Toyota FJ Cruiser rant-'n-rave

Honda's Element concept actually addressed that problem - it had seat belts built in to the seats, like the Chrysler Sebring convertible and some GM pickups.
 
This is not a good car for people with kids. Empty nesters and DINKs, sure.
 
Changes lanes to the right will be a little too "exciting", if you know what I mean.

I thought door-mounted seatbelts disappeared after the early 90s. I really hated those...
And I find visibility to be pretty bad in any new vehicle, so this one must be really bad if it keeps coming up like that.
 
I think it's a cool truck, but now I'm thinking I'd better keep clear of them on the road, lest they blindly drive into me.

Toyotas are made to be safe in collisions, 5 stars you know?
So why worry about avoiding collisions, when you can just collide and demonstrate your Toyota's superior safety features?
 
The Camry has the same blind spots, but the Camry and FJ suspensions have already stated clearly, you are not to swerve to avoid accidents. Just go ahead and collide, their 5 star safety features will protect you.

I totaly agree with the C-pillar . Other complaints: No grab handles for back entrance, the side mirrors are huge and I , as a 5'2' female had trouble seeing over them, you can't enter the rear without opening the front door , just like the first Elements., no moonroof option, no map lights and #1 premium gas. these are just a few things I noticed on a test drive if I looked it over closer I'm sure i'd find a few more complaints. I'm hoping Toyaota is listening to the consumer , just because they are #1 doesn't mean they are perfect. I currently own a 4 Runner and Camry so I'm familiar with Toyota quality and would definitely but another Toyota.

You people are all missing the point.
 
In regards to the c-pillar issue. Yes it is large, but so are the side mirrors. I drive in busy urban traffic and have had not one problem with blind spots. Why? I use my side mirrors. For some reason this skill has atrophied in people who have for so long driven sedans. If you really have a problem with the view by a pair of those mirrors that attach to the corners of your stock mirrors and provide a wider view. Voila! "Problem" solved. If you can’t drive- don’t blame the car.
 
Turning to the second 'problem" the need for premium gas. Feel free to use whatever gas you want. It's not like the car will suddenly stop working if you GASP! use regular. The knock sensors will adjust to the type of fuel you place in the car and you will be fine. Will you be squeezing every last bit of performance and mileage out of the vehicle? No. But frankly I think the majority of drivers won’t notice the difference. If you care about that small bit of performance premium gas will give you- you probably won’t mind paying for it either.
 
The sunroof complaint is valid I suppose. However, I would gladly trade the sunroof for all the headroom the car has. Not to mention what I suspect is a stiffer roof. But to each his own. I like sunroofs but it isn't a deal breaker for me.
 
This vehicle is clearly marketed towards men. If you want a car to tote your wee ones and their soccer balls get a RAV 4. It's faster, sportier and easier to get into. No blind spots to worry about so feel free to use your cell phone and put your makeup on at the same too.
 
The interior is also geared to the no nonsense lifestyle of some people. I have a BMW, if I wanted another luxury car I would have gotten one. I want a tough, utilitarian vehicle that can take a beating, go off-road like a champ, is unique looking and is reliable. That's the FJ.
 
This isn't really a traditional cross-over vehicle in the sense of the Rav 4 etc. This is probably the most capable off-road vehicle since the 4Runner- maybe more so stock.
 
The problem is not with the FJ- it isn't perfect granted- but with the people who use it in a manner in which it isn't designed. If you can't drive a large vehicle don't buy an FJ. If you want a mom-mobile- don't buy an FJ. If you want luxury featured crossover- don't buy an FJ.
 
There are plenty of other models out there for you people- the Element is fun though undrpowered, the RAV 4 is a blast but cramped. The FJ is a niche car for a niche market. If you don’t fit- step aside!

The blind spot issue is virtually a universal complaint of this vehicle. Just about everyone who has had any experience with this vehicle has mentioned it. Toyota could just as easily designed a rugged vehicle without that problem, or the other issues mentioned here.
 
The funny thing is, the original FJ Land Cruiser, which inspired this new FJ, wasn't saddled with blind spots, or required premium gas. Same with the equally rugged Xterra, which also inspired the FJ.

It's frustrating as an FJ owner to see guys like ``Bob'' who take issue with a vehicle they haven’t driven. This isn't a coupe. It's an SUV. I've been in more than a few that had blind sports and some --- believe it or not --- were worse than the FJ. The mirrors are big enough to check for a car before changing lanes anyway.
    Also, why is everybody so worried about the back seat? This truck wasn’t created as a family carrier. How good are third and fourth doors on the Wrangler? What? They’ve never had any? I know that will change later this year, but the FJ's closest competitor is the Wrangler. Keep that in mind when we're talking about creature comforts as well as it's off-road capability since both seem to be sticking points with many. And as far as the Xterra and Hummer H3 go, I'd trade Toyota's reliability for two extra doors that only my friends will have to deal with.
   Like I suspect many new FJ owners, I'm a guy who used to own a pretty Spartan vehicle. My last truck's heater hadn't worked for a year, it had no cruise control or even power windows/locks. I'm not coming into this vehicle from a Land Rover. I came to this vehicle because it was in the mid-$20ks and had everything I wanted --- suicide doors, blind spots and all.

One doesn't have to drive it to see the blind spots, or figure them out. I'm sure driving the FJ is not much better than driving a cargo van without windows (which I have driven). Yeah, you can get used to it (you have to get used to it!).
 
The point I'm making here—and couple of you seem to miss—is this vehicle could have been designed without the blind spots, and still be just as good off road (and much better on road), and be just as rugged.
 
Sorry if it bothers you guys, but I stand by my comments.

By that absurd logic, why have any windows at all? Just make it a panel van with gigantic side mirrors.
 
The lack of windows also makes the back seat seem claustrophobic, and this is not a small vehicle.
 
The fuel door said premium fuel only, i.e. required, not merely recommended. It would be unwise to ignore Toyota's requirements for octane. If they thought it could use it, they would have recommended premium, like they do on other models.
 
You might accept these flaws, but they are flaws, period.

I'm sure that Toyota weighed the comfort of the door mounted seatbelts against the convenience when people are entering and exiting the rear seats. The fact that the front doors have to be opened to allow the rear doors to be used makes it a moot point anyway. Since you're already having to open the front door, what's the problem with unbuckling and rebuckling the seatbelt? Never mind that GM is probably going to lose seats with the built in seatbelts on the new trucks anyway (just like the 900 SUVs). It seems that a lot of people complain about them being uncomfortable. I'm short, so it doesn't bother me.

UGLIEST CAR ON THE FACE OF THE EARTH
 
i will never ever ever EVER get a crappy toyota espicial this ugly sh*t

After seeing the FJ at the NY autoshow, I was excited that Toyota had finally put some spice into their SUV market. The FJ has a clear and imposing doom presense that isnt the same elephantine presence as the Land Cruiser and other SUV's. My friend and I decided to sit inside the FJ at the show, and were quickly surprised by all of the above lapses in judgement, that are uncharacteristic Toyota. The visibility is HORRID, and not just from one vantage point. You are blinded from the side mirors on. Anyone who thinks you can use your mirrors to compensate for such a herculum blind spot, is too oblivious to understand why its called "the blind spot." Further, the rear seat could turn a healthy adult into a cripple, and the suicide rear doors are damn near impossible to close from the inside. Strangely , I decided to go for a test drive at my local Toyota dealer.
     Suprisingly, it actually drives far worse than the obvious lack of engineering described above would suggest. The ride just plain old sucks and lacks any evidence of bounce control at highway speed. My father and brother, both in the back seat, became sea-sick . The engine seeems decent on paper, but feels like like a dog pulling a donkey on the road, only louder. Handling is only decent. This is probably a good thing since changing lines in the FJ is a clear test of faith to be done slowly. Lastly, the automatic actually gets better gas mileage than the stick. Toyota clearly attempts function over form and fails. I await other comments.
-Adam

As someone who spent a long time trying to deicide whether to buy an FJ & now owns one, guess I'll comment.
 
Visibility is the major drawback of this vehicle. I've added some blind spot mirrors, this solves the drivers visibility problems. I still wish the back windows were bigger. Back legroom is better than one would expect, a 6 foot 2 inch friend came with me on a test ride a declared it acceptable. The front seats go way back, I'm 6 feet and my seat is nowhere near all the way back, so people who try it at auto shows and slide the front seats all the way back aren't getting the real picture. Access to the back seats isn't great, but once you are there is is equivalent to the Xterra.
 
The engine is very powerful, the FJs accelleration is great. Ride on road is very good, much better than any of its competition (XTerra, Liberty, H3). Suspension is exellent, very tight - you feel the bumps but there is no bounce afterwards. I have the 6 speed manual, this gets less mileage than the auto since its full time 4wd, while the auto is part time. I've driven both, and both trannies are outstanding. Build quality feels great, very solid, again much better than the competition (with the exception of the H3 which has great build quality but no engine).
 
Off road performance is superior, Toyota didn't cut any corners here. ATRAC is unbelievable at getting you through the mud.

I happen to own a new Toyota FJ cruiser and I LOVE it.
 
You all seem to say blind spots are the biggest issue? Hello! Have you seen the massive mirrors in this vehicle? If you are not comfortable driving it, get blind spot mirrors. That's what I did and they work beautifully, you never even have to turn your head! Simple as that.
 
Second. Gas mileage. This amazing vehicle has outstanding gas mileage. It performs best with premium gas, but if you are going to be cheap, as "Bob" seems to be, you can save the extra 20 cents and get regular. As long as you don't put diesel in it, you are fine.
 
Third. It's funny that my FJ is full-time 4WD and Automatic. Looks like someone needs to do their research. Sorry "Bob" wrong again!
 
This has been one of the greater automobiles that has been created within the last few years. It has a smoother ride than the V8 4WD Sport 4-Runner we test drove just the other day.
 
Also, I am 6'3. Our old Land Cruiser had a sunroof and all it did was take away the amount of headroom available. Plus, if it had the sunroof, the in-roof mounted hidden speakers would not be an option.
 
If you want luxury, go Lexus. If you want Truck, go Tundra. If you want soccer mom car, go any other Toyota SUV.
 
This is not an average vehicle, it is better!
 
Oh, and let me guess "carmaniac555" , you probably are a GM fan?

"Third. It's funny that my FJ is full-time 4WD and Automatic. Looks like someone needs to do their research. Sorry "Bob" wrong again!"
 
Not according to everything I've read, which includes official releases from Toyota. See spec sheet link below under "Drive System Type."
 
http://pressroom.toyota.com/presstxt/2006toyotakit/2007FJCruiser_s.pdf

"This is an Off-Road vehicle" I have not purchased one yet, but I'm seeing complaints about visibility and no sunroofs.... Go buy a yuppy car!!! The C-pillar is there to prevent the vehicle from crushing your little skull during a roll-over. Think that's not important? Well... you've never rolled a large SUV before. I have and it aint pretty at high speeds. This vehicle was not designed for soccer mom's. If your a soccer mom and plan on putting this vehicle to the test then by all means go for it. But, if you want luxury you can buy a Lexus LX 470 and get all the bells and whistles.
  
I already own an Infinity QX4 which by the way will handle a litte dirt and is fully loaded leather and the fricken sun roof... Would not want to roll it nor do I want to take it on any trails that require more than 6 inch clearance.
  
I am looking for an Off-road rig to replace my demolished truck that I just happen to roll in March.
  
So answer me this. Any complaints from owners who have taken there vehicle off-road? I have heard that their are limitations to the atrac system. Someone mentioned it doesn't work in 4wd full-time mode. This doesn't make sense to me so I'm looking for feedback. The salesman didn't know much about the vehicle. He like some of you talked about it's creature features.... I really don't care. How about aftermarket lifts, snorkel... etc

Another FJ Cruiser owner here. Yes, there is a huge blind spot, get over it! The giant side mirror more then compensates, that took about 3 seconds to get used to. I have a 6 speed manual with every drivetrain upgrade that was available. I'm single, no kids, lots of hobbies. This sucker was made for me. If the car doesn't suit your needs, then don't buy it! But why knock it? As an owner I can say there is one thing about it that I don't like and will probably need time to get used to. I'm 5'7" and I still haven't figured out how to get into the car comfortably. The dash and Steering wheel are very close to the front of the seat. Granted I have the seat moved quite forward so that I can engage the clutch but I have driven stick for 25years and never ran into this problem before. Once Im in its realy comfy but getting in is really a challenge. I'll get past it eventually and its an inconvienience worth putting up with. This thing is a blast, great ride, great power, tons of room, no carpeting to get wet or muddy. Capable of 5 passengers when needed. Distictive look. Is it just me, or does every SUV on the road look like it came from the same mold!?!? The FJ is so unique, I've gotten stares and compliments from every one, except of course from CARMANIAC555, who I envision in some out dated GM, Chevy, Dodge somthing or other eye sore!
    Congrats to all you FJ owners, I hope you all enjoy yours as much as I already do mine.

As someone who has had 5 previous SUV's ranging from a '90 Nissan Pathfinder to a 2001 BMW X5, I find the FJ to be an excellent vehicle. I am 6'4" and have a family of 4. While we primarily use the vehicle for short journeys to the grocery store or the beach (we live in Brooklyn with good public transportation), the car has been more than suitable. Our 11 and 12 year old like it better than our previous Lexus RX330, and I find it to be a more solid car. The biggest problem is the blind spot, but as a prior owner of a Mazda RX-7 convertible, I have learned to adapt. It is important to adjust the mirrors precisely and to check carefully when switching lanes, as there does appear to be an area that is blind to detection by either method. I may try installing the wide angle mirror enhancers mentioned above. Also, the design of the front seat belt is a minor nuisance, but definately a flaw. I like the reverse opening of the doors, as it allows unhampered access to the rear seat. I would think that it would be excellent for a baby seat, but haven't tried it yet. One other caveat-Any color other than the black has color matched plastic panels on the interior. In my opinion, they look like lego peices, and I would replace them or get the car in black, as the interior is much more aesthetically appealing (to my eyes at least). Also, the bumper is very weak and prone to denting when bumped. In the first 2 weeks we sustained a large dent in the rear peice. It is replaceable for about $75 (the bumper is 3 parts), but should have been made more durable from the start. I am hoping that a 3rd party will make these pieces from metal, and have installed a bumper guard in the back and front.
  
Overall opinion: Very positive over the 2 months that we have owned the car. Gets very good gas mileage given the weight of the car and towing capacity. Handling is acceptable, as is acceleration. Some minor complaints, but very glad that we traded in our Lexus. As far as the styling, it is very distinctive and you either love it or hate it. Either way, the car is a serious piece of equipment with a whimsical attitude. If that is your outlook on life and you want to express it in your car, then it is worth considering...

OFF ROAD PERFORMANCE:
So much silly complain about the rearview and the suicide door. All the trucks and cargo vans drivers are used to drive with a much worst rear view. Buy blind spot mirror and use them. If you don't know how to drive, don't blame the vehicule. The access door are cool. It's not a familly truck and it must be kept like that. The market is drowned by familly on-road SUV. If the FJ doesn't fit for you, buy anything else but stop whining!
  
I work in road construction and my worksite has been my first test field. The A-Track works well and I recommand it to people who has less experience or competence for off-road driving. The reason why it cannot be used on high range : it would "eat" the brakes in a real short time. The rear locking diff is a must for real traction and control. I climb on boulders at about 45 degrees after the blast of a 50' high cliff. The boulder were about 36" to 60". The FJ climb it all the way up. A guy tried it with his Sport Wrangler: didn't even get his rear wheels on the first boulder on the base of the hill.
  
The rear 4-links suspension works very well. The front IFS is questionnable. When you get down of a big rock, the weight of the truck compress the IFS and the frame knock on the rock. No damage will occure but it's surprising the first time, They should have sit the truck on a front solid axle. Probably that road ride was too important for most buyer to be that drastic.
  
The engine has all the power to get thru deep thick mud holes. In second low, it's marvellous. The torque is great at about 800 rpm but there is not enough at 500 rpm. The 4L is a lot better than the Jeep's one but Toyota should be considering selling a BJ Cruiser with the inline 4,2 L turbo diesel. I would buy it right now. The compression is not bad but not enough. You have to brake in real steep descent. A diesel would be better.
  
The trail view is good. Even in the rear. It's sure you won't see a stump in the rear but you won't with any truck. In extreme trail, you have to walk the trail before trying it. No mather what truck you have. You see the corner of the vehicule well and it's not hard avoiding hitting a tree or getting close to it.
  
This vehicule as the best on-road handling for a vehicule with that much off-road ability. It's not a race car but it's doing very well. Comfortable ride even in bad roads.
  
Don't accuse me to be a "Toyota rules" guy. My familly own a collection of vehicule witch includes:
  
- 1952 Dodge Power Wagon
- 1978 Ford Bronco
- 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ70
- 1997 Subaru Outback
- 2000 Toyota 4Runner
- 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser
- 2007 Ford Escape Hybride
  
and I/we owned/lease in the past
  
-1972 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40
-1974 Jeep CJ5
-1977 GMC ½ ton
-1980 Chevy Chevelle
-1984 Toyota Tercel 4X4
-1990, 1992 Subaru Loyale 4X4
-1997-1999-2001-2003 Blazer/Jimmy
-2001 GMC 1500
-2003 Dodge Ram 1500
  
I've run a lot a different trucks and car and the FJ Cruiser is the best ride of all.

By the way, there is a lot of aftermarket products for the FJ. At least 3 steel bumber with winch mount, some suspension lift kit, skid plate, rock slide, rear door lader, front solid axle swap kit... just search on google and you'll get what you need!

Bottom line: if you don't like it don't buy it. However, I have absolutely no buyers remorse. This is a beautiful vehicle that does what it was made to do. Anyone who ever loved the FJ40 will appreciate the comeback of the FJ.
  
As far as the complaint about full-time 4WD drive, the automatics do have selectable 4WD. However, this complaint really shows me that you don't understand 4WD because full-time is only useful on hard dry surfaces. When you go off-road you'll want to lock the center dif (not the rear), which is the same as what you do with the selectable 4WD. Still, I know there'll be a bunch of people who select 4WD to use on the Interstate and then after a hundred miles down the road will be calling a wrecker and be faced with a $$$$ repair bill. You need to know what 4WD is for, and how and when to use it. If you don't believe me, check this out:
  
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/driveline-bind.html
  
Concerning visibility, my wife drove a Ford Windstar van for years, and the FJ's visibility is no worse (actually, I think it's better given the big mirrors. Use your mirrors and turn your head and look! Heck, I can't count all the times I've nearly been run off the road by idiots driving vehicles made of nothing but glass. Backing up: no problemo. Big Spare: no problemo. That's why they put rear sonar on it! Seriously, parallel parking has never been easier.
  
I haven't had any trouble with the suicide doors--the kids love 'em. If any adults do happen to ride in the back, I can remind them what it felt like riding in the back of an FJ40.
  
When I left the car lot they filled my FJ with 87 octane and told me not to worry that it would run fine on it. I never heard a single tap. Still, I like the extra power that I get from the 93 octane and often I'll mix the two at the half-tank mark since the owners manual calls for 91 octane or greater. If you can't afford the gas, you can't afford an FJ.
  
Anyone who thinks this truck (not a car) rides rough or doesn't handle well is nuts! It rides like a dream, and with the Automatic Traction Control AND Vehicle Stability System I have no worries about handling.

i've had my blk cherry 4 days.
one word describes it, awsome. at first blush this is car is great.
the blind spot issue is a no-issue, i traded an element for the fj, it was much worst.

I recently got my Voodoo blue FJ and love it! This is my first Toyota, and I really notice a difference between this and my previous Fords. Feels tight, snug, substantial, no rattles, handles great. The metal seems to be a bit thicker than in my Fords. Visibility is better in the FJ than it was in my truck equipped with a canopy shell. The oversized mirrors help compensate for the reduced visibility; I haven't had any problems, but I mostly drive on highways. More room in the FJ rear seats than in an x-tra cab or super cab truck. No complaints from any adults that have ridden with me. Significantly shorter wheel base than a truck, and feels slightly wider and more stable in corners. Fits in my garage better - now I'll have room for that tablesaw? I'll admit that I am a poser who will never take it off-roading, but I was faced with a choice of purchasing another supercab truck, a 4-door truck, or an SUV, and this has everything I would want or need and in a nice quality package. Other SUV's are too "femme" looking for me. There have been some complaints about gas mileage, but I have been averaging about 19mpg with an automatic, which is better than any of my trucks ever got, even with manual transmissions. The ride is a little stiff, but that is to be expected. The little things like three wiper blades and the oil filter on top of the engine show that Toyota really thought this one through. People seem to either love it or hate it; doesn't seem to be any middle ground. I expect many happy years with this thing.

bk079 owns a FJ and doesn't even know his own car. haha

I just picked up "the duck," as the kids call it, so far I think it's great!
 
I have to agree with some of the rants, but I also agree with the responses.
 
I bought the FJ for a muddy truck. Something that I could put a load of Boy Scouts and wet dogs into and not regret it.
 
If you go into an FJ with that in mind it's a good vehicle. Especially if you've driven other trucks or vans with big blind spots.
 
But I agree that if you're not used to having to use - and adjust - the side mirrors to cover the blind spots then you're going to have trouble. I did on the test drive until I figured out what was up and made the shift.
 
But that's a personal thing. If you can work with the pecularities it's OK. Could it be better regarding the comments above? Yeah, definately. But I wouldn't walk away from it over that. For what I do with it there is nothing to match. I'm simply not going to pay for a posh interior just to have a bunch of 12 y/o kids trash it.
 
Add Toyota reliability to the logic and my wallet opened.
 
BTW, I have a Passat 3.6 and a Miata for when I want to get happy with the driving. The FJ makes me happy as a true utility vehicle. I don't need a girlie SUV.

I was told that there is company that makes after market side power windows for the FJ Cruiser. Does anyone know who this company is? I can't find any info. Thanks

now that i've put some miles on the fj (6000), here's my take on it.
AWSOME with a few buts.
sun visiors are worthless when used on side windows.
no map lights.
no way to kill drl without turning car off, pull emergence brake, restart.
only one 12 volt plug ( my 02 tacoma has 2 plus ciggy lighter).
soft paint ( many chips on a pillars).
i love driving this car, gas mileage has been 21mpg.

It took me a little while to get used to the blind spots, but now, it's all good. The car is awesome, drive anywhere and everywhere and has been practical. It's my second car, and i find myself driving it more than the other (convertible). Most friends that have sat in the back have enjoyed it, although i've never had anyone back there for longer than for an hour trip. I probably wouldn't buy it if i had kids -- i think seeing the above comments, everyone agrees that it's not a 'parent' car.
But for up the mountain during ski season, and over in the desert for mountain bike rides.. this is the car!
If Toyota comes out with a diesel, i will switch over. Otherwise, this will be my faithful 'activity' car for years to come.

We bought our FJ and the first trip was the MOHAVE TRAIL 120 miles of dirt from the colorado river to Barstow Ca. The A trak was flawless the lockers were very handy and the water fording did not slow us a bit. The seats fit us alot better than out Trailblazer did. We were 4 days on the trail. Whoever designed only one 12v outlet was an idiot. We love how the interior cleans with an air hose. Yup it scratches easy,yup mileage could be better, We are happy as a clam with it. Roof rack is functional, and getting spare when you need it,was very nice too. Got my XM kit online for about $250, took me 4 hrs to install. ya gotta take apart just about all the plastic paneling on passenger side.

I didn't like the FJ when I first saw it on the road, but the more I saw them, it grew on me and I had to have one. I just bought the silver FJ with all the exterior bells and whistles and it looks and drives awesome. I find it to be pretty smooth. It's a total 180 from the Honda Civic and Ford Tempo I drove in the past. At first I was a bit worried that being short might make it difficult to get in and out of the FJ but I got used to it. The only thing I sometimes have trouble with as far as the blind spots go is backing out of a parking spot. My FJ is 4wd automatic. I don't intend to do much off-roading, but am interested in a trip. We do a lot of camping and will eventually tow campers. I live in a state where it snows a lot, which was one reason I was looking for an SUV. As far as the back seat, people are usually a bit confused on how to open up the back door but once they are in they say they love how roomy it is and being so high up. So far I have had nothing but raves from people who have seen my FJ. I love it!
 
If you have gone off roading with an FJ I'd love to hear about it or where you went.

There are so many negatives here from people that have apparently not performed much research. First let me say that i am a PROUD owner of an 07 FJ Cruiser TRD Edition which I have been driving for just over a year.
 
I love this vehicle. I have driven the xterra and the H3 and there is no comparison. From its car like drive to its handling in northeast weather, it has surpassed my expectations. Sure its a little thirsty, but i have ran mine on 87% octane with no ill affects. as far as the visibility goes i have not experienced any difficulty, and i do not have additional mirrors.
 
Now lets address the suicide doors. If you are buying this vehicle for daily use of the back seat, you don't buy this type of vehicle! Duh!
 
For the people who have road in the back seat of my FJ, they continue to make positive comments about the sufficient leg room.
 
As far as the styling goes. I was tired of driving something that looks like everything else on the road, and Toyota hit the mark on appearance.