There was a time, long ago, when we had a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser in our fleet.
Well, this weekend we're revisiting the FJ's strongest merits by using one to camp and explore in southern Utah.
This Stage Three FJ, built by Venchurs Inc., is a among a line of vehicles being marketed as the XPLORE Adventure Series. It's got all the off-road goods needed to traipse around the desert in complete comfort: BFGoodrich rubber, Old Man Emu suspension, ARB bumpers, a Warn Winch. And, yes, that's a tent on the roof. Heck, there's even a snorkel in case we really lose our mind and decided to ford a river.
Look for a full report on its performance by the end of next week on that other IL blog.
Josh Jacquot, Senior editor
greenpony says:
11:34 AM, 03/24/11
Ugly just got a little better.
revn says:
11:48 AM, 03/24/11
Careful fording the river. You may lose an ox or someone might die of dysentery.
That being said, that thing looks like it could lead to some seriously fun times.
jeepsrt says:
11:50 AM, 03/24/11
"Ugly just got a little better."
I use to think the same thing before I got one but I get more compliments on my FJ than my Jeep did or M3 by far. I have a 3" Revtek lift with XD wheels and BFG A/T's, Toyota Grill guard and roof rack with lights, it's actually a very fun SUV to drive and off road.
boxermike says:
12:06 PM, 03/24/11
revn says:
11:48 AM, 03/24/11
"Careful fording the river. You may lose an ox or someone might die of dysentery."
Comment of the day!
-mm
e30or says:
12:07 PM, 03/24/11
Love the flat green paint.
csubowtie says:
12:29 PM, 03/24/11
Love the OT reference! FJ's are one of those vehicles that seem built entirely as a platform for the aftermarket. Stock they just don't look good. But throw on a lift and some bigger tires, and they completely transform into a cool looking beast.
lostboyz says:
12:33 PM, 03/24/11
one of the few fun and exciting toyota vehicles. Would still rather have a wrangler.
allinmyhead says:
12:38 PM, 03/24/11
"Love the flat green paint."
Probably vinyl wrap given the off-road nature; matte / satin paint gets shiny spots the minute something rubs against it.
93aero says:
12:43 PM, 03/24/11
Speaking of old long term car you guys have. WHAT happened to your Lexus RX 400h? Its been listed under vehicles you still have, but why? There hasnt been a post for it in years. Hows that thing holding up?
e30or says:
12:44 PM, 03/24/11
@allinmyhead
Paint, wrap, whatever it is... still looks cool! Wrap might even be better.
konocar400h says:
01:07 PM, 03/24/11
@93Aero
I'm not sure about theirs (They said they never actually owned it), but mine at 107k is still silky smooth and gets about 25-27 mpg. Amazing for an SUV that goes 0-60 in under 7 seconds. Not one single problem with all those miles. Not one. Even if it's not the most exciting car I have ever owned, it sure as hell is the most reliable. I've owned a BMW and a Mercedes, and never thought I would develop such love for something as "boring" as a Lexus, but this vehicle is just fantastic.
I'm liking this color on the FJ Cruiser. It fits it well! I test drove one and it seemed a little rolly polly but maybe that is something you get used to, maybe Jeepsrt can attest to that. I would have loved to get a chance to take it offroad. Sounds like a great time Josh, can't wait to hear about it.
vvk says:
01:11 PM, 03/24/11
Nice!
allinmyhead says:
01:49 PM, 03/24/11
@e30or
Totally agree. I wonder how wrap holds up to brush strokes?
cjasis says:
01:50 PM, 03/24/11
Nice.
I do wonder every time I see a Wrangler, FJ, LandCruiser or even lifted Tundra, Silverado, etc. kitted out like that... do the owners actually take these things off road and use them?
jeepsrt says:
02:26 PM, 03/24/11
"I'm liking this color on the FJ Cruiser. It fits it well! I test drove one and it seemed a little rolly polly but maybe that is something you get used to, maybe Jeepsrt can attest to that. I would have loved to get a chance to take it offroad. Sounds like a great time Josh, can't wait to hear about it."
Mine is a little "rolly polly" but it is lifted. A friend of mine has a non lifted FJ and it's pretty stable, he loves it and says he will never get rid of it.
93aero says:
03:18 PM, 03/24/11
@konocar400h:
Thanks! They never did an adequate job of wrapping that car up. (even tho i suppose not owning it makes that difficult). Good to know never the less, gas prices are high and with a paid off car growing in miles and aging, it would be nice to look into a Hybrid that wont lose the capabilities of the SUV we would be replacing.
smilez says:
03:26 PM, 03/24/11
konocar400h -
Well, I have to hand it to you, I never got close to that mileage in mine (sold), and the EPA is 17/22.
And you say you regularly got 25-27?????
blueprint1 says:
03:33 PM, 03/24/11
It was hinted elsewhere that they had trouble with Toyota regarding that Lexus ... don't know what happened.
stovt001 says:
03:39 PM, 03/24/11
Very, very cool. Can't wait to hear more about this trip. And the Oregon Trail reference made my day.
konocar400h says:
04:54 PM, 03/24/11
Smilez,
We were having an off-topic little discussion on the rx400h, which is rated at 30/28. I think you are referring to the fj that is 17/22... 25-27 would be a feat in that!!
brooksbell says:
11:56 PM, 03/24/11
I recall a few years ago lots of reports of problems with cracks under the hood from FJ owners. Anyone know what the story is on that now?
brooksbell says:
11:57 PM, 03/24/11
Oh... and a snorkel is supposedly very good for avoiding dust getting in the engine. Its not just for fording rivers.
technetium99 says:
06:16 AM, 03/25/11
That looks so legitimately off road capable that I expect to see the late Steve Irwin jump out and wrestle a croc while saying what a beaut she is.
eclogite says:
06:37 AM, 03/25/11
That's the best looking FJ Cruiser I've ever seen.
p00pman says:
08:36 AM, 03/25/11
I like it but with allwhite roof fj's, I hate the roof. It would look way better with a matte black roof. I would also love to see a bright blue one with a matching blue roof:)