As some of you may know, I took a long ski trip a few months back in our long-term FJ Cruiser. My assessment at the time was that it was absolutely perfect for that very specific task. Big, strong, torquey engine, huge front window, enormous tires, great ground clearance, surefootedness over anything Ma Nature had for it.
So when I took the keys once again last night, I wanted to revisit my feelings...
I've always absolutely loved the looks of the FJ: It's relatively unique-looking in the SUV world, with even the Hummer H3 trying to copy it. But that's just not enough. I am a city-dweller, where small size is important, where a lot of time is spent on the freeway. And I just can't love the FJ. All of those things that make it so spectacular in the big country are absolutely confounding in the city. Its ride is too bumpy, and every time you hit the gas pedal, that big, torquey engine sounds as if it's burning another gallon. It's loud and uncivilized. The brakes aren't particularly assuring. The sight lines are terrible. The huge doors need to be handled gingerly in a garage or a parking lot.
Just make sure you need what it offers, because what it does, it does great. But if you live in an apartment, get a cat or a dog, not a horse.
Doug Lloyd, Senior Copy Editor, at 25,804 miles
desmolicious says:
03:54 PM, 05/18/07
"It's relatively unique-looking in the SUV world, with even the Hummer H3 trying to copy it. "
Didn't the H3 come out before the FJ Cruiser?
stevecebu says:
06:17 PM, 05/18/07
Bottom line, if you don't need/want a big SUV then don't get one. I don't think the More Hardcore SUV's were ever intended as city cars. This would include teh FJ Cruiser and the Nissan Xterra. I think the new 4 door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited might be a better vehicle for in teh city although it also has it's drawbacks. City cars are like the Honda Fit. I owned one although here it's called the Jazz and it's great for in city driving. That said I now drive a Hi-Lux diesel pickup truck and why did I buy it? Great diesel economy and the roads are almost like being offroad. Potholes and home made speed bumps etc...
So for cars using really poorly paved and broken roads I don't think the suspensins will hold up over time. Trucks are built for offroad more than on in many cases so durability is a factor. But if it's just to drive on mostly smooth roads, no or little snow the Big brutes are overkill. I know because I have to find compromise vehicle when I go back to the US. Bad snow for 3 months then Miata type roads for 9 months!
funkymunky says:
04:31 PM, 05/21/07
I know I'm off message here, but Stevecebu? Are you in Asia? You say "here it's (Honda Fit) called the Jazz." That's a Asia-market thign. You also referred to the Hi-Lux. I was recently on vacation in Thailand and I saw several Hi-Luxes and tons of Honda Jazzes.