Not here too... :cry:

 

Old habits (and preconceptions) die hard.

 

"Not here too... "

It seems as if some may not know that the FJ is not a Landcruiser. Keep your panties on.... I have no desire to put down your precious future car. I didn't know that my thoughts were so important to you, and that you feel the need to comment on them everywhere . You get irritated very quickly, even when there is no reason to be irritated. I suggest putting me on your ignore list, that’s what I will/have done for you and it works well. So don't let me distract you from your FJ worship. And I hope that the successful sales of the FJ cruiser will prompt the importation of other 4X4 models that Toyota currently offers to non-USA markets.

 

Andrew, it looks like there's been some sniping between you two on another forum, so your sarcasm is lost of those of us who haven't read it. Because of that, I saw Ben's comment as funny and not reactive. Besides, I think it would take far more than that to irritate a former Navy Seal.

One thing that does irritate me is a pet peeve. Land Cruiser is two words.

I'm not claiming FJ Cruiser is in the same league as an FJ (I've owned at least one of every FJ and UZJ imported into the US), and neither is Toyota. I recognize and appreciate it for what it may be, the most competent Toyota off-road vehicle imported next year.

 

I'm not so sure. With the rear mounted fuel tank shown in auto show photos, it might have to stay there with a swing-away bracket. Too bad, I once owned a 4Runner with a similar clamshell tailgate with that spare arrangement and it upset ride and handling. I could feel the extra weight up high and out back.

 

No worries BT17R, you are correct. It will be a good car. I am just a little annoyed with the name. I disagree that Toyota is not indirectly claiming the FJ's heritage is Land Cruiser, but that is just my opinion. Don't you think that the public would buy more if the thought it was based on an FJ/UZJ/FZJ?

 

Truck! Based on a modified Prado frame. Considering the Scion target market, I'm not sure if they would know what FJ means! Of course, actual Scion sales are all over the map. xB's and tC's are being scooped up by the AARP set, surprising the TMS product planners. I hope it surprises us FJ faithful with it's competence...we'll see. Incidentally, I'm #1 in line for an FJ Cruiser at my dealership, but won't be doing much off-road around here in February. Think Donner Pass conditions. It'll give me time for break-in before trying anything challenging.

 

I haven't gotten as irritated as you, I guess. My ignore lists are all still empty... sorry for "ribbing" you, based on our prior banter, I thought you could handle it

 

"Truck! Based on a modified Prado frame. Considering the Scion target market, I'm not sure if they would know what FJ means! Of course, actual Scion sales are all over the map. xB's and tC's are being scooped up by the AARP set, surprising the TMS product planners. I hope it surprises us FJ faithful with it's competence...we'll see. Incidentally, I'm #1 in line for an FJ Cruiser at my dealership, but won't be doing much off-road around here in February. Think Donner Pass conditions. It'll give me time for break-in before trying anything challenging. "

I guess you are right, the average person would not know what FJ signifies. The name is my only gripe about the truck but I guess it is a minor gripe. And if it were associated with Land Cruisers (even if only by name) wouldn't that make it more appealing to the public since Land Cruisers have such a good reputation? That is what I meant by "the public would buy more.....". Since it is a shorter bodied Prado / 4-runner it should do well off road. I wish they would import the 70 series, but there are those that believe that nobody in this country would buy one. (yet Rubicons sell like hot cakes!) I actually like those xB's, mostly for the gas mileage though. $15,000 out the door for 3X miles per gallon is not bad. BT17R, are you near Donner Pass? That is a beautiful area. Also, nice avatar

 

I think Toyota is banking on some sales rub-off from the FJ legacy. Also, Land Cruiser is an amazingly strong brand name, by far the longest of any Toyota ever sold in the U.S. So I guess they're trying to lift the best perceptions of both to tie FJ Cruiser into the family pedigree. I noticed in their press releases post intro that they've backpedaled on the tie-in somewhat, using words like "the FJ Cruiser suggests the influence of..." and "FJ Cruiser, reminiscent of..." blah-blah. They have people reading the boards all day and must've sensed a growing backlash, or got some alarming emails, that moderated the sales pitch.

My secret hope is for the alphabet agencies in CA to allow low sulfur diesel. So many other states copy CA regs that Toyota is waiting before committing to their biggest market before certifying a diesel. I'd be first in line for a D4D 4Runner. In the meantime, I think my FJ Cruiser 6M/T w/locker will be fun.

I'm outside of Portland, OR. I mentioned Donner Pass as an example of some of the most extreme conditions down your way.

 

"My secret hope is for the alphabet agencies in CA to allow low sulfur diesel. So many other states copy CA regs that Toyota is waiting before committing to their biggest market before certifying a diesel."

Me too, in conjunction with a biodiesel mixture to help with the lubrication lost due to the lower levels of sulfur. And after that happens, a slow move towards a higher Biodiesel mixture. But that has the same chance of happening as the BJ-70 being imported in the states.

 

Does anybody know if there is a waiting list for the FJ? I was in a lexus dealership the other day and the guy said there is a 16month waiting list for the new GS430, ( i think he was pulling my chain, i mean 6 months i could see, but 16...) thought there might be something similar for the FJ

 

as of this next spring, all resellers of diesel are to only offer low sulfer....

 

That will depend on the dealership, not Toyota. If they are taking deposits against future orders then there is a 'waiting list' at that dealership. If not, they aren't too bright - always get a check and write an order when the opportunity presents itself!

 

Finally a color other than smurf blue!

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/futur...ser/index.html

And I also see rocksliders.

 

Did you see they removed the BFG AT tires and put back what appear to be those blasted Dunlop POS that the 4Runner comes with?

 

The production 2007 FJ Cruiser was unveiled at the Chicago show.

Press Release

Photo library here

Sounds like old news at this point. I liked the prototype interior more...

 

 

factory sliders?! but that front bumper looks like it would kill aproach angle...

 

It appears to be pretty capable (of course) but I'm not sure about the looks...sort of a cross between a hummer and a honda element. Then again, I could be completely off...I blame it on the beer. 8)