they fill in 1/40th of a second and are actually deflating as you hit them to absorb energy.
Q: How much can a Toyota FJ Cruiser really Tow ?
The official figure is 5,000 pounds. But often, experienced towers say that's under ideal conditions (not at altitude, in snow, etc.) and that 2/3rds of that is a better real limit.
But my understanding is - the limit for the FJ is based on the short wheelbase - not it's power. How close to (or ever over) the 5,000 pounds can I safely go, towing a travel trailer ?
THX.
A: Toyota is fairly conservative on their tow capacity numbers but that's not to say the vehicle can't tow more weight. From talking to a Toyota rep it's more on what it can safely stop that they're concerned with. It won't matter that you can get 7,000 lbs moving if you can't stop the weight and yes, you don't want the "tail wagging the dog" as other people have said here which is what happens when your trailer weighs more than the vehicle can handle.
Q: What are your reviews about the toyota FJ cruiser or the Kia Seoul?
I am looking out to buy an suv and i love the FJ cruiser but its out of my budget range but i really like it. what about the kia seoul? it looks really cute. can any1 tell me any reviews about these autos? any reviews!
and tell me your suggestions on a good SUV. i wnt a good looking one with good mpg.
A: I would recommend that you stick with something inside of your budget. Cars are not something smart to splurge on, because they lose value so quickly. A house or an investment maybe, but not a car.
That being said, I actually own an FJ. I have a 2007 4x4, which was the first model year. The only problems I've run into is that the 2007 models had thinner paint than newer models (prone to chipping from road debris), and the near vertical windshield is going to deflect much more sand and rocks than a normal car, so you'll see pitting much earlier than normal. The mileage is 17-21 average. In town, it's a bit lower, on the highway a bit higher. It probably averages out around 17. The early models did much better on premium gas, so it's certainly not a vehicle to get if you care about the price of gas.
I can't speak to the KIA, but I know a large number of FJ owners, many who pound the snot out of their 4x4s off road, and there aren't any significant design or maintenance issues outside of what I mentioned above that owners are upset about. Reliability has been extraordinarily good, and maintenance is easy enough that I do nearly all of my service myself.
Best way to find out more is to visit online forums devoted to those vehicles. You'll find out what the Kool-aid drinkers hate about their vehicle, and also get good tips from them on what you should expect to pay to get a good deal. fjcruierforums is a good website that I used to buy and research mine.
Q: How does a Toyota FJ cruiser drive and handle?
I'm thinking about test driving one,but its 80 miles to the nearest Toyota dealership.Any suggestions ?
A: I have driven one on an off-road course along with the Tacoma and the first-generation Tundra and to tell you the truth, I did not like it. The outward visibility is awful, the B and C pillars are too thick and the windshield is narrow and small. There was enough power but it was not as flexible as the Tacoma off-road. I did, however, like the standard exhaust note that came out of the pipes. It sounded like an aftermarket part even though it came from the factory. Oh, and if you're thinking about road trips with the FJ, then forget about it. The back seat is comfortable enough for a 12 year old at the most. Out of my comparisons I chose the Tacoma as the winner. It could have benefited from a little more power but the off-roading, the suspension, the ride and the smoothness all added up to make a great truck, not too mention visibility that's 4 times better than the FJ's.
But who knows? I see pletny of FJs on the streets so I guess people do not mind the poor visibility or the cramped rear seat. I hope this saves you the 80 mile trip and if it doesn't read some other reviews from both experts and owners because what do I know? I only drove it once.
Q: How will the ride be if I install a lift kit on my Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Does anyone know how the ride will be if I install this lift kit: http://www.amazon.com/Skyjacker-Performance-Strut-Toyota-Cruiser/dp/B000LO6SRY/ref=sr_1_1/102-2623983-6455344?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1189791763&sr=1-1
On stock suspension it rides quite smoothly. Any coherent opinions are appreciated.
A: There are many different kits to use on the FJ. OME kits have a good ride and great handleing performance. Check out different toyota forums to see what others are using. OME seem to be the most popular. Many dont see any decrease in ride or stablility.
Q: When exactly is the new Toyota FJ Cruiser scheduled to go on sale?
Toyota stated it's sometime in 2006.
but when exactly?
A: Most reports say that it will go on sale in early 2006 as a 2007 module.
Q: Do people in japan drive toyota FJ cruisers and other large toyota suv?
I know that japan is a highly populated country in a small space, and i also know that toyota is japanese. but is there certian cars made by toyota that are only sold to the US? because everytime i see a picture of tokyo or some japan city, i never see any of the huge suv's that i see over here. or maybe it's japanese people arent as stupid as us to buy those huge toyota suv's
A: When I was stationed in US Military in the Far East, Japan was/is still the AIRLINE HUB/SPOKE for most flights to the Far East. FYI I have NOT been to Japan lately, but everytime I passed through I was shocked, surprised, amazed how many MORE Models of Japanese vehicles that Toyota builds that are not part of their USA model line and that one will not even see in the USA.
It is literally like a CANDYLAND for automobiles & high tech Electronics <= same thing many electronic goodies & gizmos.
Actually the TRAFFIC is so horrible and you can move faster via a deluxe network of transporation system that has PLUSH underground shopping malls plus there is something about the stringent emission testing? that Japanese people don't keep their vehicles that long so actually the US military servicemen drive nice fancy Ladybirds <= 350z and I also read recently that TOYOTA takes advantage of this Japanese policy/tradition? in that they too buy/get these vehicles remove, rebuild and sell these perfectly good engines for USA DEALER remanufacturing bec mileage is so low due to congestion etc.
Hope the Above Info gives Those who never ventured to the Far East an idea of what Life is like, in fact in HONG KONG I have never ever seen so many MERCEDES <= some are even taxis?
Q: What do you guys think about the Toyota FJ cruiser?
Im seriously thinking about buying one. Do you think it looks good? Im 19 and I like it. Just wanting to know what the 0-60 times are on it. What is the best color combo? THanks!
A: Buy an FJ. A Jeep couldn't do half of the off-road things
the FJ does. The Jeeps are not reliable off-road. My
co-worker at the dealership I work at had a Jeep Commander
and he traded it for an FJ. I drive an '07 Black TRD FJ. Only
the TRD FJ comes in all black.
Q: 1989 Toyota FJ-62 - Can I remove the belt to the A/C compressor and still drive the truck?
The clutch is not engaging and belt is turning with A/C off. Can I just take off the belt and still drive without causing anything else to fail? As far as I can tell, its not running to anything else and I'm afraid its going to burn up the compressor. I just want to get it back to the guy who did the work with out tearing anything else up.
Thanks for the input, but could anyone tell me if the belt runs anything else on a 1989 FJ62?
A: If everything is working properly, the belt turning the A/C pulley will not hurt anything. When off, it is nothing more than an idler pulley. Exception to that is if the bearings are going bad in the clutch.
But, yes, if the belt only runs the A/C, it will not hurt to remove it.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS >>>
On an 89, I'm pretty sure the belt only runs the A/C. It's easy enough to look at it and tell. It may run around one of the other pulleys for support, since it's a pretty long belt, but it will not hurt to remove it.
Q: Toyota FJ Cruiser pulling trailer has problem with no brake lights?
We are trying to pull a Tent Trailer with our FJ Cruiser but for some reason the Brake lights on the trailer wont turn on. The trailer lights work on everyone elses vehicle but mine. I also had another trailer tht did work on mine a few weeks back. None of the converters worked with my car either. I'm baffled? Any Ideas?
A: Sounds like the trailer brake fuse popped. It is different from the brake light fuse under the dash, it should be under the hood with the engine controls.