2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
From Consumer Reports "A First Look"
The 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
The FJ Cruiser at a glance as reported by Consumer Reports
Rugged off-roader carries compromises into the suburban jungle...
Toyota returns to a familiar trail with the 2007 FJ Cruiser, a midsized SUV
inspired by the classic Land Cruiser FJ40 from the 1960s. In a rare break
from conservative styling, the new FJ is an over-the-top statement from
Toyota design studios. With a nod to its predecessors, the FJ Cruiser has a
white roof, rectangular grill, squared-off wheel arches, and round, inset
headlamps. The rugged appearance is carried inside with large,
glove-friendly knobs, body color surfaces, and instruments that recall
military-grade communications gear. The '07 FJ shares its underpinnings and
engine with Toyota's other midsized, body-on-frame SUV, the highly rated
4Runner. It competes most directly against the Hummer H3, Jeep Wrangler, and
Nissan Xterra. Our FJ 4x4, with typical options, listed for $30,381.
Initial impressions. Powerful and off-road capable, the FJ Cruiser excels in
the wilderness but suffers from notable compromises in the suburban jungle.
On road, the independent front and solid axle rear suspension absorbs bumps
very well, effectively softening harsh surfaces, but the body tosses about.
The refined 4.0-liter V6 produces 239 horsepower, and in our test vehicle,
it is paired with a smooth five-speed automatic transmission. Combined, this
drivetrain provides plenty of oomph.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser shines as an off-roader. Its long-legged suspension
easily loped up our boulder-strewn rock-hill test course. The part-time 4WD
system has an optional hill-descent feature and locking rear differential to
assist with steep challenges. Oddly, the standard electronic stability
control disengages in 4WD mode, so it can't help out in snow, when you might
want this valuable safety aid.
The FJ's primary drawbacks crop up in everyday driving. Handling is not
especially agile, and the body leans a good deal in curves. The upright
windshield and bulky roof rack generate significant wind noise. Unusual for
this class, the V6 requires premium fuel, adding to the operating cost for
the more than two-ton SUV. Short windows and wide roof pillars considerably
compromise the outward view, and a high step-in makes getting in and out a
strain.
The rear-hinged rear doors are a mixed blessing. With no body pillar between
the front and rear doors, the FJ offers an extra-wide opening for entry and
cargo loading. As common with rear-hinged doors, the front door must first
be opened. Once seated, second-row passengers will find that closing their
door requires a long and awkward reach.
On balance, the Toyota FJ Cruiser is an attention-getter and solid
off-roader with a few annoying deficits. We will see how it stacks up
against major competitors in the January issue of Consumer Reports magazine
and at
ConsumerReports.org in December.
